Greek Street, London
Greek Street is a short but vibrant one-way street in Soho, part of the West End in the City of Westminster, London. It runs from Soho Square in the north to Shaftesbury Avenue in the south, making it a pedestrian-friendly link between major Soho attractions and cultural spots.
Street Layout and Surroundings
Greek Street stretches for just over 300 metres (984 feet), lined with a variety of Georgian and Victorian buildings, many now occupied by restaurants, cafes, private clubs, and boutique businesses. It intersects with Romilly Street and is parallel to Dean Street and Charing Cross Road, placing it squarely in the buzzing heart of central London.
To the north, Greek Street opens into the leafy Soho Square, a peaceful green retreat popular with office workers and tourists. The southern end merges with Shaftesbury Avenue, close to key entertainment venues such as the Prince Edward Theatre and Palace Theatre.
Origin of the Name
The name Greek Street is believed to derive from a Greek church that once stood nearby. First recorded in the late 17th century, the name commemorates the Greek Orthodox community that had settled in the area. The street name is pronounced Greek Street /ɡriːk striːt/.
History
Greek Street dates back to the 1680s, part of the early development of Soho after the Great Fire of London. Its early buildings were primarily residential townhouses for middle-class Londoners. Over the centuries, the street became more commercial, serving as a vibrant corridor for dining, entertainment, and intellectual life.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, Greek Street was already known for its taverns, literary clubs, and coffeehouses. Famous figures like Casanova and Karl Marx are said to have visited establishments here.
Connecting Streets
Notable Landmarks and Sights
- Maison Bertaux – A historic French patisserie established in 1871, still serving handmade pastries.
- The Coach & Horses – A well-known pub popular with journalists and theatre lovers.
- Soho Square – Just at the north end, providing open space and historical charm.
- House of St Barnabas – A Grade I listed Georgian building turned private members' club and charity.
Property and Real Estate
As of 2025, residential properties on or near Greek Street are rare and often located above commercial units. The typical size of these apartments ranges between 600 to 1,200 square feet (56 to 111 sq metres).
Properties for sale can reach up to £1.5 million for a two-bedroom flat, while rental prices hover between £3,000 to £6,000 per month depending on size and condition. These figures place Greek Street firmly in the premium price range, though still slightly below Mayfair or Kensington benchmarks1.
Transport Links
Nearest London Underground Stations
- Tottenham Court Road Station (Central, Northern, and Elizabeth Lines)
- Leicester Square Station (Northern and Piccadilly Lines)
- Covent Garden Station (Piccadilly Line)
All three stations are within a 5 to 10-minute walk, providing excellent connections to the London Underground network. For more information, visit London Underground Stations.
Bus Services
Nearby bus stops along Shaftesbury Avenue offer service on the 14, 19, 24, 38, and 176 routes, connecting passengers to Camden, Waterloo, and Kensington. There is also night bus coverage, useful for late-night dining or theatre-goers.
Cultural and Social Scene
Greek Street is synonymous with Soho's eclectic nightlife and culinary diversity. From Michelin-starred dining to cozy cafes, the street is always alive with activity. Its blend of heritage façades and vibrant shopfronts make it a photographer's delight and a favourite of local creatives.
It is also known for having housed the original Establishment Club, a famous satire and comedy venue launched in the 1960s by Peter Cook, which helped define modern British humour.
Fun Fact
Greek Street was once home to the Maison Bertaux art gallery in the back of the pâtisserie. Over the years, it has quietly exhibited works by notable British artists, including Tracey Emin. It remains one of Soho's hidden cultural gems.
Quick Facts
- Location: Soho, City of Westminster, London
- Direction: One-way, running north-south from Soho Square to Shaftesbury Avenue
- Length: Approx. 300 metres (984 feet)
- Name Origin: From a Greek church in the area; recorded since the 1680s
- Pronunciation: Greek Street /ɡriːk striːt/
- Nearest Underground Stations: Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square, Covent Garden
- Nearby Bus Routes: 14, 19, 24, 38, 176
- Notable Spots: Maison Bertaux, Coach & Horses, House of St Barnabas
- Property Prices (2025): £1.5M to buy; £3,000–£6,000/month to rent
- Typical Property Size: 600–1,200 sq ft (56–111 sq m)
References
Map of Greek Street, London
Painting of Greek Street
Page Details
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