Kemble Street, London
Kemble Street is a short yet significant street in the City of Westminster, nestled in the heart of London’s West End. It runs southwest from Kingsway, a major arterial route, and meets the junction of Drury Lane and Russell Street, placing it at the edge of the bustling Covent Garden district.
Overview and Surroundings
Today, Kemble Street is a one-way street with modest pedestrian and vehicular traffic, reflecting a quieter atmosphere compared to nearby thoroughfares. It spans approximately 130 metres, bordered by a mix of mid-rise office buildings, cultural venues, and small businesses. Though not particularly long, the street’s location makes it a connecting corridor between major streets of cultural and historical relevance.
The surrounding area is teeming with prominent theatres, shops, restaurants, and historic architecture. On its northeast end, Kemble Street connects directly to Kingsway, a grand Edwardian avenue. On the southwest end, it joins Drury Lane and Russell Street, placing it in close proximity to the Royal Opera House and Covent Garden Piazza.
Origin of the Name
The street is named after the famed 18th-century English actor-manager John Philip Kemble (1757–1823), a leading figure in British theatre. The naming commemorates his contributions to the dramatic arts, particularly at nearby Drury Lane Theatre. The name “Kemble” is pronounced KEM-bəl and transcribed in the International Phonetic Alphabet as /ˈkɛm.bəl/.
History and Development
Kemble Street was laid out in the 19th century as part of efforts to modernise the area around Kingsway and Holborn. The street appeared on maps from the late Victorian period and gained its current name in the early 20th century during the reconfiguration of surrounding streets under the London County Council’s urban planning schemes. Originally part of a warren of narrow lanes, Kemble Street’s creation provided a more orderly connection between Kingsway and Covent Garden.
Attractions and Landmarks Nearby
While Kemble Street itself is mostly occupied by office spaces and is relatively understated, it benefits from close access to several major sights within walking distance:
- Royal Opera House – One of the world’s leading opera venues, located just off Russell Street.
- London Transport Museum – A popular attraction showcasing the city’s transport history.
- Drury Lane Theatres – Including the Gillian Lynne Theatre and Theatre Royal Drury Lane, both within a few minutes’ walk.
- Covent Garden Market – A hub for shopping, dining, and street performances.
The street’s understated character makes it a convenient shortcut for those familiar with the area, connecting two dynamic zones of the West End.
Transport Links
Nearest London Underground Stations
Kemble Street is within easy walking distance of three major London Underground stations:
- Covent Garden Station – on the Piccadilly line, about a 5-minute walk away.
- Holborn Station – serving both the Piccadilly and Central lines, about 7 minutes on foot.
- Temple Station – on the District and Circle lines, approximately 10 minutes by foot.
Bus Services
Nearby bus stops along Kingsway and Aldwych are well served by Transport for London (TfL) routes including 1, 59, 68, 91, 168, and 188. These routes offer connections to major destinations such as Waterloo, Oxford Street, Euston, and the City of London.
Real Estate and Property Market
Kemble Street is primarily commercial in character, with a limited number of residential flats located above office or retail units. These properties tend to be compact, with one-bedroom flats typically ranging from 450 to 600 sq ft (42–56 sq m). As of May 2025, the average sale price for such flats is around £950,000–£1.2 million, depending on amenities and interior upgrades.
Rental prices for similar properties range from £2,500 to £3,500 per month. This is in line with prime central London values, though slightly below the most exclusive areas like Mayfair or Knightsbridge. The area’s desirability is bolstered by its excellent transport links and cultural attractions.
Fun Fact
Although John Philip Kemble is honoured with the street’s name, his sister, the renowned actress Sarah Siddons, is commemorated nearby with a statue on Paddington Green—one of the few statues of actresses in London.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, West End, London
- Connects: Kingsway (northeast) to Drury Lane and Russell Street (southwest)
- Named After: John Philip Kemble, 18th-century actor
- Pronunciation: KEM-bəl /ˈkɛm.bəl/
- Nearby Attractions: Royal Opera House, London Transport Museum, Drury Lane Theatres
- Nearest Tube Stations: Covent Garden (Piccadilly), Holborn (Central, Piccadilly), Temple (District, Circle)
- Bus Services: Routes 1, 59, 68, 91, 168, 188 along Kingsway and Aldwych
- Property Prices (2025): Flats average £950,000–£1.2M; Rentals £2,500–£3,500/month
- Property Size: 450–600 sq ft (42–56 sq m)
- Character: Commercial with mixed-use; quiet street in a busy district
Map of Kemble Street, London
Painting of Kemble Street, London