Lisle Street, London
Lisle Street is a short but culturally rich street in the City of Westminster, located in the heart of the West End of London. Known for its vibrant character and its central role in the city’s Chinatown district, the street runs northeast from Wardour Street to a busy confluence at Newport Place, Little Newport Street, and Leicester Court. Though only a block long, Lisle Street is packed with eateries, historic relevance, and London charm.
Location and Surroundings
Lisle Street lies just north of Leicester Square Station, and is surrounded by bustling thoroughfares and lively pedestrian areas. Its western end meets Wardour Street, famous for film and music industry offices, while its eastern end opens into Newport Place—a central part of London’s Chinatown and a key social gathering spot, often decorated with red lanterns and stone lions.
The street is lined with a variety of East Asian restaurants, bubble tea shops, supermarkets, and karaoke venues. This compact area draws both tourists and locals seeking culinary adventures and cultural experiences, making Lisle Street one of the more animated parts of London’s West End.
History of Lisle Street
Lisle Street dates back to the 17th century and took shape during the period of London's post-Great Fire urban expansion. It was named after Philip Sidney, 3rd Earl of Leicester and Viscount Lisle, a member of the aristocracy whose family held land and political influence during that era.
The street's name is pronounced as “lyle”, rhyming with “mile”, and is represented phonetically in the International Phonetic Alphabet as /laɪl/. 
Chinatown and Cultural Identity
Today, Lisle Street is integral to London’s Chinatown district. In the mid-20th century, Chinatown migrated from Limehouse in East London to Soho, and Lisle Street became one of its key components. Though relatively narrow and short, Lisle Street plays a vital cultural role with its concentration of Asian businesses and its proximity to the Chinese Gate on Wardour Street.
Nearby Points of Interest
- Chinatown Gate – a few steps away on Wardour Street
- Leicester Square – just east, a major public square with cinemas and entertainment venues
- Gerrard Street – Chinatown's main thoroughfare, runs parallel to Lisle Street
- Prince Charles Cinema – on the corner of Lisle Street and Leicester Place, beloved for cult and independent film screenings
Real Estate and Property Market
As of June 2025, Lisle Street is primarily commercial, with limited residential options. However, nearby flats occasionally come on the market, especially in mixed-use developments above shops and restaurants. Properties in this part of the West End are highly sought-after for their location and access to amenities.
A one-bedroom flat of around 500 sq ft (approximately 46 sq m) could sell for between £750,000 and £950,000 depending on condition and views. Rental values are equally premium: expect to pay £3,000–£3,500 per month for a one-bedroom unit of the same size1.
Transport and Accessibility
Lisle Street is exceptionally well-connected. The nearest London Underground stations are:
- Leicester Square Station – serving the Northern and Piccadilly lines
- Piccadilly Circus Station – a short walk west, served by the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines
- Tottenham Court Road Station – 8 minutes north, with Central, Northern, and Elizabeth line connections
Several bus routes stop nearby on Charing Cross Road, Shaftesbury Avenue, and Haymarket. These include routes 14, 19, 24, 29, and 38, providing fast access to other parts of central London, including Camden, Victoria, and Kensington.
Fun Fact
In the early 20th century, Lisle Street was part of London’s burgeoning film industry. It hosted several production offices and photographic retailers catering to the trade. Today, its cinematic spirit continues just around the corner at the Prince Charles Cinema, which offers discounted and repertory film programming.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Nearby Streets: Wardour Street, Newport Place, Little Newport Street, Leicester Court
- Pronunciation: "Lyle" (/laɪl/)
- Historical Background: Named after Viscount Lisle in the 17th century
- Neighbourhood Identity: Part of Chinatown, rich in East Asian culture
- Nearby Attractions: Leicester Square, Chinatown Gate, Gerrard Street, Prince Charles Cinema
- Residential Prices (June 2025): ~£750,000–£950,000 for a 500 sq ft (46 sq m) flat
- Monthly Rent: ~£3,000–£3,500 for similar flat size
- Nearest Underground Stations: Leicester Square (Northern, Piccadilly), Piccadilly Circus, Tottenham Court Road
- Nearby Bus Routes: 14, 19, 24, 29, 38
References
Map of Lisle Street, London
Painting of Lisle Street, London