New Compton Street, London
New Compton Street is a compact but historic one-way street in the London Borough of Camden, forming part of the vibrant tapestry of the West End of London. Located within the boundary of Soho, it connects St Giles High Street to Stacey Street, running in a generally north-to-south direction. Despite its modest length, New Compton Street offers a charming slice of urban life, surrounded by theatres, restaurants, historic alleyways, and creative energy.
Street Layout and Surrounding Roads
New Compton Street begins at its northern junction with St Giles High Street and continues southward to meet Stacey Street. It runs parallel to the more famous Shaftesbury Avenue and lies just east of Denmark Street. The street is lined with a mixture of residential flats, creative studios, and low-rise commercial buildings, contributing to its quiet but characterful appeal in contrast to the more boisterous streets nearby.
History of New Compton Street
New Compton Street takes its name from the nearby Compton Street, which in turn was named after Henry Compton, the Bishop of London during the late 17th century. The name “Compton” is pronounced as KOMP-tuhn /ˈkɒmp.tən/. The prefix “New” was likely added in the 18th century to distinguish it from nearby Old Compton Street. The street began to take form in the early 1700s during the urban expansion of St Giles, once a semi-rural area but rapidly developed into a crowded quarter of London.
Historically, the area around New Compton Street was associated with working-class housing and artisan workshops. Over time, particularly in the 20th century, it underwent periods of gentrification and urban renewal, becoming part of the creative and entertainment core of central London.
Interesting Sights and Nearby Attractions
Though short in length, New Compton Street benefits from proximity to several notable attractions. Just to the west lies the iconic Phoenix Theatre, which can be accessed from Charing Cross Road or nearby Shaftesbury Avenue. To the east, Denmark Street—also known as “Tin Pan Alley”—offers a glimpse into London's musical legacy. Other nearby sights include:
- The House of St Barnabas, a Georgian mansion turned private club and cultural venue
- The historic St Giles-in-the-Fields Church
- The bustling New Oxford Street with its shops and cafés
Real Estate and Property Values
As of July 2025, property values around New Compton Street are reflective of central London averages, with flats commanding high premiums due to location. A one-bedroom apartment of approximately 550 sq ft (51 sq m) may sell for around £900,000–£1.2 million, while similar properties can rent for £3,000–£4,000 per month. Larger units (around 1,000 sq ft or 93 sq m) can exceed £2 million in sale price, particularly if renovated or offering historic architectural features.
The area continues to attract professionals, creatives, and investors, driven by its proximity to theatres, shopping, and transport hubs. While it doesn't have large-scale residential developments, select flats above commercial premises offer a prized central address.
Transport Connections
London Underground Stations
New Compton Street enjoys excellent connectivity via several nearby London Underground Stations:
- Tottenham Court Road Station (Central, Northern, and Elizabeth lines) – 3-minute walk
- Covent Garden Station (Piccadilly line) – 8-minute walk
- Holborn Station (Central and Piccadilly lines) – 10-minute walk
Bus Services
The nearest bus stops are located on New Oxford Street and Shaftesbury Avenue, with frequent services connecting to major destinations across London. Routes include numbers 1, 14, 19, 24, 29, 38, and 176, among others.
Fun Fact
A curious remnant of the past can be seen at the southern end of New Compton Street—a narrow alleyway leading to Phoenix Garden, a community-run green space tucked between buildings. Once the site of bombed-out buildings during the Blitz, the garden was transformed into a floral haven by volunteers and remains a peaceful retreat amidst the bustle of the West End.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Area: Soho, West End
- Direction: North to South (St Giles High Street to Stacey Street)
- Name Origin: Named after Henry Compton, Bishop of London
- Pronunciation: KOMP-tuhn /ˈkɒmp.tən/
- Nearby Streets: Denmark Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, New Oxford Street
- Nearby Attractions: Phoenix Theatre, St Giles Church, Denmark Street
- Residential Sizes: 550–1,000 sq ft (51–93 sq m)
- Property Prices (2025): £900,000–£2 million (sale); £3,000–£4,000/month (rent)
- Nearest Tube Stations: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, Covent Garden
- Nearby Bus Routes: 1, 14, 19, 24, 29, 38, 176
- Fun Fact: Hidden Phoenix Garden nearby, transformed from bombsite
Map of New Compton Street, London
Painting of New Compton Street
Painting of New Compton Street
Page Details
This page was created on 2 July 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Moving to London?
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