New Row, London
New Row is a quaint and largely pedestrianized street located in the heart of City of Westminster, in the West End of London. The street offers a peaceful escape just steps away from the bustling energy of nearby theatres and shops, providing a unique blend of local charm and central convenience.
Overview and Atmosphere
Stretching from St Martin's Lane in the west to the junction of Garrick Street, King Street, and Bedford Street in the east, New Row is a short but characterful thoroughfare. It is particularly appealing due to its pedestrian restrictions—no vehicles are allowed between 11:00am and 11:00pm—making it an ideal spot for leisurely walks, outdoor café seating, and safe shopping experiences.
The street is lined with independent shops, specialty food outlets, intimate restaurants, and heritage storefronts that reflect the area's historical roots and vibrant culture.
Name, Pronunciation, and History
The name New Row is pronounced “nyoo roh” (/njuː roʊ/). Despite its name, it is anything but new. The street was originally laid out in the 1630s as part of the expansion of Covent Garden. At the time, it was known as **New Street**, created to accommodate the growing residential and commercial demands of the burgeoning district. By the early 18th century, the name evolved to its present form, reflecting the trend of renaming streets to align with their evolving functions and identities.
New Row has long served as a modest but integral link within Covent Garden's intricate street grid, and over the centuries it has retained much of its original scale and character.
Surrounding and Connecting Streets
New Row is surrounded by notable streets in the Covent Garden area, making it easy to navigate and access. Its setting in the West End ensures it remains a popular choice for locals, shoppers, and tourists alike.
Connecting Streets (Alphabetical Order)
- Bedford Street
- Garrick Street
- King Street
- St Martin's Lane
Points of Interest Nearby
While New Row itself is modest in length, it sits near a wealth of cultural and historical landmarks:
- Garrick Theatre – A historic theatre just steps away on Charing Cross Road, named after famed actor David Garrick.
- St Martin-in-the-Fields – An architectural and musical landmark near Charing Cross Station.
- Covent Garden Piazza – A lively square offering shops, street performances, and the London Transport Museum.
- National Gallery – One of the UK's most important art institutions, located nearby in Trafalgar Square.
Transport Connections
London Underground
The street benefits from proximity to several key London Underground Stations. The nearest are:
- Leicester Square Station (Northern and Piccadilly lines)
- Charing Cross Station (Bakerloo and Northern lines, plus National Rail)
Bus Services
Several bus routes serve stops along St Martin's Lane and nearby Charing Cross Road. Routes typically include:
- Bus 24 – Pimlico to Hampstead Heath
- Bus 29 – Trafalgar Square to Wood Green
- Bus 176 – Penge to Tottenham Court Road
Real Estate and Property Market
As of early 2025, New Row is part of one of the most expensive property markets in central London. Residential properties are limited and tend to be compact, with typical flats ranging from 500 to 1,000 square feet (46 to 93 sq metres).
Sale prices for these flats generally fall between £850,000 and £1.8 million, depending on size, condition, and period features. Rental prices average between £3,000 and £6,000 per month for similarly sized properties1. By comparison, this is significantly higher than the London-wide averages, reflecting the premium of the Covent Garden and West End location.
Commercial real estate is equally desirable, with retail and hospitality units commanding high rents due to the steady foot traffic and prestige of the area. Ground floor shop fronts on New Row typically range from 300 to 800 square feet (28 to 74 sq metres), often fetching annual rents in the range of £90,000 to £160,0001.
Fun Fact
One of the long-standing shops on New Row is Fopp, an independent music and film store that has become something of a cult favourite among Londoners. It reflects the area's ongoing affinity for the arts and its resistance to becoming overly commercialised.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Length: Short pedestrian-focused street
- Connecting Streets: Bedford Street, Garrick Street, King Street, St Martin's Lane
- Pedestrian Hours: 11:00am to 11:00pm (vehicle-free)
- Nearest Underground Stations: Leicester Square, Charing Cross
- Underground Lines: Northern, Piccadilly, Bakerloo
- Nearby Bus Routes: 24, 29, 176
- Residential Sale Prices: £850,000–£1.8 million (2025)
- Residential Sizes: 500–1,000 sq ft (46–93 sq m)
- Monthly Rents: £3,000–£6,000
- Commercial Rents: £90,000–£160,000 annually
- Nearby Attractions: Covent Garden Piazza, Garrick Theatre, National Gallery
- Fun Fact: Home to beloved music shop Fopp
References
Map of New Row, London
Painting of New Row, London
Page Details
This page was created on 10 June 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?
New to London and need a place to live? Read our Renting A Flat Guide. This guide covers everything you need to know about renting a flat in London, from viewing to signing.Streets of London
Come, let's explore and discover the streets of London together! Listed here afre the Streets of London that I have documented. Dive in and discover!Map of Streets in London
View all the streets that I have documented on Google Maps in this Map of Streets in London.Want to share your London travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?
Join the London Travel Tips Facebook GroupMore information for visiting London
Here are some related articles to help you get to know London better.- Cost of Living in London: Discover the true cost of living in London, including housing, transport, groceries, and more - plus tips for budgeting in one of the world's most expensive cities.
- Driving in London: Planning to drive in London? Learn about roads, car rentals, parking, tolls, and key tips for tourists and visitors from outside the capital.
- Driving Tips for Visiting London: Thinking of driving to London? Discover the best times to travel, congestion tips, parking apps, breakdown help, and petrol advice for a smoother journey.
- Evolution of London's Streets: Discover the fascinating history of how London's streets developed from ancient footpaths to today's complex network of roads across the capital.
- History of Immigration to London: Discover the rich history of immigration to London, from Huguenots to Bangladeshis, and how diverse communities have shaped the city's vibrant identity.
- How Big Is London Compared to Other World Cities?
- How London's Streets Measure Up: A Global Comparison of Road Widths
- How Streets of London are Named: Discover how London streets get their names, who decides them, and how historic, political, and public influences shape street naming in the capital.
- How the Grosvenor Family Came to Own Much of Mayfair, Belgravia and Pimlico: Explore how the Grosvenor family came to own much of Mayfair, Belgravia, and Pimlico, and learn about their historical connection (or lack thereof) with the British royal family and government.
- Living and working in London
- London's Quiet Collapse: How Living Standards Fell as Costs Skyrockted (1975-2025): Explore how London residents endured rising costs and falling living standards from 1975 to 2025 - from rocketing rents to wage stagnation and inflation.
- Marvel of the London Underground: Discover the history, challenges, and triumphs of the London Underground - the world's first underground railway and a vital transport lifeline for the UK capital since 1863.
- Moving to London: Expat Tips for Settling in Westminster: Essential advice for expats moving to London's Westminster: neighborhood insights, cost of living, transportation, housing, healthcare, schools, and tips to help you feel at home in the heart of the city.
- Places in London that aren't pronounced the way they're spelled
- Shopping in London: Discover London's diverse shopping scene
- Taking the bus in London: This is your complete guide to taking the bus when in London.
- The Anglican Faith: A Visitor's Guide to the Church of England: Learn about the Anglican faith and its deep ties to London's landmarks like Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
- Top 10 London Streets Every Visitor Must See: Discover London through its most iconic thoroughfares - 10 streets every visitor must experience. From historic Abbey Road to vibrant Camden High Street, explore culture, shopping, and hidden gems.
- Why are most roads in Central London so narrow? Learn why there are so few multi-lane roads and elevated highways in the heart of the city.
