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