Old Compton Street, London
Old Compton Street is a lively and historic thoroughfare located in Soho, within the City of Westminster, in the heart of the West End of London. This one-way street runs northeast from Wardour Street to Charing Cross Road, and is one of the best-known streets in Soho, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, historical depth, and diverse range of cultural venues.
Overview and Surrounding Streets
Old Compton Street is a relatively short but iconic street lined with restaurants, cafés, theatres, and shops. It intersects with notable streets such as Dean Street, Frith Street, and Greek Street. The street's cosmopolitan character reflects its central Soho location, where different eras and cultures have overlapped for centuries.
The area surrounding Old Compton Street is dense with nightlife and entertainment. Whether you're interested in jazz bars, LGBTQ+ friendly venues, or literary cafés, this street offers a glimpse into the vibrant soul of the West End.
History of Old Compton Street
Old Compton Street was laid out in the late 17th century and was named after Henry Compton, the Bishop of London at the time, who encouraged the settlement of French Protestant Huguenots in the area. The name was first recorded in the 1670s.
The pronunciation of “Compton” follows standard English rules: COM-tn, with the “p” being pronounced. The IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) notation is /ˈkɒmptən/.
A Legacy of Diversity
Over the centuries, Old Compton Street has been a haven for refugees, intellectuals, artists, and outsiders. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a centre for Italian immigrants. Post-WWII, it became a hotspot for bohemian and counter-cultural movements, and since the late 20th century, it has developed into a vibrant LGBTQ+ hub.
Connecting Streets
Attractions and Nearby Landmarks
Visitors to Old Compton Street will find plenty to explore. Some highlights include:
- The Prince Edward Theatre – a major West End venue hosting long-running musicals.
- Café Boheme – a classic Soho café with a French flair, a nod to the area's Huguenot roots.
- Soho Theatre – located on nearby Dean Street, offering comedy, drama, and fringe performances.
- Bar Italia – an iconic 24-hour café founded in 1949 by the Polledri family, now a Soho institution.
Old Compton Street also becomes particularly animated during Pride in London, where it serves as a focal point of celebration and diversity.
Real Estate and Property Values
As of June 2025, property values on Old Compton Street remain among the highest in central London, owing to its prime location in the West End. Residential flats on or near the street are often compact yet luxurious, with average sizes ranging between 450 to 800 sq ft (42 to 74 sq m).
Sale prices for properties on Old Compton Street currently average around £1,300,000 for a two-bedroom flat, depending on floor, finish, and historical status of the building. Rental prices are equally high, with one-bedroom apartments commanding between £3,000 to £4,500 per month, reflecting the area's desirability and limited availability.
In comparison, average property prices in Greater London stand closer to £530,0001.
Transport Links
Old Compton Street is extremely well connected via the London Underground and local bus networks. The nearest London Underground stations include:
- Leicester Square Station (Northern and Piccadilly lines)
- Covent Garden Station (Piccadilly line)
- Tottenham Court Road Station (Central, Northern, and Elizabeth lines)
Bus stops are located nearby along Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road, providing additional connections to the rest of London.
Fun Fact
In 1999, Old Compton Street was the site of a tragic bombing at the Admiral Duncan pub, one of Soho's oldest gay bars. In its aftermath, the street became a symbol of resilience and inclusivity. Each year, flowers are laid at the site to commemorate the victims and promote tolerance.
Quick Facts
- Location: Soho, City of Westminster, London
- Direction: One-way from Wardour Street to Charing Cross Road
- Historical origin: Laid out in the 1670s
- Name origin: Named after Bishop Henry Compton
- Pronunciation: COM-tn (/ˈkɒmptən/)
- Nearby stations: Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Tottenham Court Road
- Property prices: Approx. £1.3M for 2-bed flat (June 2025)
- Rental rates: From £3,000/month for 1-bed
- Notable spots: Prince Edward Theatre, Bar Italia, Soho Theatre
- Fun fact: Site of the Admiral Duncan bombing in 1999
References
Map of Old Compton Street, London
Painting of Old Compton Street
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This page was created on 26 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?
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