Romilly Street, London
Romilly Street is a small yet historically rich street located in Soho, within the heart of the West End of London. It runs from Dean Street in the west to Greek Street in the east. Beyond Greek Street, it continues as a pedestrian pavement leading to Charing Cross Road, offering a seamless transition from the intimate alleys of Soho to the bustling traffic of central London.
Overview and Setting
Romilly Street is paved in traditional stone and flanked by a mixture of Georgian and Victorian buildings. Though relatively short, it is significant for its cultural, gastronomic, and historical offerings. This street enjoys a prime location surrounded by a network of prominent streets in central London, making it a connector between the creative pulse of Soho and the theatre-lined avenues of the West End.
The immediate surroundings of Romilly Street are vibrant. Greek Street to the east is famed for its restaurants and literary history, while Dean Street to the west hosts numerous clubs and music venues. Just steps away lies Old Compton Street, another Soho landmark known for its buzzing cafés and nightlife. Though vehicular traffic is limited, the street sees a steady flow of pedestrians heading to nearby entertainment spots or simply exploring Soho on foot.
Connecting Streets
- Charing Cross Road
- Dean Street
- Frith Street
- Greek Street
History of Romilly Street
Romilly Street dates back to the late 17th century, part of the broader development of Soho during this era. It was laid out as part of the speculative building boom following the Great Fire of London, which spurred the city's westward expansion. Its name commemorates Sir Samuel Romilly (1757–1818), a British legal reformer and MP known for advocating the reduction of capital punishment. The street was officially named in his honour during the 19th century.
Pronunciation
Romilly is pronounced as RAH-mil-ee, with the International Phonetic Alphabet transcription being /ˈrɒ.mɪ.li/. The emphasis is on the first syllable, and the final "y" is soft and unstressed.
What to See and Do
Despite its modest length, Romilly Street is home to several points of interest. Its proximity to Soho Theatre and Leicester Square makes it a strategic spot for pre- and post-theatre dinners. Among its notable establishments are elegant restaurants, traditional pubs, and chic cocktail bars, each reflecting the eclectic flavour of Soho.
Nearby attractions within walking distance include:
- Soho Theatre – A hub for contemporary performances and comedy.
- Leicester Square – Known for cinemas, theatres, and tourist attractions.
- Chinatown – Just a block away, bustling with eateries and cultural charm.
- The Photographers' Gallery – Located slightly south, a haven for visual arts enthusiasts.
Real Estate and Living on Romilly Street
Romilly Street sits in one of the most exclusive and expensive parts of City of Westminster. As of June 2025, residential properties here typically range between 500 to 1,200 square feet (approximately 46 to 111 sq metres). Studio apartments start from around £700,000, while larger two-bedroom flats can exceed £1.5 million. Rental prices are equally high, with one-bedroom flats leasing for approximately £3,500 per month.
These prices are significantly above the London average, due to the area's central location, heritage charm, and proximity to major transport links and cultural landmarks.
Transport and Accessibility
Romilly Street benefits from excellent connectivity. The nearest London Underground stations include:
- Leicester Square Station – Served by the Northern and Piccadilly lines.
- Covent Garden Station – Served by the Piccadilly line.
- Tottenham Court Road Station – Served by the Northern, Central, and Elizabeth lines.
Numerous bus routes operate along Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue, providing additional public transport options to various parts of London. Bus stops are within 2–5 minutes' walk from Romilly Street, ensuring convenience for both commuters and tourists.
Fun Fact
Romilly Street is often overlooked in favour of more famous Soho roads, but film buffs may be intrigued to know that scenes from several British movies have been filmed in the area due to its classic streetscape and proximity to London's film and theatre districts.
Quick Facts
- Location: Soho, City of Westminster, London
- Length: Connects Dean Street to Greek Street; continues on foot to Charing Cross Road
- Pronunciation: RAH-mil-ee (/ˈrɒ.mɪ.li/)
- Named after: Sir Samuel Romilly, 19th-century legal reformer
- Historic period: Late 17th century development
- Nearby streets: Dean Street, Greek Street, Old Compton Street
- Nearby attractions: Soho Theatre, Chinatown, Leicester Square, The Photographers' Gallery
- Property prices: From £700,000 for studios; up to £1.5 million+ for larger units (as of June 2025)
- Nearest Tube stations: Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Tottenham Court Road
- Bus access: Via nearby stops on Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue
Map of Romilly Street, London
Painting of Romilly Street
Page Details
This page was created on 25 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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