Soho Street, London
Soho Street is a compact yet important thoroughfare in the heart of the West End of London. This one-way street runs in a northerly direction from Soho Square to the bustling commercial artery of Oxford Street. Although short in length, Soho Street forms a vital link between the vibrant cultural core of Soho and one of London's busiest shopping districts.
Overview and Streetscape
Soho Street begins at its southern end at the northwest corner of Soho Square and travels one way northward, terminating at Oxford Street. The street is lined with a mixture of architectural styles, from post-war commercial buildings to redeveloped residential units. While not as lively as neighbouring streets such as Frith Street or Greek Street, Soho Street offers a quieter alternative while remaining centrally located within the energetic Soho district.
The streets surrounding Soho Street include Carlisle Street to the west and Rathbone Place just beyond its northern end. These form a tight urban grid with dense development, primarily catering to office workers, local businesses, and residents seeking the convenience of central London living.
Origin of the Name
The name “Soho Street” derives from the larger district of Soho, which dates back to the late 17th century. The name “Soho” is believed to have originated as a hunting cry, similar to “Tally-ho.” It is pronounced as “SO-ho”, with the International Phonetic Alphabet rendering as /ˈsəʊ.həʊ/.
History of Soho Street
Soho Street was laid out in the 18th century during the rapid development of the Soho area. Initially, this part of London was largely rural, but with the expansion of the city westward, it was quickly urbanised. The street has since served a variety of purposes, including housing small workshops, publishing offices, and today, a mix of offices and residential flats. While the exact date of its naming is unclear, records of the street appear by the early 1800s in property registers and maps.
Points of Interest Nearby
While Soho Street itself does not host major landmarks, it is surrounded by numerous attractions within walking distance:
- Soho Square – A charming garden square with Tudor-style architecture and a popular lunchtime retreat.
- Oxford Street – One of Europe's most famous shopping streets, home to flagship stores like Selfridges and Marks & Spencer.
- Dominion Theatre – A historic venue located near the corner with Tottenham Court Road, offering West End productions.
- The British Museum – Less than ten minutes' walk northeast from Soho Street.
Real Estate and Property Prices
As of Q2 2025, property values around Soho Street remain among the highest in central London. Residential flats in the area typically range in size from 500 to 1,200 sq ft (46 to 111 sq m). A one-bedroom flat of 600 sq ft (56 sq m) currently sells for approximately £950,000 to £1.2 million, depending on finish and outlook. Rental prices for similar flats start at £3,000 per month1.
Compared to wider London, these prices are at the higher end, largely due to the street's proximity to both Oxford Street and Soho Square, as well as its placement within the desirable W1 postcode district.
Transport Connections
London Underground
Soho Street is well served by several nearby London Underground stations:
- Tottenham Court Road Station (Northern and Elizabeth Lines) – Approximately 2 minutes' walk.
- Oxford Circus Station (Central, Victoria, and Bakerloo Lines) – About 7 minutes' walk northwest.
- Leicester Square Station (Northern and Piccadilly Lines) – Roughly 10 minutes on foot.
Bus Services
Multiple Transport for London bus routes operate along Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road. Key bus stops within walking distance of Soho Street include:
- Tottenham Court Road Station Stop X (routes 1, 8, 25, 98, 390)
- Oxford Street / Soho Street Stop O (routes 55, 73, 94, 139)
Fun Fact
Just off Soho Street lies the Phoenix Garden, a delightful hidden community garden accessible via nearby St Giles Passage. It's one of central London's few volunteer-run green spaces, providing a tranquil retreat amidst the urban bustle. Despite its quiet presence, this garden has become a favourite spot for locals in the know.
Quick Facts
- Street Name: Soho Street
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Connects: Soho Square to Oxford Street
- Street Type: One-way northbound street
- Nearby District: Soho, West End
- Nearest Tube Stations: Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus, Leicester Square
- Pronunciation: “SO-ho” (/ˈsəʊ.həʊ/)
- Property Prices (2025): £950,000–£1.2 million for flats; rent ~£3,000/month
- Average Property Size: 500–1,200 sq ft (46–111 sq m)
- Main Bus Routes: 1, 8, 25, 55, 73, 98, 139, 390
- Nearby Attractions: Soho Square, Oxford Street, Phoenix Garden
References
Map of Soho Street, London
Painting of Soho Street
Painting of Soho Street
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This page was created on 5 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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