Sutton Row, London
Sutton Row is a minor but characterful street nestled in the heart of Soho, within the West End of London. The street branches off from the eastern side of Soho Square and ends in a short cul-de-sac, giving it a relatively quiet, almost secluded atmosphere despite its location in one of London's busiest districts.
Overview and Surroundings
Sutton Row begins on the east side of Soho Square, close to the square's landscaped gardens and its famous statue of Charles II. Though short in length, the street is well placed among many of Soho's key thoroughfares. It lies just a stone's throw from Frith Street and Greek Street, two important historic roads that run through the heart of Soho.
The surrounding streets are rich in restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and creative businesses. This central location ensures that Sutton Row, while minor, is never far from the buzz of activity that defines Soho and the West End.
History of Sutton Row
The origins of Sutton Row trace back to the 17th century, a period of extensive development in the Soho area. Though precise records of its establishment are scarce, it likely emerged during the same period when Soho Square was laid out in the late 1670s.
The name "Sutton Row" may derive from a personal or aristocratic name common at the time. The word "Row" typically referred to a short, narrow street or a line of houses. "Sutton" is a common English surname and toponym, possibly linked to a landowner or developer involved in the original plotting of the square and its adjoining streets.
Pronunciation
"Sutton" is pronounced as SUH-tən, with the ‘t' softened or glottalised in local speech. In the International Phonetic Alphabet, it is rendered as /ˈsʌtən/.
Architecture and Character
Sutton Row's buildings primarily serve commercial and office purposes today, although there may be residential use on the upper floors. Architecturally, the buildings along the street are typical of Soho: modestly scaled, often Georgian or early Victorian in origin, and constructed in brick with sash windows and painted façades. Their scale and restrained detailing contrast with the grander façades of buildings on neighbouring streets.
Nearby Attractions
Though Sutton Row itself is short and relatively understated, its location provides immediate access to numerous nearby attractions:
- Soho Square Garden – A popular green space with benches and statues, including the timber-framed gardener's hut at its centre.
- The British Museum – A short walk to the north, offering an unparalleled collection of antiquities and cultural artifacts.
- Theatres of the West End – Located just minutes away, including Shaftesbury Theatre and Dominion Theatre.
- Chinatown – Easily accessible via adjacent streets, offering a vibrant culinary experience.
Transport Connections
Despite its quiet profile, Sutton Row is very well-connected by public transport:
- Tottenham Court Road Station – The closest London Underground station, served by the Central, Northern, and Elizabeth lines.
- Oxford Circus Station – About a 10-minute walk, served by the Central, Victoria, and Bakerloo lines.
- Leicester Square Station – Roughly 10 minutes on foot, served by the Piccadilly and Northern lines.
Numerous bus routes operate along Oxford Street, Charing Cross Road, and Shaftesbury Avenue, making the area easily accessible from all parts of London.
Real Estate on Sutton Row
Due to its central location, property values around Sutton Row are among the highest in the capital. As of July 2025, residential property in Soho averages around £1,500 to £2,000 per square foot, or approximately £16,150 to £21,500 per square metre1.
Typical residential units near Sutton Row range from compact flats of about 400 sq ft (37 sq m) to larger loft-style apartments of around 1,200 sq ft (111 sq m). A one-bedroom flat of 500 sq ft (46.5 sq m) could fetch £850,000 to £1.1 million depending on exact location and condition. Rental prices for the same property might range from £3,200 to £4,200 per month1.
Commercial rents are similarly premium due to the area's high footfall and proximity to major commercial centres and nightlife zones.
Fun Fact
Though Sutton Row is barely 100 metres long, its proximity to Soho Square has made it an occasional location for film and television crews seeking quintessential London backdrops that are both visually rich and relatively traffic-free.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Connects: Soho Square (west) to a cul-de-sac (east)
- Nearby Streets: Frith Street, Greek Street, Soho Square
- History: Dates back to 17th century Soho development
- Name Origin: Possibly from a personal surname; “Row” means a small street
- Pronunciation: SUH-tən (/ˈsʌtən/)
- Nearby Sights: Soho Square Garden, West End theatres, Chinatown
- Underground Stations: Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus, Leicester Square
- Bus Routes: Available along Oxford Street and Charing Cross Road
- Property Prices (2025): £1,500–£2,000/sq ft (£16,150–£21,500/sq m)
- Rental Rates: £3,200–£4,200/month for 1-bedroom flat
References
Map of Sutton Row, London
Painting of Sutton Row
Painting of Sutton Row
Page Details
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?
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.
