Guide to... Shaftesbury Avenue

Another London street named after a member of the aristocracy, Shaftesbury Avenue is one of the busiest streets in central London and taking a taxi ride via the street during rush hour is more expensive than a budget weekend in eastern Europe.

It's dirty, hustling and bustling on a Friday night with theatre goers; shoppers; tourists visiting Soho and Chinatown; cars, buses, and rickshaws, competing for space.

The Lyric, Apollo, Gielgud, Queen's, Palace , and Shaftesbury theatres are all located on Shaftesbury Avenue so it truly central to London's theatre land. There is also a cinema if you prefer the modern form of theatre.

It's not the best street itself for restaurants but with the previously mentioned Chinatown nearby and Soho with its plethora of great restaurants there are lots of tasty places to eat at near to Shaftesbury Avenue if you are looking for a post or pre-theatre dinner.


Explore Shaftesbury Avenue by browsing these categories

Eating Nightlife Shopping Sightseeing Accommodation Living Life Working Travel & Transport Studying Health & Wellness

Popular Nearby Streets & Areas: Bateman Street (0.13km) Brewer Street (0.16km) Charing Cross Road (0.17km) Dean Street (0.15km) Great Windmill Street (0.12km) Greek Street (0.12km) Lexington Street (0.16km) Meard Street (0.1km) Old Compton Street (0.08km) Romilly Street (0.1km)



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The Piccadilly West End
The Piccadilly West End
65-73 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London, W1D 6EX

Just around the corner from the watchful eye of Eros, the statue poised above Piccadilly Circus, the Piccadilly West...Read more

Accommodation Hotels Shaftesbury Avenue Soho


Food Hygiene Ratings for The Piccadilly West End
Hygiene Rating: 2/5
Food Hygiene Ratings for The Piccadilly West End
Inspected: on 9/14/18

Cafe Monico
Cafe Monico
39-45 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London, W1D 6LA

On London’s Shaftesbury Avenue, Cafe Monico serves French-Italian dishes from breakfast through to dinner, seven days...Read more

Eating French Restaurants Italian Restaurants Shaftesbury Avenue Soho


Food Hygiene Ratings for Cafe Monico
Hygiene Rating: 5/5
Food Hygiene Ratings for Cafe Monico
Inspected: on 1/8/19

Bella Italia (Shaftesbury Avenue)
Bella Italia (Shaftesbury Avenue)
61-63 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London, W1D 6LG

In Italy the best moments in life are those spent with loved ones, sharing food, wine and laughter. At Bella we bring...Read more

Eating Restaurants Italian Restaurants Shaftesbury Avenue Soho


Food Hygiene Ratings for Bella Italia (Shaftesbury Avenue)
Hygiene Rating: 5/5
Food Hygiene Ratings for Bella Italia (Shaftesbury Avenue)
Inspected: on 8/13/14

McDonald's (Shaftesbury Avenue)
McDonald's (Shaftesbury Avenue)
25-27 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London, W1V 7HA

McDonald's is the world's largest chain of quick service restaurants, serving tens of millions of customers daily...Read more

Cafes & Coffee Shops American Restaurants Shaftesbury Avenue Soho Eating Restaurants


Food Hygiene Ratings for McDonald's (Shaftesbury Avenue)
Hygiene Rating: 5/5
Food Hygiene Ratings for McDonald's (Shaftesbury Avenue)
Inspected: on 8/12/14

Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua
118-120 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London, W1D 5EP

Nusa Dua is an Indonesian Restaurant located in Soho, the heart of Theatreland London. We are a restaurant that...Read more

Shaftesbury Avenue Soho Nightlife Bars Cocktail Bars Eating Restaurants


Food Hygiene Ratings for Nusa Dua
Hygiene Rating: 5/5
Food Hygiene Ratings for Nusa Dua
Inspected: on 6/18/18

RainForest Cafe
RainForest Cafe
20 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London, W1D 7EU

Branches across the U.S. and in Shaftesbury Avenue. Food and shopping in an environment with a rain forest theme....Read more

Eating Restaurants Cafes & Coffee Shops Caribbean Restaurants Shaftesbury Avenue Soho


Food Hygiene Ratings for RainForest Cafe
Hygiene Rating: 5/5
Food Hygiene Ratings for RainForest Cafe
Inspected: on 2/28/17

Bloomsbury Tavern
Bloomsbury Tavern
236 Shaftesbury Avenue, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 8EG

One of the most historic pubs in Holborn, The Bloomsbury Tavern was once the ominous final watering hole en route to...Read more

Nightlife Pubs Shaftesbury Avenue Covent Garden


Food Hygiene Ratings for Bloomsbury Tavern
Hygiene Rating: 4/5
Food Hygiene Ratings for Bloomsbury Tavern
Inspected: on 5/24/16

Freud Bar
Freud Bar
198 Shaftesbury Ave, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 8JL

Below the pavement of Shaftesbury Avenue, at the top of Monmouth Street, down a flight of steps into a high-ceilinged...Read more

Cafes & Coffee Shops Shaftesbury Avenue Nightlife Bars Cocktail Bars Covent Garden


Food Hygiene Ratings for Freud Bar
Hygiene Rating: 3/5
Food Hygiene Ratings for Freud Bar
Inspected: on 2/23/17

Rodizio Preto (West End)
Rodizio Preto (West End)
73 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London, W1D 6LN

Preto is a dining experience like no other. Our succulent meats are finely carved at your table side by our Passadors...Read more

Eating Restaurants Shaftesbury Avenue Soho


Food Hygiene Ratings for Rodizio Preto (West End)
Hygiene Rating: 3/5
Food Hygiene Ratings for Rodizio Preto (West End)
Inspected: on 7/24/18

The London Cocktail Club
The London Cocktail Club
224a Shaftesbury Ave, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 8EB

A serious drinkers party bar… Set in a mischievous house away from home, full of excitement and energy. Innovative...Read more

Shaftesbury Avenue Nightlife Bars Cocktail Bars Covent Garden


Food Hygiene Ratings for The London Cocktail Club
Hygiene Rating: 3/5
Food Hygiene Ratings for The London Cocktail Club
Inspected: on 5/11/16

Apollo Theatre London
Apollo Theatre London
31 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London, W1D 7EZ

After first opening its doors February 1901, the Apollo Theatre has since become an inspiring destination for London...Read more

Sightseeing Theatres Explore London Shaftesbury Avenue Soho

Bar Rumba
Bar Rumba
36 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, London, W1D 7EP

Bar Rumba is a late night party bar and club in London’s West End. Rumba plays commercial music, chart hits and dance...Read more

Nightlife Bars Shaftesbury Avenue

Century
Century
61 - 63 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London, W1D 6LG

Soho's Best Kept Secret - Private Members Club. Opening its doors in 2001, The Century Club encompasses the...Read more

Living Life Nightlife Shaftesbury Avenue Soho

Crest of London
Crest of London
23b Shaftesbury Avenue , London, W1D 7EA

Crest of London was established in 1990 and is the market leader in London souvenirs and novelty gift items. With 9...Read more

Shopping Shaftesbury Avenue

Gap (Shaftesbury Ave)
Gap (Shaftesbury Ave)
1-7 Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, London, W1D 7ET

Men's and Women's clothingRead more

Shopping Men’s Fashion Women's Fashion Shaftesbury Avenue Soho

Gielgud Theatre
Gielgud Theatre
Shaftesbury Avenue, London

Opened as the Hicks Theatre on 27 December with The Beauty of Bath, a musical play by Seymour Hicks (after whom the...Read more

Nightlife Theatres Shaftesbury Avenue Soho

Lyric Theatre
Lyric Theatre
29 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES

The Lyric Theatre, opened on 17 December 1888, was designed by C. J. Phipps and built by producer Henry J. Leslie. ...Read more

Nightlife Theatres Shaftesbury Avenue

Palace Theatre
Palace Theatre
113 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8EG

The Palace Theatre was originally built by impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte as The Royal English Opera House in 1891,...Read more

Nightlife Theatres Shaftesbury Avenue Soho

Queens Theatre
Queens Theatre
51 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6BA

Committed to providing the best facilities for patrons owner Cameron Mackintosh, one of the world’s most successful...Read more

Nightlife Theatres Shaftesbury Avenue Soho

Shaftesbury Theatre
Shaftesbury Theatre
210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8DP

Welcome to the Shaftesbury Theatre. The largest independent theatre in the West End, we have been presenting high...Read more

Nightlife Theatres Shaftesbury Avenue Covent Garden

Babaji Pide

Closed or Replaced

Babaji Pide
53 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London, W1D 6LB

Pide, sometimes called ‘Turkish pizza,’ is a boat-shaped flat bread with a variety of toppings that may include...Read more

Restaurants Turkish Restaurants Shaftesbury Avenue Soho Eating Pizza Restaurants

Jamie Olivers Diner (Piccadily)

Closed or Replaced

Jamie Olivers Diner (Piccadily)
23 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London, W1D 7EQ

You’ll find us on one of London’s most vibrant streets, in our Shaftesbury Avenue restaurant. Located opposite The...Read more

Shaftesbury Avenue Soho Eating Restaurants

Polpo (at Ape & Bird)

Closed or Replaced

Polpo (at Ape & Bird)
142 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London, WC2H 8HJ

POLPO is a bàcaro. This is a Venetian word to describe a humble restaurant serving simple food and good, young...Read more

Italian Restaurants Shaftesbury Avenue Soho Nightlife Bars Cocktail Bars Eating Restaurants Covent Garden

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Pho & Bun
Pho & Bun
76 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6ND

0.01km

Passion. Great food. And décor that’ll knock your socks off. This fun and modern take on Vietnamese street food is...Read more

Chinatown Restaurants Soho Eating American Restaurants Burger Restaurants

Century Club
Century Club
61-63 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6LD

0.01km

(Approved Wedding Venue)Read more

Approved Wedding Venues Nightlife Soho

Little Lamb
Little Lamb
72 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6NA

0.01km

For first-rate authentic Chinese stew, Chinatown’s Little Lamb (not to be confused with Mary’s) is the hot pot...Read more

Chinatown Restaurants Soho Eating

Olle
Olle
86 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6NH

0.02km

Up-scaling Korean BBQ like nowhere else, Olle is a stylish dining destination for delicious, DIY-cooked meats. Best...Read more

Chinatown Soho Eating Restaurants

New Mayflower
New Mayflower
68 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D

0.02km

Smack bang in the heart of Theatreland, seafood connoisseur New Mayflower is the perfect hang-out for a cracking pre-...Read more

Chinatown Soho Eating Restaurants Dim Sum Restaurants

Rasa Sayang
Rasa Sayang
5 Macclesfield Street, London, W1D 6AY

0.02km

A perfect marriage between old and new, this delicious eatery is a true celebration of Malaysia and Singapore’s...Read more

Chinatown Soho Eating Restaurants

Le Hanoi
Le Hanoi
4 Macclesfield Street, London, W1D 6AX

0.02km

Authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a super-trendy setting, Le Hanoi presents first-class pho with great cocktails and...Read more

Chinatown Restaurants Soho Eating

Shuang Shuang
Shuang Shuang
64 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6LU

0.02km

Pick a broth, choose your dipping sauce, and grab your ingredients as they pass by is how the Chinese Hot Pot...Read more

Chinatown Restaurants Soho Thai Restaurants Eating Japanese & Sushi Restaurants

Dumplings’ Legend
Dumplings’ Legend
15 Gerrard Street, London, W1D 6JE

0.03km

Dumplings’ Legend has done for soup dumplings what Pelé did for football, making this Chinatown restaurant a...Read more

Chinatown Soho Eating Restaurants Dim Sum Restaurants Gerrard Street

Gerry's Club
Gerry's Club
52 Dean Street, Soho, London, W1D 5BJ

0.03km

Gerry’s Club is Soho’s longest running and most famous actors club and a true institution. Set up in 1955 by Gerry...Read more

Nightlife Bars Dean Street Soho

Opium
Opium
The Jade Door, 15-16 Gerrard Street, Soho, London, W1D 6JE

0.03km

After a year spent searching for a space in which to open a cocktail bar, Eric Yu and Dre Masso opened Opium in...Read more

Restaurants Gerrard Street Soho Nightlife Bars Cocktail Bars Dim Sum Restaurants

Lotus Garden
Lotus Garden
15A Gerrard Street, London, W1D 6JD

0.03km

You can’t miss Chinatown’s Lotus Garden, shaped like a traditional Chinese pagoda, the grand restaurant has a large...Read more

Chinatown Soho Eating Restaurants Dim Sum Restaurants Gerrard Street

Kowloon Restaurant and Bakery
Kowloon Restaurant and Bakery
Kowloon Chinese Restaurant, 21-22 Gerrard Street, London, W1D 6JH

0.03km

Delicious fresh bakes and Cantonese cuisine make for a winning combination at Kowloon. Best for: DessertRead more

Chinatown Soho Eating Restaurants Gerrard Street

Plum Valley
Plum Valley
20 Gerrard Street, London, W1D 6JG

0.03km

Zen is the order of the day in this evolutionary Cantonese restaurant on Gerrard Street, from the décor right through...Read more

Chinatown Soho Eating Restaurants Dim Sum Restaurants Gerrard Street

Golden Gate Cake Shop
Golden Gate Cake Shop
13 Macclesfield Street, London, W1D 5BW

0.03km

Macclesfield Street’s Golden Gate Cake Shop is known for their beautiful oriental bakes and ornamental birthday...Read more

Chinatown Restaurants Soho Eating

Viet Food
Viet Food
34-36 Wardour Street, London, W1D 6QT

0.03km

This innovative take on Vietnamese street food by Michelin-starred chef Jeff Tan won’t leave you wanting. If...Read more

Chinatown Restaurants Eating Soho Wardour Street

Golden Lion
Golden Lion
51 Dean Street, Soho, London, W1D 5BH

0.03km

The Golden Lion in Chinatown dates back to 1769. The pub has many original features including a carved oak facade and...Read more

Nightlife Pubs Dean Street Soho Eating Gastro Pubs British Restaurants

Royal Dragon Restaurant
Royal Dragon Restaurant
30 Gerrard Street, London, W1D 6JS

0.04km

Royal Dragon is Chinatown’s ultimate late night, foodie-karaoke experience that keeps you singing it back for more....Read more

Chinatown Soho Eating Restaurants Dim Sum Restaurants Gerrard Street

Far East Bakery and Restaurant
Far East Bakery and Restaurant
13 Gerrard Street, London, W1D 5PS

0.04km

A café-bakery by day and restaurant by night, Far East is a fabulous Chinatown eatery that gives you everything your...Read more

Chinatown Soho Eating Restaurants Dim Sum Restaurants Gerrard Street

Experimental Cocktail Club
Experimental Cocktail Club
13A Gerrard Street , Covent Garden, London, W1D 5PS

0.04km

A great place for great cocktails.Read more

Nightlife Soho Pubs Gerrard Street Covent Garden

Four Seasons
Four Seasons
12 Gerrard Street, London, W1D 5PR

0.04km

Best for: Seafood, BBQ & RoastRead more

Chinatown Restaurants Soho Eating

The ShanState
The ShanState
Shaftesbury Avenue, London

0.04km

Jump on board the Burmese bandwagon and discover one of this year’s hottest foodie trends at The Shan State on...Read more

Chinatown Soho Restaurants Eating Thai Restaurants

Little Four Seasons
Little Four Seasons
11 Gerrard Street, London, W1D 5PP

0.04km

Giant bubbling cauldrons of flavoursome Cantonese goodness. It’s all about the Hot Pot at Chinatown’s Little Four...Read more

Chinatown Soho Eating Restaurants Gerrard Street

London Chinatown Restaurant
London Chinatown Restaurant
27 Gerrard Street, London, W1D 6JN

0.04km

London Chinatown Restaurant has been cooking up a storm on Gerrard Street for over thirty-five years. Best for: BBQ &...Read more

Chinatown Soho Eating Restaurants Dim Sum Restaurants Gerrard Street

Smack Lobster Roll
Smack Lobster Roll
Kemble House, 58 Dean Street, Soho, London, W1D 6AL

0.04km

Smack by Burger & Lobster Seafood restaurantRead more

Take Away & Delivery Dean Street Soho American Restaurants Burger Restaurants Eating Restaurants

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Blue Plaques in London

The Bee Gees, Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, And Maurice Gibb Green Plaque - The Bee Gees. Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb & Maurice Gibb composed and stayed here 1968-1980
Nancy Astor Blue Plaque - Nancy Astor 1879-1964 first woman to sit in Parliament lived here
Blue Plaque № 6766 - This is the birthplace of the Bentley motor car. Number one was produced here in the year 1919
Donald McGill Blue Plaque - Donald McGill 1875-1962 postcard cartoonist lived here
Vivian Stanshall Blue Plaque - Vivian Stanshall, lived down our street "Into and Outro" 1990-1995
Garraways Coffee House Stone Plaque - The site of Garraways Coffee House rebuilt 1874  Set here 1930

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