Brewer Street, Soho – A Historic Artery in the Heart of London
Where is Brewer Street?
Brewer Street is located in the bustling Soho district in the City of Westminster, central London.It runs in an east-west direction and lies just north of Piccadilly Circus and south of Oxford Street. The street is a key part of the West End, nestled among some of the city’s most iconic areas including Chinatown, Covent Garden, and Mayfair.
Length and Orientation
Brewer Street stretches approximately 0.2 miles (about 350 metres) in length.It begins at Glasshouse Street on its eastern end and continues westward until it reaches Wardour Street. Despite its relatively short length, Brewer Street is one of the most active and eclectic roads in Soho, with dense foot traffic and a lively street scene.
The History of Brewer Street
Brewer Street dates back to the late 17th century and first appears in historical records around the 1670s.Its development coincided with the urban expansion of Soho, which transformed from farmland and open fields into a fashionable residential area for London’s wealthy classes in the aftermath of the Great Fire of 1666. Over time, Soho became a hub for immigrants, artists, musicians, and the bohemian crowd, and Brewer Street evolved alongside these changing demographics.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Brewer Street was known for its mixed commercial and residential character, often home to tailoring shops, tradespeople, and small-scale industry. By the 20th century, it had become closely associated with the entertainment and nightlife industries that Soho is now famous for.
Map of Brewer Street, London
How Brewer Street Got Its Name
Brewer Street was so named in reference to the brewing industry that once thrived in the area.The name dates back to the street’s early development in the 17th century, at a time when London’s breweries were essential to local industry and daily life. Although there is no confirmed individual after whom the street is named, it most likely reflects the presence of brewers or brewing establishments that operated nearby during that period.
Streets Connecting to Brewer Street
Despite its short length, Brewer Street connects to a surprising number of other roads, reflecting Soho’s dense urban grid.- Glasshouse Street (eastern terminus)
- Lower James Street
- Air Street
- Sherwood Street
- Regent Street (via Air Street and Glasshouse Street)
- Lexington Street
- Bridle Lane
- Poland Street
- Great Pulteney Street
- Wardour Street (western terminus)
Painting of Brewer Street (View full-size image here)
Major Buildings and Notable Establishments
Brewer Street’s character is shaped by its mix of restaurants, independent shops, adult stores, boutique cinemas, and cultural venues. Here’s a breakdown of notable locations on its eastern and western stretches: East Side Highlights:- Regent Palace Hotel Building (now offices and retail units): A preserved art deco structure near Glasshouse Street.
- Brasserie Zédel: A grand French brasserie accessible via Sherwood Street, just steps from Brewer Street.
- Soho Radio: A cool and creative station broadcasting from a shopfront studio.
- Soho’s “Golden Mile” of Adult Shops: Brewer Street is known for its candid and unapologetic nightlife offerings.
- Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club (nearby on Frith Street): Though not directly on Brewer Street, it is a short stroll away and often associated with the area’s cultural atmosphere.
- Independent clothing and fashion boutiques: These change frequently but contribute to the unique Soho vibe.
Nearest London Underground Stations
Brewer Street is extremely well-served by the London Underground network, with several major stations within walking distance:- Piccadilly Circus Station – served by the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines; about a 2-minute walk from the east end of Brewer Street.
- Oxford Circus Station – served by the Central, Bakerloo, and Victoria lines; about 7–8 minutes’ walk to the north.
- Leicester Square Station – served by the Northern and Piccadilly lines; about a 10-minute walk to the east.
- Tottenham Court Road Station – served by the Central, Northern, and Elizabeth lines; within a 10-minute walk west of the street.
Fun Fact: Soho’s Food Scene Starts Here
One of the most delightful quirks of Brewer Street is its role in pioneering Soho’s now-famous food culture.In the mid-20th century, Brewer Street was among the first places in London where Italian delicatessens, Japanese sushi spots, and Chinese restaurants opened outside of ethnic enclaves. This made it a destination for adventurous eaters even decades before global cuisine became mainstream in the UK.
Today, you’ll still find authentic and longstanding eateries like Koya Soho (Japanese udon), Randall & Aubin (seafood), and a variety of independent food shops offering everything from Portuguese tarts to Korean BBQ.
A Lively Blend of Old and New
Brewer Street exemplifies the spirit of Soho—vibrant, multicultural, historic, and unapologetically bold.Whether you're wandering its pavement for vintage fashion, nightlife, global cuisine, or simply soaking up West End energy, Brewer Street remains a dynamic destination that perfectly captures the pulse of central London.