Brewer Street in Soho

Brewer Street has a long, colourful past that runs back to the late 1600s. The name is exactly what it sounds like. Breweries once lined this part of Soho, supplying beer to London's pubs and taverns. The street links Regent Street with Wardour Street and sits only minutes from Piccadilly Circus Underground Station, so it has always been easy to reach.

Today it mixes the old with a bit of flash. Plenty of the buildings keep their classic look, but the street now leans towards fashion shops, independent eateries and creative businesses. The Japanese food market and cafe Japan Centre Ichiba pulls in locals and tourists alike, and the menswear shop House of Milan has long dressed stylish Londoners in tailored pieces.

No royalty or world leaders ever called Brewer Street home, but it has earned its place in Soho's story all the same. From small local traders to flavours brought in from abroad, it carries the creative streak that runs through this whole corner of London. The places listed on this street below are a good place to start.