Frith Street in Soho

Frith Street is short, but it has deep roots in Soho. It takes its name from Richard Frith, a wealthy 17th-century property developer, and it has sat at the heart of the area's creative and social life for centuries. Tottenham Court Road station is a short walk off. One name stands out among those who stayed here: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who lodged on the street as a child prodigy in the 1760s.

It mixes old and new without losing its standard. You won't find it packed with big chains. What you will find is Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, one of the most respected live music rooms anywhere, which has called Frith Street home for years. Around it sit independent restaurants and cafes that carry Soho's international streak.

This is a place where history meets culture, still drawing people who care about music and performance. Walk past for a show or stop for a coffee, either way the street wears its past with some pride. The places listed on this street below are a good place to start.