Location: Leicester Square / Shaftesbury Avenue
Top Things to do in Leicester Square / Shaftesbury Avenue
Top 10 Things to do in Leicester Square / Shaftesbury Avenue, England
The crown jewels, Buckingham Palace, Camden Market…in London, history collides with art, fashion, food, and good British ale. A perfect day is different for everyone: culture aficionados shouldn't miss the Tate Modern and the Royal Opera House. If you love fashion, Oxford Street has shopping galore. For foodies, cream tea at Harrod’s or crispy fish from a proper chippy offers classic London flavor. Music and book buffs will love seeing Abbey Road and the Sherlock Holmes Museum (at 221B Baker Street, of course).
Restaurants in London
1. Prince Charles Cinema
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
In contrast to other large multiplex-cinemas in Leicester Square, this is a little gem of a theater tucked away around the corner of the busy square, which shows cult classics and modern movies at reasonable prices.
Reviewed By Manama1717 - Manama, Bahrain
Excellent film that inspired our party of adults and 2 children alike. First documentary on large screen that these 13 and 9 year olds had seen and was thrilling for them to see the passion, focus, skill and preparation of the climber rewarded by success. Very conducive atmosphere in Prince Charles cinema to experience this true life story, together with those in the audience, this extraordinary film, laughing, ooo'ing and aaa'ing together in company with others; a welcome change from children's typical iPad obsession. Prince Charles has a real atmosphere of valuing cinema a experience; a smaller, less costly commercial version of the BFI in that respect.
2. Cecil Court
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Judycrook - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Old fashioned street with book stores and small art stores. Collectors books available from Alice in Wonderland. My favourite shop with two floors was the holistic and religious book shop. Sadly on a Saturday it appears that about 8 of the shops were closed. But worth a visit and imagine you are in Harry Potter or living a century ago
3. Foyles Bookshop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 432 reviews
Relocated in 2014, from its former location to 107 Charing Cross Road, world-famous bookseller Foyles' flagship boasts six floors of books across all subjects and specialisms. Foyles Charing Cross Road also has an extended range of designer gifts and stationery, a free Gallery space, an Auditorium with a lively programme of public events and private hires, and a Cafe offering hot and cold drinks and locally-sourced food.
Reviewed By smilgaki - London, United Kingdom
I hadn't visited Foyles on Charing Cross for many years. The shop is vast and used to be in the Guinness Book of Records for being the longest book shop in the world. It also used to be bewildering, chaotic, badly laid out, expensive and the aisles used to be uncomfortably narrow. I used to feel like I needed to take a compass along in order to make it out again or starve to death in a remote section for sheet music. However, the shop was renovated some years ago, and Foyles was taken over by Waterstones. So as I was passing and had some book vouchers to spend, I thought I'd give it another shot. The shop is now much improved: it's brighter, more modern and much better organised. The browsing experience is pleasant with staff recommendations and dotted with benches to sit on. When I went to the till, the assistant was very friendly, which is book shop gold dust. Frequently, staff working in book shops are introverted to the point of rudeness. It's still not a place to hunt for bargains (but that's what the internet and second hand shops are for), and it remains a bit narrow in places but overall it's great and there are very few books you won't find here including specialist subjects.
4. Phoenix Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 850 reviews
Owned and operated by Ambassdor Theatre Group (ATG) the Phoenix was designed by Giles Gilbert Scott and Bertie Crewe. It opened in 1930 with the premiere of Noel Coward's Private Lives starring the author, Gertrude Lawrence and Laurence Olivier. Many star actors have appeared at the theatre including Maggie Smith, Diana Rigg, John Gielgud, Dustin Hoffman, Derek Jacobi, Kenneth Branagh and Stephen Fry. More recently the theatre has presented a number of successful musicals including, between 1991 and 2012, Willy Russell's Blood Brothers which became the theatre's longest-running show and was seen by over 5 million people. The theatre is now home to the award-winning Broadway musical Once.
Reviewed By PaulineT916 - Luton, United Kingdom
I visited on 21/09/20, the 2nd Anniversary of the memorial plaque to David Cassidy, along with visits to the Phoenix Garden where David has a second plaque on the wishing wall, "I only Wanna make you happy" in addition to Dreams, wishes and Happy trails plaque, a visit also, to St Giles in the Fields Church, who hold a memorial book you can sign, in memory of David Cassidy and where candles are lit in his memory, twice a year with a memorial table display in remembrance. A Tranquil setting off of the busy Charing Cross Road, The Theatre, Church and the Garden, each have their own Unique History, to uncover.
5. Gielgud Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 642 reviews
Reviewed By M8723WWiang - Hornchurch, United Kingdom
As fans of the tv show my wife and I went - will mention the show shortly. The theatre is a beautiful building. It feels like you are on a special night out when you go in and to a saloon. I am not sure if they have recently decorated but it is clean and fresh. ALL the staff we came into contact with were attentive, friendly and helpful and the seats (3rd row of dress circle) afforded excellent views. I even loved the fantastic Bern Schwartz portrait of Sir.John Geilgud. Now the show. If you are a fan of the tv series - go!! The script is excellent, mixing the comedy of the characters with Shakespeare script pieces. The cast are superb. A special mention to Mark Heap and the bear - who can claim to steal the show; but in truth, the whole cast were great. As you can tell I really enjoyed it. So much so that I even had discussions with strangers who had been seated on the same row at the end; where we agreed it was excellent ( note: I have lived in London for 36 years- I do NOT strike up conversations lightly).
6. Comedy Carnival Leicester Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
London's Comedy Carnival features award-winning, international comedians from around the world, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Acts that have performed at the club include Stephen Merchant, Russell Brand, Flight of the Conchords, Jim Jefferies, Reginald D Hunter, Sara Pascoe and Milton Jones. Comedy Carnival is located in Central London, off Leicester Square. Tickets include entry to the fantastic club night afterwards, open until 3am. "High-class entertainment you can count on." TIME OUT LONDON.
Reviewed By Annmarielyttle
My friend and I brought tickets for the comedy carnival which also came with a meal at pizza express. The comedians were so funny! We had front row seats, and it was just great! Would highly recommend this night out for all ages! I will definitely book it again!!
7. Lego Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 862 reviews
Reviewed By Jfizzable - Dundee, United Kingdom
I absolutely adore this store; its the perfect example of a shop that prioritises customer service over everything. The store limits the number of customers allowed in at any one time which means that there is more space to explore the store on entry for all including anyone with a pram like myself. The wait is never overly long and to ensure that boredom is reduced while waiting, they have staff managing this area and showing some amazing lego creations that can be made. There are also numerous great photo opportunities including a lego Big Ben, Dragon and even a London Landscape which are absolutely stunning to see and take photos with. In addition, there is also areas to make your own lego figurine and lego build areas around the store. There is also a vast selection of lego sets to purchase and, compared to my expectations, were so much more reasonably priced with most items being similarly priced as other non-specialised toy stores. Ultimately, its great for photos and lego lovers to unite and enjoy the wonderland of lego that is the Lego Shop in Leicester Square.
8. Liquorette
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Set inside a converted Victorian pub on Rathbone Place, GENUINE Liquorette draws inspiration from NYC’s street-corner bodegas and classic liquor stores. An innovative hybrid of bar and shop; guests are encouraged to experiment, play and peruse, whether that be enjoying a classic Cha-Chunker, indulging in a Signature Cocktail or bottling up a delicious cocktail for takeaway to enjoy later.
Reviewed By womanizer2000
Great spot next to Oxford Street. Professional staff and they really care of the quality of drinks. When the barrel with lager almost finish one of the bartenders gave me a pint of lager. But she knew that the beer last beer from the barrel doesn't taste good so she changed for a new pint. I don't think so that in diferent bar someone would be able to do it. Unfortunately I can't remember her name but she is liitle chubby smiling girl with long dark hair and she is really good what she does. She cares. Well done. Can't wait to have a drinks soon.
9. Leicester Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,891 reviews
Whether it's film, theatre, food or family favourites, Leicester Square exists to excite your senses. Located in the heart of London's West End, the square is within easy walking distance from Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, Soho and Covent Garden. Surrounded by restaurants, cinemas and theatres, Leicester Square is a green and clean part of the West End.
Reviewed By 227ianc - London, United Kingdom
Leicester Square had had a long history and it is surprising to find out that the garden at the centre only became a public square in the 1840's; you feel that it is much longer. In fact the history of the space goes back to the 1630's when Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester aquired the land in this area and built his large London mansion here, fencing off the area of what had been common land - but was forced to open it up after an appeal to King James I and the decision of the Privy Council. Subsequent owners kept trying to find ways around this, and the courts frequently had to intercede until a Member of parliament Albert Grant purchased the garden in 1874 for £11,060 and donated it for public use. It was then re-landscaped including the statue of Shakespeare at the centre. The buildings around the Square have, over the centuries, changed from exclusive residential mansions to theatres and other entertainment venues, a character which still exists today, with well-known venues such as the Odeon, Leicester Square where many film premieres have taken place. It is also home to major retail outlets for Lego and M&M's, with remnants of the days when there was a Swiss Centre here at the end towards Piccadilly Circus, coming alive on the hour. Shakespeare has recently been joined by a new cast of characters, with bronze statues of characters from the world of film. There is a map to help you find them all - you will need it as some are fairly obvious, but Wonder Woman is bursting out of the hidden side of a building. Have a look also at the quality of the architecture, including the art deco cinemas. The Square is also home to the TKTS which, in good times, offers discounted tickets to West End theatres.
