Today I want to share my Charlotte Street guide with you. This famous road in London’s Fitzrovia is a great place to eat, drink, and explore. Its colorful facades and variety of restaurants and cafes make it a local favorite. I worked just off Charlotte Street when I first moved to the UK capital, and I still go back often to see what’s new. Read on for my top picks. I’ve included a map as well.
Charlotte Street
Charlotte Street sits right in the heart of Fitzrovia. It runs from Howland Street in the north to Percy Street in the south, and it continues down to Oxford Street as Rathbone Place. The road is beloved for its plethora of historic pubs, cafes, and restaurants.
Charlotte Street is surrounded by pedestrianized side streets, atmospheric tunnels, and narrow lanes full of village-like charm. They make this part of central London worth a special trip.
While locals love Charlotte Street, most visitors don’t realize it’s here. It’s easy to miss in the bustle of Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road, but it’s worth seeking out.
How to Get Here
It’s simple to get to Charlotte Street from other parts of London. The Goodge Street tube station is on the Northern line of the London Underground, and it’s located just to the east of the road.
Charlotte Street is also near Tottenham Court Road station, Warren Street station, and Great Portland Street station.
Additionally, it’s a short walk from Oxford Street, Euston Road, Tottenham Court Road, and landmarks like the British Museum and Regent’s Park. Local buses stop nearby, too.
You can also walk or cycle to Charlotte Street from areas like Bloomsbury, Soho, Marylebone, Covent Garden, and Mayfair. In short, there’s no excuse to keep away.
Where to Stay on Charlotte Street
If you want to stay on Charlotte Street, you have some good options. There’s a range of accommodation both on the street and in the surrounding area. From famous hotels to apartment rentals, you’re spoiled for choice.
The most obvious place to stay is the Charlotte Street Hotel. It’s in the name, after all, and it’s right in heart of the road. It’s my favorite local hotel in Fitzrovia, and I love everything from its colorful decor to its restaurant. There’s even a cinema. If that appeals, you can book a room here.
Right nearby, The Mandrake is one of my top picks for quirky places to stay in London. This boutique hotel is known for its opulent guest rooms, exclusive art displays, and stylish decor. You can book here.
You can see a range of other accommodation options and hotels in Fitzrovia here. There are plenty of good places to choose from.
Restaurants
When it comes to things to do on Charlotte Street, food is the main event. This road is bursting with places to eat, and you can find cuisine from all over the world here. It’s one of the best places to eat near top attractions like the British Museum.
While the restaurant scene changes all the time, a few long-standing staples have made a name for themselves here.
Kitchen Table and Pied a Terre are just the spots if you’re looking for fine dining, ROKA is a favorite for sushi, and Thai Metro has been my go-to for green curry in Fitzrovia for years.
And that’s to say nothing of ICCO, a pizza spot on the corner of Charlotte Street and Goodge Street. This place has been known for having some of the cheapest pizza in central London for decades, and it’s always a fun one for a casual bite.
There’s also everything from steakhouses to Mediterranean restaurants and modern European cuisine to be found here. Whether you want Turkish, Portuguese, Indian, or Georgian food, you’re spoiled for choice.
New and noteworthy additions include 74 Charlotte Street, a restaurant that focuses on accessible fine dining and serves dishes that blend seasonal flavors with fresh, contemporary touches. I was invited for a complimentary meal here a few weeks ago, and I enjoyed everything from the food to the service and atmosphere.
Cafes & Coffee Shops
When it comes to having a cuppa, there’s no shortage of spots to enjoy a tea or coffee on and around Charlotte Street.
Standouts include Italian Bear Chocolate at the very southern end of the street. As the name implies, this place is famous for its hot cocoa.
On nearby Charlotte Place, Lantana has been my go-to for coffee in Fitzrovia since I moved to London. This place brings Australian cafe culture to the heart of London. It has great food, and it’s a fun place for breakfast.
Pubs & Bars
When it comes to stronger drinks, Charlotte Street has some great options. The most famous is the Fitzroy Tavern. Once a haunt of heavyweights like Dylan Thomas, Augustus John, and George Orwell, today the historic interiors draw in locals and visitors alike.
If you’re looking for bars, there’s a branch of Vagabond here. This place is known for its self-pour wine dispensers and small bites. It’s a great date spot.
Next door, No. 23 is a hidden mezcal bar from the team behind neighboring Carousel. You can even enjoy Chuck George’s cult smashburgers with your cocktails here.
Local Area
Beyond food, there are a lot of places around Charlotte Street that are worth a trip when you’re in the area.
My favorite is Percy Passage. This narrow lane has the feel of a mews. It’s lined with colorful houses, and there’s lots of greenery to love.
Over on Rathbone Street, Newman Passage is another stunner. This tunnel next to the Newman Arms pub leads to a cobbled alley that was used in the closing credits of the 1970s TV show Minder. Whether you’ve seen the series or not, it’s an atmospheric place to explore.
In addition to these, the BT Tower, the British Museum, Bedford Square, Fitzroy Square, Oxford Street, and Warren Mews are all nearby.
Charlotte Street Map
If you want to get your bearings, you can see a map of Charlotte Street here. You can use it to locate all the restaurants, cafes, and other places I mentioned in this blog post.
Charlotte Street
I hope you’ve enjoyed this Charlotte Street guide and that it’s inspired you to get out and discover this exciting part of London. It’s still one of my favorite roads in the city after all these years.
There’s so much do and see around here, and I know you’ll enjoy getting to know this part of Fitzrovia as much as I have.
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