Old Compton Street

Westminster Council is trying hard to improve the seedy image of the old Soho which was the vice capital of London. It has now largely confined the sex industry to the area around Brewer Street
However, I’m glad that they haven’t completely sterilised the area of all life and character. Old Compton Street has survived the transition and today, it remains one of the best places in London to catch some café life and people watch. Yes, I think actually isn’t a better place in London to people watch than on a street café chair on the street or through the window of Maoz, one of the best falafel places in town
There is an amazing array of restaurants, cheap like The Stockpot to expensive, cuisines from all over the globe (Japanese, American, Moroccan, Thai, Spanish, French, Lebanese, English, Indian off the top of my head). In the summer, these and the many cafes spill out onto the street, creating a wonderful atmosphere and buzz
Other highlights along here are the original branch of Patisserie Valerie, the Prince Edward Theatre currently showing the Jersey Boys and the Admiral Duncan which was bombed as few years ago but has bounced back

This is the gay high street of London so typically über cool and totally bohemian. With eateries and bars serving to a high standard adorning both sides of the street, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to wetting your whistle. Believe me there are many ways to wet it in this part of town.
If you’ve been hitting it hard in the gym and want an appeasing eye or fifty checking you out, take a stroll down Old Compton Street on a sunny day, I promise you your ego will feel nicely massaged.
If you have had a late one and you don’t fancy a kebab on the nightbus home there are a few places on the strip to get a decent sit down meal such as Balans or Café Boheme.