Fitzrovia

Fitzrovia sits between Oxford Street to the north, Tottenham Court Road to the east, Oxford Street to the north and the Marylebone Road — a tight rectangle of Georgian streets that is simultaneously central and genuinely calm. It's primarily known among Londoners for its restaurant density on Charlotte Street and the surrounding lanes.

Charlotte Street

Charlotte Street is one of London's most reliable restaurant streets — a mixture of established independents (Greek, Japanese, Middle Eastern, modern European) at mid-range prices that cater primarily to the media and creative industries that dominate the area. Less tourist-facing than nearby Covent Garden but equally well-placed for a pre- or post- theatre dinner.

The BT Tower

The 177-metre Post Office Tower (now BT Tower) dominates the Fitzrovia skyline — built in 1965, it was London's tallest building until 1980. It's not publicly accessible, but the rotating restaurant that used to occupy the top floor has become legendary in London food history; it's currently being transformed into a hotel with restaurant and public access planned to return.

Pollock's Toy Museum

A tiny, eccentric museum on Scala Street dedicated to Victorian toy theatre and antique toys — one of London's more unusual free/cheap attractions (small entry fee). Two townhouses connected by creaking staircases. Very much an acquired taste but worth knowing about.

Getting There

Goodge Street (Northern line) is the most central station. Tottenham Court Road (Central and Elizabeth lines) is also close and particularly well-connected.

Tips

• Charlotte Street for dinner is a reliable, mid-range choice that's calmer than Covent Garden or Soho.
• The area is very walkable from the British Museum (10 minutes east) — easy to combine.
• Bertorelli's and other long-running Italian restaurants on Charlotte Street are worth checking current reviews for.