Cleveland Street: The famous high street in Fitzrovia

If you only know Fitzrovia for its proximity to Oxford Street, you’re missing one of its best-kept streets. Cleveland Street runs quietly between the noise of the West End and the calm of Marylebone, serving as both a local high street and a passage through layers of London’s history.

Here, Georgian houses with painted doors stand beside Victorian brick façades, independent restaurants share space with old corner pubs, and every few steps reveal a story — from everyday neighbourhood life to tales of 19th-century scandal.

The vibe at Cleveland Street

How does the current vibe in Cleveland Street feel?

Cleveland Street in London W1 is the kind of central London street that rewards those who wander off the beaten path. Tucked between Fitzrovia and Marylebone, it offers a pedestrian-friendly stroll where historic charm and a contemporary lifestyle blend seamlessly. Tree-lined in parts and flanked by Georgian houses, Victorian buildings, and handsome brick façades, the street feels like a quiet thread in the fabric of the West End.

By day, you’ll spot office workers grabbing morning coffee spots, residents cycling along bike-friendly routes in Fitzrovia, and visitors pausing to admire Grade II listed buildings. By evening, the street takes on a warm glow from pubs and wine bars, perfect for a relaxed night out after a day of exploring.

Cleveland Street in the past

While today it’s known for its easy-going charm, Cleveland Street’s history is far from quiet. In the late 19th century, it was at the centre of the Cleveland Street scandal – a Victorian-era exposé that revealed both the moral codes and hypocrisies of its time.

Long before that, it functioned as a working street for tradespeople and artisans, its mix of housing and small shops reflecting the needs of an evolving London.
Those layers still exist if you know where to look – in the preserved brickwork, the workhouse building, and the way the street resists becoming just another gentrified postcard.

Must-visit spots at Cleveland Street

Cleveland Street isn’t the kind of road you just pass through. Its length is dotted with places worth stepping inside — whether you’re hungry, in the mood for a drink, or curious about its historic architecture. This is where Fitzrovia’s local life is easy to see, and even easier to join.

1. Restaurants & eateries on Cleveland Street:

Nua – 55 Cleveland St, London W1T 4JL
A compact Thai restaurant where the aroma of lemongrass and coconut hits you as soon as you walk in. The menu leans into comforting classics — green curry, pad thai — with generous portions that keep the lunch crowd coming back.

Hanasaki Japanese Restaurant – 53 Cleveland St, London W1T 4JJ
Small, unpretentious, and focused on fresh sushi and Japanese comfort food. Thís vibe is always perfect for a family visit in Central London.

Brazilian Gourmet – 70 Cleveland St, London W1T 6LY
Bright, colourful, and full of the smell of grilled meats. Expect generous Brazilian plates, plenty of rice and beans, and desserts that are as sweet as the staff’s welcome.

Sensations – 90b Cleveland St, London W1T 6NL
Quick bites done well — wraps, baguettes, smoothies. Ideal if you’re walking the neighbourhood and want something fresh to take away in your day at Fitzrovia.

Fitzroy Wine Cellar & Kitchen – 86 Cleveland St, London W1T 6NQ
Part wine shop, part restaurant. Come for a glass of something interesting, stay for the cheese boards and small plates that pair perfectly. This is where you can actually enjoy the time with your friends in Central London.

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2. Modern bars & pubs on Cleveland Street (and nearby)

The King & Queen – 1 Foley St, London W1W 6DL (5-min walk to Cleveland St)
A traditional pub that manages to feel lively without being overwhelming. Live music nights and pub quizzes keep it rooted in local tradition.

The George & Dragon – 151 Cleveland St, London W1T 6QN
A corner pub with a long history and a loyal local following. The interior’s wood-panelled charm matches the easy-going atmosphere. If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Central London at night, this place is surely where you can have your good time.

Copita Fitzrovia Tapas Bar – 62 Goodge St, London W1T 4NE (4-min walk to Cleveland St)
Not on Cleveland Street itself but close enough to wander over for a plate of patatas bravas or a carafe of Spanish wine. On your day spent on Goodge Street, it’s best to end it here with good drinks and a fun night.

One Tun –58-60 Goodge St, London W1T 4ND (1-min walk to Cleveland St)
A vibrant pub that offers you real ales, sports on 3D TVs, and dartboards. With £10–20 per person, the hamburgers and fish and chips are surely to-die-for items here.

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3. Historical landmarks on Cleveland Street

Cleveland Street Workhouse – 44 Cleveland St, London W1T 4JQ
This Grade II listed building is one of the few surviving examples of Georgian workhouses in London. Its worn brickwork tells a sobering story about life for the city’s poor in centuries past.

Fitzrovia Chapel – 2 Pearson Square, London W1T 3BF (7-minute walk to Cleveland St)
A restored chapel with a glittering mosaic interior that catches the light in extraordinary ways. Often open for art shows or small cultural events, it’s worth stepping inside even if only for a moment of quiet.

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Wellness and leisure on Cleveland Street

Cleveland Street might be best known for its restaurants and history, but it also has a softer side. Between the dining spots and pubs, you’ll find places where locals take time out for themselves — a quick haircut, a skin treatment, or a relaxed chat with a trusted stylist.

Blanche Beauty – 61 Cleveland St, London W1T 4JR
A sleek, modern beauty salon that feels warm rather than clinical. They’re known for detailed facials, precise manicures, and skin treatments that draw in a steady stream of Fitzrovia regulars.

Hair by Larissa – Inside Blanche, 61 Cleveland St, London W1T 4JR
Sharing space with Blanche Beauty, Larissa offers personalised haircuts and styling. The setup is intimate — one-on-one appointments where you actually have time to talk through what you want.

Accessibility and things to do nearby Cleveland Street

Part of Cleveland Street’s charm is how easy it is to reach — and how much there is within a few minutes’ walk once you’re here. The surrounding Fitzrovia Quarter is packed with art, food, and historic streets that make exploring on foot the best option.

1. Tram lines you must know to reach Cleveland Street

Cleveland Street sits between three Underground stations — Warren Street, Goodge Street, and Great Portland Street – all within a 10-minute walk.

Buses run along nearby Euston Road and Tottenham Court Road, giving you direct links across Central London. The street itself is pedestrian-friendly, and cyclists will find several bike-friendly routes weaving through Fitzrovia.

2. Places to immerse in the art: Under-5-minute-walk to Cleveland Street

The Cartoon Museum – 63 Wells St, W1A 3AE (6-min walk to Cleveland St)

A bright, welcoming museum dedicated to British cartoon art, from centuries-old satire to modern graphic novels. It’s small enough to explore in under an hour but packed with humour and history

★ Current exhibition: “Samuel Ojo’s Ìrìn Àjò” brings together personal stories of migration, political critique, and playful visuals.

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Rhodes Contemporary Art Gallery – 9a Windmill St, W1T 2JF (8-min walk to Cleveland St)

A gallery with a bold focus on contemporary and urban art, often featuring big names from the street art world. Exhibitions here are punchy, often mixing fine art techniques with modern subculture references.

★ Current exhibition: Ctrl + Paint by Lino Lago overlays classical portraiture with glitch-like digital brushstrokes, blending past and present in striking, unexpected ways.

Zari Gallery – 73 Newman St, W1T 3EJ (5-min walk to Cleveland St)

Known for showcasing emerging talent alongside established names, Zari Gallery keeps its exhibitions varied and thought-provoking.

★ Upcoming exhibition: “Nandita Chaudhuri – Displacement” (1-11 September) explores themes of migration and identity through vivid, layered works.

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3. Places to eat: Under-5-minute-walk to Cleveland Street

KIN Cafe & Restaurant (3-min walk)

Fresh, seasonal plates with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. It’s a bright, open space that fills quickly during lunchtime.

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Counter by Naroon (3-min walk)

Located among the food scene of Great Titchfield St, this places stands out for its Persian-inspired food served in a clean, modern setting. Known for colourful salads, fragrant stews, and perfectly baked flatbreads.

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Drunch Oxford Circus (5-min walk)

A brunch favourite in Fitzrovia with an fulfilling menu, varying from avocado on toast to full english breakfast. It also offers you a cosy, slightly glamorous vibe, ideal for a lazy weekend morning on your shopping day on Oxford Street.

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4. Places to drink: Under-5-minute-walk to Cleveland Street

The Ship (4-min walk)

A traditional London pub with over 250 years of history behind it. It’s popular with after-work regulars in Fitzrovia, but the friendly staff make newcomers feel welcome – especially if you grab a spot near the front windows for a bit of Fitzrovia people-watching.

The Green Man (5-min walk)
A bigger, livelier pub that works just as well for a quick pint as it does for watching live sports on the big screens. The beer list covers familiar favourites and rotating craft options, perfect for a night out with your pals.

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More exciting streets to explore in Fitzrovia Quarter neighborhood

Cleveland Street is just one part of Fitzrovia’s network of walkable, character-filled streets. If you have time to wander, there are plenty of nearby roads that carry the same mix of history, independent shops, and excellent food — each with its own personality

✪ Great Portland Street – 7 min walk: Mix of local shops and everyday services, plus several solid coffee stops.

✪ Great Titchfield Street – 6 min walk: Concentration of well-rated restaurants and casual lunch spots.

✪ Oxford Street – 10 min walk: Major shopping street with flagship fashion and department stores.

✪ Tottenham Court Road – 12 min walk: Known for furniture, homeware, and electronics retailers.

✪ Goodge Street – 5 min walk: Compact street with independent cafés and a few small shops.

From food to history to easy connections across Fitzrovia, Cleveland Street is a small stretch of Central London that manages to offer a lot in one walkable route. You can always find the fun or a piece of mind while being at West End, whether you’re stopping just for a moment of your day.