West End

Britain’s shop window and a cultural jewel, the West End is the thriving commercial heart of London.

A world-famous location, the West End’s Oxford, Regent and Bond Streets, Soho, Theatreland, Chinatown, Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Edgware Road attract over 15 million tourists every year.

The West End offers…

40 theatres that contribute around £1 billion to the UK economy every year

100 million shopping visits every year

More retail space than Paris or Rome, with 120 international brands and 95 flagship stores

285,000 jobs with over 13,000 in the entertainment industry

Westminster City Council manages the West End, ensuring it is a safe and attractive area for residents and visitors. To help secure the West End’s future as a world-class location, the council is also leading an ambitious programme of improvements.  We believe there are five key factors in securing the West End’s future:

1. Maintaining the public realm.
2. Continuing to improve the retail and entertainment offer to visitors.
3. Securing government investment in local infrastructure - particularly transport.
4. Protecting resident communities.
5. Maintaining the area’s historic appeal.

Click on the links to the left to find out more about the West End today, the council’s vision for its future and how to make most of your time in one of the UK’s most thriving destinations.