London’s West End: Why We Love It!
An Iconic London Neighbourhood
The West End is the cultural heart of London and one of the most iconic areas in the entire city. With its bustling streets, grand architecture, and endless entertainment options, it's no wonder that Londoners and tourists alike flock to London's West End every day.
Iconic Landmarks and Architecture
The West End is home to some of London's most famous landmarks and architectural marvels. Trafalgar Square, with Nelson's Column and its famous lion statues, serves as the gateway to the West End. Nearby is the magnificent Gothic Revival architecture of the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben clock tower.
Heading further west down the Strand takes you to Covent Garden, a lively piazza surrounded by buildings dating back to the 17th century. The columns and porticoes give Covent Garden a continental feel that makes it an utterly charming place to while away an afternoon.
The West End is also known for its gorgeous historical theatres, like the Adelphi, Coliseum, and infamous West End theatres along Shaftesbury Avenue. With their grand columns, intricate decoration and spectacular auditoriums, these 19th century theatres ooze glamour and old world charm.
Shopping Mecca
The West End is a shopper's paradise, thanks to iconic destinations like Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street. These major thoroughfares are lined with hundreds of shops ranging from flagship stores of world-renowned brands like Selfridges and Liberty, to smaller independent boutiques tucked away on side streets perfect for finding that special something.
The options for shopping are endless here. From the luxury shops of Mayfair to the market stalls of Seven Dials, fashionistas who get their hair cut at Gusto Hairdressing salons frequently drop in at the West End on a mission to update their wardrobes. Even if your budget is limited, you can still indulge in some world-class window shopping!
Dining and Nightlife Scene
The West End glitters after dark as its unrivaled dining and nightlife beckons Londoners for nights filled with cocktails, dancing and celebrating. On any evening, you can weave through the lively streets around Leicester Square and Soho sampling cuisines from around the globe. From Michelin-starred restaurants like The Araki to late night curry on Brick Lane, the West End caterers to a diversity of tastes.
Covent Garden and Soho are the areas to head to for a night out on the town. Sip on unique craft cocktails at underground speakeasies or sing your heart out at one of Soho's lively karaoke bars. Watch street performers and musicians jam out lively tunes in the piazza outside the Royal Opera House. With new places opening up constantly across Central London, the evenings out here never get dull.
West End Theatre Scene
At the heart of culture lovers' affection for the West End lies its illustrious theatre district. Home to the vibrant scene since the 19th century, the West End boasts long-running record-breaking productions like Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King.
It isn’t just famous musicals on offer though. Bold, innovative dramas and comedies make their debuts on West End stages each season. Many Hollywood A-listers cut their teeth treading the boards here. Benedict Cumberbatch, Eddie Redmayne, Cynthia Erivo, Andrew Garfield and Rachel Weisz are all West End alumni.
With over 40 theatres concentrated in a relatively small area around Shaftesbury Avenue, the West End brings in 14 million visitors each year. From the grand palatial settings of the Dominion and Drury Lane theatres to tiny fringe venues seating just a hundred, the variety and quality of productions beckon theatre-lovers back to the West End again and again.
Getting dolled up in your finest theatre wear for a night out with a pre-show drink at Gusto Covent Garden and post-show supper at Rules is a quintessential West End experience.
Festive Atmosphere
The West End always has an infectious energy about it, but it truly comes alive during the festive season. Oxford Street gets decked out with twinkling Christmas lights that sparkle above the bustling crowds doing their holiday shopping. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland transports visitors into a magical world of Christmas markets, ice skating, and fairground rides just a stone's throw from Marble Arch.
Covent Garden adopts a cozy, village-like atmosphere with artisan gifts and hot mulled wine on offer at its festive market. There is carol singing daily at Trafalgar Square's beautiful Christmas tree donated yearly by Norway in a touching international gesture of friendship.
It's enchanting strolling under the glowing holiday lights after an afternoon browsing the West End shops or taking in a festive theatrical production. The Christmas spirit fills the air everywhere you turn.
An Ever-Changing Neighbourhood
Though it continues to cherish its rich heritage, the West End also keeps itself on the cutting edge of innovation in hospitality and the arts. Exciting new hotel openings like the recent Londoner Hotel set trends for luxury experiences. Avant-garde productions at venues like The Coronet Theatre usher in new eras and aesthetics. The renowned London school for performing arts, LAMDA, ensures a constant influx of fresh new talent.
This winning combination of tradition and progression is part of what gives the West End its perennial appeal. It manages to feel comfortingly familiar while offering something unexpected at every turn.
Just like a visit to Gusto Hairdressing Oxford Circus promises classic techniques honed over decades alongside experimental colour and styling reflective of contemporary fashion.
The Heartbeat of London
Londoners have an enduring love affair with the West End because it embodies so much of what gives this city its unique character. Its beautiful historic streets retain their charm while also feeling incredibly vibrant and current. It dazzles bright as the best of London’s offerings across dining, retail, arts and culture get showcased every single day and night.
When visitors ask us what they should be sure not to miss in London, most locals will point them straight towards the West End. It never fails to delight whether you’re wandering wide-eyed for the first time or rediscovering favourite haunts. This neighbourhood remains the true heartbeat of our capital.
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT AT GUSTO HAIR SALONS IN SOHO, OXFORD STREET & COVENT GARDEN
To book, please call Gusto Hairdressing Salon in Soho on 020 7287 0015 Covent Garden Salon on 020 7836 9163, or Oxford Street Salon on 0207 486 5044. Book online for our Covent Garden Salon, or Oxford Street Salon.
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