Peter Street, London
Peter Street is a minor yet historically significant street located in the West End of London. Nestled in the heart of Soho, this short street forms a T-junction with Wardour Street at its eastern end, while Hopkins Street and Berwick Street connect to it from the north, creating a quiet yet well-connected enclave within the bustling entertainment and cultural district.
Layout and Surrounding Streets
Peter Street is modest in length and runs roughly east to west. It connects with prominent local streets and lies entirely within the City of Westminster. At its eastern end, it meets Wardour Street, a major north–south thoroughfare, while its central portion is intersected by Hopkins Street and Berwick Street, both of which are one-way roads. The street is lined with a mixture of retail outlets, eateries, residential flats, and low-rise commercial premises.
The atmosphere is quintessentially Soho — vibrant yet tucked away. Despite being only a stone's throw from some of London Underground Stations and major thoroughfares, Peter Street offers a surprisingly quiet escape with a charming, slightly gritty character that appeals to creative professionals and longtime locals alike.
Origin and Name of the Street
The street is named after Saint Peter, a popular Christian saint, and the name is thought to have been adopted during the 17th century when much of Soho was being developed. The name Peter is pronounced as PEE-tər /ˈpiːtə(r)/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. It is typical of other religious or royalist street names common to the area during this period.
Historical Background
Peter Street was first laid out in the late 17th century as part of the broader development of Soho, which transformed from farmland into a densely populated urban district. Soho was then emerging as a fashionable area for aristocrats before gradually evolving into the bohemian and multicultural quarter that we know today. Over the centuries, the buildings along Peter Street have served various uses, from warehouses and artist studios to shops and pubs.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the area was known for its garment and textile trades, and remnants of this heritage still linger in the surrounding Berwick Street Market and the fabric shops scattered nearby.
Points of Interest
Though small in size, Peter Street lies near many points of interest:
- Berwick Street Market – One of London's oldest markets, located just north of Peter Street, famous for produce, street food, and vinyl records.
- The Box Soho – A renowned and exclusive performance venue located just off Peter Street, known for its provocative cabaret acts.
- Wardour Street – The eastern end of Peter Street connects with this historically significant thoroughfare, once home to many film and music studios.
- Golden Square – A few minutes' walk northeast of Peter Street, this Georgian square offers a peaceful green space surrounded by elegant period buildings.
Property and Real Estate
As of mid-2025, residential properties on and around Peter Street command high values typical of the Soho area. A one-bedroom flat of approximately 500 sq ft (46.5 sq m) may cost around £850,000, while larger apartments exceeding 1,200 sq ft (111.5 sq m) can fetch upwards of £2.5 million. Rental values are similarly premium, with smaller flats commanding between £2,500 to £4,000 per month, depending on specifications and amenities1.
Due to limited stock and protected historical status, properties on Peter Street are highly sought after and rarely appear on the open market. The blend of commercial and residential units also makes the street a desirable location for boutique businesses and creative agencies.
Transport and Accessibility
Peter Street enjoys excellent transport connectivity thanks to its central location. The closest London Underground stations are:
- Piccadilly Circus Station (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines)
- Leicester Square Station (Northern and Piccadilly lines)
- Tottenham Court Road Station (Central, Northern, and Elizabeth lines)
All three stations are within a 5–10 minute walk, making Peter Street extremely well served by the London Underground. Numerous bus routes also pass nearby, particularly along Shaftesbury Avenue and Regent Street, offering further connections to the rest of the city.
Fun Fact
Peter Street once housed the historic Peter Street Police Station, established in the 19th century to serve the rapidly growing Soho community. Though no longer functioning as a police facility, the building's exterior still retains some of its original architectural detailing, and it's a favourite among street photographers and architectural historians alike.
Quick Facts
- Location: Soho, City of Westminster, London
- Connecting Streets: Wardour Street, Hopkins Street, Berwick Street
- Name Origin: Named after Saint Peter; pronounced PEE-tər /ˈpiːtə(r)/
- Historical Significance: Developed in the 17th century as part of Soho's expansion
- Nearby Attractions: Berwick Street Market, The Box Soho, Golden Square
- Property Prices (2025): ~£850,000 for a 1-bed flat (500 sq ft / 46.5 sq m); ~£2.5 million for larger properties
- Rental Range: £2,500–£4,000/month depending on size and condition
- Nearest Underground Stations: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road
- Bus Access: Multiple routes along Shaftesbury Avenue and Regent Street
- Fun Fact: Formerly home to a historic 19th-century police station
References
Map of Peter Street, London
Painting of Peter Street
Painting of Peter Street
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