Essential Hotels > England > London > West End & Bloomsbury

London’s West End is the nation’s home of entertainment and shopping, with some of the most famous names and renowned parts of the capital found in this large and flexible section. The term west end was used from the early 19th century and it was the rich who historically made the most of the area due to its setting away from the busyness and crowds of the City to the east; this gives some idea as to why it gained the name it did. Initially the area was made up of palaces, town houses, shops and other sources of entertainment, and while this part of London might not be as grand as it once was, it certainly retains elements of prestige and class.

Not only are there plenty of theatres lined up along the likes of the Strand and around Leicester Square, the area is also known for its cinemas, its bars, restaurants and nightclubs. As you might imagine this makes the West End a particular hotspot in the evening and into the early hours, although this doesn’t mean it isn’t busy during the day too. Just think of Covent Garden for example, crowds of visitors flock to this cultural part of London at the weekend to catch a glimpse of the street performers and entertainers, to visit the shops and stalls or even simply to relax and take on board a coffee.

As well as the aforementioned Strand, Covent Garden and Leicester Square, the West End is also home to Soho, the small ethnic enclave Chinatown, Trafalgar Square, Holborn and Bloomsbury. The latter of these sub-sections was built from the 1660s onwards in a neat grid style and comprises lovely Georgian squares such as Russell Square and a plethora of impressive buildings.

Bloomsbury is known for its prominence in the literary and education world, evidence of which can be seen in the presence of London University, the British Library, the Dickens House Museum, the British Medical Association and the world renowned British Museum. Past literary inhabitants include none other than TS Eliot and Virginia Woolf.

Also of note are a couple of festivals that take place in the west end each year; firstly, the New Year’s Day Parade which works its way through the streets of the region and secondly, West End Live which brings musical theatre to Leicester Square during the month of June.