Fitzrovia’s History
Fitzrovia began developing in the late 18th century, gradually transforming from rural estates into a more urban setting. Unlike many of its neighbours, Fitzrovia wasn’t developed through a single master plan but rather by multiple private landowners. This is still evident in the area’s maze-like street layout and architectural variety. The name originates from Charles FitzRoy, whose estate included Fitzroy Square, which was designed by the architect Robert Adam.
Fitzrovia’s Architecture
Fitzrovia offers a rich cross-section of London’s architectural history. Georgian and Victorian buildings, featuring ornate windows and wrought-iron balconies, create a romantic and well-preserved atmosphere. Many properties have been converted from residences into studios, galleries, or offices, but the original exteriors have largely been retained. The area also features modern landmarks, such as the iconic BT Tower, a communications and television tower completed in 1964, which was once London’s tallest building, and remains a recognisable local landmark.
Fitzrovia’s Artistic Legacy
In the early 20th century, Fitzrovia became a meeting place for bohemian artists, writers, and intellectuals. Figures such as Virginia Woolf, George Bernard Shaw and Dylan Thomas lived or gathered in the area, and several blue plaques mark the houses where they stayed. This legacy reflects a liberal, creative atmosphere where people from different backgrounds lived and worked side by side – a spirit still present in the area’s small galleries and cultural offerings.
Cultural Attractions
Fitzrovia is home to several interesting cultural venues, particularly contemporary art galleries. The Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery showcases Aboriginal art from Australia, featuring symbolic patterns and motifs, alongside changing exhibitions of modern art. The Coningsby Gallery focuses on illustration and graphic art. The Fitzrovia Chapel, formerly a hospital chapel, now serves as a cultural space for exhibitions and events.
Just outside Fitzrovia, within walking distance, are the Wellcome Collection, which combines medicine, culture, and art, and the UCL Art Museum in Bloomsbury, which displays academic and historical artworks dating back to the 15th century.
Fitzrovia Mural – Community Stories on the Street
On the wall of Whitfield Gardens on Tottenham Court Road is the Fitzrovia Mural, a large-scale public artwork depicting local life across the ages. Painted in 1980 by artists Mick Jones and Simon Barber, the mural features local workers, immigrants, buildings, and cultural figures such as Dylan Thomas. The top section features the BT Tower, while the lower parts highlight the neighbourhood’s social history and sense of community. The mural has been restored several times, and the square offers benches for a peaceful rest amid the bustle on Tottenham Court Road.
Restaurants
Fitzrovia is known for its stylish yet laid-back dining scene. The Michelin-starred Pied à Terre serves modern French cuisine, while Kitchen Table offers an intimate fine dining experience with a daily tasting menu focusing on top-quality British ingredients. A more contemporary perspective is brought by Michelin-starred West African restaurants, such as Akoko, which blends traditional West African flavours with modern presentation, and Chishuru, known for its spicy, inventive dishes served in a warm and welcoming setting.
Roka Charlotte Street offers Japanese robatayaki-style dishes, while Palms of Goa serves bold, spice-rich Indian fine dining.
For vegetarian and vegan options, the long-established Mildreds is popular for its flavourful plant-based dishes in a casual setting, and Farmacy serves organic meals with a California-inspired twist.
Cafés – Scandinavian Calm and Distinctive Concepts
Fitzrovia is one of London’s most interesting areas for coffee lovers. Independent cafés offer speciality coffee, brunch, or peaceful working spaces.
ScandiKitchen combines a café with a Nordic deli, offering a selection of treats including cinnamon buns, gravlax sandwiches, and chocolates from Fazer and Marabou. Its minimalist, Scandinavian interior and cosy atmosphere make it a lovely place to pause.
Attendant is a café in a converted Victorian toilet, now beautifully restored using original materials. The high-quality small-batch coffee and inventive setting attract both locals and visitors.
Kaffeine is an Australian-style espresso bar known for its exceptional barista skills and relaxed atmosphere, serving fresh sandwiches and handmade pastries.
Lantana blends Australian and British flavours in a modern, bright space. Brunch is a highlight, featuring popular choices such as avocado toast and fresh juices.
Pubs
Fitzroy Tavern is a historic pub located on Charlotte Street, which was a favoured gathering place for writers and artists in the early 20th century. It serves traditional British ales and retains its original Victorian charm. Lore of the Land, owned by director Guy Ritchie, offers British pub food and craft beers. Its Sunday Roast is especially popular and requires a booking well in advance.
Interior Shops on Tottenham Court Road
The western edge of Fitzrovia, along Tottenham Court Road, is known for its interior design shops. The classic Heal’s offers furniture, lighting, and home accessories, while BoConcept brings sleek Danish design to the area. Timothy Oulton showcases luxurious vintage-inspired interiors, and you may find a dramatic spaceship-like installation inside, available for purchase if you have the space for it. Andrew Martin blends global design influences into its collections.
Parks and Green Spaces
Although Fitzrovia is densely built, it features several pleasant parks and squares. Whitfield Gardens on Tottenham Court Road is a fully public urban space ideal for short breaks. Fitzroy Square is a peaceful historic square surrounded by Georgian buildings. Its central garden is private and usually closed to the public, but nearby benches offer a chance to relax.
Just beyond Fitzrovia, within walking distance, are larger green spaces, such as Regent’s Park and Russell Square, both open to the public and ideal for walking or relaxing outdoors.
Hotels in Fitzrovia
Fitzrovia offers several distinctive hotel options. The Treehouse Hotel London features a lush, green decor, utilising natural materials, and boasts a rooftop bar with panoramic views over London. Charlotte Street Hotel is an arts-focused boutique hotel where artworks are a key part of the public and private spaces. The Gem Fitzrovia Hotel offers a more traditional English decor and a quieter option close to the Fitzroy Tavern and Charlotte Street restaurants. All hotels are centrally located, within walking distance of local cafés, parks, and cultural attractions.
Nearby Attractions and Neighbourhoods
Fitzrovia sits in a prime central London location. To the south lies bustling Soho, to the east is cultured Bloomsbury, and to the west, elegant Marylebone. To the north, Regent’s Park offers green space and attractions, including the London Zoo. The British Museum and the Wallace Collection are also just a short walk away.
