Post by: Andy Hayes, PlanetEye Traveler

Pronounced “lester” (not lie-chester or lick-ster, both of which I have heard on occasion), the square is the cinema and entertainment hub of London and you’ll always find one event or another going on here.  It is probably the one spot in London that most resembles New York, at least in terms of vibe and atmosphere.

Leicester can feel a bit crowded, and many will point to it as one of the more touristy experiences in London. Leicester is a fantastic place to walk around – it’s great for people watching, photo opportunities, and the heaving piles of souvenirs in the shops will make sure you get home with a little charm and trinket for everybody.

Here are some Leicester highlights.  It’s always a party in Leicester Square, so come prepared to have some fun.

Theater

It's Always A Party In Leicester Square!

When you hear about London film premiers for both British and American films, they usually are premiering here in Leicester square.  You’ll find the biggest cinemas in the city – one with well over 1,500 seats! If you’re into star sightings as well as catching first glimpse at a movie release, then this very well might be your prefered hangout.

Given all the cinemas, it is hard to prepare an exhaustive list, but a few noteworthy mentions:

  • Odeon Leicester Square is the massive, 1683 seat theater that dominates the square.  It was the first cinema in Europe to switch to digital projection screens.  Odeon is a major Eurpoean cinema brand, and there are two other Odeon theaters within walking distance (Odeon Mezzanine and Odeon West End), so be sure to double check your tickets.
  • Empire is the second largest cinema on the square and is often the venue-of-choice for big blockbuster premiers. Some say they also have the highest quality experience out of the lot.
  • Prince Charles Cinema - this isn’t the biggest, loudest, or the brashest at all.  In fact, this is a small cinema with cheap tickets and typically features cult cinema, and that’s exactly why I love it.  They’re known for a regular run of Rocky Horror Picture Show – if you haven’t seen the show in a cinema environment, I suggest you do – though be prepared for a wild ride.

The most ornate and beautiful of all theaters, the Alhambra, was the dominating feature of the square in the 1800s.  It was demolished in 1936 to make way for the large Odeon theater you see today.

Let’s step outside of the theater for a minute to talk about history.  This wasn’t always a huge cinema hub, obviously.  The square is named after the 2nd earl of Leicester, who had a large home on this square named Leicester House.   The square once had a museum in the 1700s, and in the 1800s was the subject of a number of court battles determining its future as the land was under contract to have no new buildings built on it.  Today, as you can see, construction is alive and well and the square is now owned and maintained by the city.

If you notice, amid the hustle and bustle and neon glare, there is actually a small park in the center of the square. Originally this square was a park, almost entirely, but of course the retail needs have taken over.  In the square has a statue of William Shakespeare, as well as other statues of famous British personas.  And on the sidewalk, there are some interesting etchings about the British Empire.

The park seems all but overlooked, as if it was an aftersight, but it came first.  I’d encourage you to wander around and have a look – it is a shame there isn’t more of the park left.

Eat

It’s the fast food changes who have some of the biggest signage in the square, but that doesn’t mean you need to go for burgers and fries (or chips, I should say).  The area has a few chain restaurants as well as a few one of cafes, as well as the Chinese district right here, so finding a place to eat isn’t hard.

  • Garfunkles:  This is a UK family-friendly food chain, and while it isn’t exciting, it is good value.  If you are visiting and just want some old fashioned British comfort food, Garfunkles works without breaking the budget.  There is a quiet Garfunkles just a few blocks north on Charing Cross Road.
  • Baozi Inn:  This is a great place to get some inexpensive, Szechuan-style street food.  Known for their noodles, you don’t have to go to Taiwan to get good Taiwanese.
  • Gabi’s Deli: Huge portions and fresh ingredients will certainly leave an impression on you here at this Jewish Deli.  It’s so small, only the crowds are the thing that gives away the secret.

Note that given the theater influence here, you’ll find restaurants quite busy before showtimes.  But, you can also get pre-theater specials, even if you aren’t seeing a play.

Now that you know all about the party in Leicester Square – book your accommodation! Just click for affordable short term accommodations in London.

Cheers!

Photo Credits: Ewan-M, Shane Global Language Centres