Old Compton Street
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If you entered the churchyard, exit, turn right then right again into Old Compton Street and walk along this bustling thoroughfare.
Originally known as Compton Street, the thoroughfare, like its neighbour Dean Street, was named by the builder Richard Frith as a compliment to Henry Compton (1632–1713), Dean of the Chapel Royal and the Bishop of London. The name first appears in the 1679 Parish ratebooks.
Here and throughout Soho, you can still see fine examples or remnants of the terraces of early Georgian houses built by Frith and his contemporaries. Some have three or four storeys, others only two, but with their flat fronts, sash windows, decorations over the doorways and windows, they are prominent. This vibrant area is the centre of London's gay community with its bars, cafés and restaurants including the famous Admiral Duncan pub. The street is closed to vehicular traffic for the Soho Pride festival one weekend each year in late summer. ///starts.narrow.liver
Old Compton Street has some of the most popular and iconic shops, restaurants and cafes of Soho. It also resembles a Paris street, a legacy, perhaps, of Soho’s French Huguenot connections that go back several centuries.
At no 59 the 2i’s Coffee Bar opened its doors to many of the early British Rock n’ Roll artists such as Tommy Steele and Cliff Richard. Note the Westminster green plaque that commemorates this famous bar. ///necks.landed.slap
Close by, are some of the best known pubs and drinking places in the area. As you get to Dean Street you will see to your right The French House, a pub at various times called the York Minster. During the Second World War, it was a focal point for the gallant Free French forces, and was visited by General Charles de Gaulle. Thereafter it had a French landlord and sold more wine and spirits than beer, leading to a tradition of serving beer only in half-pints.