Why Leicester Square Is London’s Entertainment Heart
Leicester Square sits at the centre of London’s West End, surrounded by cinemas, theatres and bars that keep the area buzzing well past midnight. For anyone planning a night out in the capital, it offers a rare concentration of venues within a few minutes’ walk of each other. You can catch a blockbuster premiere, see a West End musical and finish the evening with live music or a cabaret show, all without needing a taxi between stops.
The square itself was laid out in the 17th century and named after the Sidney family, the Earls of Leicester. Today it is pedestrianised, tree-lined and dominated by the Shakespeare fountain and the statue of Charlie Chaplin. The surrounding streets — Cranbourn Street, Lisle Street, Leicester Street and Coventry Street — are packed with entertainment options.
The Big Theatres and Cinemas
The most famous venues here are the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square and the Empire Cinema, both of which host major film premieres. The Odeon, with its black glass facade and neon signage, has been a landmark since the 1930s. The Empire, just across the square, combines a cinema with a large live music and club space, hosting everything from film screenings to DJ nights.
For theatre, the nearby Leicester Square Theatre on Cranbourn Street is a smaller, more intimate venue known for comedy, cabaret and one-person shows. It seats around 400 people, which means there is rarely a bad view. A short walk away, the Prince Charles Cinema is a cult favourite for its sing-along screenings, all-night movie marathons and cheap tickets.
Live Music and Cabaret
Leicester Square has a long association with live performance. The Hippodrome, on the corner of Cranbourn Street and Charing Cross Road, began life as a variety theatre and music hall in 1900. Over the decades it hosted everyone from Harry Houdini to The Beatles. Today the building is known for its late-night entertainment, with a programme that includes cabaret, circus-style acts and DJs.
Other venues in the area cater to different tastes. The 100 Club on Oxford Street, a short walk north, is legendary for jazz, punk and rock. The PizzaExpress Jazz Club on Dean Street in Soho, about ten minutes away, hosts international jazz artists in a basement setting. And for something more theatrical, the cabaret bars around Old Compton Street offer drag shows, burlesque and live singing most nights of the week.
What to Expect on a Night Out
A typical evening in Leicester Square might start with dinner in Chinatown, which borders the square to the north. From there you could see a show at the Leicester Square Theatre or the Prince Charles Cinema, then move on to a bar or club. Many venues stay open until 3am or later, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
Prices vary widely. Cinema tickets are cheapest before noon and on Mondays. Theatre tickets can be found at the TKTS booth in the square, which sells same-day seats at a discount. Bars and clubs often charge entry after 10pm, so arriving earlier can save money.
Transport is straightforward. Leicester Square station is on the Northern and Piccadilly lines, with exits directly into the square. Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross are also within walking distance. Night buses run from nearby Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross Road.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Book theatre and cinema tickets in advance for weekends and school holidays.
- Check age restrictions — many late-night venues are 18+ only.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the area is best explored on foot.
- Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded spots, as pickpockets can operate in busy tourist areas.
- Look for happy hour deals at bars before 8pm to keep costs down.
Leicester Square has no shortage of theatres and bars, but the casino hippodrome offers something different with its mix of cabaret and gaming under one roof.
Whether you want a big-budget musical, an independent film or a late-night cabaret, Leicester Square delivers. The concentration of venues means you can build an entire evening without leaving a few streets, and the variety ensures there is something for almost every taste and budget.
