Carnaby – London’s Fashion and Music Quarter

Carnaby St is a name that resonates with echoes of the 1960s. It was the location where music met fashion with independent designers such as Mary Quant and clubs such as The Bag O’Nails making it the epicentre of swinging London. To download the fascinating free Carnaby music history walking tour app go to carnabyechoes.com.

The whole area has recently been rebranded as ‘Carnaby’ taking in thirteen adjoining streets packed to the brim with independent  fashion designers as well as flagship stores of classic brands such as Ben Sherman and Dr Martens as well as contemporary icons such as Diesel, G-Star Raw, Muji and Scotch & Soda.

The Kingly Court restaurant development has brought an added vibrancy to the area. Recent openings include ‘healthy Greek’ The Life Goddess (see our review) and Señor Ceviche celebrating the best of Peruvian cuisine, cocktails and culture. More long standing Kingly Court residents include Pizza Pilgrims Pizzeria and Frigittoria, tonkotsu ramen bar Shoryu Carnaby, modern Indian Cinnamon Soho, Hawaiian burger grill Kua’Aina and Asian noodle bar Cha Cha Moon. If you want to try them out why not sign up to the Carnaby Village Tour, giving you a chance to ‘restaurant-hop’  enjoying a taster dish and drink at each. The final one takes place on 25 October, with tickets priced at £55. For more information and to book your ticket visit: http://www.londonrestaurantfestival.com/events/carnaby-village-tour/

With an intelligent letting policy from the developers, the area has developed a real character and identity. Take your teenager or student offspring or go and relive your youth!