This area sits at the crossroads of multiple different districts. Known by locals as Aldwych, from its western edge, visitors flock to the multiple upscale hotels such as the Waldorf Hilton, and the musical productions at the Aldwych Theatre. Meanwhile, the other side of the neighbourhood is home to corporate offices, and multiple world-renowned academic institutions like The London School of Economics and King’s College. A diverse array of eateries, such as the elegant Delaunay brasserie and coffee lovers’ favourite, Lundenwic, line the streets in order to serve the multiple tourists, office workers, and students of the area. While few live in Aldwych, it’s hard to find a Londoner lacking reason to frequent the neighbourhood. With its stunning grade II-listed Edwardian academic and business buildings, it’s not a bad place to find yourself.

Aldwych dates back to the 5th century, when the Saxons developed a riverside market town called Ludenwic. By the eleventh century, a Danish community had settled in the area, bringing with them the name Aldwych. It wasn’t until the late 19th century though that the famous Aldwych street crescent was formed. With this major street development came the construction of the multiple grandiose buildings that the area is known for today. Some of these now listed beloved buildings include the Novello and Aldwych theatres, as well as the Australia and India Houses.

Famed composer and actor, Ivor Novello, was born and raised in Aldwych. He is most well known for his beloved line “Me Tarzan, you Jane,” which he wrote for Johnny Weissmuller in the 1932 film, Tarzan the Ape Man.

Atop Bush House, the former home of the BBC, sits two statues meant to symbolise Anglo American friendship, with the inscription “To the friendship of English speaking peoples.” Crafted by American sculptor, Malvina Hoffman, the statues were recently dressed up as contemporary hipster students as a part of a King’s College exhibit.

In part due to the neighbourhood’s high concentration of students and tourists, it unfortunately means it also has a significantly higher crime rate than other parts of London. The majority of the crimes are non-violent though, and are categorised as miscellaneous theft. Regardless, students in the area feel extremely comfortable walking through the neighbourhood at all hours, even when taking breaks from late night library sessions.

Although the neighbourhood is already bursting with energy – both academic and business-oriented – the redevelopment of major portions of the area has been underway for a couple of years now. Referred to by developers as the Northbank (as a nod to the nearby Southbank across the Thames), the area was designated in 2013 as a Business Improvement District (BID) and the plans have led to the construction of new luxury residences and offices. The BID secured in 2018 £18 million in funding for the redevelopment of the Strand Aldwych gyratory to reinvision the area as a green, attractive and active social and creative space. Enhancements began in early 2021 and should be completed in late 2022. Additionally, multiple iconic buildings in the area are undergoing major refurbishments, with some already reopened, such as King’s College’s Bush House.