Charlotte Street
Charlotte Street is one of the more prominent parts of London. Geographically, the main noticeable fact of Charlotte Street is that technically it is in two different boroughs despite being a continual road. The divide between Camden and Westminster (Westminster being home to some of the most famous of London’s tourist attractions, and Camden being slightly more urbanized) runs along part of Charlotte Street, and it thus plays an important part in the map of the central part of London.
The street itself is in an area known as Fitzrovia, which is very close to the West End of London and all of its associated stage and theater shows. Charlotte Street has had an influence on even this geographical fact, as the name Fitzrovia is taken from a Fitzroy Tavern, which is located at 16 Charlotte Street. The tavern itself is a public house, and has a vivid history as the meeting place of some of London’s most forward thinking public figures. It was the local watering hole for the likes of Augustus John and George Orwell. There is also a modern association with the Fitzroy Tavern, in that it has been a popular place for fans of the BBC science fiction drama ‘Doctor Who’ to gather since the mid 1980s.
The reputation of Charlotte Street as a dwelling for artists and bohemian types lives on. It was on the street itself that somewhat off-beat broadcaster Channel 4 began its life, with their headquarters located at 60 Charlotte Street. In 1994, Channel 4 moved to larger premises. As well as television media, radio media has also previously had residence at Charlotte Street; as the commercial radio station, Xfm London, was also originally based there. Like Channel 4, Xfm London eventually moved on, this time to Leicester Square.
While all of this is interesting, Charlotte Street does not just have a cultural history for those interested in the arts and broadcasting. It is a prime destination for food lovers, as many restaurants, cafes and bars along the street itself are famed for their world cuisine. While there are few specifically named restaurants in the area, there is nevertheless the pervading sense that if one wishes to experience a sumptuous and authentic meal, Charlotte Street is the ideal destination.
Charlotte Street also has a rather unsavory, though nevertheless mildly amusing, history in that it was the residence of Theresa Berkley. Berkley was an early dominatrix, who operated mainly in the 19th century – smack in the middle of early, sedate and demure London. She ran a brothel at 28 Charlotte Street, which was known London-wide for offering specialist services, primarily flagellation. Berkley also invented a piece of equipment known as the Berkley Horse, a popular S&M device that made her fortune. Though there are no actual monuments to Berkley today, any tour guide will be quick to quip about her residence in Charlotte Street and the nevertheless legendary tales of debauchery in what was once the most uptight society in the world!