public realm/landscape
Berwick Street Market, W1F 0PH
Come and join us to explore this historic market and its evolution. View images of it's historic past and its part in bringing us such exotic items as tomatoes, olive oil and grapefruit. Take a photograph from the same spot to recreate Oasis's iconic What's the story? (Morning Glory) album cover. Information point and advice on exploring other Soho Open House locations and events.
Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Tottenham Court Road
12:00–18:00
13:00–16:00
Meet some of the musicians and maybe hear a number or two!
Street trading in Berwick Street probably started in the late 1770s when shopkeepers displayed their wares on the pavements, but it was not officially recognised as a market until 1892.
French Huguenots, Greeks and Italians populated the Soho area, a cosmopolitan but modest district. By the 1890s many had opened eating-houses serving their native cuisines.
As the market traders attempted to supply the ingredients, Berwick Street Market earned a reputation for selling a bewildering variety of fruit and vegetables. In 1880 tomatoes first appeared in London at Berwick Street Market, grapefruit followed in 1890.
In the 1950s when the only place to buy olive oil in England was a chemist - not for eating but for softening ear wax - famous TV cooks such as Fanny Cradock and food writers such as Elizabeth David bought exotic ingredients from Berwick Street Market.
Berwick Street Market has recently become a foodie destination with concept traders.
Come and explore the Jazz Festival’s history and meet some of the performers on the legendary Berwick Street Market.
Street trading and music have long shared this corner of Soho. From the 18th century onwards, Berwick Street bustled with sellers, artists, and curious crowds — a place where new sounds and flavours arrived in London. The Soho Jazz Festival continues this tradition, filling the street with rhythm and discovery. This year, the market becomes a platform connecting the area’s heritage of traders, musicians, and cultural pioneers.
Guided tour / Walking tour
The area post 1700 became very cosmopolitan with immigrants mainly from Europe and their influence on food and drink became increasingly important. This tour is based on food and drink, passing by restaurants, pubs, coffee bars and pâtisserie delis that have been present for decades, finishing at a relatively new site.
Walking tour
Discover the fascinating stories and characters behind this iconic district and gain a whole new perspective on London’s Chinatown! Our trained volunteer History Champions can’t wait to take you on a journey through this area’s complex, nuanced and fascinating evolution. Places are funded by Westminster City Council to allow Open House festival goers to enjoy the tour for free.
