leicester square

Leicester Square, London's most famous square sits directly behind Assembly London. The Square is home to some of the biggest cinemas in the capital, all of which host national and international film premieres through the year attracting actors, directors and musicians to the West End.

At the heart of the Square you'll find an urban garden, the perfect spot for lazy summer picnics and entertaining the kids in the water jets that surround the fountain and statue of William Shakespeare in the heart of the square.

From February 2020, Leicester Square visitors will notice a few new residents to the space. Statues of extraordinary moments and characters from cinema history can now be found not only in the garden itself, but also on top of some of the square's cinemas. Look up and see if you can identify who watches over the Square from the Odeon Cinema. Statues of Paddington Bear, Mr Bean, Mary Poppins, Laurel and Hardy, and Bugs Bunny are some of those chosen characters to celebrate London's film industry.

Surrounding the square, accompanying the cinemas, you'll find a number of bar, restaurants and cafes offering a varied selection of cuisines. The Japan Centre (on Panton Street - just off Leicester Square) is a recent addition to the West End and offers traditional, freshly made Japanese snacks. One of the best places for Japanese food in the West End. Well, in our opinion!