logo
brand-banner-image
brand-banner-image

The History of Seven Dials

Seven Dials was originally established by Thomas Neale, MP in the early 1690s, who cleverly laid out the area in a series of triangles to maximise the number of houses for rental.

The names of the seven streets were chosen with the intention of attracting affluent residents, however some of the names have subsequently been simplified or changed because of duplication with other streets in London. They were originally: Little and Great Earl Street (now Earlham Street), Little and Great White Lyon Street (now Mercer Street), Queen Street (now Shorts Gardens) and Little & Great St. Andrew’s Street (now Monmouth Street). Some of the original street signs can still be seen attached to buildings in the area.

For something with a little Parisian flair, La Compagnie delivers rare bottles in a stylish, low-lit setting that’s perfect for a leisurely evening. And for a relaxed, bistro-style experience, The 10 Cases offers a small but ever-changing wine list, served alongside thoughtful plates in a cosy, down-to-earth space beloved by locals and visitors alike.

The History of Seven Dials

'One of London's great public ornaments'

Neale commissioned England’s leading stonemason, Edward Pierce, to design and construct the Sundial Pillar in 1693-4 as the centrepiece of his development in Seven Dials. The Pillar was topped by six sundial faces, the seventh ‘style’ being the column itself. It was regarded as one of London’s ‘great public ornaments’ and the layout and identity of the area revolves around it.

Neale aimed to establish Seven Dials as the most fashionable address in London, following in the footsteps of the successful Covent Garden Piazza development earlier that century. Unfortunately, the area failed to establish itself as Neale hoped and deteriorated into a slum, renowned for its gin shops. At one point each of the seven apexes facing the Monument housed a pub, their cellars and vaults connected in the basement providing handy escape routes should the need arise.

'One of London's great public ornaments'

'One of London's great public ornaments'

Neale commissioned England’s leading stonemason, Edward Pierce, to design and construct the Sundial Pillar in 1693-4 as the centrepiece of his development in Seven Dials. The Pillar was topped by six sundial faces, the seventh ‘style’ being the column itself. It was regarded as one of London’s ‘great public ornaments’ and the layout and identity of the area revolves around it.

Neale aimed to establish Seven Dials as the most fashionable address in London, following in the footsteps of the successful Covent Garden Piazza development earlier that century. Unfortunately, the area failed to establish itself as Neale hoped and deteriorated into a slum, renowned for its gin shops. At one point each of the seven apexes facing the Monument housed a pub, their cellars and vaults connected in the basement providing handy escape routes should the need arise.

'One of London's great public ornaments'

The Elemis Flagship Store

Discover the best of skincare and luxury treatment at the Elemis Flagship store on Monmouth Street. Experience the power of their world-renowned high-tech, high-touch facials with a treatment that’s completely customised to what your skin needs today. ​Starting with their signature treatment base, you can then create your own bespoke facial with our range of targeted skin booster add-ons. Guided by a Skin Specialist, you’ll build a treatment that’s as unique as your skin.

Book in-store treatments here, from skin boosters like LED Light Therapy and Microcurrent Facial Sculpts to Pro-Collagen CryoGlobes treatment and more.

The Elemis Flagship Store

The Home of Streetwear

As well as being a beauty haven, Seven Dials has become a hotspot for streetwear lovers, blending heritage London charm with cutting-edge fashion. Monmouth Street's Carhartt WIP brings their classic workwear-meets- urban streetwear aesthetic to the area, while Route One caters to skate culture. Accessories brand Topologie offers form and function with their climbing gear inspired bags, while Axel Arigato offers a touch of luxury with their minimalist sneakers and apparel.

The Home of Streetwear