As London prepares to celebrate the Lunar New Year, all eyes naturally turn to London’s Chinatown, centred on Gerrard Street in Soho.

While the street dates back to the 17th century, by the first half of the 20th century it had become known for its nightlife, initially for nightclubs and then for a seedier side as striptease clubs opened.

The city’s first Chinatown had been established in Limehouse in the 18th century as Chinese immigrants and sailors frequented the area.

But after World War II, the damage in the Limehouse area and the comparatively cheap leases available around Gerrard Street, saw Chinese moved in during the 1950s and began opening restaurants and grocery shops.

Growing numbers of Chinese arrived from Hong Kong and by 1970, Gerrard Street has become a hub for the Chinese community in London. The London Chinese Chinatown Association formed in 1978.

It was in the late 1980s that Chinese gateways, a pagoda and street furniture were added. Gerrard Street and parts of Newport Place and Macclesfield Street became pedestrianised.

The first organised Chinese New Year celebrations took place in Gerrard Street in 1985.

This year’s Chinese New Year Parade – celebrating the Year of the Horse – will take place on Sunday, 22nd February. For more, see www.london.gov.uk/events/lunar-new-year-festival-spring-2026.