The Strand is a street in Central London; it starts at Trafalgar Square and runs to the Temple Bar at Fleet Street. It’s just one of the streets that are on the Monopoly game and the area around the Strand is known as theatre land.
Many of the theatres on The Strand have been demolished in the last century, with few remaining such as the Adelphi Theatre, the Savoy Theatre and Vaudeville Theatre.
Charing Cross station, is at the southern end of the Strand and in front of it is a monument, dating from 1863. From around the 13th century onwards the Strand was lined with the water-side mansions of the aristocracy. Among these great houses was the medieval Savoy Palace, now the site of the Savoy Hotel.
In Georgian times the Strand, was a notorious haunt of prostitutes and pickpockets. By the mid-19th century, however, the Strand had greatly improved. With the Victorian Prime Minister, Disraeli, considered the Strand to be one of the finest streets in Europe, and the street's reputation was enhanced by the construction of the grand Savoy Hotel in 1884.
Today the Strand is lined with shops, offices and theatres, with a couple of really good restaurants such as the Simpson's in the Strand, an English restaurant that never fails to deliver, or Smollenskys which has long been known for its relaxed atmosphere, fun vibe and party spirit. The food which is British and Mediterranean, and very delicious which makes it a great place to visit with friends or family.
The recent redevelopment of Somerset House has created a new cultural life in the Strand as it has different collections on show there. Somerset House has transformed its car park into a spectacular Fountain Court, which boasts an outdoor ice rink in the winter visited by many during the Christmas Holidays.
Locations near The Strand which would be of interest are Westminster Abbey,
Covent Garden and
Trafalgar Square.
