Café de Paris
Legendary West End cabaret where royalty danced, stars performed, and history was made—now closed after 96 years.
Café de Paris was an iconic West End nightclub that operated from 1924 to 2020 at 3–4 Coventry Street, near Leicester Square. Once a glamorous cabaret venue hosting royalty, performers like Frank Sinatra and Marlene Dietrich, and high society, it became a legendary fixture of London's nightlife. The basement club survived bombing during World War II in 1941, which killed 34 people, and reopened in 1948 to reclaim its status as one of Europe's most prestigious entertainment venues before closing permanently in December 2020.
A brief summary to Café de Paris
- 3-4 Coventry St, London, W1D 6BL, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Luxury
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Café de Paris permanently closed in December 2020 and no longer operates as a nightclub. The building now houses Lío London, a different venue operated by Pacha nightclub group.
- The venue's basement location at 20 feet below ground, promoted during WWII as a safe refuge, was where the tragic 1941 bombing occurred. The confined space amplified the bomb's devastating impact.
- Café de Paris was one of the few 1920s cabarets to survive to the modern era, operating continuously for 96 years except for seven years of closure following World War II damage.
- The venue's location on Coventry Street between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus placed it at the heart of London's West End theatre and entertainment district.
- Louise Brooks performed the first-ever Charleston in a London nightclub at Café de Paris in December 1924, making the venue a landmark in dance history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground Train
Leicester Square station on the Piccadilly and Northern lines is approximately 100 metres away. Journey time from central London varies by starting point; from King's Cross allow 10–15 minutes, from Victoria allow 15–20 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day and evening. Exit at Leicester Square and follow signs toward Coventry Street. The venue's former location is at the intersection with Piccadilly Circus station also nearby on the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square area, including routes 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 23, 38, and 159. Buses run throughout the day and evening with varying frequencies depending on the route and time. Journey times from outer London typically range from 30–60 minutes depending on traffic and starting location. Alight at Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square stops and walk to Coventry Street.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Black cabs and ride-share services operate throughout London. Journey times and fares vary significantly depending on origin and traffic conditions; expect to pay £8–25 from central London locations, with journey times ranging from 10–30 minutes during peak hours. The venue's address was 3–4 Coventry Street, London W1D 6BL. Note that the original Café de Paris is no longer operational.
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Walking
From Trafalgar Square, the walk to Coventry Street takes approximately 8–10 minutes via Strand and crossing into the West End. From Regent Street, allow 5–7 minutes. The area is pedestrian-friendly with well-lit streets and clear signage. The location sits between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, both major landmarks visible from surrounding streets.
Café de Paris location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Café de Paris
A Century of Glamour and Entertainment
Café de Paris opened its doors on 28 May 1924, taking over the premises of the Elysee Restaurant at 3–4 Coventry Street in London's West End. The venue was situated in the basement of the West End Cinema, opposite the Prince of Wales Theatre, and quickly established itself as one of London's most exclusive and fashionable destinations. The grand opening featured a lavish dance supper beginning with caviars and green turtle, setting the tone for decades of opulent entertainment. Under the management of Robin Humphreys and Martin Poulsen, who took control in 1925, the venue became sensationally successful and expanded into a small empire of nightspots including the Café Anglais and Kit Cat Restaurant.Royal Patronage and Legendary Performers
Much of Café de Paris's early success stemmed from visits by the Prince of Wales, who became a regular guest and dined with notables from high society across Europe. The venue attracted an extraordinary roster of international talent and celebrities. Louise Brooks made history in December 1924 by introducing the Charleston to London audiences at the club. Throughout the 1920s and beyond, performers including Dorothy Dandridge, Marlene Dietrich, Harry Gold, Harry Roy, Ken Snakehips Johnson, and Maxine Cooper Gomberg graced its stage. Cole Porter and the Aga Khan were regular patrons. By the 1950s, the club hosted frequent performances by Noël Coward and Marlene Dietrich, who made her London concert debut there in 1954. The venue's reputation as a destination for the world's leading entertainers remained undiminished through the decades.Tragedy During the Blitz
During World War II, Café de Paris remained defiantly open, with its manager promoting it as "the safest and gayest restaurant in town, being 20ft below ground." This claim proved tragically false on the night of 8 March 1941. Two bombs struck the building, hurtling down a ventilation shaft from the roof and exploding directly in front of the band during a performance. At least 34 people were killed and around 80 injured in the blast. The confined basement space magnified the explosion's force, causing catastrophic casualties. Despite the devastation, survivors from the venue staggered off to other restaurants to complete their interrupted evening, embodying the defiant spirit of wartime London.Resurrection and Post-War Prominence
Café de Paris remained closed for seven years following the bombing. It reopened in 1948 and quickly re-established itself as a leading theatre club and entertainment venue. The reconstructed and refurbished nightclub hosted an impressive array of international stars including Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly, Josephine Baker, Ava Gardner, Humphrey Bogart with Lauren Bacall, James Mason, and David O. Selznick. The 1980s brought a new era of cultural significance with cabaret and music events titled Les nuits du Mercredi, attracting celebrities such as David Bowie, Andy Warhol, Tina Turner, Mickey Rourke, George Michael, and Steve Strange.Modern Era and Legacy
In 2002, Café de Paris was acquired by Maxwell's Restaurant Group, which operated numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants across London. The venue continued to function as a premier event space and nightclub, hosting cabaret shows including The Black Cat on Fridays and The Wam Bam Club on Saturdays, which became known for reviving burlesque in London. The club attracted contemporary celebrities and remained a film and television location. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent insolvency of Maxwell's Restaurant Group in December 2020, Café de Paris closed its doors permanently after 96 years of operation, marking the end of an era for one of Europe's most historically significant nightclubs. The building was later taken over by Pacha nightclub group, which opened Lío London in the space in 2023.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mary Poppins Statue
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Essential places to dine
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J Sheekey
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Art Deco Styles
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Adults Only
