Shortly after the creation of the Covent Garden piazza in the 1690s, the area to the north was developed by politician Thomas Neale. The unusual layout of the seven roads in a dial shape, forming triangular blocks of buildings, was a sneaky way for Neale to make more money from tenants, whose rents were based on the size of the building’s frontage instead of its interiors.
The sundial pillar at the centre of the seven roads is still an attractive focal point. However, it’s a replica of the original, removed in 1773 as it had become a meeting place for dubious characters. Nowadays, the area is full of shops, hotels, cafes and the Cambridge Theatre. It is known for having an independent spirit with unique businesses you won’t easily find elsewhere.