Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The storefront at #20 (on the left, now Wunjo Guitars) was formerly a music pub-
lishing house that employed a lowly office boy named Reginald Dwight. In 1969, on the
building's rooftop, he wrote “Your Song” and went on to become famous as Sir Elton
John. In the 1970s, the Sex Pistols lived in apartments above #6 (on the right). The 12 Bar
Café (at #25, on the left) features live music, and helped launch the careers of more recent
acts: Damien Rice, KT Tunstall, Jeff Buckley, and Keane.
Today, Denmark Street offers one-stop shopping for the modern musician. Without
leaving this short street, you could buy a vintage Rickenbacker guitar, get your sax re-
paired, take piano lessons, lay down a bass track, have a few beers, or tattoo your name
across your fist like Ozzy Osbourne. Notice the bulletin board in the alley alongside the
12 Bar Café (through the doorway marked
#27
). If you're a musician looking for a band
to play in, this could be your connection.
• From Denmark Street, go back across Charing Cross Road and head down Manette
Street (alongside Foyles). After a short block, on the right (down the lane called Orange
Yard) you'll see The Borderline, where R.E.M. and Oasis have played. Continue down
Manette Street and under the “Pillars of Hercules” passage, then turn right up Greek
Street to...
