Situated in the heart of Soho, London´s Theatreland, Old Compton Street has continuously been made and repaired by migrants, merchants and business traders . Originally a wealthy street of aristocrats and the upper classes that progressively left the area, the street became a site where Italian immigrants and protestant French refuges begun to settle in the late 17th century (1). With the successive arrival of artists, merchants and business traders, the street soon produced new business opportunities and a new way of live that flourished creating new bonds, relationships, and a new community between people from various different backgrounds .
Today, like City Road, most social activity in Old Compton Street revolves around the production, consumption and disposal of food (‘The Street’ 2009, scene 1 ). Many original nineteen century´s shops have disappeared and been restored to cater for the needs of a new community and a new way of life. Most outlets in Old Compton Street have had several owners that have constantly redefined their businesses throughout decades to meet consumer and social demands. Former old cafés and diners have been transformed into modern, organic food restaurants with a wide choice of healthy foods. Takeaways now offer freshly cooked food and recycled, disposable containers that are kinder to the environment. Pubs have also needed to restructure their space allowing new outdoor areas for smokers and serving drinks in disposable plastic containers, as opposed to glasses .
Other businesses may offer less clear signs of