In message , Basil Jet
writes

There are a few high streets which are rather underwhelming, such as Lambeth
High Street and Stepney High Street. Is that Adolf's handiwork?

Yes in those particular cases. But sometimes the effect arises from
changes in population movements and habits. For instance, Mortlake High
Street was once full of ancient local shops and pubs, but during the
early 20th century the area became run down as people no longer wanted
to live close to the Thames with its fogs and pollution. Consequently,
nearby East Sheen took over as the main shopping focus for the area, and
when much of Mortlake High Street was rebuilt in the 1960s, only a tiny
parade of three or four of shops (plus one pub) were included in the
development.
--
Paul Terry