Our Quick Guide to Soho
Just 50 years ago, Soho had a less-than-angelic reputation, with its streets being a hotbed for audacious acts. Nowadays the area still has its playful side, but it also boasts a huge collection of bars, restaurants and cultural hotspots for you to enjoy.
Whether you love rifling through vintage shops, catching a cutting-edge theatre show or sipping a bespoke G&T on a roof terrace, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best things to do in Soho.
WHERE TO EAT IN SOHO
Berwick Street Market has been the place for Soho-ers to go for fresh, exciting food since it first opened way back in 1778. You’ll find fruit and veg, coffee to go and a collection of delicious street food stalls, from falafel to paella to Greek souvlaki.
If you’re feeling a bit fancy, The Ivy Soho Brasserie combines luxurious surroundings with an incredible menu consisting of steaks, afternoon teas, brunches and more. The elegant venue is also available to hire for an extra-special private dining experience – contact us for more information.
Chin Chin Dessert Club was sent straight from heaven especially for those with a sweet tooth. This gorgeous ice cream parlour specialises in unique but delicious flavours, such as their bestselling Coffee & Olive Oil cone, as well as their huge range of toppings and sauces.
You’ll be spoiled for choice at Kingly Court, which boasts three floors of food and drink venues centred around a pretty courtyard. Whether you go for fresh sushi at Oka or slices of goodness at Pizza Pilgrims, you won’t be disappointed by your food or your surroundings.
WHERE TO DRINK IN SOHO
The impressive Six Storeys is housed in a former bank and offers the perfect space for admiring views of London with a drink in hand. Each of its floors is uniquely designed to create six different event spaces, while its 50-strong cocktail list will have you sampling apple pie brandy and cheese (yes, cheese!) flavoured gin.
If an underground speakeasy bar decked out like a 1940s train carriage doesn’t impress you, we don’t know what will! Lavish venue Cahoots has perfected the combination of delicious drinks and raucous entertainment – step back in time and enjoy.
We love a rooftop bar at The Collection, and Aqua London is definitely one of our favourites. With spectacular views from behind the floor-to-ceiling windows and out on the terrace, it’s one of the best places in the capital to sip on a cocktail while admiring the skyline.
If Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club is good enough for Nina Simone and Jimi Hendrix, then it’s good enough for us. The legendary music venue is one of the oldest of its kind in the world, and regularly lures in international artists for up-close performances. Choose a whiskey from the extensive list and let the smooth sounds wash over you.
WHERE TO SHOP IN SOHO
Colourful Carnaby Street has a fascinating history, from being the centrepoint of a cholera outbreak in 1854 to helping to bring 1960s ‘Swinging London’ to the world’s attention. Nowadays it houses a collection of independent shops and bespoke boutiques, making it the perfect place to find a one-off gem to impress your friends.
Liberty London is an icon of the capital’s shopping scene, partly due to its highly Instagrammable black and white frontage. Pick up gorgeous clothes, cult beauty products and luxury homeware here for a taste of classic British heritage.
For those forever on the Harry Potter hype, step into the magical House of MinaLima. The two owners designed the graphic props from the iconic fantasy film series, and now display and sell prints and collectibles that will help transport you to the wizarding world.
Sister Ray Records claims to be the world’s most visited record store, and it’s easy to see why. With a jaw-dropping collection of CDs and vinyl across all genres, you’re unlikely to leave empty-handed.
WHERE TO EXPLORE IN SOHO
For a great start to your night (or day), head along to the Prince Charles Cinema, the only remaining independent cinema in the West End. They’re known for their extremely fun singalong screenings of Grease, Rocky Horror Picture Show and more, so be sure to warm up those vocal cords before you go!
For some slightly more serious culture, check out The Photographers’ Gallery for its always-interesting exhibitions and events. The galleries showcase a range of styles and subjects, and there’s a bookshop and café to wind down in.
Soho Square is the dream people-watching spot on sunny days. Take a picnic and spread out on the grass amongst Londoners and tourists to watch the world go by. Urban legend says the Tudor hut in the centre is a secret entrance to Buckingham Palace, but we’ll let you decide…
You can’t visit Soho without a trip to one of the theatres along Shaftesbury Avenue. The Apollo, the Palace and the Soho Theatre itself (where the amazing Fleabag debuted) all boast an incredible programme of shows to make you laugh and cry.
If you like the sound of Soho and feel it could suit your upcoming event then please take a look at our amazing Soho venues.