Situated in the West End, Soho features a variety of dining, nightlife, and shopping options that will take the long nights of trashy TV away. With Dean Street, Frith Street, Beak Street, and Old Compton Street making up the activity of days and nights, and the long-running Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club always pumping out a beat that zings along the midnight streets. For theatre lovers, Shaftesbury Avenue is where they need to go for shows of Thriller, Juliet and Harry Potter, while manic shoppers can bustle around Carnaby Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street to find something opulent and exuberant. Meanwhile, Liberty's department store is one of the essential stores to shop in the area.
Many business hotshots frequent the bars and clubs that fill the streets, while the glamorous shops and theatres attract all sorts to splash out and watch something that will kill a few hours in the day. Business-wise it’s also an area where many groovy startups can be found in old warehouses and the British film industry also has its foot in the door with many offices holding production, distribution and post-production companies.
The area also has ample connections to the rest of the city thanks to the likes of the London Underground and swathe of red buses that block up the centre of London. No matter what the reason may be for their stay, guests can watch shows at the theatre, go shopping and then head home super quickly to change and be back out again in no time to go to a bar or club.
History of Soho
The radiant area has a long history like all the other districts in London. Soho was developed from farmland left by Henry VIII in 1536 when it became a royal park. By the late 17th century, opulent buildings started to be developed for the upper class, which included Soho Square in the 1680s. The local landmark, St Anne's Church, was also established during the late 17th century. As the mid-19th century developed, the aristocracy moved away when the area was hit by an outbreak of cholera.
By the 20th century, Soho became mired in controversy throughout the decades, due to its role in the sex industry. While its modern reputation is one of progress and liberation, the 1960s saw it as an area that most conservatives would love to have taken down. It also played a prominent role in the LGBT community with the openings of gay bars and more which expanded on its reputation for the vibrant nightlife.
What is known as the independent British film industry began to centre itself around Soho, including the offices for the British headquarters of Twentieth Century Fox and the British Board of Film Classification.
Its entertainment hub vibe comes from theatres such as the Windmill Theatre on Great Windmill Street and the Raymond Revuebar, and music clubs such as the 2i's Coffee Bar and the Marquee Club.
Plus, the area has been popular for restaurants since the 19th century, with the long-standing Kettner's which is still visited by numerous celebrities to this day.
Business Life in Soho
With startups and creative industries calling the streets home, business takes on a new vibrancy here. Corporate offices and stock markets are far gone from here. Now, it is the young professionals, digital marketers, filmmakers, coders and designers who are the leaders. They weave their way through the narrow streets, buy their coffees and teas, and make their way into their unique and colourful warehouse space in preparation for the day ahead. The hipster eateries and cafes are catered for these workers whose creative talents will inspire the technologies to come.
But the business life in Soho isn’t just aimed at the trendy office workers. Many corporates bring their clients and teams to Soho to treat them to a lively restaurant or a night out to listen to some jazz or to party hard into the early hours. They can talk business and shares over an expensive cocktail while the trumpets blare away.
Then there are our Soho corporate apartments. They are ideally situated close to tube stations and bus stops, and come fully furnished with all the utilities that a second home needs for short and long term stays. Our corporate guests can unwind after gruelling office hours, cook something healthy using the fully equipped kitchen or unwind with the TV and the Wi-Fi for content that they love. Even more, if they don’t want to take the tube in the early hours to get to work, they can simply relax on the sofa and work remotely. There’s nothing better than working from home.
Where to Stay in Soho
Soho’s central location means it is within easy reach of many of London’s major attractions. It is also a reasonably small area, meaning visitors are advised to choose their location based on their interests and plans for their visit. For example, those wishing to take in a show or two in London’s West End will want to base themselves close to Shaftesbury Avenue, whilst those preferring to explore London shopping and historic landmarks may prefer the Oxford Street side of Soho. Fortunately, private apartments are available across the neighbourhood, so many visitors will find that their choice in accommodation will largely dictate whereabouts they stay in Soho.
Facts About Soho
Soho is just one square mile in the centre of London, yet for its reputation, one may be forgiven for thinking that it is an entire city within itself. The area has been home to numerous famous residents and continues to be a centre for London fashion and culture, as well as boasting some of the best restaurants in town. Below are a few fascinating facts about Soho:
- Between 1764-5, 20 Frith Street became the home of child genius Mozart.
- The first disco to open in London was La Poubelle and open its doors in 1959 in Poland Street.
- Philosopher Karl Marx once lived on Dean Street in Soho above what is now the Quo Vadis restaurant.
- During the Blitz, every theatre in London closed down except the Windmill in Soho. The Windmill stayed open throughout the war and hosted a variety of comedy acts mixed in a semi-nude Soho fashion.
- John Logie Baird, one of Scotland’s finest inventors and engineers, gave the world’s first demonstration of a working television at 22 Frith Street in Soho in January 1926.
Things to Do in Soho
Soho is famously one of London’s most exciting neighbourhoods, boasting excellent shopping, exciting nightlife and a host of cultural attractions, such as museums, theatres, and galleries. As such, anyone staying in the area will find they are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding things to do during their stay.
What are the most popular things to do in Soho?
Soho is arguably the best place to enjoy London culture and simply imbibe the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The areas many fashionable cafes and traditional London pubs are great places to do a little people-watching, whilst Soho itself is effectively surrounded by some of London’s most iconic locations - such as Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and Oxford Street.
What are some free things to do in Soho?
London is one of the best cities in the world for finding things to do on a budget and many free attractions are within walking distance of Soho. If the weather is good, London’s sprawling Hyde Park and St James’s Park are nearby, offering beautiful views and walking routes. Alternatively, many of London’s world-famous museums are also free to enter and several are just a short walk or tube ride from Soho.
What are the most family-friendly things to do in Soho?
Whilst Soho may have a reputation for nightlife and high culture, many visitors to the area are surprised to find it also offers an abundance of family-friendly events and attractions. These include cafes themed with children’s characters, treasure hunts and even a world-famous toy shop. Of course, many of London’s museums also cater to children, with interactive exhibits and learning experiences.
What are the more unusual things to do in Soho?
Soho is known for its quirkiness, so visitors looking for more unusual attractions will not be found wanting. One way of enjoying the more unusual side of the neighbourhood is to visit some of its subculture hotspots - such as galleries showcasing the latest in punk or heavy metal artwork, or book shops with impromptu poetry recitals.
Places to Visit in Soho
For more than a century, Soho has been known as the place to be in London, thanks to its vibrant nightlife and social scene. However, the neighbourhood is also the perfect location from which to explore the many attractions and landmarks of central London - many of which are just a short walk away. Below is just a selection of the most popular places to visit in Soho and the surrounding area.
- The National Gallery - Soho’s most visited attraction housing some of the world’s finest modern artworks.
- Carnaby Street - famous for its incredible collection of ancient artifacts - including the notorious Rosetta Stone.
- Covent Garden - the heart of London’s theatre and entertainment area, with a host of bars and eateries.
- Buckingham Palace- the London residence of Queen Elizabeth and a stunning example of 18th-century architecture.
- Leicester Square - famous for its movie premiers, Leicester Square is one of Soho’s most iconic locations and a popular place for tourists.
- The British Museum - the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew showcase stunning flora from around the world in a sprawling 326-acre landscape.
- China Town - vibrant area famous for its Chinese restaurants and shops, as well as its exciting nightlife.
- Soho Square Gardens - charming gardens with flower beds and sculptures. Also home to Soho’s famously unwanted Charles II sculpture.
Places to Eat in Soho
Soho is one of the top places to eat in London, with many of the city’s most prestigious restaurants based locally. There is also a great selection of gastropubs and casual eateries as well as plenty of international offerings. Naturally, Soho’s proximity to China town means there are plenty of excellent Chinese restaurants.
Anyone looking for fine dining in Soho will find they have plenty of options. Some of the most popular venues include:
- Barrafina.
- Social Eating House.
- Gauthier Soho.
- Blanchette.
For the more casual diner, there are also plenty of in-between places, offering creative menus in a relaxed and sociable environment. Some highlights are:
- Temper.
- Princi.
- BAO Soho.
- Dishroom Carnaby.
There are also plenty of international restaurants in the area - especially those serving Chinese and far-eastern cuisine. Some highlights include:
- Duck & Rice.
- Casita Andina.
- Chotto Matte London.
- Yalla Yalla.
Street Food in Soho
Soho is also a fantastic place to enjoy London’s thriving street food scene. The myriad restaurants in Chinatown often offer takeaway kiosks, which serve diverse cuisine from various regions of the country. Visitors will also find plenty of small vendors and pop-up establishments - including snack vans - which offer an array of things to try. However, as a starting point, some popular places for street food in Soho are:
- Street Food Union.
- Pepe Italian Street Food.
- Soho Food Market.
- Vietnamese Street Food.
Shopping in Soho
Soho is something of a shoppers paradise, thanks to its location to several of London’s major shopping streets. To the north, it is bordered by the world-famous Oxford Street, which offers hundreds of international brands and flagship designer stores. There is also Carnaby Street, which is famous for its quirky boutiques, and bordering the south side is Shaftesbury Avenue. Soho also has plenty of independent retailers, dotted along just about every street. Alternatively, there are several shopping centres close by. These include:
- The Phoenix Centre.
- London Trocadero.
- Piccadilly Arcade.
- West One.
- The Brunswick Centre.
Transportation in Soho
Soho is in the centre of London and so it is covered by the capital’s extensive public transport links, meaning that getting around the area is a relatively simple affair. The London Underground usually provides the most hassle-free way of getting around the city centre, with Oxford Circus is the nearest tube station. Soho is predominantly served by the Bakerloo, Victoria, and Central lines, which together connect it to all the major landmarks as well as Greater London. Soho also has numerous bus routes, with some services running as frequently as every ten minutes. Buses run around the local districts of Fitzrovia, Mayfair and Paddington, as well as across to South Bank and the wider city area. There are also several night buses operating locally, which can be identified by the N prefix on their route number.
Whilst Oxford Circus is the main tube station serving Soho, there are also several others to be aware of:
- Tottenham Court Road.
- Leicester Square.
- Piccadilly Circus.
- Bond Street.
- Covent Garden.
Weather in Soho
London weather changes according to the season. Whilst it can be difficult to predict, the UK rarely experiences extreme weather conditions which means that Soho is a great place to visit all year round. The summer months - particularly July and August - are usually warm and dry, whilst September remains warm but can experience showers towards the end of the month. Winters often see the temperature dropping close to freezing with snow possible in January and February. Summer is usually the most popular time to visit, as the city has plenty of outdoor attractions and does not get too hot. However, British summers are notoriously unpredictable, so wet-weather clothing is essential packing at any time of year.
