Welcome to Soho
Soho is the part of London that doesn’t hold back. Vintage clothes abound, record stores flaunt, their rarest finds and hole-in-the-wall cafes serve up fuel for all-night creative benders). Here, you never know if a doorway leads to a world-famous cocktail bar or a hidden gallery showing the city’s latest artistic rebellion. This is a place for the unexpected and grit mixed with glamour!
Where is Soho?
Soho is located in London’s West End. It’s bordered by Oxford Street to the north, Regent Street to the east, Shaftesbury Avenue to the south, and Charing Cross Road to the west.
What is the main street in Soho?
There’s really no single main street in Soho. However, if any single street deserves the title of Soho’s “main street”, it’s Old Compton Street. Running directly through the heart of the neighbourhood, it’s been a focal point of Soho’s artistic and cultural scene for centuries.
How to get to Soho?
The easiest way to get to Soho is by taking the Tube (London Underground). The closest stations are Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Victoria, Central lines), Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines), and Tottenham Court Road (Central and Northern lines).
For more details about getting around London, check this out.
Best time to go to Soho
The best time to visit Soho for a unique and exciting experience is during July for the Soho House Festival or Pride in Soho. These events bring a special energy and festive atmosphere to the neighbourhood.
What to do and see in Soho
Explore the innovative art at the Photographers’ Gallery
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Location: 16-18 Ramillies St, London W1F 7LW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7087 9300
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday & Saturday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
This place has been breaking the mould since 1971, making it the OG of photography galleries in the UK. The Photographers’ Gallery is where artists use their lenses to tackle big issues and spark conversations.
Think photojournalism that makes history come alive, or fashion shoots that challenge beauty standards. You’ll walk away feeling more connected, and more inspired.
But wait, there’s more! This place wants you to get hands-on (well, not literally on the art). They’ve got workshops where you can unleash your inner photographer and talks where you can hear artists spill their secrets.
Catch a unique film at the Curzon Soho Cinema
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Location: 99 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 5DY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 1233 555644
This legendary spot is all about immersing yourself in the world of film. Think plush theatres, a buzzing café-bar (and Soho knows all about great cafes!) and a lineup that’ll thrill everyone from indie film snobs to blockbuster enthusiasts.
And hey, sometimes the best part is after the credits roll. Curzon Soho might just have you rubbing elbows with a director at a Q&A session, giving you the inside scoop on your new favourite film.
Visit the wizarding world at the House of MinaLima
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Location: 157 Wardour St, London W1F 8WQ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3214 0000
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 6:45 PM
The House of MinaLima in Soho is where the real magic happens. It’s your chance to dive headfirst into the incredible world of graphic design that brought Harry Potter and his wizarding pals to life.
You’ll be surrounded by a treasure trove overflowing with Daily Prophet newspapers (headlines guaranteed to make you gasp!), Hogwarts acceptance letters and enough Weasley Wizard Wheezes products to make Fred and George proud.
Oh, and if you’re wondering, the name comes from Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the brilliant duo who dreamed up all this awesomeness.
Enjoy live jazz performances at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
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Location: 47 Frith St, London W1D 4HT, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7439 0747
Opening hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday – 5:30 PM to 3:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 AM
Since swinging open its doors in 1959, it’s been the beating heart of London’s jazz scene. Miles Davis? Check. Ella Fitzgerald? You betcha. Even giants like Wynton Marsalis have graced its stage.
But Ronnie Scott’s was more than just a venue – it changed the game. In the ’60s, they spearheaded an international exchange, bringing the best of American jazz to London, and sending UK talent across the pond.
A night here isn’t just about the tunes (although those are incredible). It’s a full-on experience. The vibe is intimate, the history hangs heavy in the air, and you’ll be so close to the musicians that you’ll practically feel their passion.
Attend an underground comedy night at The Comedy Store
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Location: 1a Oxendon St, London SW1Y 4EE, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7024 2060
Opening hours:
- Monday – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM
- Sunday – 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Since 1979, it’s been the stomping ground for comedy giants – think Alexei Sayle, Rik Mayall, and the lightning-quick wit of Paul Merton. This place is where British comedy gets its wicked sense of humour.
Love improv? They’ve got it. Crave classic stand-up? You’re in luck. They’ve had a hand in shaping the best of British television comedy, and they continue to find and nurture the freshest, funniest voices on the scene.
Where to eat and drink Soho
Bob Bob Ricard
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Location: 1 Upper James St, London W1F 9DF, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3145 1000
Pricing: £££
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 5:30 PM to 12:00 AM
- Thursday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Good to know: Best choice for champagne night
Considered one of the best restaurants in Soho, Bob Bob Ricard exudes the elegance of a luxurious Orient Express dining car. Plush booths, sparkling chandeliers, and a touch of vintage opulence create a glamorous escape.
Its famed “Press for Champagne” button is a legendary symbol of playful indulgence, solidifying its status as the top champagne-pouring establishment in the UK.
The menu here is a decadent affair featuring British classics intertwined with luxurious Russian dishes – think caviar, Beef Wellington, and more.
Evelyn’s Table
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Location: 28 Rupert St, London W1D 6DJ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3145 1000
Pricing: £££
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Good to know: Their menu changes with the seasons
Evelyn’s Table throws a whole new experience onto your plate. Tucked beneath a bustling pub, it’s an intimate kitchen counter affair that elevates dining to a kind of culinary performance.
You’re practically nose-to-nose with the talented chefs, watching them weave their magic with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Imagine melt-in-your-mouth dry-aged duck sizzling on a hibachi grill, or delicate sashimi mackerel paired with a touch of sweet plum.
The Devonshire
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Location: The Devonshire, 17 Denman St, London W1D 7HW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3145 1000
Pricing: ££
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Good to know: It’s a mix of restaurant and pub
Here, your favourite classics get a Michelin-star makeover, thanks to chef Ashley Palmer-Watts. Bye-bye soggy snacks, hello to perfectly crisp fish and chips and sausage rolls that are practically a revelation.
Downstairs, it’s the classic pub you crave – a perfect pint, a lively atmosphere, and the scent of something seriously delicious wafting up from the wood-fired grill.
Ducksoup
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Location: 41 Dean St, London W1D 4PY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7287 4599
Pricing: ££
Opening hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Good to know: Great for variety due to its changing menu
This rustic gem of a restaurant is all about celebrating simple flavours, the freshest seasonal ingredients, and the joy of sharing a vibrant meal in a buzzing space.
The menu changes daily and is a culinary treasure hunt. One day, you might savour delicate cauliflower fritters brightened by cucumber yoghurt and a hint of chilli, the next, a comforting rabbit stew with the warmth of milk, fennel, and olives.
The intimacy of this place is part of its charm too. Candlelight flickers along exposed brick, a small bar invites solo diners to sneak a peek at the kitchen, and the hum of conversation fills the narrow space
Golden Union
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Location: 38 Poland St, London W1F 7LY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7458 4411
Pricing: £
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Good to know: Great choice for sustainable & responsibly sourced fish
This place has been serving up the good stuff since 2008, and they’re serious about making your favourite British classic both delicious and sustainable. Fish is responsibly sourced. That means you can enjoy those crispy, golden-battered pieces knowing they’re doing right by the oceans.
But don’t worry, they don’t sacrifice taste for sustainability. That batter? Perfectly crisp. The fish? Flaky and oh-so-delicious.
Where to shop in Soho
Beyond Retro
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Location: 19-21 Argyll St, London W1F 7TR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7729 9001
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Beyond Retro is a time capsule bursting with iconic looks from every era. Here, you can channel your inner mod with a ’60s shift dress, rock a killer 80s power suit or go full-on Y2K with a Britney-inspired denim ensemble – they’ve got it all.
But the magic doesn’t stop at the clothes. Beyond Retro is a vintage community, known for its super-friendly staff and legendary events.
Think lock-ins with exclusive discounts, live music, and maybe even a free drink or two. It’s actually like a vintage fashion party with a side of treasure hunting.
I Camisa & Son
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Location: 61 Old Compton St, London W1D 6HS, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7437 7610
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Founded in 1929 by the Camisa brothers, I Camisa & Son quickly became the heart of London’s Italian community, a place where homesick immigrants could find the tastes of their homeland and share stories over a steaming cup of espresso.
Today, that legacy lives on. I Camisa & Son still draws both locals and tourists yearning for the genuine Italian experience. Think imported pasta, vibrant sauces, and cheeses carefully sourced from Italy’s finest producers.
Gosh! Comics
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Location: 1 Berwick St, London W1F 0DR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7437 0187
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Think of walls bursting with every kind of graphic novel you could desire. Superhero blockbusters? Check! Mind-bending indie titles? Got ’em!
And that’s not all! They’re also a community hub. They host signings where you can meet your favourite artists, workshops to unleash your inner illustrator, and even film screenings that bring comics to life.
Annie’s Ibiza
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Location: 3 Newburgh St, Carnaby, London W1F 7RE, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3730 9040
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Founded by the adventurous Annie Doble, this shop is famous for its unique, handpicked pieces that reflect her globetrotting spirit and commitment to bold fashion.
Here, each item whispers a story. Annie scours the world, unearthing flamboyant treasures made with love by emerging designers and giving vintage pieces a glamorous new life.
Think repurposed dresses that channel ’70s disco vibes, handmade kaftans with intricate embroidery, and maybe a dash of vintage Dior or Chanel for that extra touch of luxury.
Berwick Street Market
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Location: Berwick St, London W1F 0PH, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7641 7813
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Not going to Berwick Street Market is a crime. It’s practically one of the best things to do in Soho! This is a market overflowing with colours, aromas, and the lively chatter of locals and tourists alike.
Think the freshest fruits and veggies vying for attention, fragrant flowers tempting you to treat yourself, and the irresistible sizzle of street food vendors cooking up global delights.
Speaking of street food, this market is a serious foodie paradise. Craving Caribbean spice? The Jerk Drum has you covered. Dreaming of authentic Spanish paella? You’ll find it here.
Where to stay in Soho
Ham Yard Hotel
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Location: 1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3642 2000
Pricing: £££
Ham Yard Hotel ditches the cookie-cutter hotel vibe and fully embraces its location in the heart of vibrant Soho. Celebrated designer Kit Kemp splashes her signature style – bold colours, quirky patterns, and eclectic art – throughout the property.
They also offer everything from a luxurious spa and fitness centre to family-friendly rooms and even welcome your furry friends. Seeking a little fun without stepping outside? You can unwind in their 1950s-inspired bowling alley or catch a film in the hotel’s private theatre.
Every room here boasts the comforts you’d expect (air conditioning, a well-stocked minibar, and an iPod docking station for a touch of nostalgia). Some even have balconies or terraces that are perfect for a private slice of the city buzz.
Kettner’s Townhouse
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Location: 29 Romilly St, London W1D 5AL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 020 7734 5650
Pricing: £££
Founded in 1867 by a rumoured Napoleon III chef (August Kettner, we’re looking at you!), it’s practically seen it all. Oscar Wilde dined here and whispers abound of King Edward VII using a secret tunnel for… well, let’s just say clandestine meetings.
The 33 rooms here are each a unique reflection of the building’s past, with Art Deco touches mingling with original Georgian features. It’s like stepping into a stylish time capsule.
But Kettner’s isn’t just about sleeping in a history book. It’s a prime spot for exploring London’s vibrant heart. Theatreland, Covent Garden, and the Royal Opera House are all practically on your doorstep.
Soho Hotel
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Location: 4 Richmond Mews, London W1D 3DH, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7559 3000
Pricing: £££
If you crave a London stay that feels both luxurious and like visiting your most stylish friend’s fabulous apartment, then the Soho Hotel delivers. This design gem boasts 96 individually styled rooms and suites created by the inimitable Kit Kemp.
Think bold colours, playful patterns, and enough quirky touches to charm the socks off any design lover. It’s a welcome departure from the cookie-cutter hotel rooms you may be used to.
They also have the amenities to keep your stay comfortable and fun. Feeling like a movie night? No problem! They have a 100-seat secret cinema, offering an exclusive entertainment experience that sets them apart from the crowd.
Hazlitt’s
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Location: 6 Frith St, London W1D 3JA, United Kingdom
Contact: You may contact them here
Pricing: ££
Built in 1718, it practically oozes history, even boasting renowned essayist William Hazlitt as a former resident! Each of the 30 rooms is a unique, personalised chapter of London’s past.
Named after historical figures and famous writers who frequented the hotel, they’re adorned with Victorian furnishings, plush beds, original artwork, and books galore – a bibliophile’s dream. Hazlitt’s swaps stuffy minibars for a charming honesty bar system.
With a discreet entrance and a lack of flashy signage, Hazlitt’s feels like a secret haven attracting celebrities with its old-world charm and intimacy. But don’t be fooled – step foot outside, and you’re in the heart of Soho’s vibrant energy, with bustling cafes, and quirky shops.
Hub by Premier Inn
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Location: Hopkins St, London W1F 0DP, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 333 321 3104
Pricing: £
If you’re looking for a stylish, no-frills crash pad right in the middle of Soho’s buzzing energy, Hub by Premier Inn might just be your jam.
Rooms here are designed to be tech-forward and compact, with touchscreen controls for lights and temperature, pull-out desks, and ample under-bed storage.
While the rooms might be smaller, comfort is key, featuring plush beds, high-tech showers, and speedy WiFi.
Frequently asked questions
The name “Soho” is believed to come from a 17th-century hunting cry (“so-hoe”). It later became associated with the area when the Duke of Monmouth used “Soho” as a rallying call for his troops.
Yes, Soho is considered relatively safe for a central London location. Just be aware of your surroundings, as you would in any area.
It depends. Soho is a great place to live if you love a vibrant city atmosphere and don’t mind the high cost of living and the potential for noise.
Soho was originally a royal hunting ground but became a fashionable district for the aristocracy in the 17th century. Over time, it transformed into a multicultural hub known for its entertainment scene, music legacy, and long-standing association with the sex industry.
