Lady’s Guide to the Best Places in Soho, London

Today I want to bring you my guide to the best places in Soho, London. This area in the heart of the West End is bursting with restaurants, bars, shops, and more. It’s a great London neighborhood to explore.

Best Places in Soho, London

You can’t get more central than Soho. Right smack in the middle of London, the buzzing atmosphere and non-stop entertainment put it squarely in the heart of the city.

But sometimes Soho gives me too much choice. Do I eat or shop? Drink or dance? And above all, where? So today I’m distilling this London neighborhood into a manageable set of places to love.

From Oxford Street to Shaftesbury Avenue, Regent Street to Charing Cross Road, Soho is big, loud, and hungry for attention. With hot new restaurants and secret basement bars, the neighborhood is the epicenter of the city.

I find myself in Soho nearly every week for a dinner, a meeting, or a cuppa, and now my experiences are fueling my writing. So here goes…

Restaurants in Soho

The first thing I think of when I think of Soho is its culinary scene. Restaurants in Soho are always coming and going, but there are a few favorites that have survived the whims of London’s dining out crowd.

I love dropping in at Lina Stores for a quick Italian lunch, and nothing beats the “Press for Champagne” button at Bob Bob Ricard.

Brasserie Zedel is my go-to when I’m channeling my inner Francophile, and Yauatcha’s dim sum has made it my favorite restaurant in Soho since I moved to London.

If I’m just in the mood for a tearoom or coffee shop, Yumchaa, Flat White, and Algerian Coffee Stores hit the spot, and if I need a loo there’s nowhere cooler (or more confusing!) than the mirrored restroom at Nopi.

From Greek Street to Frith Street and beyond, there are a lot of great places in Soho where you can indulge your inner food lover.

Bars in Soho

But the neighborhood is just as famous for its nightlife scene as it is for its restaurants. My clubbing days are few and far between, but I enjoy a good night out in Soho even if it’s an early one.

The rooftop bar at Aqua Spirit offers amazing views of Regent Street. Archer Street bar is fun for a night of dancing, and I always stay too late.

But perhaps my favorite bar in Soho is Cahoots, the Underground-themed bar with vintage tube carriages and a speakeasy vibe.

Pubs in Soho

In addition to bars, there are great pubs in the area. They’re some of the best places in Soho for drinking and dining. From The Three Greyhounds to The Spice of Life and The Blue Posts, Soho has some of the best pubs in London.

There are some unique ones, too. The French House is a great international pub in London. With lots of dark wood and pictures on the wall, it’s a traditional pub with classic French accents and menu items.

Streets and Squares in Soho

When it comes to wandering, I can’t get enough of London. And while Soho doesn’t have as many quiet mews and side streets as some other London neighborhoods, there are a lot of charming places in Soho that make up for it.

I love wandering through Soho Square and Golden Square, two welcome green spaces in the midst of the urban jungle. And that’s to say nothing of Farrier’s Passage, one of the best secret places in London.

Ham Yard is also fun, not least because of the chic hotel of the same name. And that’s to say nothing of Kingly Court, where there’s always a new restaurant, cafe, or bar to discover.

Just outside Kingly Court, Carnaby Street is my favorite place to window shop (ok, and actual shop) in Soho. The pedestrianized stretch is full of colorful buildings and independent shops, and I love the little side streets around it.

At the top end, Liberty is the most atmospheric department store in London. I can never decide whether I’m a bigger fan of its half-timbered facade or its luxurious interior.

But if I’m really in the mood to shop, I head to Foyles, where four miles of shelves send my inner book lover straight to heaven. It’s one of the best independent bookshops in London.

Entertainment in Soho

When my legs give out after a long day of wandering, shopping, and grazing, I love that there are so many places in Soho where I can find entertainment.

Whether it’s a late night of live jazz at Ronnie Scott’s, a show at one of London’s top West End theaters, or an intimate blues session at the Ain’t Nothin But the Blues Bar, there’s always something to tempt me to stay up past my bedtime.

Best of London’s Soho

And yet with all the places I frequent, there’s always somewhere new to add to my list. I could spend every day in the neighborhood and never be done exploring. I’m spoiled for choice, but maybe that’s why I love Soho so much.

If you want to discover the area for yourself, my self-guided Soho walking tour is just the thing. I hope it helps you find your own favorite places in this part of London.

What are your favorite places in Soho?

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