Things to do in Soho — the insider’s guide

Stroll around the famous and narrow streets

Sounds pretty straight forward, but Soho is has hundreds of roads, back streets and alleys, so get walking, and get lost in the maze.

You might find yourself stumbling across green spaces like Soho Square or Golden Square, among the sex shops around Brewer Street, or wandering into the surrounding areas of Mayfair, China Town, Fitzrovia or Holborn.

See a show at the theatre

With six theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue alone, you’ll have a huge range of options if you fancy seeing a play, musical or comedy in the West End. And if you fancy a pre-theatre meal, then pop by and say hello to us at Grasso.

Go shopping

In the Swinging Sixties, Carnaby Street became home to some of the most fashionable stores. Now, it’s a bit more mainstream, but it’s worth a visit, and especially over Christmas when the lights go up.

It’s also worth strolling down Berwick Street and checking out some of the independent stores and the market — if materials are your thing then definitely pop into the family-owned Misan Fabrics.

And there’s always Denmark Street for its musical instrument shops — although there’s far fewer now, than there were during its “Tin Pan Alley” peak a few years ago.

Buy some records

Although there’s now far fewer stores than there were even 15 years ago, you’ll still find some great places to dig for old records, and to find some new releases. On Berwick Street alone you’ll find Sister Ray and Reckless Records, with Sounds of the Universe on Broadwick Street.

For newer and electronic releases, Phonica on Poland Street will have you covered.

Drink a coffee

If you fancy a coffee, make sure you stay well away from the high street chains that are dotted around the area. Instead, head to one of two of Soho’s finest coffee institutions.

First off, there’s Algerian Coffee Stores, on Old Compton Street. It was originally founded in 1887, and has been owned by the same family since 1946. There, you’ll not just be able to buy a coffee to drink on the spot, but you can also buy some to take away for the huge variety of beans stored on their shelves.

Secondly, you have Bar Italia on Frith Street, which was founded in 1949. And it was also the first place the television was demonstrated — there’s even a blue plaque outside celebrating this.

Have a drink

There’s some great spots for a drink in and around Soho, and here’s some of our favourites: Bradley’s Spanish Bar on Hanway Street for a pint and a play on the duke box, El Camion on Brewer Street for a late night Pink Chihuahua, or downstairs at The Toucan on Carlisle Street for a decent pint of Guinness.

The Blue Posts on Berwick Street is also a good spot, just make sure you head to the right one, because there’s a few pubs with the same name in the area.

And if you just fancy a half, head to The French House — as they only serve pints on April 1st.

Listen to some music

If you fancy hearing some live music, then it’s worth checking out The Piano Bar in Soho. Or, have a look to see what’s happening at Ronnie Scott’s and book yourself a ticket in advance.