The heart of London’s legendary West End, the eclectic district of SOHO stands-out vibrantly within London’s legendary cultural scene. London’s SOHO is the place to go for locals and travellers alike offering authentic London charm in a setting that is a rich tapestry of historic music joints, exceptional dining and exhilarating drinking venues.
What to see in SOHO:
SOHO is arguably the home of London’s music scene. Infamous clubs, record shops, and remnants of some of the most famous music studios that ever produced music.
This is the area that housed legendary music labels, studios and publishing houses that fuelled the rebellious 60’s music era in London.
Places like the legendary Regent Sounds Studio located on Denmark Street known to music lovers as ‘Tin Pan Alley’, once produced bands like Black Sabbath, Tom Jones, David Bowie, The Who, among many others. Today the address is home to a renown guitar shop of the same name.
Chateau Denmark Boutique Hotel sits amongst many of the old studios and office spaces – a hotel that literally spans 16 buildings. Called the “Rock and Roll Hotel” for a reason. Stay in one of the rooms or grab a drink in the Thirteen Lounge.
Carnaby Street has been described as the original home of sex, drugs and rock and roll. This iconic area in London’s SOHO district is now a fashionable shopping area and home to a growing number of great restaurants.
Newburgh Quarter – a distinctive little fashionable shopping area in the heart of Carnaby. Lined with unique shops and sought after independent fashion labels, as well as recognised brands, this quaint little destination is a nice diversion to explore and grab a bite to eat.
The area has some great coffee shops and an array of international eateries.
The Rolling Stones’ Humble Beginnings
At 7 Broadwick Street, Soho, London now sits the Sounds of the Universe record store on SOHO’s ‘Duck Lane’. The ground floor space was originally a pub called The Bricklayers Arms. It was in this little pub, and the room directly upstairs that a fateful audition took place. The members of The Rolling Stones first met and auditioned here in 1962 and became the birthplace of one of the most famous bands in history.
Heddon Street – this little hidden backstreet lined with restaurants Is home to the shrine to David Bowie and Ziggy Stardust. Number 23 Heddon Street is the location where the Ziggy Stardust album cover for ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars‘ was photographed. This location is a bit of a pilgrimage for Bowie Fans and a very popular photo location.
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz club – the quintessential night club in SOHO, this is the go-to historical music venue in London. The most famous names in music have made their way onto the stage at this venerable venue, open since the 1960s. Miles Davis, The Who, The Beatles and Hendrix have all played here.
Discover Beetles History Strolling along Savile Row
Bordering Soho is one of the most exclusive shopping streets for men, Savile Row an elegant upscale street home to custom made bespoke tailored suits. Stores along the street are famous for suiting the royal family and the rich and famous.
Keep an eye open for #3 Savile Row, the building was home to the former Apple Studios famous for recording the Beeltles’ albumns and the infamous rooftop concert by the Beetles, their last performance ever in 1969.
SOHO London food scene
Soho’s food scene is legondary, boasting a rich Italian heritage. I can’t think of a better way to start a day of exploration in London than grabbing an authentic hand-pumped espresso at Bar Italia as you head out to explore.
Coffee at Bar Italia, this humble little Italian coffee shop connected to the restaurant is referred to as the best authentic Italian coffee in London. Try their hand pumped expresso the Italian way. Their main restaurant next door is one of SOHO’s highly rated Italian venues, a great place for a bite after a show at Ronnie Scott’s which sits across the street. Book ahead!
Street Food: there are plenty of street food markets dotted around SOHO. Home to late-night eats after the clubs close, the area is packed with excellent street food vendors whereever you look.
Television History made here! The invention of the television and the first TV broadcast ever demonstraated was carried out in the flat above Bar Italia in 1926!
The Cambridge Pub – a charming little historic pub overlooking Cambridge Circus at Charing Cross and Moor Street in Soho is found on a bustling little SOHO roundabout. This is a favourite of mine for a few pints and the traditional Fish and Chips and mushy Peas.
Another great place to get a refreshment, stop by the The Ship – one of the most famous pubs in soho, a long time musician hang out.
Conclusion
SOHO offers a slice of London for almost everyone, be they music aficionado, food or cocktail enthusiast, or history buff. This wonderful area bordered by the famous Piccadilly Circus, St. James’, the posh Mayfair and nearby Covent Garden is a must see for every first time or return visitor to London.
Whenever I can make it to London, I make sure this area is on my list as a top place for cocktails and dinner and a bit of nostalgia!