Soho London: History, Food, Culture & Things to Do

You haven’t really done London until you’ve done Soho. This pocket of the city was once a royal hunting ground, but over time has grown into the residential and commercial hub it is today. The huge mix of businesses, residents, and creatives is what makes Soho what it is, and it’s exactly why thousands of visitors find their way here every single day.

Neighborhood Overview and History  

By London standards, Soho is quite small. Major streets like Oxford Street border it, with the more upscale Mayfair just next door. Shaped over the centuries by wave after wave of immigration, especially from French Huguenot, Italian, and other communities, that mix of people has left a lasting mark on the area. 

Soho is, above all, a food lover’s playground. Its long history of immigration has brought an incredible range of cuisines, which is exactly why we chose it for some of our London food tours. 

If you want to discover the district’s food scene for yourself, this Soho London guide will give you a real feel for one of the British capital’s most exciting districts.

Creative Identity and Cultural Scene 

Creativity runs through Soho. The London district has long been a center for culture and innovation, with companies from the advertising, film, music, photography, and media industries all found here. Take Shaftesbury Avenue, for example, with its many theaters.

Arts and entertainment spaces have added to that reputation, too. For instance, Ronnie Scott’s, the jazz club whose name is known far beyond London, attracts music lovers from all over the world.

That’s not all. Record stores like Sister Ray stock an amazing mix of vinyls without the high price tag, while Soho Revue showcases striking artwork, much of it from female artists.

Old Compton Street also holds a special place in London’s LGBTQ+ history and community life. The road has been popular among those who identify as LGBTQ+since the 1970s. Since then, more and more LGBTQ+ venues have opened here, transforming it into an inclusive space for all.

Food and Dining in Soho 

At Eating Europe, we know good food when we see it, and Soho, London, has no shortage of restaurants serving it.  

Trust us on this one; you’ll find almost any cuisine here. Mother Mash Carnaby specializes in British classics, Bantof brings modern Mediterranean flavors to the table, and Truffle Burger serves up seriously good patties.

The Chinese food scene in Soho is well and truly alive, too. There’s more than enough dim sum and roast duck to keep hungry visitors happy. Yeye Noodle and Dumpling’s juicy pork dumplings and spicy beef noodles are well worth a try.

Looking for something more low-key? Street-level delis are the way to go: try Lina Stores Soho Delicatessen for Italian classics, or Banh Mi Keu Soho for Vietnamese specialties done right.

In the evening, Bar Crispin is the place to be for good wine, while Randall & Aubin offers a fancier dining experience, where you’ll be able to enjoy a seafood dinner in a glamorous setting.

Things to Do in Soho London 

Once you’ve eaten (and you will eat well), there’s plenty more in Soho that you can do to fill your day. Catch a film at Curzon Soho, which has its own bar on the grounds, or check out Soho Comedy Club for a proper laugh. If blues is more your vibe, Ain’t Nothin’ But is exactly where you want to be.

Seek out Soho’s hidden corners, and you’ll be surprised by what you might find. Look out for the Spirit of Soho mural and enjoy the buzz of Berwick Street. 

Set aside some time for shopping as well. Most people go to Beyond Retro for vintage finds and Grant & Cutler for English-language books. On the walk between the two, you’ll also spot countless independent shops tucked away down side streets.

After a long day on your feet wandering around Soho, nothing beats heading to a quieter part of town like Lexington Street. Places like these are far less busy and offer a nice breather from London’s hustle and bustle.

Iconic Streets and Landmarks 

Follow Soho’s streets and see where they take you. Carnaby Street, London, and its pedestrian lanes are lined with fashion, design, and independent boutiques, with plenty of tempting shops for those willing to spend a little more.

Berwick Street’s historic market has some real local character. It ranks among London’s oldest trading posts and is a great spot to hunt down some good deals. As you continue wandering through Soho, keep an eye out for the Georgian townhouses and historic architecture around London’s Soho Square, where well-known figures like Karl Marx used to live nearby.

You can’t leave London without planning a night out at the 100 Club. It’s an authentic basement club that regularly hosts the city’s best artists and holds the title of London’s longest-running independent music venue.

Soho After Dark: Culture, Entertainment, and the Evening Scene

After the sun goes down, Soho’s bars and nightlife really get going. Get tickets for a show at the London Palladium, sip some delicious mixes at cocktail bars like Swift, or settle in for a succulent steak dinner at Blacklock.

Soho also has an exceptional number of jazz clubs. Ronnie Scott’s has been very popular since it opened back in 1959, while newer names like Alfie’s give music fans even more reasons to stick around after dark.

For a taste of Soho’s theater culture, visit Shaftesbury Avenue, which is home to Sondheim Theater, Gielgud Theater, and Apollo Theater. If you’d rather avoid the crowds in this part of Soho, check out some of the other cool venues down side streets, like Soho Theater.

How to Get There and Around 

Soho couldn’t be easier to reach. Take the Tube to major stations including Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, and Piccadilly Circus, and you’ll be dropped off nearby. If you’re arriving by train, stations like Euston, King’s Cross St Pancras, and Charing Cross are all close by too.

Because London’s Soho district is small, walking around is the best way to explore. You can also grab a Santander Cycle bike if you prefer, which should only cost a few pounds.

We recommend coming to Soho in the morning to beat the rush. As the day goes on, Soho gets busier and busier, and it stays that way well into the night. Be sure to book tables at the restaurants you want to eat at ahead of time, especially at the more famous spots or if you want to eat in the evening.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). London food tours. https://www.eatingeurope.com/london/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Where to eat in London’s Soho. https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/where-to-eat-london-soho/

Ronnie Scott’s. (n.d.). Ronnie Scott’s. https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/

Mother Mash. (n.d.). Mother Mash. https://www.mothermash.co.uk/

Truffle. (n.d.). Truffle Burger. http://www.truffle-london.co.uk/

YEYE. (n.d.). YEYE Noodle & Dumpling. https://www.yeyelondon.co.uk/

Lina Stores. (n.d.). Lina Stores. http://www.linastores.co.uk/

Crispin. (n.d.). Bar Crispin. https://www.crispinlondon.com/bar-crispin

Randall & Aubin. (n.d.). Randall & Aubin. http://www.randallandaubin.com/

Ain’t Nothin’ But. (n.d.). Ain’t Nothin’ But. https://www.aintnothinbut.co.uk/

The 100 Club. (n.d.). The 100 Club. http://www.the100club.co.uk/

Bar Swift. (n.d.). Bar Swift. http://www.barswift.com/

Blacklock. (n.d.). Menus. https://theblacklock.com/menus/

Alfie’s. (n.d.). Alfie’s Soho. http://www.alfiessoho.com/