Best Stops in Soho: London’s Eclectic Heartbeat

What do cultural richness, libertine entertainment, a vibrant music scene, and a thriving LGBTQ+ community have in common? They all find a home in Soho, London. Join us on an exciting London guided city tour to uncover the best that this eclectic district has to offer. Follow us!

Kingly Street and the Music of the 60s

Begin your adventure by hopping on the Central Line to Oxford Circus. Grab a coffee at Flatplanet on Great Marlborough Street and head to Kingly Street. Here, at number 9, you’ll find the Bag O’Nails, a legendary club where The Who and The Animals used to hang out. This was also where Jimi Hendrix made his official debut in 1966! Reopened in 2013, Bag O’Nails is now a premier private karaoke club, still infused with its musical heritage.

Carnaby Street: The Heart of Swinging London

Adjacent to Kingly Street is Carnaby Street, the epicentre of the 1960s “swinging London” movement. This cultural revolution brought us icons like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and the era’s distinctive fashion. Start at the historic His Clothes boutique at number 5, and make your way up the street, visiting the Levi’s Store at 51 and The Kooples at 22. After some shopping, enjoy a traditional fish and chips at Shakespeare’s Head, a pub dating back to 1735.

Vinyls, Markets, and Virginia Woolf

Carnaby Street intersects with Beak Street. Take a stroll to Lexington Street, turn right onto Broadwick Street, and head to Berwick Street. Stop by Sister Ray at number 75, an independent record store that’s a haven for music enthusiasts. Explore the vibrant Berwick Street Market, where Virginia Woolf once bought silk stockings. The market offers a variety of goods, from fresh produce to vintage clothing and books.

Soho’s Gay-Friendly Scene and Chinatown

Continue to Brewer Street, which leads into Old Compton Street, the heart of Soho’s LGBTQ+ community. Visit Comptons of Soho at number 51, a renowned Victorian gay bar. For the best espresso in London, stop by Bar Italia at the corner of Old Compton Street and Frith Street. Further along Old Compton, you’ll find the Prince Edward Theatre at number 28. Don’t miss the nearby Chinatown on Gerrard Street, easily identified by its iconic Chinese lanterns.

Pastries and Art on Greek Street

Follow Old Compton Street until it becomes Greek Street, known for its cosmopolitan vibe. At number 47, you’ll find Maison Bertaux, a famous French patisserie beloved by artist Martin Firrel. The upstairs tea room showcases work by comedian Noel Fielding and Icelandic band Sigur Rós. Next door is Soho’s Secret Tea Room, a vintage spot for a traditional English tea accompanied by jazz tunes on vinyl.

Dinner and Theatre in Soho

Turn left onto Bateman Street, cross Frith Street, and head to Dean Street. This street was frequented by Charles Dickens and Karl Marx once lived at number 28. Today, it houses the Hart brothers’ Quo Vadis restaurant, perfect for a classic London dinner. Afterward, visit Soho Theatre at 21 Dean Street for a diverse program of comedy, cabaret, and theatre performances.

Final Stop: Soho Square

End your journey at Soho Square, a picturesque spot near Dean Street. Here, you’ll find St. Patrick’s Church and a bench dedicated to singer Kirsty MacColl, inscribed with lyrics from her song “Soho Square.”

Underground Soho: Coffee and Rock & Roll Tour

For an alternative experience, join the “Underground Soho: Coffee + Rock & Roll Walking Tour.” This tour explores Soho’s musical legacy through its history of coffee. Taste different brews spanning 200 years of Soho’s vibrant past and learn how coffee shops became social hubs for artists, immigrants, and rock stars.

Soho is more than just a district; it’s the pulsating heart of London, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and modernity. From legendary music venues and stylish boutiques to diverse markets and a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, Soho promises an unforgettable experience. So, lace up your walking shoes and dive into the vibrant world of Soho, where every street has a story to tell.

Keep reading: Wandering in Soho

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