Soho, the set of streets and alleyways between Oxford Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, Charing Cross Road and Regent Street is one of the most cosmopolitan parts of London. Successive waves have brought French, Germans, Italians, Russian and Polish Jews, Swiss, Greeks and, most famously, Chinese to the area. Fleeing poverty and persecution in their own countries, Soho's tolerance, proximity to the centre of London, and low rents were all an instant draw. Once famous as the centre of London's vice industry, Soho is now celebrated as one of the most fashionable parts of London. Its main industries are television, magazine publishing, and fashion. Hoards of exclusive employees continue to fill the sophisticated boutiques of Carnaby Street and Kingly Court throughout the day. By night, the winding alleyways of Soho become packed with Londoners and tourists eager to sample some of the most varied entertainment the capital has to offer. Always the most tolerant part of London, Soho is also the heart of the capital's vibrant gay scene. Cinemas, pubs, bars, nightclubs, comedy clubs, some superb live music venues and a dozen West End theatres attract people of all ages and backgrounds into Soho's melting pot. Superb Chinese and Italian food, as well as restaurants to suit all conceivable tastes and budgets, make Soho a gourmet's paradise. It seems extraordinary that such a small area could contain so much life and energy, but the truth is that you could visit Soho every day for a year and still barely scratch the surface.
Pride London 2009
Trafalgar Square, WC2H 7BP
4th July 2009
For the past few years London's Pride Parade has been growing in scale and ambition. Now they've got... More
Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill
11-15 Swallow Street, W1B 4DE
Set over two floors, this restaurant is an absolute gem. Yet another creation from true Irishman Richard... More
Milroy's of Soho
3 Greek Street, W1D 4NX
This veritable treasure trove of malts has a complete contingent from Ireland to choose from, ideal shopping for St Patrick's Day.... More
St Patrick's Soho
21a Soho Square, W1D 4NR
Nestled among the trendy, cosmopolitan area of Soho lies this striking red brick church with its conspicuous towering... More
Myla | Pyjama Room | Coco de Mer
If the thought of buying underwear makes you feel like the priests in that scene from 'Father Ted', you need help. We've come up... More
Taking in Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street, Soho, Theatreland, Chinatown, Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Edgware Road, The West End really does have ... More
Discover the newly refurbished Shaftesbury Hotel in the heart of London's Theatreland. Each of the 62 fully air-conditioned bedrooms boasts luxury fittings, state of the ...More
If you're bored of staying in faceless international hotels, then you should try this quirky gem where no two rooms are the same. Georgian panelling, ... More
Musical comedy is flying high at the moment - thanks to the acts such as Flight of the Conchords ("Formerly New Zealand's fourth-best folk parody ...More
Offering over 140 blends of coffee (including Arabic and Lebanese) and 200 types of tea sourced from around the world this Soho-based shop is a ... More
If spirits are your tipple then this is the place to go. Gerry’s stocks an extraordinary selection of wines and unusual spirits from liqueurs to ... More
English [Out There!] takes a very hands-on approach to learning English. The course places an emphasis on using what you have learned. Students are taken ... More
Thai food is the cuisine of the moment - green curries, red curries, satays, are everywhere. To the uninitiated,it's very difficult to recreate at home. ... More
In the shadow of both Centrepoint and St Giles-in-the-Fields Church, hidden from most tourists and residents alike, lies this beautiful West End garden. Originally a ... More
If you're not up for the hectic atmosphere of Waxy O'Connors it might be worth slipping across the street to her infinitely more tranquil Little ... More
This
was once a sleazy Soho strip club, as the name suggests, and it really
shows. Deep reds are the dominant colour, with mirrors, booths and
velvet curtains ... More
A favourite with young royals - Princes Harry and William, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have been spotted here... all at the same time. And where ... More
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