The Best Things to Do in Soho

There’s a lot going on in Soho: the Central London core is packed with things to do for both tourists and locals alike. You have iconic shopping spots such as Carnaby Street, famous for the swinging sixties movement; historic LGBTQ+ clubs and bars that continue to draw a rainbow crowd of revellers; and many a stage to showcase the arts, whether that’s theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue or a comedy night at the SoHo Playhouse. Foodies: this is where some of your favourite restaurants were birthed (including Mildred’s, Bao and Tonkotsu) and of course, where the best fish & chips in Central London resides. Hungry for fun times? Here’s what to do in Soho. 

1. Try the West End’s best first and chips on Old Compton Street 

You won’t find a better chippie than Poppies (we’re not biased at all!), and our Old Compton Street restaurant is just the spot to bite into a crunchy golden catch of the day and a generous helping of chunky chips. The restaurant is full of East End charm, decked out in 70s retro style with screen sirens and Soho moments, and we’ve got jellied eels, mushy peas, and sticky toffee pudding to fuel a Soho night just right. 

2. Get the swinging sixties look on Carnaby Street 

One of the most famous shopping streets in the capital, Carnaby Street was where the swinging sixties movement began. Back then, rockers from The Beatles to The Kinks to The Rolling Stones (and many more!) not only hung out here but got their iconic looks from Carnaby’s independent fashion retailers. Today, shoppers can browse a range of department stores, brands, and boutiques, creating looks just like the stars of the sixties once did.  

3. Watch some live jazz at Ronnie Scott’s 

This world-famous jazz club was founded in 1959, and has hosted the who’s who of jazz and beyond. Names such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Miles Davis have all graced Ronnie’s stage, and today you can witness future legends in this intimate and beautifully outfitted Soho venue. 

4. Join London’s most inclusive party at Friendly Society 

London’s LGBTQ+ community is one of Europe’s largest, and being so fabulous, Soho is naturally the mecca. The streets dotted around Old Compton Street are packed with bars that welcome the whole spectrum of queer and their allies, and our favourite is Friendly Society. Since 1999, the underground venue has brought good times in good company, with a little disco ball and tropical cocktail magic. A guaranteed night of fun and frolics. 

5. Visit an underground tube speakeasy at Cahoots 

Did you know you can legally drink alcohol on the London Underground? Well, at least in Cahoots you can. The Soho speakeasy is situated within a forgotten Kingly Court tube station, transformed into a forties cocktail bar with ticket hall, platforms and a life-sized train carriage to knock back a Winston Churchill themed gin concoction in. The best place for an immersive sip. 

Soho continues to captivate us – it’s a must-visit destination for the shoppers, partygoers, and foodies.