Soho means so many things to different people. It encapsulates food, theatre, museums, music and nightlife – all spotted with hints of narcissism and raw London energy. Its vibrant history is part of its charm and aura, and there’s a whole host of Soho lovers who hope this will never change. Stephen Fry is one of them and he cofounded Save Soho; an organisation that opposes the restructuring of Soho and the impending demolition of its most well loved institutions. Read about the fascinating story of Soho right here, and in the meantime we’re supporting the cause by hitting up our favourite spots in the area. Come join us!
HipChips
The incredibly niche concept of a crisp shop with some insane dips, makes it suitably perfect for its Soho location. There are crisps and dips to suit both sweet and savoury tastes, with an array of heritage potato varieties used for the crisps (crispness is dependant on potato). Dip flavours include katsu curry and crème brulee; imagination at its hippest best.
49 Old Compton Street, W1D 6HL
Any Amount of Books
This is the only bookshop you need in your life. Any Amounts stocks unique and rare books, that have been kindly donated, at rock bottom prices. You won’t find any creases or coffee stains in these gems as quality is ensured. Check out their basement sale on right now – all books are £1 (we picked up an as-yet unpublished book by Emma Dibdin)
56 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0QA
Tonkotsu
The menu is brief, the staff are quick and the ramen is the best around so basically it’s the perfect no-nonsense noodles for swift lunches or dinners. The alkaline Noodles are homemade while toppings include traditional pork, chicken and a gooey egg. For veggies, the vegetarian ramen with extra soy sauce and chilli oil is the one.
63 Dean Street, W1D 4QG
The Ferryman at Gielgud Theatre
It’s hard to pinpoint a single show in the West End worth watching; there are SO many. But right now we’re insatiably drawn to Jez Butterworth’s The Ferryman directed by Sam Mendes at the Gielgud Theatre. Expect a cute baby, farm animals and an absolutely brilliant script and performances as it transfers from the Royal Court after rave reviews.
Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 6AR
The Cartoon Museum
This place definitely tops any list of London’s most unusual museums. A walk around The Cartoon Museum takes you around comic and cartoon art from the 18th century the present day. Check out the current exhibition ‘The Inking Woman’ celebrating the evolution of British women artists as storytellers and satirists – on now until July 23rd.
35 Little Russell Street, WC1A 2HH
Café de Paris
If you want to step back in time and really embrace part of Soho’s history, make sure to visit the infamous Café de Paris in the West End. Over 90 years old and frequented by the likes of Sinatra and Grace Kelly in the Golden Age, today it’s a home for caberet, jazz and amazing nights out. Check out upcoming event F.U.S.I.C on June 2nd fusing together music and fashion.
3-4 Coventry Stree, W1D 6BL
Written by Nikki