Soho

Soho is central London's beating heart after dark — a square mile of restaurants, theatres, jazz at Ronnie Scott's, LGBTQ+ nightlife on Old Compton Street, and a louche history it half-remembers. Everything is walkable and it never really stops. It's not cheap and Friday nights are chaos, but no London trip is complete without an evening here.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What is Soho known for?

Decades of nightlife, music, and misbehaviour — from its jazz and punk history to today's dense pack of restaurants, theatres, and bars. It's also the historic heart of LGBTQ+ London, centred on Old Compton Street. By day it's media offices and coffee; by night it's the busiest square mile in town.

What's Berwick Street Market?

One of London's oldest street markets, trading Monday to Saturday roughly 8am-6pm — these days it's mostly excellent lunchtime street food with a few produce stalls, and it's closed Sundays. It's a good cheap-lunch anchor in an otherwise pricey neighbourhood.

Is Carnaby Street part of Soho?

Yes — the pedestrianised 1960s icon sits on Soho's western edge, now a polished shopping street of mid-range and indie brands with good food courts (Kingly Court is the pick). It's more retail than rebellion these days, but a pleasant daytime hour.

What's Old Compton Street?

The main artery of LGBTQ+ Soho — bars, cafés, and institutions like the Admiral Duncan, busy and welcoming most nights of the week. It's the natural starting point for a night out in queer London, though the scene has spread east to Dalston too.

Is Ronnie Scott's worth it?

Yes — it's one of the world's great jazz clubs, going since 1959, with shows most nights on Frith Street. Book ahead for main acts; the cheaper late shows and upstairs bar are the insider route in. Table service, low lights, proper atmosphere.

Where should I eat in Soho?

The density is the point: legendary no-reservation counters, Chinatown a street away, and everything from £8 noodles to tasting menus. Old-guard classics coexist with whatever London's obsessed with this month. Book anywhere famous, or eat before 6pm / after 9:30pm to walk into the no-bookings places.

Is Soho safe at night?

It's crowded, well-lit, and policed until the small hours — the risks are pickpockets, phone snatchers, and overpriced clip joints rather than anything sinister. Ignore street promoters offering 'free entry' bars. The crowds thin fast after 1am when the tubes wind down; night buses and black cabs fill the gap.

What's the best time to experience Soho?

Arrive around 5-6pm on a weekday: catch the pubs spilling onto pavements, get an early dinner without booking stress, then a show, jazz set, or bar crawl. Friday and Saturday nights are the full carnival — fun if you want that, exhausting if you don't. Sunday evenings are surprisingly mellow.

Nearby in Ask London

• Cahoots UndergroundBar0.19 km · 2 min walk
• Blacklock SohoRestaurant0.24 km · 3 min walk
• The Devonshire ArmsBar0.34 km · 4 min walk
• Evelyn's TableRestaurant0.38 km · 5 min walk
• Cafe BohemeCafé0.41 km · 5 min walk