The Best Things to Do and See in Soho, London

One of London’s most famous record stores, Sister Ray began life as a stall in Camden Market and is now a huge vinyl outlet. Its collection is both extensive and in excellent condition, stocking rare records and timeless classics. Considering the friendly and knowledgeable staff, don’t be shy about asking for recommendations.

A pedestrianised walkway packed with shops, pubs and restaurants, Carnaby is one of London’s most famous streets. Popular in the 1960s for kitting out the hippies and mods of the day, Carnaby Street now houses huge international and British brands alongside independent boutiques and pop-up concept stores.

Soho Radio is an independent online radio station broadcasting from Great Windmill Street. An institution with the vibrant culture of Soho at its heart, the station showcases musicians, poets, artists and more, with one channel for music and another for culture. Covering a breadth of talent, genres and topics, the radio station’s roster includes a fortnightly jazz show hosted by the owners of legendary Soho club Ronnie Scott’s, producer Eddie Oxman’s reggae revival broadcast and an all-female comedy and music programme. A self-proclaimed “true street-side radio”, Soho Radio has been a much-loved neighbourhood stalwart since 2014.

Chinatown is full of places to get dim sum, but none are as stylish as Yauatcha Soho. It might be pricier than nearby establishments, but you won’t feel short-changed when it comes to the food, especially its prawn and bean curd cheung fun and venison puffs. If you really want to push the boat out, try some of its exquisite desserts too.

Even if you can’t shred it on an axe, Hank’s Guitar Shop is still well worth a visit to browse its impressive selection of rare and vintage guitars. It has years of experience in trading instruments and gear, so if you’re after something specific, the staff can usually source it for you.

A glamorous day on the town is not complete without a stop at Bob Bob Ricard. This Russian-British restaurant is unashamedly luxurious, with opulent decor and a menu studded with rich ingredients – caviar, oysters, lobster, truffle… It has it all. But this place is famous for its “Press for Champagne” buttons at each table, so throw caution to the wind and splash out.

The brash and brilliant Admiral Duncan is a world-famous LGBTQ bar in the heart of Soho, and is known for no-holds-barred partying and its extrovert clientele. Having been around since the 19th century, it’s one of London’s oldest gay bars and continues to draw revellers in today with its cabaret shows, lip-sync wars and various other events.

As you stroll around Soho, keep an eye out for noses on the walls and buildings. Installed by artist Rick Buckley in 1997 as a protest against the increase of CCTV cameras on the streets, there were originally about 35 noses (made from plaster casts of his nose) attached to buildings in Central London. Seven remain in Soho, and since Buckley didn’t initially take credit for them, many urban myths about their origin have sprung up. For example, it’s said that if you can find all seven, great fortune will come your way. Now, we can’t vouch for that, but it doesn’t hurt to look, does it?

Ronnie Scott’s is one of the most celebrated jazz clubs in the world and a Soho institution. Many famous faces, including Nina Simone, Prince, Ella Fitzgerald and Jimi Hendrix, have graced the stage here. The venue still hosts international jazz artists, so you’re guaranteed to hear great music every night of the week.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Swedish brand Axel Arigato’s Soho sneaker store was an art gallery. It has tall white walls with lots of metal and concrete accents and huge terrazzo stone tables that act as plinths for the trainers on display. Like the store, the shoes are minimalist, modern and elegant – good luck leaving with just one pair.

It’s easy to get lost wandering around the labyrinth of backstreets and alleyways of Soho, which makes this square a great place to get your bearings. This small garden oasis sits in the middle of some of Soho’s most well-known thoroughfares, including Greek Street and Frith Street. Built in the late 1670s, it is now home to several media companies, including 20th Century Fox, as well as the popular Toucan pub.

Nitrogen ice-cream wizards at Chin Chin Labs have expanded out from Camden with a dessert club on Greek Street, making it the ultimate ice-cream shop. You can get scoops frozen right in front of you, but you should go all out with one of its whackier creations, which have included the Choux-Wich (that’s an ice-cream sandwich made with a choux bun), a Miracle Cone (sugar-free ice cream that tastes sweet once you pop a magic pill) and the Avo-Taco (a waffle taco filled with avocado ice cream).

Step into this underground bar decked out like an old tube station and be transported back to 1940s Britain. It’s retro all the way at Cahoots, from the vintage carriage seats and piano singalongs to the cocktails served in teacups, hip flasks and milk bottles. It may be quirky and kitsch, but it’s jolly good fun too.

Additional reposting by Grace Beard