Dinner & drinks in Soho, London
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Soho - by Mikel Parera on Unsplash
Description
Soho is a major entertainment and fashion district lying directly east of Regent's street and north of Piccadilly Circus. The area was first developed in the 16th century with Soho Square and St Anne's Church built in the late 17th century. Initially, it was inhabited by the aristocracy but a shift occurred in the mid-19th century and the entertainment and sex industry developed in the neighbourhood; this lasted until the 1980's and an extensive gentrification. Nowadays the area is predominantly known for its bars, restaurants, fashion boutiques and for being the centre of the city's LGBT+ community, in particular Old Compton Street. This review is for a dinner & drinks in restaurants and bars of the neighbourhood.
Access & Transport
The area is straightforward to reach, walking from Regent Street, Picadilly or Covent Garden. By underground there are 4 stations roughly at each of its corners: Oxford Circus (NW), Tottenham Court Road (NE), Leicester Square (SE but need to cross Chinatown) and Picadilly Circus (south). Bus services will get you along the edges but most of the roads in the precinct are too narrow so you will need to walk a few minutes to the center of the area.
Instructions & Recommendations
We would suggest getting there at dusk after a visit to the Westminster area, Covent Garden or to the British Museum (15mins walk). Alternatively, after you refresh yourself at your accommodation or after a show in the West End. Make sure you walk through the main streets: Wardour, Carnaby and Old Crompton If you plan on using the underground on your way back, do note that most lines close between 23h30 and midnight.
Environmental & Social
It is an urban and commercial environment with relatively high electricity consumption, in particular at night A bit negative in terms of community impact because of the heavy focus on commercial activities and late-night entertainment
Conclusion
If you are looking for a hip venue for an evening out, possibly after a show in the West end, Soho should probably be your first pick. Plenty of different venues and, if you do not like the vibe you can always move across Shaftesbury avenue into Chinatown and Leicester Square.
Key positive
Plenty of different cuisine and bar options
Very central
Key negative
Might still feel a bit seedy for some
This is nightlife area so keep your eyes opened and your belongings with you
Suitability
Suitable for 18 to 60 years old - not recommended to bring kids unless simply for dinner. Streets and most restaurants have suitable access for guests with mobility issues, but it might be more hit and miss for bars and late-night venues
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:2h 30m
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningNo
Lunch timeNo
AfternoonNo
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightOk