October 1st, 2009
The Delights Of London’s Buzzing Soho District
The Soho area in London has made a comeback in recent times. This once seedy area is now very much London’s buzzing centre.
Today Soho is known for some of London’s best cafes, restaurants and bars, with a lively atmosphere 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
This article gives you some insider tips and highlights to help you have a truly awesome time the next time you stop by Soho:
* Plenty of bars, clubs and cafes on both Dean Street and Wardour Street. Try All Bar One on Dean Street or the Slug & Lettuce pub on Wardour Street.
* Bar Italia (Frith Street) is where the Italians themselves go for the best cappuccino in London. It’s hard to get a free seat but is always buzzing!
* Ronnie Scott’s is London’s premier jazz club and is opposite Bar Italia on Frith Street.
* The Curzon Soho cinema is a superb and intimate venue which shows mainstream films as well as lesser-known titles. Its glass-fronted cafe is great for people watching and there is a pleasant bar in the basement to enjoy too.
* No visit to Soho is complete without stopping by Chinatown, especially in the evening. There is a whole world of little Chinese bakeries and shops to explore, not to mention countless authentic restaurants. The Wong Kei restaurant (Wardour Street) is great fun and good value – but be warned that you may end up sharing a table with strangers! If you’re on a budget you might be tempted by one of the many “eat as much as you like” buffets in the vicinity.
* You’ll find restaurants in Soho for just about any cuisine you might desire. If you don’t know what to have, you can feast your eyes by walking around and looking through the windows. There is Chinese, Korean, Italian, Malay, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian and much more! Corean Chilli on Charing Cross Road is cheap and spicy!
The intense competition between restaurants in Soho means that prices are generally OK.
By walking a few minutes to Leicester Square, you’ll find yourself at the centre of London’s vibrant nightlife. You could enjoy an ice cream at the Haagen Dazs ice cream parlour or go to one of several large cinemas where you’re sure to find your favourite movie.
Soho is also perfect for bars and clubs. Just take a walk and enjoy the atmosphere, then enter the place which gives you the best vibes.
What if you prefer to chill out? Soho’s multitude of cafes are perfect to do just this and great fun for people watching too! Enjoy a light snack, a long drink, a latte or whatever else takes your fancy.
Since Soho is lively 24/7, you really get a sense of London’s vibrancy by being there. It’s buzzing on Sundays too!
Please check the London Hotels Insight blog for more tips on Soho including expert advice on choosing the best-value hotels and insider London restaurant recommendations.