Perfect Weekend: 48-Hours in Soho, LondonBy Angelica Malin
Looking for the perfect day out in Soho? Soho is simply our favourite spot to explore in London. Here’s our guide to the best things to do, eat and experience in Soho, London:
Soho: The Lowdown
If you don’t already know, Soho is the creative and entertainment hub of London’s West End with a vibrant mix of independent and concept fashion stores, restaurants and bars. It’s a rich hub of amazing restaurants, shops and cafes, including 39 shops and 31 restaurants, bars and cafes across several Soho streets including Berwick St, Broadwick St, Denman Street and Brewer Street.
Where to Eat in Soho
Let’s start by talking food. There’s so many places to eat in Soho, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here’s a selection of our favourite places to eat in Soho any time of day:
For Lunch: Zahter
Zahter is a Turkish restaurant by Chef Esra Muslu, which serves up a taste of Istanbul in the heart of Carnaby. Spread across four floors, Esra showcases traditional Istanbul home style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wondering what to order? The Enginar Dolmasi is a must-order for the table – artichoke stuffed with spiced rice and roasted almonds – and don’t miss the delicious fava, broad bean paste, raki infused grapes, dill – creamy, savoury and a little sweet, to be scooped up with freshly-made pide bread.
For Dinner: Ember Yard
Ember Yard is a new-style tapas bar, taking inspiration from Spanish and Italian techniques by cooking over wood and charcoal – the fourth restaurant from the award winning Salt Yard Group. It’s a buzzy spot with a convivial vibe – come here to enjoy a selection of small plates near the open plan kitchen, or kick back with cocktails in the cool bar on the lower ground floor. The food is inspired by travels around Spain and Italy, in particular, the Basque country and Tuscany, with cleverly curated tapas options. Our personal favourite dishes are the grilled prawns with avocado puree and pickled chilli, the Jerusalem artichokes with baby carrots and for something sweet, the chocolate fondant with salted caramel and vanilla ice cream is heavenly.
Don’t forget to stop for drinks afterwards at SOMA – a new bar in Soho, located next door to Kricket. SOMA is a modern and minimalistic take on the basement speakeasy, with drinks inspired by India and beyond.
What to Do in Soho
For Pampering: BLEACH London
Fancy a change? Iconic British hair brand BLEACH – the pioneers of dip-dyes, rainbow hues and silver sheens – have recently opened up a salon in Soho. Founded by Alex Brownsell, BLEACH is the place to go for that on-trend dye job. Step inside for cut, colour, highlights, root treatments and blow drys. With interiors designed by set designer David White, BLEACH Berwick Street is pretty ‘grammable too.
Where to Shop in Soho
For Jewellery: Sacred Gold
Sacred Gold is the place to come for stunning gold jewellery. Their unique store has the best customer service, and showcases Europe’s largest selection of BVLA fine body jewellery. Their renowned piercers specialise in ear jewellery curation and also offer a wide variety of other piercing services- applying their expertise and love of the craft to all body adornment.
For Sustainable Shopping: Dunno. Curated
Fancy a spot of sustainable shopping? Dunno. Curated is an independent, unisex store which offers specially curated vintage fashion with streetwear. nfluenced by international stores like Tres Bien, Our Legacy, DSM as well as local legends like Duke’s Cupboard and Teejerker.
Dunno. Curated is expressing its niche by sourcing sought after designer products and pairing them with vintage classics like Levi’s famous 501’s, Carhartt and Dickies workwear, outdoor brands like LL Bean, Eddie Bauer and Patagonia.
For Trainers: Footpatrol
Footpatrol is London’s best-known destination sneaker store, which offers up the most exclusive footwear. Located on Berwick Street since 2010, it has been at the heart of supplying the sneaker community with the most desirable footwear, apparel and accessories as well as providing a hub for locals and trainer enthusiasts to come and chat about what they love most. Come here for exclusives from top brands including Nike, adidas Originals, Puma, Converse, Asics, Reebok, plus accessories from G-SHOCK, Jason Markk, and Pintrill.
For Menswear: END.
Designed for the new wave of fashion lovers END. is the store that likes to mix innovative and super fashionable menswear. END. has become known as one of the best menswear destinations in the world. They have built their brand on an expertly curated collection of luxury fashion, emerging designers and exclusive sport & streetwear. The store has strong and valued relations with over 400 brands and designers meaning they always have the best of the best within their collection.
For the Coolest Trainers: Axel Arigato
The global flagship store of Swedish shoe designer brand Axel Arigato connects vibrant Soho to stylish Carnaby. Founded in 2014 and fastly becoming one of the coolest trainer brands worldwide, Axel Arigato feature sleek and unisex styles with cutting edge design and luxe details. Their shoes are hand-crafted in Portugal with high-quality materials such as fine Italian leathers, calfskin linings and Margom rubber soles.
For Vintage Shopping: Reign Vintage
Reign Vintage is renowned for their premium grade designer vintage clothing and cult high-end street wear brands. Head in-store to discover vintage finds and accessories; browse unique pieces from world-famous brands such as Aquascutum, Moschino, Celine, CP Company and Moncler. Passionate about well designed, well crafted one off gems and vintage classics that play to your individuality and personal style – garments and accessories you can love and adore for longer than one season.
For Glasses: Cubitts
Cubitts is an independent British spectacles and sunglasses company, from King’s Cross, London. They offer a range of handmade frames which go through fifty crafted stages over the course of six weeks. The flagship Soho store has been designed in homage to the spirit of Soho, designed by Child Studio. The design is inspired by the Soho ‘milk bars’ – vibrant meeting places that were central to youth culture in the 1930s, before reaching their mid-century pomp in the 50s.
For Denim: Nudie Jeans
The place to visit for all your denim needs; Nudie Jeans is a Swedish clothing brand originating in Gothenburg. Made with 100% organic cotton denim, Nudie specialises in raw and prewashed denim jeans, but the company’s collection includes many other items of casual clothing and accessories for you to enjoy.
Where to Stay in Soho
For a Rock ‘n Roll Stay: Sanctum Soho
Sanctum Soho is the brainchild of Concept Venues’ Mark Fuller and one of our favourite places to stay in central London. Combining a private cinema event space, best of British cuisine restaurant – Wild Heart Bar & Grill, stunning bedrooms, funky crash pads and a private roof-top terrace, complete with 24 hour bar and alfresco Hydro Spa, alongside a level of service and host of extras worthy of a rock star, the hotel is the must-stay destination in the capital.