The smart, definitive guide to Soho, London

London Soho

About Soho

Located just west of the London city centre, Soho is one of London’s most popular entertainment districts with a rich and varied history. Throughout the second half of the 20th century Soho’s sex shops, late-night events and film industry ties characterised the district. Today, Soho is a popular entertainment destination for both locals and tourists with a vibrant arts and music scene and lavish London bars, clubs, cafes and pubs.

Nearby neighbourhoods of note include Mayfair to the west, Chinatown to the south, Covent Garden to the east and the Strand to the south east.

What's on in Soho

Soho has developed a strong presence in the areas of art, theatre and live music. It has been home to the likes of Eric Clapton, Brian Jones, the Sex Pistols and artist and personality Sebastian Horsely. Monuments of its seedy past have now become cultural icons including the famous Windmill Theatre where a once burlesque stage now hosts comedy nights.

Many important theatres, art galleries, nightclubs and live music venues make Soho a source of unmissible evening entertainment.

Soho Venues

  • Madame Jojos
    Best for: a stylish Soho clubbing experience, the best new DJ music, and a killer live music lineup.
  • Punk
    Best for: Celeb spotting (think Kate Moss and Kelly Osbourne) while dancing the night away.
  • Riflemaker Contemporary Art
    Best for: unique style, impeccable taste and the highest echelons of London's ever dynamic cultural scene.
  • Soho Theatre
    Best for: Up and coming plays and playwrights or internationally recognised comedian headliners.
  • Soho Revue Bar
    Best for: The iconic Soho gay scene, plush décor, classy entertainment and soul music or drag queens depending on the night.
  • Ghetto
    Best for: The iconic Soho gay scene, throwing inhibitions to the wind and partying with the Soho locals and students.


Soho Facts

Tube Stops: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square, Covent Garden
Borough: Westminster

What people are saying in Soho

Popular events in Soho

Live Jazz
Live Music : Soho

Live Jazz

Feb 9 (20:00:00) @ Jazz After Dark
Every night at Jazz After Dark you get a chance to check out the more explosive bands on the London scene...
Avenue Q
Theatre : Soho

Avenue Q

Feb 9 (20:00:00) @ Gielgud Theatre
Is everyone a little bit racist? Is the internet really just for porn? Find out on Avenue Q, the downtown...
Les Miserables
Theatre : Soho

Les Miserables

Feb 9 (19:30:00) @ Queen's Theatre
Jean Valjean is released from 19 years on a chain gang, finds himself excluded from society, and promptly...

Latest reviews from Soho

Sirocco London
Sirocco Sunday, 31 January
Great watching the Gooners completely stuffed in 3D but probably just as satisfying in any medium ! come on you SPURS
Gielgud Theatre London
Gielgud Theatre Monday, 29 June
The Gielgud Theatre is a lovely, cosy theatre. I last saw Avenue Q there, and as soon as you walk in you can't help but notice the beautiful interior. It's nice and easy to find your way around (helpful for that last minute dash to the bar) and if you are feeling lazy they bring refreshments, with a personal favourite being the little ice cream tubs. Whilst I was sitting at the back, you are not too far away, and still feel like part of what's going on, on-stage. Good ventilation, comfortable seats and (hopefully) an amazing production, make this venue a pleasure to visit.
The Borderline London
The Borderline Monday, 01 June
I absolutely love this venue... although last time I was there I disgraced myself on their cheap beer. Really badly! But never mind, the place is absolutely wicked, best mid-size venue to see acoustic or rock gigs... and extra specially surprising among the detritus of the West End.
Piccadilly Theatre London
Piccadilly Theatre Monday, 27 April
I have a new-found respect for theatre ushers. It's not that I had any problem with them before, per se, although I didn't really see much point to having them around when the seats were quite clearly marked and I didn't want any programs or ice creams. However during my recent excursion to see Grease at the Piccadilly Theatre I had the misfortune of sitting between two separate groups who were helping create an accurate impression of watching a show in a school dining hall. While I couldn't do more than scowl, the helpful Piccadilly Theatre ushers did their very darnedest to keep their endless chatter to a minimum. Thank you!! Additionally, I was in the absolute top row of the theatre, about as far from the stage as you can get, and had a perfectly fine view, even without resorting to use of the opera glasses available for rent. Friendly staff, decent view and sound from the nose-bleed section and great central location. Now if only they could keep the school groups out.
Pizza Express Jazz Club London
Pizza Express Jazz Club Tuesday, 14 October
I can't say much about the music but I do love this place. I did a lot of courting in various branches of this chain, and I also invented the dish Ham & Eggs. Although it's gone off menu now you can still order it. I also sometimes have a Veneziana as some of the money goes to the 'Venice in Peril' fund. Lovely city, Venice, last time I visited was with my mother... [continues for 2 hours]