Los Angeles has its famous NoHo Arts District located in North Hollywood. It is a district that every local and Los Angeles visitor should take in a time or two. If you are a NoHo fan with plans to visit London in the future, make sure to set some time aside for the city’s Soho district. Go for lunch or spend the entire day. I guarantee you will be blown away.
What do we love about NoHo? I don’t even know where to start. One could spend months checking out all the:
- Live theater options
- Dance studios
- Art galleries and public art displays
- Music and recording venues
- Art and acting workshops
- Regional and international dining
- Specialty shops (with an emphasis on clothing)
The NoHo District is known as the place “Where the Arts Are Made” for a reason. But then there is London’s Soho district. It offers just as much excitement and culture as anything we have in the States. You really should check it out on your next visit to England’s capital city.
A Brief History
What is now Soho was once nothing but farmland. In the 1500s, Henry VIII acquired the land to develop his royal park. By the late 17th century, it had become a parish alive with homes and other structures built to support England’s upper class. It was during this time that Saint Anne’s Church was established.
Soho Square was laid out in the 1680s, much to the delight of the aristocrats of the day. French Huguenots migrated to the area and established what would become London’s French quarter. But by the middle of the 18th century, Soho’s wealthy inhabitants began moving away.
Increasing population density, overcrowding, and disease made for challenging times. Yet there was a bright side: hospitals, theaters, music halls, and other amenities began popping up. Soho eventually became London’s home for cultural diversity thanks to French, Greek, Italian, and Chinese influences.
The Modern Soho
The Soho of the 2020s is quite different. Soho is one of London’s most desirable entertainment districts offering just about anything a visitor or local resident could want. That’s why I encourage you to visit Soho if you ever find yourself in London. You will find ample:
- Restaurants, pubs, and bars
- Live theater and music
- A strong fashion and media presence
- Plenty of shopping opportunities
Soho’s most famous shopping area is the Berwick Street Market. Not only is the market well known for its diverse produce, it is also one of the oldest markets in the city. It has served patrons for generations.
While in soho, you might also want to check out:
- Soho Square – This is the epicenter of the district.
- Carnaby Street – A world famous street known for its involvement in the 1960s fashion scene.
- Chinatown – Soho’s Chinatown, developed in the 1950s, rivals San Francisco’s Chinatown.
Like just about any other cultural and entertainment district, London’s Soho has had its ups and downs. It faced a serious organized crime problem in the 1960s and 70s, as well as economic stress following the slowdown of the mid-2000s. But through it all, local officials and business owners have kept things going. Today’s Soho is a thriving district that really deserves your attention.
Things to See and Do
When I go to London, I like to focus on fine dining. That’s my thing; more on that in a minute. But first, let’s talk about some of the things to see and do in Soho. Let’s start with nightlife.
Soho is home to a long list of nightclubs and bars. Some of the more well-known establishments include The White Horse, Barrio, Golden Lion, The Admiral Duncan, and Bar Swift. Needless to say, you won’t have a hard time finding a place to go for good conversation and a pint or two.
Gamblers can take in the sights and sounds, and place a few wagers, at the Hippodrome Casino in the heart of Soho. Other well-known casinos are the Grosvenor, the Empire Casino, and Getting Casino. If you want to place a couple of bets, there are plenty of joints willing to take your money.
Are you into films? Then you are in luck. Soho is the center of independent and foreign films in London. The district is home to several boutique cinemas that offer high quality, culturally relevant films in a luxury environment. You can find everything from documentaries to love stories and action films.
During the daylight hours, be sure to check out the district’s hotels, coffee shops, and shopping opportunities. You’ll find several bookstores where you can enjoy browsing your favorite titles and authors in a calm and relaxing environment. And if you need a shave or a haircut, Soho offers plenty of beauty salons and barbershops.
Soho Has It All
It’s safe to say that Soho has it all. No matter what you’re looking for, you will find it in the district. As for me, I am all about fine dining. I am a foodie who appreciates every opportunity to try new recipes and new gastronomic environments.
From the dingy underground culinary hideaway to the street-side cafe, I never run out of places to satisfy my palette. But even if you’re not into food like I am, Soho is a district you absolutely have to visit when you go to London.