Experiences
Things to Do in Soho
Record shops, jazz clubs and Carnaby Street: London's most concentrated shot of fun.
In short: our top picks are Carnaby Street, Ronnie Scott's and Berwick Street Market. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Soho crams more into a square mile than almost anywhere in London. Carnaby Street and Berwick Street cover the shopping, Denmark Street the guitars, and Ronnie Scott’s and the 100 Club the music that made the area’s name. Chinatown sits on its southern edge for a duck dinner. It is a neighbourhood built for the evening, so line up a show, a meal and a late drink.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Carnaby Street | Soho | |
| Ronnie Scott's | Soho | £££ |
| Berwick Street Market | Soho | |
| Denmark Street | Soho | |
| The 100 Club | Fitzrovia | ££ |
| Chinatown | Soho |
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Editor’s choice
Carnaby Street
Why we pick itFourteen streets of independent stores and flagship brands, a 1960s icon that goes all out at Christmas.
shopping street
-
Ronnie Scott's
Why we pick itLondon's most famous jazz club, running since 1959, with live sets most nights in an intimate Frith Street room.
jazz club
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Berwick Street Market
Why we pick itOne of London's oldest street markets, plus record shops and fabric stores, down a Soho backstreet.
street market
-
Denmark Street
Why we pick itLondon's guitar-shop row, once known as Tin Pan Alley, where the Rolling Stones and Bowie recorded, still packed with instrument shops.
music landmark
-
The 100 Club
Why we pick itA basement music institution on Oxford Street that has hosted everyone from the Stones to the Sex Pistols.
live music venue
-
Chinatown
Why we pick itThe lantern-strung streets around Gerrard Street on Soho's southern edge, for roast duck, dim sum and late-night bakeries.
food quarter
Before you book
Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus all ring Soho, so pick the exit nearest your plan. It is at its best from late afternoon into the night. Book the jazz clubs and any pre-theatre dinner ahead, especially at weekends.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Carnaby Street is our editor's choice: Fourteen streets of independent stores and flagship brands, a 1960s icon that goes all out at Christmas. Carnaby Street, Ronnie Scott's and Berwick Street Market lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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