Soho isn’t just one of London’s most famous neighbourhoods – it’s one of the most exciting. Packed into a few streets between Oxford Street and Leicester Square, you’ll find some of the best places to eat in Soho, legendary bars, independent shops, and a creative energy that’s hard to match.
We’ve been working from Noel Street (right in the heart of Soho) for years. Our Membership Manager Olivia knows every corner of the area. Here’s the local guide to Soho – where to eat, drink, and what to do.
Best places to eat in Soho
For lunch that won’t break the bank:
Berwick Street Market
- Location: Berwick Street (2 min walk from Work.Life Soho)
- What to get: The spicy pad thai (Olivia’s obsessed with it)
- Price: £6-10
- Why it’s good: Proper street food, fresh, fast, and you can eat in the office
Kricket
- Location: 12 Denman Street
- What to get: Samphire pakoras, Keralan fried chicken
- Price: £8-15 for lunch
- Why it’s good: Incredible Indian small plates with bold flavours, perfect for a quick but memorable lunch
Bao
- Location: 53 Lexington Street
- What to get: Classic bao with braised pork
- Price: £12-18
- Why it’s good: Taiwanese street food done right – the bao are pillowy soft and the fillings are next level
Poppies Fish & Chips
- Location: 55 Old Compton Street
- What to get: Traditional fish and chips
- Price: £12-16
- Why it’s good: Classic British comfort food in a retro setting – ideal for a proper lunch break
For something special:
Kiln
- Location: 58 Brewer Street
- What to get: Clay pot glass noodles, grilled Tamworth pork collar
- Price: £25-35 per person
- Why it’s good: Thai food cooked over open flames. Booking essential, but worth the effort
Blacklock
- Location: 24 Great Windmill Street
- What to get: All in (skinny chops, beef, lamb for £23)
- Price: £20-30 per person
- Why it’s good: Meat from the charcoal grill, unlimited bread and salad, great value for the quality
Barrafina
- Location: 26-27 Dean Street
- What to get: Tortilla de patatas, octopus, anything on the specials board
- Price: £30-40 per person
- Why it’s good: Counter seating puts you right in the action. No bookings – queue early or go off-peak
Hoppers
- Location: 49 Frith Street
- What to get: Bone marrow varuval, kothu roti
- Price: £25-35 per person
- Why it’s good: Sri Lankan food that’s become a Soho institution. The hoppers (fermented rice pancakes) are incredible
Quick bites and coffee:
Princi
- Location: 135 Wardour Street
- What to get: Pizza al taglio, focaccia
- Price: £5-10
- Why it’s good: Italian bakery with incredible pizza by the slice – perfect for lunch on the go
Nordic Bakery
- Location: 14 Golden Square
- What to get: Cinnamon buns, rye bread sandwiches
- Price: £4-8
- Why it’s good: Proper Scandinavian coffee and pastries. Quiet spot for working or meeting someone
Bar Italia
- Location: 22 Frith Street
- What to get: Espresso at the bar
- Price: £2-5
- Why it’s good: Open 24/7, been here since 1949, proper Italian coffee
Flat White
- Location: 17 Berwick Street
- What to get: The flat white (obviously)
- Price: £3-6
- Why it’s good: Pioneered the flat white in London back in 2005. Still makes some of the best coffee in Soho
Best bars in Soho
For after work drinks:
The French House
- Location: 49 Dean Street
- What to know: No pints (half pints only), cash only, standing room only
- Why it’s good: Historic Soho pub with proper character. Francis Bacon and Dylan Thomas used to drink here
Swift
- Location: 12 Old Compton Street
- What to get: Martinis upstairs, cocktails downstairs
- Why it’s good: Two-level bar with different vibes. Upstairs for drinks and chat, downstairs for proper cocktails
The Coach & Horses
- Location: 29 Greek Street
- What to know: Traditional pub, decent food menu
- Why it’s good: Proper old-school Soho boozer. Norman’s Bar upstairs does great seasonal British food. Work.Life’s fave!
Ku Bar
- Location: 30 Lisle Street
- What to know: LGBTQ+ bar, free entry most nights
- Why it’s good: Inclusive, fun atmosphere, cheap drinks, great for group celebrations
For cocktails:
Milk & Honey / Members’ Bar
- Location: 61 Poland Street
- What to get: Whatever the bartender recommends
- Why it’s good: Pioneered the speakeasy trend in London. Book ahead
Ain’t Nothin’ But Blues Bar
- Location: 20 Kingly Street
- What to know: Live blues music every night, free entry (usually)
- Why it’s good: Sweaty basement bar with proper live music. Good drinks, better atmosphere
The Blind Pig
- Location: Above Social Eating House, 58 Poland Street
- What to get: Seasonal cocktail menu
- Why it’s good: Hidden bar above a restaurant. Creative cocktails, worth seeking out
Experimental Cocktail Club
- Location: 13A Gerrard Street
- What to get: Try the ECC signatures
- Why it’s good: Speakeasy-style bar with inventive drinks and late opening (until 3am)
Things to do in Soho
Berwick Street Market
Browse the fruit and veg stalls, vintage vinyl at Sister Ray, and fabric shops that have been there for decades. Go early on Saturday for the best atmosphere.
Record shopping
Soho is still one of the best places in London for record shops:
- Sister Ray (34-35 Berwick Street) – New and second-hand vinyl
- Reckless Records (30 Berwick Street) – Rock, indie, electronic
- Sounds of the Universe (7 Broadwick Street) – Jazz, soul, world music
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
- Location: 47 Frith Street
- What to know: Book ahead, arrive early for best seats
- Why go: Legendary jazz club since 1959. World-class musicians in an intimate setting
The Prince Charles Cinema
- Location: 7 Leicester Place
- What to know: Cheap tickets (from £5), sing-along screenings, cult classics
- Why go: Best independent cinema in central London. Quote-alongs and marathons make for brilliant nights out
Chinatown
Right next to Soho. Go for dim sum at Dumplings’ Legend or Jen Café, browse Asian supermarkets, and don’t miss the lanterns on Gerrard Street.
Carnaby Street
Independent boutiques, vintage shops, and streetwear brands. Less touristy than Oxford Street, better shops than Leicester Square.
Working in Soho
Soho’s creative energy makes it one of the best places to work in London. The mix of media companies, production studios, restaurants, and independent businesses creates a unique atmosphere.
At Work.Life Soho on Noel Street, you’re 2 minutes from Berwick Street Market, 5 minutes from dozens of great lunch spots, and right in the middle of everything that makes this neighbourhood special.
Our Soho workspace includes:
- Private offices for 2-20 people
- Coworking memberships with flexible access
- Meeting rooms and event space
- All the usual Work.Life amenities (super-fast WiFi, unlimited coffee, printing, bike storage)
- 24/7 access so you can work around your schedule
Why work in Soho:
- Central location with excellent transport links (Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus all within 5 minutes)
- Surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and bars for client meetings or team lunches
- Creative, energetic neighbourhood that attracts interesting businesses
- Everything you need within walking distance
Whether you’re looking for a private office, a coworking desk, or just need meeting space for the day, book a tour of Work.Life Soho and see why so many businesses choose to work here.
Final thoughts: why Soho works
Soho manages to be both a major tourist destination and a proper neighbourhood. Yes, Leicester Square is nearby, but once you know where to go, you’ll avoid the crowds and find the places locals actually use.
The density helps, everything is within a 10-minute walk. The diversity helps too – you can get Thai, Italian, Japanese, British, and Sri Lankan food without leaving the same three streets.
But what makes Soho special is that it hasn’t lost its character. Independent businesses still thrive here. You can still discover new places. And it still feels like the creative heart of London.
Book a tour of Work.Life Soho and experience it for yourself.
