Photo Credits: Cafe Boheme
London’s Soho in the West End is a melting pot of vibrant cultures, eclectic eateries, iconic pubs, raspy jazz music that brings every corner to life, and some of the best shopping. While this may not be a secret, finding the best food and nightlife in Soho surely is. So, we spoke to Sabine Kern, Director of Sales & Marketing at Broadwick Soho, to get you a backstage pass to Soho's best-kept secrets.
PL: What makes the Soho neighbourhood so unique?
Sabine Kern: Soho, with its 90 intricate and colourful streets packed into one square mile, is the centre of London. Soho has been the heartbeat of our beautiful city for centuries and is a brand name in itself. Soho is many different things to many different people: theatre land, London’s film industry epicentre, the place for nightclubs, restaurants, unique shops, and Henry VIII’s hunting ground. Soho has character, soul and history. Today Soho is also the heart of London’s LGBT+ scene and spiritual home of London Pride.
PL: What do you love most about Soho, as a local?
Sabine Kern: Soho is like a village in the very heart of London. We have a very close community amongst the 3000 residents, business owners and daily commuters and visitors. It is a melting pot of different cultures, oozing creativity and with a special electricity in the air. When I pick up my coffee in the morning, I chat with the company director who lives in the Penthouse on top of Wardour Street and the steward who works in one of the restaurants on Brewer Street and lives in the council house down the road- both walking their kids to the Soho Primary School which has been here since 1699. Soho is personal. I love it.
PL: What are some iconic locations in Soho that every traveller must experience?
Sabine Kern:
Any of the 40+ Theatres to experience world-class performances.
Carnaby Street has an eclectic mix of shops, trendy boutiques, stylish restaurants, and lively bars.
Soho Square for a leisurely London-style afternoon break. Get a Sandwich from nearby Gails and enjoy the world go by.
Go on a free walking tour every Friday at 3 pm.
House of MinaLima for those who love everything magical, art and design.
The French House for an iconic WW2 history lesson and a fun Pub experience.
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club for an ultimate evening of amazing Jazz Music.
PL: What are some hidden gems in Soho that tourists don't know about but must?
Sabine Kern:
Pick up a coffee and some local British cheese from Robin at The Soho Dairy on Berwick Street market. If you are lucky, his mum has baked some fresh ginger shortbread. Not to be missed (7 am - 3 pm Monday- Saturday).
Andrew Edmunds has handwritten menus that change daily depending on what’s fresh on the market making them best for seasonal delicacies.
Take a stop at Bar Italia for a quick espresso, preferably at night. Sit outside with old Italian/Soho locals and you feel like you are in Sicily.
Visit Café Boheme for live music every weekend. Fun and casual, you’ll be transported to a brasserie in France.
Algerian Coffee Shop is like Aladin’s cave. Ask for the seasonal coffee roast. My favourite is the Spring one with hazelnut flavours.
At i Camisa get an Italian Sandwich with homemade sausage, Italian cheese etc. Delicious.
Liberty’s is simply the best department store in London.
PL: What are your favourite bars in Soho and what makes them special?
Sabine Kern:
Soma: A Soho speakeasy behind an unmarked door.
Disrepute: Get great cocktails and everything you can imagine at Kingly Court.
Cahoot: A cocktail bar with a twist – set in an old Tube station.
Mr Fogg: Whimsical atmosphere offering great gin cocktails.
PL: Can you recommend some must-try restaurants in Soho and what dishes to try?
Sabine Kern:
Yauatcha offers everything amazing; I always order the mixed dim sum.
Mildreds is the oldest vegetarian restaurant in London, and my favourite dish here is the charred aubergine bharta.
At Andrew Edmunds, you cannot go wrong with anything.
Randall & Aubin calls for fish and chips on a Friday, and the seafood platter for two is incredible, especially the mussels if they're in season.
PL: Can you share some insider tips for making the most out of a visit to Soho?
Sabine Kern: Just get lost in the streets. It’s a checkboard of little streets so you’ll always find your way back. But I would start at the top by Liberty’s and then keep walking street by street and you’ll find plenty of hidden gems.
PL: Why do you think Broadwick is the perfect base for exploring Soho?
Sabine Kern: You could not be more central. And the hotel’s design really captures the essence of Soho. It’s nostalgic, maximalist, elegant and fun. You can literally walk everywhere.
PL: What are some of the unmissable culinary experiences in Broadwick Soho?
Sabine Kern:
A cocktail in Flute along with some local oysters or the buttermilk chicken is a super crowd pleaser.
A negroni or non-alcoholic spritz in Bar Jackie along with the arancini balls or the artichokes.
Breakfast on the Bar Jackie Terrace.
Truffle pasta in Dear Jackie and a glass of Primitivo.
Nightcap in The Nook (available for residents only).
Planning a trip to London? Soho is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys vibrant, upscale bars, restaurants, and a lively crowd. For an authentic stay amidst all the action, Broadwick Soho is the ultimate place to experience it all. Contact us to book your stay at Broadwick Soho and plan your trip to London.
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