The London Challenge – Exploring Soho’s Hidden, Favourite and Famous Gems

Recently I was challenged with the task of seeking out some of Soho’s hidden gems and I was so excited to explore this part of London. It’s an area I’ve spent so much of my life in over the years so when challenged to find new places I’ve not been to, or old flames I may not have visited – I got really excited. Soho is home to so many amazing restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and fashion outlets – not to mention the hotels in Soho which are some of the most legendary, with so many famous faces having graced them over the years. You might even spot a celebrity or two when visiting the area.

I think Carnaby Street has to be one of my favourite areas of Soho and entering it through the Kingly Court entrance from Beak Street is the best way to start. Kingly Court is Soho’s foodie hub, offering three-story’s of al-fresco dining.

Once you’ve filled your bellies in Kingly Court, exit through the other end into the centre of Carnaby Street. It’s home to 150 shops and over 50 independent restaurants and bars meaning there is so much to do and explore.

A stop at Lina Stores on Brewer Street is another must, selling the finest Italian produce in Soho. Established in 1944, they’ve been trading here on Brewer Street for over 75 years. Lina Stores takes its name from the original founder “Lina”, a formidable lady from Genova who established the delicatessen in 1944. From cured meats to cheeses to antipasti, these guys aim to offer guests the very best that Italy has to offer.

If you really want to get into the heart of Soho, then surely that has to be the corner of Brewer Street and Rupert Street. This is where its gay village really comes alive at night with some of the bars for nightlife. Our favourite is Compton’s on Old Compton Street. A large, Victorian styled pub with two bars which dates back to 1890, but it wasn’t until 1986 when it was renovated and renamed to “Comptons Of Soho” as a gay bar.

One of Soho’s newest arrivals and one I’m completely in love with is Old Compton Brasserie. I’ve not eaten here yet but it’s a fantastic place to drink. There’s so much atmosphere and the heated outdoor seating is my favourite. It’s perfect for people watching and the coffee is really very good. Order a single espresso and open up your favourite newspaper whilst watching the world go by.

Further down Old Compton Street, you’ll find all of Soho’s hidden gems, just off the back of the many back streets it leads too. Ed’s Diner, the Three Greyhounds or Maison Bertaux, which creates an array of French patisseries daily since 1871!

If you want to have a drink in one of Soho’s most iconic pubs then it has to be The French House. Home to actors, writers and artists – this is one of the most iconic Soho watering holes. There’s no music, no machines, no television and a no mobile phones rule which makes for a real conversation starter – plus beer (what they’re known for) which is only served in half measures. Very continental.

Lunch led us to Cafe Monico on the Soho side of Shaftesbury Avenue. Inspired by the original Cafe Monico, established nearby in 1877, this restaurant serves up Soho a menu of shellfish, pastas, grilled meats and fish – all within a traditional brasserie setting. I really love the vibe in this place and the service was excellent from start to finish. We sipped on a glass of house red wine whilst we looked over the menus and decided what to order.

To start, a delicious plate of creamy Burrata with soft figs and sticky pieces of gooey honeycomb. Followed by a small plate of foccacia bread topped with Sicilian anchovies, tomatoes and olive oil. Both dishes really took me back to being on holiday in the Mediterranean.

For mains, we kept it simple and ordered the sirloin steak with frites. Cooked perfectly to my medium-rare specification, full of flavour and a little smoke – I would definitely come back for more, especially given the price.

I think the most iconic place to buy your wines and spirits in Soho (mostly spirits) has to be Jerry’s Wine & Spirits. Located on Old Compton Street, it’s here where you can almost always find those rare or unusual spirits you won’t find elsewhere, it’s also really enticing from the window.

To finish our evening off, we couldn’t resist heading back to Compton’s of Soho as we were so convinced of what a fantastic new addition this place is to Soho. With a cocktail menu designed around the famous faces of Soho, we indulged in a delicious Bloody Mary. Another thing I love about this place is with each drink comes complimentary snacks, this time little quiche Lorraine bites!

Do you love Soho? If so, where is your favourite place to eat, drink or explore in this part of London?

*The spending money was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own.