THE ENTERTAINMENT HUB OF LONDON HAS SMARTENED UP ITS ACT IN RECENT YEARS, ATTRACTING YOUNG BUYERS AND RENTERS TO PENTHOUSES AND APARTMENTS HIGH ABOVE THE BUSTLING STREETS
Soho has certainly scrubbed up well. In decades past, it was home to peepshows and the infamous Raymond Revue Bar, the theatre and stripclub which embodied the Swinging Sixties. Today, its narrow streets jostle with media companies, packed restaurants, bars and gleaming new apartment buildings. There’s still an edge to Soho, but it’s polished.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Its allure is only increasing. “Soho has long had a reputation of being one of the most lively and creative parts of the capital, bursting with theatres, private members clubs, nightclubs, bars, shops and visitors almost around the clock,” says Charles Cutting, co-head of Savills’ Mayfair office. “And yet few would associate Soho with its neighbourhood of students, professionals, young creatives and growing families.” Jonathan Fieldman, partner at Knight Frank explains the variety of interest Soho attracts. “Buyers vary from those who are looking for a pied à terre in the heart of the action, to buy-to-let investors who want to take advantage of the strong demand for rental properties in the area due to the universities close by.”
Properties tend to occupy upper floors of some of the area’s historic buildings, offering a window out onto the comings and goings of Soho. Flats, apartments and penthouses are also popping up in new build blocks or those that have been sympathetically restored – for example, those in the Hat Factory. Soho 13 and 15 Hollen Street are also selling quickly off-plan.
“Soho has enduring appeal for young, edgy professionals who want to be close to the digital, creative offering and boutique businesses,” agrees Samuel Richardson, head of sales at Carter Jonas Mayfair.
Day out in Soho
9AM
Coffee and vinyl
Tucked away on the street corner of Old Compton Street, Balans No.34 dubbed ‘the little one’ serves champion breakfasts. With neighbours including the iconic Ronnie Scott’s, start the day right in the centre of Soho. From there, head towards Berwick Street to visit Sister Ray and Reckless Records, a haven for music fans of vinyl and CD formats.
11AM
Happy snaps
Head to The Photographers’ Gallery on Ramillies Street, which when founded in 1971 became the first UK public gallery to be solely dedicated to this medium. A plethora of thought-provoking exhibitions and talks fill the space, offering a voyage of discovery of the artistic medium. Currently exhibiting is the work of Japanese artist Miho Kajioka.
1PM
Chef’s counter
As a hub for good food, Soho has an abundance of cuisines. Embrace London’s intimate dining scene at Evelyn’s Table on Rupert Street. The Michelin-star 12-seater has a five-course menu built upon head chef James Goodyear’s love of British produce, using Scandinavian and Japanese techniques. Other countertop dining favourites include Kricket and Kiln.
3PM
Winter warmer
As the festive season approaches and thoughts turn to gifting and hosting, get a headstart at Milroys of Soho. At London’s oldest independent whisky merchant, you can source some of the finest whiskies from around the world. Sample a dram at The Vault behind the bookcase.
5PM
Stay a while
Opening this month, the Broadwick Soho Hotel on Broadwick Street promises a luxury hideaway that embraces the spirit of Soho. With interiors from Martin Brudnizki, dine at their Italian restaurant Dear Jackie, or head to Bar Jackie for a nightcap.
ASK A LOCAL
Shoair Mavlian, Director of The Photographers Gallery
“Soho is the original creative neighbourhood. It has some of the city’s best theatres, cinemas, and galleries, including The Photographers’ Gallery, which has been based in Soho since the 70s. You can see exhibitions, browse our famous bookshop, or sit outside in the newly pedestrianised outdoor exhibition space Soho Photography Quarter. Soho is a great place for food lovers, whether grabbing lunch from Berwick Street market or after-work drinks and dinner. If you’re lucky enough to work or live here, your day will start and end with a daily reminder of the great energy of London.”
thephotographersgallery.org.uk
Food and Drink
Chotto Matte
Frith Street
Combining Japanese with Peruvian cuisine a fusion known as ‘Nikkei’, Soho’s Chotto Matte provides an electric dining experience. Just north of Soho Square, you’ll find small plates, such as the spicy chicken karaage for those who can handle the heat and Nikkei gyoza with a twist of yuzu and sweet potato purée with red-pepper ponzu.
10 Greek Street
Greek Street
With a changing daily menu, find the element of surprise at this aptly-named, pared-back establishment. In the heart of the Soho neighbourhood, open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 Greek Street creates seasonal dishes packed with flavour that can be paired with its award-winning wine selection. Venison ragu with paccheri, and baked frangipane with plum and cinnamon ice cream are just a couple of the dishes to have been featured on the handwritten blackboard.
Yauatcha
Berwick Street
The all-day, dim-sum teahouse blends authentic Cantonese cuisine with modern touches. Signature menu titles include harmony, prosper, spirit and delight vegan. But with dumpling options ranging from seafood black truffle to wild mushroom and Chilean sea bass, why not try a little bit of everything?
Bocconcino
Great Marlborough Street
New to Soho’s dining landscape, find a slice of the dolce vita with indulgent cicchetti plates. Drawing on regional cuisines from Tuscany to Sicily, the menu is the creation of Head Chef Simone Serafini (previously of 5 Hertford Street). The restaurant’s Soho venue promises the same Italian decadence as its Mayfair branch.
Bob Bob Ricard
Upper James Street
The famed home of the champagne button brings French decadence to London. Start with the finest caviar, including Oscietra and Amurski sturgeon. Beyond the flute, the bubbly can also be found in the chicken and champagne pie. With glamorous interiors in the dining-room booths, save space for the BBR signature Chocolate Glory dessert.
SCHOOLS IN SOHO
Where once there were 16 schools in the area, Soho Parish Primary School on Great Windmill Street is proud to be the only one remaining today, above. The school has benefited from the area losing its ‘seedy’ reputation and has recently expanded, knocking through to the building next door, to gain a new sports hall, ICT room and library. Cohorts are smaller than other state establishments, but the charitable work of the local community and churchgoers help maintain the school. For younger children, Soho Nursery and Pre-School on Brewer Street provides Early Years education and childcare from birth until the age of five. Its location enables children to enjoy outings to the nearby National Gallery. Meanwhile Soho’s status as the entertainment hub of London extends to schools of music and drama. Soho Music School, also on Brewer Street, provides singing, piano and songwriting lessons, while West End Stage summer theatre school on Greek Street is the ultimate summer school for ages eight to 21.
ASK AN AGENT
SOHO: ON THE MARKET
Mohamed Zaghloul, Director of Mayfair and Marylebone sales, JLL
“The arrival of the Elizabeth Line to the top of Dean Street has certainly catalysed appetite for Soho from those browsing West End property. The high-speed service has provided practicality to the area without affecting its charm. Soho still hosts one of London’s oldest markets on Berwick Street and its streets continue to be admired by talented individuals. The area is unparalleled for restaurants and development by the likes of Shaftesbury Capital, Almacantar, Galliard Homes, and Soho Estates has added to the existing art deco, Regency, gothic revival and brutalist architectural styles. JLL’s recent instructions have showcased contemporary loft styling, typical of Soho apartments. Soho is clearly sporting a polished look; but one which embraces its history and soul.” jll.co.uk
BERWICK STREET
Although a mere stone’s throw from the food and fashion stalls of Berwick Street market, this three-bedroom duplex penthouse offers a haven of calm with a wraparound terrace. Guide price £4.75m Agent: carterjonas.co.uk
GOLDEN SQUARE
With a walk-in wardrobe, sunny terrace, air-con and concierge, this three-bedroom penthouse in a modern building is made for city living. £11,538 pw/£50,000 pcm
Agent: harrodsestates.com
SOUTHAMPTON STREET
With more than 3,000 sq ft of living space and views over Covent Garden piazza, this duplex apartment in a period building is the ultimate West End home. £10m Agent: savills.com
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