I’ve spent most of my working life based in Soho – and I’m totally in love with it. In fact, the only thing I don’t love is the drain smell that lingers everywhere in summer, anyone that dawdles (you must walk at 9,000 mph at all times), oh – and when they shut the tube for overcrowding ALL the time. Painful.
So, as we prepare to up sticks and move to Kings Cross, I’d like to pay a little tribute to the highlights of daily life in dear old Soho.
I’m not saying these are the best, the quirkiest, the coolest – but they are the places I frequent most often and spend most of my wages in. I will miss them all.
All I’m saying is, you better be good Kings Cross…
The best coffee
Nude Espresso on Soho Square
Small but spectacular.
Urban Tea Rooms on Kingly Street
My regular, tasty, reliable pick-me-up.
The best pub for Thirsty Thursday
Shaston Arms
Is it good? I don’t know, but everyone keeps going there. I can’t give you one good reason why. 
John Snow
Full of media wan*ers. Which I am one of.
The best brownie
Detox Kitchen
It’s a ‘healthy’ beetroot brownie – but trust me, it’s amazing.
The best bar for after work Friday drinks
Two Floors
You’ll have to queue for ages to get served but it’s got a good vibe.
Duck & Rice
Good quality booze and chop suey combined. Decent atmosphere.
The best bar for late night cheesy dancing
Archer Street
Singing staff, Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, table dancing – all in a classy environment.
The best place for showy-offy drinks
Soho House
Members only club where everyone in Soho knows someone who can get them in.
The best place for fast(ish), healthy (ish) salads
Pure
A chain, but a good, fresh one. Either DIY or go for one of their own creations.
The Detox Kitchen
Where all the female foodies of Soho come for their dairy free, gluten free, well- balanced lunchtime feed.
The best place for fish
Randall & Aubin
Great atmosphere, tasty fish and not too pricey. Expect to queue though.
The best place for a posh brekkie
Nopi
An Ottolenghi goody. Go for the Shakshuka – braised eggs, piquante sauce and smoked labneh – wow.
The best sarnie
Sacred Café
Hearty Antipodean toasted deliciousness – mostly laden with cheese.
The best hangover cure
Shoyru
Don’t consider anything other than the curry ramen with karage chicken – possibly the tastiest creation ever invented. Salt, fat, carbs – all the good things.
The best bento box
Chotto Matte
Prepare to be wowed – she’s pricey at £20 but SO worth it. Delicious.
The best Mexican
La Bodega Negra
(the secret entrance through the seedy-looking sex shop)
A buzzing candlelit cave with tequila based cocktails and excellent food.
The best pizza
Soho Joes
Get the Bufalina – the buffalo mozzarella is so fresh and tasty. The pizza crust is incredible.
The best Italian
Polpetto
Good and tasty small Italian sharing plates – also not as busy as Polpo.
The best all round dining experience
The Palomar
The place to go when you want to impress someone. The vibe, the food, the staff, the prices – all top notch.
