Last summer, we moved from Notting Hill to St. John’s Wood in order to be closer to our son’s school. At first, I missed having all of Notting Hill’s options at my doorstep but quickly realized it was a fantastic opportunity to broaden our horizons and see more of London. We’re now closer to Soho, which is just a quick tube ride away (accessed via Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus). The area is vibrant and packed with dining, shopping, and people-watching options. (It’s also relatively spread out, and therefore my map focuses on the west half of Soho.) Often, we’ll head down on a Saturday for a leisurely afternoon of walking and window-shopping while we decide where to eat. My favorite restaurants tend to serve small plates and are heavily slanted toward Italian food, but that just means if you’re visiting London, they’re all great choices to pop into for a quick bite (and a drink: you are in London, after all). No post-meal nap required. Win win, right?
For a visit to Soho, I suggest you:
EAT
- Bocca di Lupo The place to go for Italian small plates. (Many of the dishes come in “small” and “large”: the wait staff is more than happy to help you figure out how much to order.) Parties of two are seated at the bar, but don’t fret: that’s exactly where you want to be as it offers a full view of the kitchen. After you order, watch the chef and staff work their efficient and delicious magic. A signature dish is the Nduja sausage orecchiette, but seasonal specials also shine. (12 Archer Street // @boccadilupo)
- Central & Co A popular spot for brunch, but our preference is to slip in right as that service is ending for lunch and cocktails. Reliable brasserie fare. (22 Great Marlborough Street // @centralandco) ** permanently closed (2/16)
- Damson & Co Coffee shop by morning; wine bar by afternoon, the always-charming Damson & Co boasts an extensive menu of G&Ts (we’re working our way through the list) and flavorful small plates with a focus on healthy fare. (21 Brewer Street // @DamsonAndCo)
- Fernandez & Wells Soho is home to F&W’s first two locations. (There are now six F&W’s in London.) The original shop, on Lexington Street, has an evening feel as the menu is focused on charcuterie, cheese, bread, and wine, while right-around-the-corner at Beak Street, mornings and mid-day take the lead with coffee, baked goods, and sandwich options. Both are excellent — and both are usually packed. (73 Beak Street + 43 Lexington Street // @fernandezwells)
- Flat Iron Steak and a small salad for £10? It’s hard to beat that deal. Add some fries or a side, and a glass of wine for the win. (A second option for entrée changes daily.) Communal/bench seating + yes, you’ll probably wait a bit at peak hours. (17 Beak Street // @flatironsteak)
- Polpo Of all the restaurants on this list, I’ve probably eaten at Polpo the most. Once, it was twice in one weekend! So many great options on the small plates menu, but Polpo’s prosecco + pizzette (with an affogato for dessert) keep calling my name. (41 Beak Street // @polpo)
- Princi I wish I could tell you the “insiders” time to visit, but I’ve never seen this place without a crowd: even off-hours are busy. Half the restaurant is table service (no reservations) and the other half is counter service with a plethora of tempting options. The wall of bread alone is photo worthy. And please do not leave without a pastry or two for breakfast! They are not to be missed. (135 Wardour Street // @princi_milano)
STAY
- Ham Yard Hotel The latest addition to the Firmdale stable has it all: a hotel + restaurant decorated in Kit Kemp’s instantly recognizable style, a spa (+ a separate nail salon), a bowling alley which screams rent-me-for-parties, and short-term apartments for those who’d like to stay a little longer (wish that were me!) Plus, the property’s immediate surroundings have been reënvisioned as an urban village. Retail onsite includes Caramel Baby & Child, Bloomsbury Flowers, My Cup of Tea, and more. (Instagram tip: the courtyard’s lights are a fantastic backdrop for evening selfies!) (One Ham Yard // @ham_yard)
SHOP
- JP Books 2015 is the year my addiction to Japanese magazines took hold. First was Fudge, and now, the object of my affection is the newly-launched Cluél. (Why the US doesn’t offer something similar is beyond me. No matter: JP Books makes ordering + collecting my favorite print indulgences a breeze. The shop, right across the street from the Ham Yard, is well-stocked for browsing and discovering. (24-25 Denman Street)
GET YOUR INSTAGRAM ON
- Liberty If you follow anyone on Instagram who lives in or is visiting London, chances are they’ve taken a photo of the Liberty flower stand, run by Nikki Tibbles/Wild at Heart. I must confess, I take a photo every time I walk by: it’s impossible not to. Observing the variety of flower offerings each time I visit is a lovely way to track the change in seasons, and Peony Season is almost here. (Flower stand on Great Marlborough Street // @libertylondon + @realwildatheart)
note: “@” addresses denote twitter account names
map layout, design & type by jane potrykus