Where to start when talking about Soho? It has turned into the most fashionable and trendy part of London after the considerable changes that mostly took place in the 80's. Before that is was home to London's sex industry but even that it was a notorious partying part of town. Today the sex industry is all but gone, but Soho has never been sexier. Numerous, if not the most, gay bars and clubs are located in Soho. Cabaret shows, famous jazz performances, sex shops and all different types of alternative lifestyles are represented in this London district. We'll be taking a look at Soho's best pubs and clubs. Conservatives cringe at just the thought of places like this, but we say enjoy yourself completely and go after whatever makes you happy. And here is where Soho's real purpose lies in modern day London. A place where different people can come together and pursue a lifestyle that suits them, and not their environment. Like the old Latin saying goes Ubi panis ibi patria which loosely translates to "Home is where life is good". London's Soho is the place to be if you want to indulge yourself in its tremendous nightlife events and venues, but also if you want to live in a modern lively district that doesn't discriminate against anyone.
10. Café de Paris
Not mentioning Café de Paris would be a real travesty, considering it has managed to stay open and very relevant for over 90 years. Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly and Marlene Dietrich are just some note worthy names that performed here. And if that isn't enough, than nothing will be. This nightclub puts on some of the best cabaret shows in the whole of London. Burlesque shows that took place here are what legends are made from.
Visiting address: Coventry Street 3-4, London, W1D 6BL
9. The Box
Sheer decadence is the best term to describe this Soho venue. The production value of the cabaret and burlesque shows here is clear as day. Whether it's a more titillating show or a skill based one, you can bet your last penny that it will be world class. But if you're one of the many who actually count their pennies, you'll be disappointed to know that entrance fees here can cost thousands, hence it's very exclusive and restricted to the masses.
Visiting address: 11-12 Walker's Court, London, W1F 0BD
8. Crown and Two Chairmen
The bohemian lifestyle is nothing new for people in Soho, but thanks to places like this, people can lay back and enjoy their day. The high stools near the windows allows singletons to watch Soho's passers by and take a break from the fast paced modern way of life. The clientele here vary, but one thing is for sure, they know how to live.
Visiting address: 31-32 Dean Street, London, W1D 3SB
7. The French House
During busy days it's a common sight to see people in front of the pub standing and enjoying their beer (that is only served in halves in The French House). During WW2 Charles de Gaulle used this pub as his workplace. Francis Bacon and Dylan Thomas use to drink here, if history means anything to you. The interior design is obviously heavily influenced by the Gallic connection. The memento filled rooms give this place an appropriate sense of history and a proud tradition.
Visiting address: 49 Dean Street, London, W1D 5BG
6. Dog & Duck
Ever since this place was acquired by the Nicholson chain some have criticized it for losing its soul with the branded menus and new corporate management. Traditionalists or people who use to come here ages ago might have a point, but one look at the Dog & Duck's interior will make you forget all about it. It's no wonder that at nights it is practically impossible to get a table here. Crowds spilling out onto the pavement isn't an uncommon sight.
Visiting address: 18 Bateman Street, London, W1D 3AJ
5. Moonlighting
The highly illuminated neon sign in front of this Soho club doesn't exactly go along with the traditional look of a classic Soho club or bar. But what it lacks in panache it makes up with reasonably priced drinks and great parties where all genres of music are represented. Cheapskates parties are ever so popular, and with some drinks costing less than a pound, it's no surprise.
Visiting address: 17 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DR
4. O Bar Soho
Fashionable, trendy, hip and fun! One of the best places in Soho to relax and have fun after a long day at the office. Brace yourself pub lovers, because the O Bar serves a variety of American beers. If it's traditional British ales and beers you're looking for, this ain't your venue. The dance floor downstairs can be packed on certain evenings. Entrance is completely free before 10pm.
Visiting address: 83-85 Wardour Street, London, W1D 6QE
3. The Roxy
This one is for the younger crowd out there looking to party out to punk, drum & bass, hip hop and electro. The drinks can be dirt cheap on occasion, which only adds to the popularity of this Soho club. Sure, it's not class that it attracts guests with, rather enthusiastic and youthful energy. A great place for the crowd who take their partying seriously.
Visiting address: 3-5 Rathbone Place, London, W1T 1HJ
2. St Moritz
Located beneath another Swiss restaurant, the St Moritz club has been around for fifty years. And over these five decades it has changed very little. Rock and roll, ska, and R&B are all music genres that have been always represented as the St Moritz Soho club. It's a venue that is definitely amongst the more notorious ones in Soho, and rightly so.
Visiting address: 159 Wardour Street, London, W1F 8WL
1. Lyric Tavern
When making a list like this and having to choose from numerous quality bars and clubs, it's difficult to choose the No1. Whether this pub deserves it or not will be up to you. This little Victorian boozer is a real gem amongst Soho's pubs. Many tourists come here and enjoy a quick break by sipping out a cold ale while watching the footie on the TV in the pub. Theatre goers, locals, city folk, everyone can relax here and have a few drinks with friend, or people who are about to become friends. The charm and friendliness of the Lyric Tavern is what makes it special.
Visiting address: 37 Great Windmill Street, Soho, London, W1D 7LU
Many cities are Europe has amazing music venues and clubs that would leave some speechless. The top 10 London clubs might just be some of the best in the whole of Europe. The clubs we're going to talk about are mostly meant for youngsters who don't mind having the insides of their bodies being rattled by the extremely loud sound systems. If you're looking for a more intimate and chilled way to spend your evening take a look at our list of the top London bars and pubs. However, if you wish to dance to the electro, house, and other sounds that are popular here, then these clubs are the perfect places for you. Some of these clubs have gained so much popularity throughout the years that they have become iconic within the city of London. Among the clubbing crowd anyway. There are only a few other cities in the world with such a rich clubbing history, like New York, Detroit, and Berlin. London arguably still beats all those cities. The world's most famous DJ talents regularly have gigs all over the capital so you don't have to look hard to find a good party. Here are our picks for the best 10 clubs in London.
10. Electric Ballroom
The Electric Ballroom has a pretty neat history behind it, seeing as it first opened its doors in the 1930s. The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Snow Patrol performed here amongst many other well-known artists. Today it's a more indie-geared venue. This is one of the rare clubs that doesn't put emphasis on techno and electro music which will be greatly appreciated by the rock and roll fans out there.
Visiting address: 184 Camden St, Camden Town, London, NW1 8QP
9. Fabric
The Fabric opened back in 1999 with the idea that there should be a London club that's run by clubbing people. It has three fairly big rooms and in the so-called Room One, you'll find the "body sonic" dance stage that will make you able to hear the music through your bones. Trippy! The club is approximately 25,000 square feet big and we'd argue that it's a perfect size. Regular DJ guests here include names such as Adam Beyer, Ben Clock, Steve Bug, and many others.
Visiting address: 77A Charterhouse St., Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 3HN
8. KoKo
Definitely a legendary music venue no matter how you cut it. It's situated in what use to be Camden Theatre. The building itself is more than 110 years old. It was in 2005 when KoKo was born and ever since it has been host to some of London's best music concerts and gigs. Elton John held a fundraiser for the prevention of AIDS in 2007 at the Koko. The atmosphere here is unlike anything you will feel in your lifetime. Make sure to check out their event list and find the one you like.
Visiting address: 1A Camden High St., London, NW1 7JE
7. Proud Camden
While it's not the easiest of places to find and drive to, the Proud Camden is a historical music venue. Many world-class musicians and artists have performed here in recent years with Amy Winehouse being the biggest one. It's located in a building that used to be a horse hospital that's now a grade II listed building. During the day it's mostly an exhibition place but comes nightfall it turns into a wonderful and eclectic music club.
Visiting address: The Horse Hospital, Stables Market, Chalk Farm Rd, London, NW1 8AH
6. Corsica Studios
Corsica Studios is a very neat London club but it's important to note that they are also, as they say, it, an independent art organization. There's nothing posh or intricate about this place, it's straightforward and down to earth. There's a terrace where smokers can indulge in their vice if they wish to do so. Plenty of bars and clubs nowadays strive to be as mainstream as possible and it's the complete opposite with Corsica Studious.
Visiting address: Unit 5 Farrell Court, 4-5 Elephant Court, London, SE17 1LB
5. The Egg
The Egg club will certainly be a favorite among the people who love Ibiza. It's stylish and trendy but still keeping in line with wild and intense parties. One thing it's famous for is its Sunday morning breakfast parties where people can enjoy watching the sun come up. The club spreads through three wonderful floors that are all differently themed. Thanks to its 24-hour working license the parties here can last forever.
Visiting address: King's Cross, 200 York Way, London, N7 9AP
4. Ministry of Sound
No self-respecting techno or house lover can visit London and not party at the Ministry of Sound. Ever since it was first established in 1991 people have been flocking to fill its spaces and create clubbing history. It grew so big and important that the Ministry of Sound became a record label as well. The club began stagnating but fortunately, the club underwent badly needed renovations which once again made it one of London's top clubbing venues.
Visiting address: Elephant and Castle, 103 Gaunt St., London, SE1 6DP
3. XOYO
Situated in a fairly unassuming area of Old Street lies one of London's most intense clubbing venues. Music and art lovers will wind refuge in all the different events that are hosted here. It doesn't matter what you're into as long as it's somewhat indie and underground-ish, you will find it here. The club boasts a total of two floors and three bars that are spread out. Smokers and their friends have a terrace area.
Visiting address: 32-37 Cowper St., London, EC2A 4AP
2. Heaven
The Heaven nightclub is a popular venue among the gay crowd but it wouldn't be fair to identify strictly as a gay club because the parties and DJ talents that perform here are tremendous. Live bands often take to the stage as well. One of London's best dance clubs for sure. On certain nights students have completely free entry providing they have a photo ID and a student card.
Visiting address: Villiers Street, London, WC2N 6NG
1. Electric Brixton
The Fridge was once an iconic London nightclub that began operating in the early '80s. The Pet Shop Boys performed here before they reached fame and glory. It closed in 2010 but it gave way to one more club that has the potential be become a part of clubbing folklore – The Electric Brixton. The building and club underwent a one-million-pound investment and is once again one of South London's best dance clubs.
Visiting address: 1 Town Hall Parade, Brixton, London, SW2 1RJ