Are you planning a trip to London and wondering what does SOHO mean? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
SOHO is one of the most popular neighborhoods in London, and it has a rich history and culture that attracts visitors from all over the world. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of SOHO and what makes it such a unique destination for tourists.
What is SOHO?
SOHO is a neighborhood located in the West End of London. It stands for South of Houston Street, which is a street in New York City that was named after William Houstoun, an American lawyer and politician. The name “SOHO” was first used in the 17th century to describe an area in London that was known for its hunting grounds and royal parks.
Today, SOHO is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in London, known for its bustling streets, trendy bars, restaurants, shops, theaters, and nightlife. It’s also home to some of London’s most famous landmarks such as Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Carnaby Street.
The History of SOHO
The history of SOHO dates back to the 17th century when it was known as a hunting ground and royal park. Later on, it became a residential area for aristocrats who wanted to escape from the crowded city center. During the 18th century, SOHO became famous for its coffee houses and taverns where artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals gathered to discuss ideas and socialize.
In the 19th century, SOHO became an industrial hub with factories and workshops producing goods such as furniture, clothing, jewelry, and electronics. Many immigrants from Europe came to work in these factories and settled in SOHO. This led to a multicultural community with diverse languages, religions, food habits that still exist today.
What to do in SOHO
SOHO has plenty of things to do for tourists, whether you’re interested in shopping, dining, nightlife, or cultural attractions. Here are some of the top things to do in SOHO:
- Visit Piccadilly Circus: This iconic square is known for its neon signs, billboards, and bustling crowds. It’s a popular meeting point and a great place to people-watch.
- Explore Chinatown: Located in the heart of SOHO, Chinatown is a vibrant area with Chinese restaurants, shops, markets, and festivals.
- Go shopping on Carnaby Street: This pedestrian-only street is famous for its fashion boutiques, vintage stores, and independent shops.
- Watch a show at one of the theaters: SOHO has several theaters such as the Prince Edward Theatre and the Apollo Theatre that showcase West End productions.
- Taste local cuisine: SOHO has a diverse food scene with international cuisines such as Chinese, Indian, Italian, Japanese and British. Some popular restaurants include Dishoom, Yauatcha Soho and Hakkasan Hanway Place.
The Nightlife in SOHO
SOHO is also famous for its nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs, pubs that cater to different tastes. Some popular places include:
- The Box: This exclusive club is known for its extravagant shows and celebrity guests.
- The Jazz Cafe: This intimate venue hosts live jazz performances every night.
- The Comedy Store: This comedy club features stand-up comedians from around the world.
- G-A-Y Bar: This popular gay bar has a dance floor, karaoke, and drag shows.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SOHO is a unique neighborhood in London that has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, shopping, dining, or nightlife, SOHO has it all. So next time you’re in London, make sure to visit SOHO and explore its vibrant streets and hidden gems.