Soho

Soho, the set of streets and alleyways between Oxford Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, Charing Cross Road and Regent Street is one of the most cosmopolitan parts of London. Successive waves have brought French, Germans, Italians, Russian and Polish Jews, Swiss, Greeks and, most famously, Chinese to the area. Fleeing poverty and persecution in their own countries, Soho's tolerance, proximity to the centre of London, and low rents were all an instant draw. Once famous as the centre of London's vice industry, Soho is now celebrated as one of the most fashionable parts of London. Its main industries are television, magazine publishing, and fashion. Hoards of exclusive employees continue to fill the sophisticated boutiques of Carnaby Street and Kingly Court throughout the day. By night, the winding alleyways of Soho become packed with Londoners and tourists eager to sample some of the most varied entertainment the capital has to offer. Always the most tolerant part of London, Soho is also the heart of the capital's vibrant gay scene. Cinemas, pubs, bars, nightclubs, comedy clubs, some superb live music venues and a dozen West End theatres attract people of all ages and backgrounds into Soho's melting pot. Superb Chinese and Italian food, as well as restaurants to suit all conceivable tastes and budgets, make Soho a gourmet's paradise. It seems extraordinary that such a small area could contain so much life and energy, but the truth is that you could visit Soho every day for a year and still barely scratch the surface.