DK Travel : London : Soho and the West End

London’s West End is where everyone heads for a night out. Clubbers from outside London catch the last trains into the capital and head for its bars and music venues, knowing they won’t leave till dawn. Here are the great theatres of Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road, the star-struck cinemas of Leicester Square and, at its heart, Soho, abuzz with activity as the night wears on. But it’s not all for the night owl –Trafalgar Square has the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery and free lunchtime concerts at St Martin-in-the-Fields.

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A Walk Around the West End

Morning

Start the day in Trafalgar Square at 10am when the fountains are switched on. You could spend a day at the National Gallery , but limit yourself to an hour, perhaps just visiting the Sainsbury Wing.

For coffee, head next door to the Portrait Restaurant at the National Portrait Gallery. It has fine views over Trafalgar Square.

Head up Charing Cross Road to Leicester Square. Note the statues of Shakespeare and Charlie Chaplin in the middle of the square. Continue towards the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus and the famous statue of Eros, and then walk up Shaftesbury Avenue, centre of the city’s theatre district. Turn off here into bustling Chinatown , with its colourful shops and restaurants.

Lunch in Chinatown is obligatory. Enjoy the bustle of the Golden Dragon on Gerrard Street, or the calm of the excellent Joy King Lau in Leicester Street, just off Lisle Street.

Afternoon

Give the afternoon over to colourful and lively Soho. Eat a peach fresh from the stall in Berwick Street Market, then stroll up Wardour Street, home of the movie industry. Reward yourself with tea and a slice of cake at Patisserie Valerie in OldCompton Street.
Alastair Little

Seasonal and eclectic modern European cooking combined with top-rate service.
Algerian Coffee Stores

Opened in 1887, this is one of the oldest shops in Soho. It exudes a wonderful aroma of the many kinds of coffee it sells. Speciality teas and herbal infusions can also be bought here.

Coffee makers, Algerian Coffee Stores
Ann Summers

When in Soho, you have to do something naughty. Ann Summers sex shops have been around so long they seem quite tame – but their products really are rather risqué.
Anything Left-Handed

Scissors, clocks, books, boomerangs – this store shows what a right-handed world we live in. All left-handed people should find something here.
Atlantic Bar and Grill

Trendy cocktail bar and restaurant serving modern European cuisine. Open until 3am Mon–Sat.
Balans Café

Invariably packed in the evenings, this lively bar stays open 24 hours. Hot dishes and sandwiches are on hand to keep people on their feet. Their eggs benedict is to die for!
Bar Italia

Sit at the bar or out on the heated pavement and enjoy the best Italian coffee in London. A huge screen at the back of the bar shows Italian football matches. Open 24 hours.
Beatroot

A small, bright vegetarian restaurant serving delicious salads and hot dishes, packed in boxes.
Berwick Street Market

There has been a market here since the 18th century, and the daily fruit and vegetable stalls remain cheap, cheerful and thoroughly Cockney. Half the time, traders talk in old money (“ten bob” is 50p) and round things up to a “nicker” or a “quid” (£1). It opens around 9am six days a week.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes, and extra charges.
- under £15
- £15–£25
- £25–£35
- £35–£50
- over £50