The Soho House guide to 24 hours in London

First up in our new local city guide series is, unsurprisingly, London – where Soho House first set-up shop all the way back in the misty past that is the 1990s. Fast-forward to 2022 where the UK capital is now home to nine more Houses, seven Studios and more restaurants than we can shake a Picante at.

Whether you’re an out-of-towner wanting to avoid London’s tourist traps or a local looking for somewhere new to go, we’ve collated the ultimate list of eateries, nightlife venues, shops and more – as well as cultural institutions creating, producing and hosting exciting events. You’re welcome.

1 | Breakfast and brunch

North – Jolene
With satellite outposts in Shoreditch, Islington and Hackney, this hip Brit-French bakery’s original site in Newington Green is a must visit for any sourdough-aficionado. 

East – Sonora, Netil Market
Named after the northern state by the same name in Mexico, this Netil Market stall’s breakfast tacos are perfect for those who like their brunch on the spicy side. Choose between buttery mushrooms or house-made Mexican chorizo.

South – Mr Bao
For bottomless brunch, we’re shouting out Peckham eatery Mr Bao, which pairs breakfast-themed steamed buns (we strongly recommend the salmon and onsen egg bao) and cocktails with a Taiwanese twist. The place to head for a bottomless brunch that won’t break the bank.

West – Dean Street Townhouse
Located in the heart of Soho, this listed Georgian townhouse serves breakfast all day long over the weekend. With a wide range of different brunching options, it’s the ideal spot for both large groups and picky eaters (sometimes on the same table).

Central – The Ned
The Ned’s Sunday Feast is legendary and should be attempted by all Londoners at least once. Where else in the city can you eat your body weight in unlimited lobsters and oysters? 

2 | Dinner

North – Tigre Tacos 
Taking inspiration from 1970s southern California, Tigre Tacos’ menu is big on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Our tip? Don’t sleep on their dessert option. For those who don’t fancy the journey North, head to their pop-up at Shoreditch House.

East – Tamila
Made up of a team of ex-Roti King employees, Tamila is a kiosk-style concept in Hackney Bridge serving up South-Indian street food staples. Think flaky layered roti and curries stewed for hours. You’ll also find them at The Shack at White City House.

South – 40 Maltby Street
Located in the warehouse of Gergovie Wines, this gem of a wine bar serves small plates without the frills. Great for dinner, they’re also famed for their takeaway lunches.

West – Ikoyi
Lagos meets London in this two-Michelin-starred affair, where restaurant founders Jeremy Chan and Iré Hassan-Odukale marry West African cooking traditions with premium British produce. 

Central – Cecconi’s Mayfair
There are locations all over the world now, but this one, on Burlington Gardens in Mayfair, first opened in 1978. Come for the handmade pasta, stay for the Art Deco-style interiors.

3 | Nightlife

North – The Faltering Fullback
If you’re after a low-key pub night with a twist, this well-loved Irish pub more than delivers. Famed for its ivy-cladded, treehouse-style beer garden, head down for their popular quiz night.

East – The Glory
An institution in London’s LGBTQI+ scene, there’s something always going on inside The Glory. Expect drag, comedy, cabaret, and theatre – or all the above.

South – Brixton Studio
Soho House’s first Studio space south of the river, Brixton Studio’s weekly events are not to be missed. From live music performances and DJ sets by local artists to comedy nights and panel discussions, sign up to Soho Friends membership here. 

West – Laylow
Frequented by London’s cool crowd, Laylow has gained a reputation as a go-to late-night hotspot in West London’s Notting Hill. Spread across six floors, the basement is dedicated to hosting intimate gigs.

Central – 180 House
We might be slightly biased, but 180 House’s ninth floor is the undisputed central London location for an effortless yet romantic date night. Take the elevator to the poolside rooftop restaurant for 360-degree views over the Thames and regular live music events. Head to the SH.APP to book a table. 

4 | Culture

North – KOKO
An institution in the city’s live music scene, KOKO recently underwent a three-year restoration. It was worth the wait. Along with performances, you’ll now also find a pizzeria, tap-bar, gallery and roof terrace on-site. 

East – Tea Building Studio
Situated in the same building as Shoreditch House, events here vary from album launches to jewellery-making workshops. Book them through the SH.APP or click here to become a Soho Friends member.

South – Bold Tendencies
Located in a disused car park, this non-profit organisation commissions site-specific art and offers world-class event programming of orchestral music, dance, opera and literature – all of which makes the journey down South well worth it.

West – Unit London
Founded by artists Joe Kennedy and Jonny Burt in 2013, this contemporary art gallery is dedicated to promoting the city’s best and brightest emerging talent. Find them in Mayfair and Covent Garden. 

Central – Somerset House
Yes, Somerset House plays host to some of the best contemporary art London has to offer. But beyond the exhibitions, the site also hosts performances, talks and workshops in experimental workspace, Somerset House Studios.

5 | Shops 

North – Superette
Leaning into North London’s reputation as a haven for organic produce, independent supplier Superette delivers on this front in spades. Selling food and drink from some of London’s best restaurants (we’re talking doughnuts and bread from St. JOHN and labneh with confit garlic from Bubala), you won’t find a better stocked deli in London.

East – House of Hackney
Founded by husband-and-wife team Frieda Gormley and Javvy M Royle, the luxury interiors label is globally renowned for its maximalist prints. You’ll find them in the equally maximalist St Michael’s Clergy House in Shoreditch – a four-storey, mid-19th-century building complete with gothic architecture and stained-glass windows.

South – Peckham Supply
Situated in Copeland Park, Peckham Supply is a new concept store set in an ex-warehouse. Bargain hunters: keep an eye out for the designer sample sales.

West – Soho.Home.Studio
Some Home’s first flagship store – located on the King’s Road in Chelsea – is the place to explore Soho Home’s full interiors collection, as well as the Member Market which features pop-ups from our favourite collaborators.

Central – Dover Street Market
Founded by the brains behind Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo and Adrian Joffe, this is a retail experience like no other. Stocked with established and upcoming retailers, DSM is London’s OG concept store.