Stylish streets still swing to 21st century beat
Soho's current entertainment ethos emanates from risqué Raymond Revuebar and Windmill Theatre as well as music meccas Marquee Club and Ronnie Scott's, the area awash with coffee bars including iconic 2i's.
Carnaby has long been streets ahead for Mods, Skinheads, Punks and New Romantics, dedicated followers of fashion foraging for styles sharper than Sta-Prest permanent trouser crease.
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Hide AdGlobally renowned areas, they today remain go-to destinations for eclectic retail therapy, including pioneering pop-ups, amid unmissable attractions as well as West End diverse fine wining and dining, surrounded by contemporary street art and renowned landmarks.
Shaftesbury’s Soho portfolio boasts 39 shops as well as 31 restaurants, bars and cafes while Carnaby sees 160 stores straddle 14 streets.
Light fantastic features range from pink festoon lamps to Rainbow Arches, giant 3D Union Flag comprising 30,000 red, white and blue shimmer discs to equally dazzling 50-plus oversized suspended LED light bulbs, supplying spectacular sky show forming overhead rainbow.
Where to stay
Instant Karma, channelling late great John Lennon's anthemic song recorded in this very city in 1970, comes with early bag-drop check-in at wonderful Warwick Street accommodation.