Soho
In the heart of the West End is Soho, bounded by Oxford Street, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road.
The name allegedly derives from the ancient hunting cry of "So-ho" that rang out in this area when it was a game preserve for Henry VIII. Until the Great Fire of London in 1666, Soho was mainly composed of fields with a small number of cottages in the vicinity of Wardour Street, then known as Coleman Hedge Lane. The area was first developed in the late 17th century when it became one of London's principal areas of immigrant communities. For its first century the area was one of London's most fashionable, and Soho residents of the time have gone down in history for their extravagant parties.
Today, it is known for its variety of restaurants and brasseries including the huge number of Asian restaurants flourishing in Chinatown.
There is also a fertile subculture of artists and writers in the various pubs, clubs and cafes.
Soho is one of London's most multicultural districts. The first immigrants were 18th-century Huguenots from France.
To the south of Soho is Shaftesbury Avenue, London's theatrical heart.
Location
Soho
Soho
W1
Nearest Tube / Rail Station
Tottenham Court Road