If you find yourself in London on a day off, then a good place to start is in Soho. It’s pretty central and there are some great restaurants and coffee houses. Go to either Tottenham Court Road tube and walk through Soho Square down to Dean Street or Leicester Square and walk up to Shaftesbury avenue and then on the Dean Street.

There is an area of about three or four street and that it’s worth checking out. Old Compton Street, Frith Street and Wardour Street. The Italian Bar opposite Ronnie Scotts the Jazz Club in Frith Street is the oldest, the grubbiest, the trendiest and the most expensive coffee bar in Soho and is worth a visit.  From there go a few steps to Old Compton street, turn to the right and walk down to Wardour street, carry on down the alley in front of you and at the end of that you’re in London’s Red Light district. A bit lame really and full of bemused blokes from the north of England wandering around looking ripped off, but then it seemed a bit lame compared to Amsterdam.  There is a brilliant club just up the road (Time Out will have the correct address) called Madame JoJo’s. Mainly a drag queen club but they put on a fab show and the vibe is great.

Walk across Shaftesbury avenue from Wardour Street and you get to Londons’ China Town. It’s been dolled up recently but there are some good restaurants there. The Lido is worth a visit, especially if it’s late at night – they’re open until 2 or 3 in the morning. The prices are very reasonable and food is good.

If it’s a late gig or an even later load out and you really want a late night/early morning breakfast then Harry’s is the place for you. It’s just off Regents Street near Carnaby Street and they’re open all night.  There’re also a place along the Fulham Road called the Up All Night which does exactly what it says on the packet. Not bad food but quite full of party goers on the weekends, so be prepared to duck.

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