London’s Other Square Mile: A Soho Walking Tour

Soho is known for its vibrant and sometimes exotic nightlife, right in the heart of London’s West End. It’s always been a very cosmopolitan and diverse place, and there’s history on every street corner. On this walking tour, I’ll share the stories that most visitors miss, including tales of death, disease and robbery. On this 120-minute tour, I’ll tell you how the area was transformed from farmland on the fringe of the medieval city into the city’s French quarter and, later, into slums and, eventually, a mecca for bohemians. You’ll stroll down the world-famous Carnaby Street where I’ll reveal the truth about whether the Shakespeare’s Head pub was really founded by two of the renowned writer’s descendents. I’ll also show you a few picturesque squares like Golden Square and Soho Square Gardens, as you make your way down several interesting and quirky streets. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to: • Take in the world-famous London Palladium which has connections to the Beatles • Pass by the iconic Liberty Department Store that Oscar Wilde described as “the chosen resort of the artistic shopper” • Have a drink at the French House pub where Charles de Gaulle was once a regular visitor • Find out how a cholera outbreak from the Broad Street Pump’s water led to a breakthrough in medical science, that saved countless lives • Hear about Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and its neighbour, Bar Italia, another authentic Soho club Join me on this tour through one of London’s most iconic neighbourhoods where I’ll share the history you won’t find in guidebooks. There are several listed heritage sites to explore en route, so allow more time if you’d like to visit any of them. There are so many cafes, restaurants, pubs and food outlets that you’ll be spoilt for choice if you feel the need to take some time out during the tour.

Price: £11.99 from VoiceMap