LONDON, BY PENHALIGON'S
Published 23 days ago
10 min read
Vibrant | Energetic | Eclectic
Good for: Theatre trips, friendly dinners, late-night jazz
Soho is London in high definition. A compact grid of theatres, late-night kitchens andcreative studios, it has long been the city’s unofficial headquarters for appetite:artistic, culinary or otherwise. By day, it runs on espresso and production meetings; bynight, it hums with nightlife and noise. It is layered, loud, occasionally louche - and still oneof the capital’s sharpest mirrors.
RONNIE SCOTT'S
Since 1959, Ronnie Scott’s has been London’s most enduring address for Jazz.Opened by saxophonists Ronnie Scott and Pete King, the club has hosted everyone from Miles Davis to Amy Winehouse, its low-lit stage a rite of passage for serious musicians. The room? Intimate. The performances? Inspiring. The tipples? Moreish (trust us on this one...).
Penhaligon's has frequented the establishment from time to time, scouting out the talent found here. In 2023, we worked with resident Mark Kavuma on our own jazz soundtrack to accompany our fragrance of whisky and mischief, A London Dandy.
So, while Soho pulsates outside, Ronnie Scott’s moves to its own rhythm.
SEVEN NOSES OF SOHO
Look up - or rather, look closely - and Soho reveals its quieter curiosities. Scattered across its streets, the Noses are small sculpted noses placed by artist Rick Buckley in the1990s as an act of gentle rebellion. Their exact number is debated (but seven has a nice ring to it), their locations half-known. Finding one feels like a private discovery, a moment of stillness, even wonder. In a neighbourhood rarely short on noise, consider the noses an invitation to pause. But never for too long, you've got to keep up the pace. Us Londoners walk briskly.
BALANS
In a neighbourhood that prides itself on excess, Balans has mastered endurance.Open until the small hours (and then some), it has long been Soho’s safety net: the place you land after the theatre, after the party, after you swore you were heading home. It’s the 8am latte, the 2am bacon and eggs. We suggest both... but your choice.
KILN
Kiln runs hot: in temperature, tempo and reputation. And it certainly gets us hot under the collar. The open grill dominates the narrow room, charring clay pots and skewers over fire while chefs work at pace. The menu shifts, but the grilled lamb skewers with cumin remain essential: smoky, succulent, flirtatiously spicy. Ever-popular, ever-surprising, and entirely focussed on flavour, this is Soho at full tilt.
THE FRENCH HOUSE
In an online world, The French House is the place to go offline. With no music, no mobiles, and no pints (only halves).. but you can always double park. It's been a fixture since the 20th century with 19th century ways. As they poetically put it themselves: actors, writers, artists and wits rub shoulders with royalty and bohemians in the most iconic of Soho watering holes. It's intimate. It's indulgent (a choice of 30 Champagnes? Yes please). It's Soho without the screen time.
THE WHO'S WHO OF LONDON
Where poets flirt and chandeliers tremble, Soho is the Duke’s stage. A heady mix of theatre, cocktails, and lingering glances. He drifts from speakeasies to dressing rooms with enough scandal to keep things interesting. Far too busy being adored to remember he’s married. Dandy by nature. Drama by choice.
LONDON, OUT LOUD
Magnetic. Eccentric. Theatrical. Listen to the soundtrack of Soho, seen throughPenhaligon's eyes (or rather, ears).
