London - Around Town : Soho and the West End (part 2) - Shopping, Late Night Venues

Ann Summers

When in Soho, you have to do something naughty. Ann Summers sex shops have been around so long they seem quite tame – but their products really are rather risqué.

• 79 Wardour Street W1

Merc

A Carnaby Street classic, fans may still buy clothes cut from original 1960s patterns here.

• 10 Carnaby Street W1

Foyles

In a street of bookshops, this grandmother of all bookshops is something of an institution. A vast range of subject matter is covered.

• 113–19 Charing Cross Road WC2

Lillywhites

Infamous for its vast array of sporting goods that are spread over six enormous floors, there are plenty of bargains to be found at Lillywhites.

• 24–36 Lower Regent Street SW1Y

Milroy’s Whisky

A West End whisky specialist, Milroy’s has a small bar where malts can be sampled.

• 3 Greek Street W1

Scribbler

A unique gift card shopping experience in Soho, Scribbler sells funny, well-designed cards and wrapping paper.

• 104 Wardour Street W1F

Agent Provocateur

Seriously sexy high-quality lingerie, from Joseph Corré, Vivienne Westwood’s son, and his wife Serena Rees. Give in to temptation!

• 6 Broadwick Street W1

Fratelli Camisa

One of London’s best-known delicatessens, famous for its fresh pasta, this is like stepping into a 1950s Italian grocery store.

• 61 Old Compton Street W1

Algerian Coffee Stores

Opened in 1887, this is one of the oldest shops in Soho. It exudes a wonderful aroma of the many kinds of coffee it sells. Speciality teas and herbal infusions can also be bought here.

• 52 Old Compton Street W1

The Witch Ball

Original French lithographs, antique travel posters and prints are sold here. The street is lined with antiquarian print and book shops.

• 2 Cecil Court WC2

Ronnie Scott’s

London’s premier jazz venue .

• 47 Frith Street W1

• 020 7439 0747

Floridita

A long cuban cocktail bar serving Havana’s original recipes. Interpretations of Cuban and Latin American cuisine make up the menu.

• 100 Wardour Street W1

Café Boheme

French-style bistro: sandwiches, salads and light meat and fish dishes are served until 3am Monday to Saturday.

• 13 Old Compton Street W1

Cork and Bottle

A range of champagnes and wines are available at this basement bar near Leicester Square. Open until midnight, Monday to Saturday.

• 46 Cranbourn Street WC2

Balans Café

This lively bar stays open until 5am daily (to 6am Fridays and Saturdays). Hot dishes and sandwiches are on hand to keep people on their feet. Their eggs benedict is to die for!

• 34 Old Compton Street W1

Punk

A venue that is taking the West End by storm as it veers away from traditional door policy and ushers in a more hip, casual crowd. Boasts a huge bar.

• 14 Soho Street W1

Bar 101

Open till the early hours, this funky venue, on two floors, attracts cocktail drinkers and has live DJs at weekends.

• 101 New Oxford Street, St Giles WC1

Jazz After Dark

Things don’t get going here much before 9pm, and the jazz and blues go on until 2am Mon–Thu, 3am Fri–Sat. BBQ mixed grill, tex mex and tapas are on the menu.

• 9 Greek Street, W1

Jrink Soho

An inviting and intimate bar that buzzes with a lively atmosphere. Excellent cocktails are served by dedicated and friendly professionals.

• 62 Frith Street W1

Pizza Express

One of a chain of 80 outlets in London, this one is open until midnight, with regular jazz nights a big draw.

• 10 Dean Street W1