Soho: A Detailed Working Guide to the Area
1. Overview of Soho
2. Demographics of Soho
3. Types of Properties in Soho
4. Comparing Soho Office Prices to Nearby Areas
5. Similar Areas for Renting Office Space
6. Dining and Drinking in Soho
7. Green Spaces in Soho
8. Business and Industry Events in Soho
9. Accommodation for Professionals
10. Soho Shopping Opportunities
11. Wellbeing Facilities
12. Soho’s Hidden Gems
Overview of Soho
Known for its vibrant nightlife, cultural diversity and legendary restaurants, Soho is one of London’s most iconic locations. Its rich history and thriving tourist scene make it one of the most exciting places in London to rent an office, and there’s certainly no shortage of things to do after work.
Here’s everything you need to know about renting a home for your business in this bustling West End location.
Demographics of Soho
Soho is a cultural melting pot, one that is home to a diverse range of residents, tourists, and workers.
Statistics include:
• Soho is around 1 square mile and is in the London Borough of Westminster.
• Soho has 2600 residents and has long been known as a bohemian part of London.
• 62% of people who live in Soho are aged 20 to 39.
• 51% of people who live in Soho live in a one-person household.
Types of Properties in Soho
Step out into the streets of Soho, and you’ll encounter an amalgamation of different architectural styles. Art Deco structures, with their bold colours and geometric shapes, stand alongside converted industrial warehouses now home to offices and creative studios.
Some Georgian townhouses in Soho have also been converted into serviced offices.
Comparing Soho Office Prices to Nearby Areas
The average price of a coworking desk in Soho is £400, while a desk in a private office will cost, on average, around £933 per person per month.
Prices can vary significantly from office space to office space, so exploring the different options FreeOfficeFinder showcases is always worth exploring.
Similarly, next door in Mayfair, a coworking membership averages £340 per month, and a desk in a private office will average £933 per person per month.
Similar Areas for Renting Office Space
Covent Garden’s workspaces provide an alternative to Soho, worth exploring.
Its busy streets are also home to historic architecture, and there is a lot going on in the theatre and the arts. The average price of a coworking membership in Covent Garden is £352, and the average cost of a desk in a private office is £725 per person per month.
Fitzrovia is also nearby and seen by many as a close alternative to Soho. Prices for offices are nearly identical to Soho
Dining and Drinking in Soho
In terms of places to dine and drink, you and your coworkers are spoiled for choice in Soho! There are quite literally hundreds of options.
Polpo is a restaurant on Beak Street that specialises in Venetian small plates and spritz cocktails. It has a cosy vibe and something for everyone, including vegetarians.
Berwick Street Market is worth exploring if you’re into street food and fresh produce. Dating back to the 1700s, it’s one of London’s oldest markets and is the perfect spot for a lunch break or after-work jaunt.
Soho also has plenty of old pubs to celebrate, socialise or unwind.
The French House is a historic pub on Dean Street known for its bohemian atmosphere and connections. It also has a ‘no-tech’ rule, so it’s perfect if you need to cut down on your screen time.
Green Spaces in Soho
There are a handful of parks where office workers can enjoy some time out of the office.
• Soho Square Gardens (view map) – The ideal spot for a stroll or a moment of mindfulness.
• Golden Square (view map) – A square with landscaped gardens, a central fountain and seating areas.
• St James's Square (view map) – An old urban garden square framed by Georgian-style townhouses.
Business And Industry Events in Soho
Owing to its West End location, numerous business networking events take place in Soho every day. Soho’s coworking spaces and serviced offices are among the best venues for business events - they are the places where you’re most likely to meet and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.
When viewing offices, remember to ask the office manager about their event schedules, whether they host member and non-member events.
Accommodation for Professionals
There are lots of hotels in Soho for professionals. Ham Yard Hotel is just one example, providing easy access to various parts of the capital.
The hotel has meeting and event spaces, making it ideal for hosting conferences, seminars, or business meetings. It also has a modern European restaurant that holds two prestigious AA rosettes.
Soho Shopping Opportunities
Soho is synonymous with shopping. Carnaby Street is probably the most iconic Soho shopping destination. It’s lined from top to bottom with a range of flagship stores, high-street favourites, and boutiques, making it a convenient place to indulge in a bit of retail therapy after work or at the weekend.
The famous Liberty department store is also situated in Soho. With its recognisable Tudor-style exterior and array of luxury goods, it’s the place to go if you’re looking for a gift or something a little special for your home or wardrobe.
And of course, who could forget a certain other nearby shopping location (with plenty of offices), Oxford Street.
Wellbeing Facilities
It's no surprise that there are plenty of venues in Soho that are designed to help with wellbeing.
Third Space Soho is a place to work out after work. This world-class health club features over 1,000 exercise classes per week and even offers a bespoke nutritional service.
Other options for gyms are Topnotch Gyms Soho, F45 Training Soho and Fitness Lab.
Soho’s Hidden Gems
Soho’s Chinatown, centred around Gerrard Street, contains hidden gems. Head there with friends or coworkers to explore the area’s authentic bakeries, grocery stores and restaurants.
The House of MinaLima is a hidden gem that fans of Harry Potter will love. It doubles up as a gallery and shop showcasing the graphic design work of Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima (the pair who created the props for the Harry Potter films).
