Old Compton Street, Soho, London

Advantages: Lively. Vibrant. Raunchy. Good Restaurants & pubs
Disadvantages: Some unsavoury characters

...In the heart of Soho, Old Compton Street,is a thoroughly interesting street. It has a number of good restaurants covering a wide range of cuisines and straddling very different price levels. There is a branch of the Stockpot here where you could certainly tuck into a good lunch for a fiver;equally there are up market French and Italian eateries wjich would set you back several times that amount. Old Compton Street also has one or two clubs and several ... Read review

Advantages: Lots of places to eat
Disadvantages: Rain, watch your personal safety

...as far removed from the old label of gay-ghetto as you could imagine. The place heaves with pavement cafes and even when it's raining (hey, it's London) you can people-watch in fine European style from inside one of the many cosy bars and eateries. There are 'gay' clothes shops and bookshops too dotted throuhout this area. I enjoy wandering the city streets and spending my money on coffee and cakes - Europe offers no better area these days. ... Read review

Advantages: Reasonable filling food at a great price
Disadvantages: You get what you pay for

...INTRODUCTION Stockpot on Old Compton Street is a venerable London institution, which came to my attention some years ago when I first moved down South. They also have a sister restaurant on Kings Road, where The Chelsea Kitchen also lies, which I believe are also affiliated. My sister, who was by then well ensconced in London life, took me here when I was still looking for a job, as it was cheap, filling food. I came here several times in the mid 90s with my fellow just out of university, moved to the big smoke friends, and it brings back fond memories of big portions and rough house wine. When I first arrived back in the UK from Breda, taking a walk through Soho, my girlfriend and I chanced upon this place, and both exclaimed to each other how we hadn't been there for years, as it was apparently a haunt for her at the time, too... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Good coffee, atmosphere, range of snacks
Disadvantages: Expensive, erratic service, busy

...Bar Italia is a London institution in the heart of Soho, just off Old Compton Street. It's open throughout the night and is invariably crammed with people spilling out on to the street. It's not the best looking place in the world but you do not come here for the decor. The coffee is great, the snacks really good quality. The customers, who've invariably had far too much to drink by the time they arrive, make for a great atmosphere. And it's rare to pass through without striking up a conversation with complete strangers. You may even spot a star or two here for its popular with visiting actors and actresses. The downsides are obvious - the service can be a bit erratic thanks to the crowds and the staff are sometimes curt to the point of rudeness, it's almost impossible to get somewhere to sit even on the pavement outside and the prices... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Young crowd, cheap drinks, nr tube, central London.
Disadvantages: If you don't like Kylie and the occasional screeching queen irritates you...

...If you live in London and know the scene at all chances are you’ll be very familiar with Ku Bar. Ku Bar is one of the best known gay bars in London and it’s definitely my favourite bar. Although I must admit that I am not an expert on London gay bars having only been to a few on Old Compton Street (Soho) as well as Ku Bar and some of them were on an infamous gay bar crawl I ended up doing with a friend in December so I have to confess that my memory is a tad hazy. Ku Bar definitely seems to attract a young crowd with the typical clientele (posh word!) seeming to be in the 16-30 age bracket. There seems to be no shortage of people there my age (I’m 16…no I mean er 18!) The music played is always pop – Kylie, Britney, Christina, Madonna, etc. There’s a jukebox though don’t expect to be able to select anything non-pop! The bar... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful