As soon as Soho is mentioned to those unfamiliar with London, the immediate response often encapsulates its old reputation of seediness and 'colourful' nightclubs. Admittedly, Soho still has its fleshspots and red lights, but it is also home to a fantastic pub, bar and restaurant scene. Porter's Bar on Poland Street offers great value snacks and is well positioned for a leisurely drink. Add to this an enormous number of music shops, nightclubs and jazz spots and you have one of London's most vibrant areas.

Ornate oriental archways mark the entrance to Chinatown, which originated in the 1950s. Gerrard Street is the centre of London's Chinatown and Chinese community - here you'll find scores of Chinese restaurants, many of which serve until the small hours. The Chinese New Year, celebrated in late January or early February, is a particular highlight. Chinatown abounds with excellent-value restaurants.

Patisserie Valerie in Old Compton Street is a classic Soho cafe with a wide range of delicious cakes and pastries: the fresh croissants make it a great place for breakfast. Maison Bertaux on Greel Street is a little corner of Paris in the heart of Soho and attracts a faithful clientele, who love its delicious coffee and heavenly cakes.

Soho Square is a pleasant square, spiked with palms and popular at lunchtime, after work and at weekends, when there is always a friendly atmosphere, especially in summer. With the most fashionable address in London, many of the square's buildings are now occupied by film and media companies, often referred to as London's medialand. On the north side is a church built in 1550. On the corner of Greek Street is the House of St. Barnanas in Soho, a unique 18th century building.  

For entertainment, Ronnie Scott's on Frith Street is London's premier jazz venue, Atlantic Bar and Grill is a trendy cocktail bar and restaurant, Cafe Latino, also on frith Street is a lively venue on three floors.    

Leicester Square is a large pedestrianised area surrounded by the plushest cinemas in London including The Empire and The Odeon. It is at these vast movie palaces that star studded premieres and Royal Gala film performances are held. Expect to pay high prices! On Shaftesbury Avenue you'll find a good proportion of London's famous theatres showing everything from top West End shows to Shakespeare. International stars often take to the boards so check the displays outside the theatres to see who is performing.