I’ve walked around this little nook of Soho a few times and never stumbled across this gem.
But if you get a chance, I can’t recommend Sophie’s Soho enough.
Housed inside a former sex cinema and nightclub, the venue is pretty spectacular.
Think high ceilings, raw red brick, pipes showing and a buzzing atmosphere.
This is the kind of place you could base yourself for the day, hanging out to do work, seeing friends grabbing dinner and dancing in the speakeasy club downstairs come nightfall.
On walking into the venue, there is a cosy conservatory area at the front, and then you immediately get sucked in by the beautiful circular bar.
‘It was a pain to put together,’ THE Sophie tells me as I gaze up at the enormous glittering chandelier hanging overhead.
Apparently, the light fixture, which came for Italy, arrived in bits and each piece of glass had to be threaded on to string.
Despite the frustration. the light was definitely worth it and it sets the stage for what proves to be a spectacular show.
Around the bar area are dozens of booth-style seating areas, softly lit and perfectly finished.
I sip on a cosmopolitan-inspired Mary Millington, named after one of the most famous porn stars of the 1970s.
This is the thing about Sophie’s Soho it exudes character and everything has been meticulously thought through.
‘We went to Argentina to get inspiration for the kitchen,’ Sophie adds as she directs me through to the dining area, which faces the open kitchen.
Sex has been replaced by steak.
The cooking area is dominated by a large Argentinian-style fire pit grilling area, with the chefs gracefully dancing around it, going about their work.
There is a salivating menu at Sophie’s Soho, with cuts of beef being the obvious choice.
But the vegetarian options, such as the delicious superfood salad, don’t disappoint, and the ash baked aubergine is another winner.
I round out my dinner with a beautifully cooked piece of caramelised pineapple with coconut sorbet before heading to the lair downstairs.
Sophie’s Soho is also home to one of the best speakeasies in London I’ve come across for a while.
Jack Solomon’s – named after the late British boxing promoter who used to train in the level upstairs – has a New York sense of swag with a dose of British elegance thrown into the mix.
You enter the place through a discreet entrance which disguises itself as an after-hours deli.
The place is a sumptuous treat, with DJs and musicians serenading you into a luscious haze.
Stumbling into Sophie’s Soho was one of the best map detours I’ve recently made.
I’m definitely adding this one to the book for its charm and character.
This former sex club still promises to seduce, for its top-notch atmosphere, food and drinks, instead of its raunchy films.
I’m now dying to check out the original Sophie’s outpost, which is located in the less risqué neighbourhood of Chelsea.
Sophie’s Soho is located at 42-44 Great Windmill St, Soho, London, W1D 7NB
To book a table visit www.sophiessteakhouse.com
