24 Hour Guide To Carnaby Soho – How To Make The Most Of This Quirky Neighbourhood With So Much To Give

One of the best things about London is that you can turn a corner and end up somewhere completely different to where you just were before. Carnaby is a fine such example and offers a hedonistic escape to one of the city’s most vibrant pockets. Known for its deeply embedded rock n’ roll roots, glittering decor and bright shop facades, it’s a destination with so much to give. Whether searching for a wickedly decadent night out at one of the many bars, a plush manicure or indulgent meal out you’re spoilt for choice. Here’s how to spend 24 hours in Carnaby London…

In a nutshell:

• 11am – Head to the Department of Coffee and social affairs for a caffeine fix
• 11:30am – Check in at the Karma Sanctum Hotel
• 12:00 – Pamper yourself at Skin Laundry 
• 1pm – Jazz up your nails at So Shell
• 2pm – Shop until you drop in Carnaby
• 4:30pm Go back to the hotel, check in, relax and get ready for the evening
• 7:30pm – Dinner at Tapas Brindisa
• 10pm – Explore Carnaby’s eclectic range of bars and pubs

11am – Head to Department of Coffee and social affairs for a caffeine fix

The Department of Coffee and Social Affairs Is a sleek espresso bar that entices you in for their specialty coffee and entices you to stay with their chunky sandwiches, wedges of cake and vibrant atmosphere. Tucked down a little alleyway it’s easy to miss yet difficult to forget. Immerse yourself in the rich smell of espresso beans and steamed milk as you watch people walking by, sipping delicious hot cups of coffee that have won multiple times at the Allegra European Coffee Awards. The setting is rustic yet cosy and it’s a place brimming with creativity, life and a welcoming atmosphere – the ideal spot to fuel yourself for the day ahead. 

Department of Coffee and Social Affairs
3 Lowndes Ct, Carnaby, London W1F 7HD

11:30am – Check in to the Karma Sanctum Hotel

Soho is known for its raucous past and if you’re looking to encapsulate the funky vibe of the neighbourhood, Karma Sanctum is the place to stay. The brainchild of Concept Venues’ Mark Fuller, it ‘s located in two converted Georgian townhouses whose exterior give little hint to the fabulousness within. Nodding to late night revelry mixed with stylish music-inspired decorative accents in the 30 guest rooms and suites, it’s a hotel that combines all you could need for your break away.

Proving you can have both style and substance, the rooms are not only meticulously designed for aesthetics, but also comfort. Lay on supremely comfortable pillows, bathe in a freestanding bath while the sunlight streams in and make the most of the private rooftop jacuzzi and bar. Dine in Inner Sanctum, the subterranean members bar and lounge or head to Wild Heart Bar & Shokudo by Michelin-star chef Garry Hollihead for inventive Japanese street food. 

Karma Sanctum Hotel
20 Warwick St, London W1B 5NF

12:00 – Pamper yourself at Skin Laundry 

Once you’ve dumped your bags and reluctantly left the warmth of Karma Sanctum, make your way around the corner to Skin Landry. An innovative skincare company that taps into technology to offer facials with incredible results and zero downtime, it’s a great way to give your skin an instant glow. Walking in, you feel like you’re in a boutique spa – there’s no instant clinical feel that you usually get. Imbued with a Scandinavian charm with wooden elements, soft lighting and pot plants, you instantly know you’re in for a treat. Their laser facials utilises medical-grade lasers to  rejuvenate skin cells, boost collagen production and improve clarity for transformative results in less than 30 minutes. Walk out feeling refreshed and with a glowing complexion ideal for looking your best for the night ahead.

Skin Laundry 
9 Newburgh St, Carnaby, London W1F 7RL

1pm – Jazz up your nails at So Shell

There’s just something about getting your nails done that makes you feel that bit better and So Shell takes this feeling up a notch. With interiors resembling a holiday destination, it’s easy to forget you’re in the heart of one of the busiest cities in the world. Instead, you can sink into their sand-coloured seats and have yourself be utterly taken care of. So Shell are known for their manicures and we recommend their Ukrainian mani or pedi. Performed by high quality professionals, they’ll transform your nails to look the best they ever have. Sip on a cup of tea and just let the minutes pass you by as you revel in having nowhere else to be other than in the moment.

So Shell 
34 Marshall Street, Carnaby, London, W1F 3EU – @So.Shell

2pm – Shop until you drop in Carnaby

Carnaby is known as an unmissable shopping destination, with everything from luxury high-end stores to quirky boutiques. Take your time perusing the many wares on offer, soaking up the atmosphere as you do so. Some of the shops you don’t want to miss include:

House of Sunny

House of Sunny is more than ready-to-wear, it’s a crafted staple of the moment with a feeling that lasts. Designed for easy everyday wear, each product is carefully crafted to become the perfect addition to elevate any wardrobe which can transition through the seasons.Quality is always foremost in thought whilst ensuring affordability is never sacrificed to achieve this. All our garments are protected in garment bags which are 100% biodegradable, these are plastic-free and made from 100% compostable bio-based films. That means it’ll disintegrate completely, leaving no toxic chemicals behind, just like organic waste. All our labels are made from recycled materials and all products are 100% vegan.

House of Sunny
Foubert’s Pl, Carnaby, London W1F 7PY

Stine Goya

The Scandinavian design aesthetic had for decades been synonymous with minimalist design and muted palette. For Goya, Copenhagen had forever been a joyful source of inspiration, and with each collection a rich exploration of colour and print driven by sustainability and inclusivity, inspiring the wearer to celebrate their individuality. Together with husband and CEO, Thomas Hertz, Stine Goya has successfully carved a unique position on both the local and international stage. Stine Goya has expanded exponentially since its humble beginning to open 4 own-retail stores in addition to a strong network of representation within 450 retailers across 30 markets worldwide

Stine Goya
45 Beak Street, London, W1F 9SD

Maanesten

Maanesten is for everyone – and to everyone. Maanesten’s jewellery isn’t just about sparkling details, but magical energy tools with powerful stones and crystals. The store is located in Beak Street alongside other big Scandinavian brands, making it the perfect shopping destination.

Maanesten
35 Beak Street, W1F 9SX London

IKKS Paris

Founded in 1987, French fashion and lifestyle brand IKKS Paris opened its first UK Flagship store in Carnaby Street in Spring 2022. Known for their sophisticated, urban style and rock ‘n’ roll attitude, IKKS Paris houses the latest womenswear, menswear and kids wear collections.

IKKS Paris
3 Carnaby St., Carnaby, London, W1F 9PB

EMIN + PAUL

They have set out to establish themselves as a British fashion label which is reflected through their contemporary, clever-cut collections that exude flare and femininity. They aspire to emphasise the beauty of women and highlight femininity with deliberate details. Their aim is to create garments that are perfectly balanced in an attentive and fully-justified way. Beginning with the big, bold, and bright, thye soften through careful colour, cuts and cloth. Each detail has substance, meaning. Nothing forgotten, everything considered.

Emin + Paul
25 Beak St., Carnaby, London W1F 9RT — EMIN + PAUL

bloobloom

Known for their beautiful range of spectacles and sunglasses, Bloobloom offers craftsmanship and quality at a fair price, along with a full breakdown of the cost of their frames (£95 with prescription), from materials and labour, down to the factories they partner with. Not only are the glasses chic, but they are kind too.

Bloobloom
24 Carnaby St., Carnaby, London W1F 7DB

GANNI

GANNI is a Danish brand specialising in ready-to-wear collections. Started in 2000 by an art connoisseur and gallery owner’s desire to create the perfect cashmere knit, GANNI has developed exceptionally over recent years with its Scandi sense of style full of personality and contrasts. GANNI is represented by more than 400 of the world’s finest retailers as well as through 21 concept stores across Denmark, Norway, Sweden and now their first UK store on Beak Street.

Ganni
36 Beak Street, London, W1F 9RF

Hayley Menzies

Hayley Menzies has opened the doors to a beautiful new boutique in the heart of Carnaby. The store hosts a highly curated edit of Hayley Menzies essentials for those embarking on a day out in the city’s revered shopping district.

Hayley Menzies
8 Newburgh St., Carnaby, London, W1F 7RJ

Rejina Pyo

A London-based fashion brand built upon a philosophy that explores dressing as an everyday phenomenon, both mundane and extraordinary, for women all over the world. Head here for a range of eclectic and staple pieces to add to your wardrobe.

Rejina Pyo
37 Upper James Street, London, W1F 7DG

Annie’s Ibiza

Annie’s Ibiza sells a mix of eclectic and rare, one-of-a-kind pieces. Each and every piece is handpicked by Annie herself and is a reflection of her own wardrobe, with a majority of the pieces being exclusively available to Annie’s Ibiza.

Annie’s Ibiza
3 Newburgh Street, London, W1F 7RE

Nobody’s Child

From mindfully made midi dresses to soft jumpers spun from recycled materials, over 90% of their collection is crafted from responsible fabrics (and they’re working on the rest). Taking style notes from nature, floral tea dresses are where they began and now they’re re-imagining the forest floor through painterly prints such as blooming brushstrokes, garden trellis patterns and a palette of earthy, organic shades.

Nobody’s Child
50 Carnaby Street, London, W1F 9QA

RIXO

The philosophy at RIXO is to evoke a wanderlust & free spirit in all their wearers, filling a gap in the contemporary market with easy-to-wear, feminine shapes and high-quality materials. Always inclusive, always empowering, they aim to create a fusion of original hand-painted prints and timeless silhouettes to flatter every woman, irrespective of age, season, size, nationality or time of day.

Rixo
44 Carnaby Street, London, W1F 9PP

4:30pm Go back to the hotel, relax & get ready for the evening

Being right in the thick of the action, you can head back here between your activities to rest and rejuvenate – or get a cocktail in the bar! A quirky space with a comprehensive menu of tantalizing tipples, we recommend popping in here for pre-dinner aperitif or a dip in the jacuzzi!

7:30pm – Dinner at Tapas Brindisa 

Once you’ve got changed and ready for dinner – sporting that fresh complexion and flawless nails – it’s time to take a leisurely stroll to Tapas Brindisa, one of the most delicious Spanish restaurants in the city. Nestled on Broadwick Street, it has been a favourite foodie haunt for locals and tourists alike for many years.

A cosy and beautiful space, it’s an inspiration of the bustling bodegas synonymous with Spanish cities – the local joints where artisanal beers, sherries, wines and impeccably sourced food are served. Tapas Brindisa is somewhere that after you’ve been once, you just find yourself heading back again and again. Dine on spicy chorizo, zingy prawns infused with garlic and padron peppers sprinkled with salt.

Sip cold white wine and admire your surroundings that take you from the concrete jungle to tucked away streets in Spain, where the air’s fresh and fragrant and warm cobbles can be felt underfoot. Spent a languid evening dining with friends or your other half before checking out some of the local bars in the area. 

Tapas Brindisa

46 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 7AF

10pm – Explore Carnaby’s eclectic range of bars and pubs

Once you’re filled with Tapas Brindisa’s mouthwatering tapas, head out to explore some of the areas best bars and pubs. If there’s one thing Carnaby is packed with, it’s late night venues and there’s something for everyone. Head to Cahoots for a WW2 themed bar, Red Lion, The Blue Posts or The Clachan for a cosy pub, Cirque le Soir for a circus-themed nightclub or Nightjar for a speakeasy-style subterranean bar. Either plan when you’re going ahead of time or wander along the street and see what you fancy!

Once the clock ticks to the smaller hours, make your way back to Karma Sanctum for an unrivalled night of rest and leisurely breakfast the next morning. After checking out, take your time to carry on exploring the area, making the most of what Carnaby has to offer. You could try a London Big Bus tour, Carnaby is one of the most eclectic corners of London and no matter the time of year of crowd you’re heading with, you’re guaranteed a fantastic time. What are some of the top things you’re going to do in Carnaby? Let us know in the comments below!

Carnaby Soho FAQs

Other Carnaby Hotels to check out

@seeninthecity See how to spend a day in Carnaby London! From getting the ultimate manicure at So Shell to a facial at skinlaundry, a divine hotel stay at Karma Sanctum, shopping at @libertylondon and dinner at @brindisaspanishfoods there's so much to see and do! #carnabylondon #explorelondon #lovelondon #seeninthecity #carnaby ♬ Overpass Graffiti – Ed Sheeran