The lights may already have dimmed and the main feature underway as speak, but you can still immerse yourself in the cinematic at this year’s BFI London Film Festival.
Autumn seems to have appeared quite suddenly (at least in my view) and yet, here we are already at the start of the 2025 BFI London Film Festival. How did that happen, I wonder? Possibly in my case, a reluctance to let go of Summer, but having been caught on the hop, all thoughts of sunny days are now banished and with the Festival already in full swing, a brief rundown is a must.
If you’re in Soho this weekend, you’re in for a treat. Between limited-edition beauty pop-ups, buzzy new cafés, delicious brunch plates, and a dose of self-care, here’s your guide to making the most of your Saturday.
Beauty Pie’s Youthbomb London Lab 📍 5–7 Carnaby Street, W1F 9PB | 11–13 September, 9am–5pm Step inside Beauty Pie’s futuristic first-ever Youthbomb London Lab on Carnaby Street. This immersive experience celebrates the launch of their new Youthbomb Extreme Retinal Triple Renewal Serum — a triple-powered formula developed with dermatologist Dr Mamina Turegano. Expect a journey through past, present and future skincare, with exclusive insight into the cult-favourite Youthbomb collection. Your future self will thank you.
Clarins Sweet Spot Pop-Up 📍 59 Greek Street, W1D 3DZ | 13–14 September, 10am–7pm Sat, 10am–6pm Sun Clarins brings a splash of fun (and flavour) to Soho with its Sweet Spot Pop-Up. Enjoy complimentary iced matcha, spin-to-win games, and the chance to bag beauty goodies — including goody bags for the first 50 through the door. A colourful stop between your shopping and coffee breaks.
2. Brunch in Soho
Soho is a brunch-lover’s paradise, and Saturday is the perfect excuse to indulge.
Greek Street Live (📍5 Greek Street) – The latest addition to Soho’s live music scene, keeping the tradition alive and kicking with food, cocktails, and performances all under one roof. Their Brunch to the Beat is the star of Saturdays: two hours of fizz, mojitos, or mocktails paired with brunch favourites like Parma Ham & Pancetta Eggs Benedict, smashed avo toast, or berry-stacked pancakes — all served with a live playlist to set the vibe.
Scarlett Green (Noel Street) – Famous for its Aussie-style bottomless brunch and colourful plates that are both tasty and Instagram-ready.
Milk Beach Soho (Greek Street) – With its relaxed atmosphere, fresh ingredients, and hearty offerings like sourdough smashed avo or shakshuka, it’s a lovely brunch spot to linger.
Mildreds (Lexington Street) – A Soho institution serving up plant-based brunch dishes with big flavours — think sweetcorn fritters, pancakes, and breakfast burritos.
3. Coffee & Matcha Moments
Photo by Lina Kivaka
Fuel your Soho stroll with a pit stop at one of these caffeine hotspots:
London Grand Coffee (Warwick Street) – A cosy Soho hideaway where speciality coffee meets freshly baked treats, perfect for a mid-shop recharge.
Happiness (D’Arblay Street) – The new matcha hotspot co-founded by Calum Best, already making waves with its colourful drinks and wellness vibes.
Bar Italia (Frith Street) – A Soho institution since 1949 and still buzzing day and night. Whether it’s your morning espresso or a late-night pick-me-up after gigs, Bar Italia remains the beating heart of Soho café culture.
Between pop-ups and brunch plates, take a moment for yourself at Everyone Active Marshall Street Spa & Leisure Centre. Tucked just behind Carnaby Street, this is Soho’s best-kept wellness secret. Whether you fancy a swim in the art-deco pool, time out in the sauna and steam rooms, or a luxurious spa treatment, it’s the ultimate reset button right in the heart of the West End. www.everyoneactive.com
5. Evening Wind-Down
If you’re sticking around into the evening, Soho offers endless dining options — but for a relaxed Saturday, grab a glass of wine at Antidote Wine Bar (Newburgh Street) or tuck into Italian small plates at Bocca di Lupo (Archer Street).
Photo by ELEVATE
Your Saturday Sorted From anti-ageing serums and iced matcha to brunch plates and spa escapes, Soho has everything you need for a perfectly balanced Saturday. Make sure to check out the pop-ups before they disappear — because some things are just too good to miss. are just too good to miss.
Thursday 21st August is National Burger Day, and what better way to celebrate than exploring the best burgers Soho has to offer? From luxe seafood creations to classic indulgent beef patties, we’ve rounded up seven spots sure to make your tastebuds dance…
She’s our go-to beauty contributor with her finger firmly on the pulse of what’s hot in the beauty world — and this summer, Grace Alexandra is sharing the must-have products she’s reaching for again and again. From lightweight SPF to heatwave-proof makeup, Grace combines expert tips with influencer flair to keep your summer glow strong, whether you’re poolside or navigating a packed Tube carriage. Dive into her edit of standout beauty essentials for Summer 2025!
As theatre season heats up with the Edinburgh Fringe around the corner, we spotlight one of this year’s most talked-about debut acts. In this timely self-penned piece for My Soho Times, comedian Hasan Al-Habib shares how rejection, resilience, and a PhD led to his long-awaited Cambridge acceptance — and the comedy career that began with a teenage dream and a Celebrity Mastermind episode.
His debut solo show Death To The West (Midlands) runs 30th July–24th August at Pleasance Courtyard, blending sharp satire with personal stories of growing up Iraqi in post-9/11 Britain.
Flat Whites, Wifi & Silent Community: Inside Soho’s New Work Ritual
In a city addicted to productivity, noise, and hustle, it’s the quiet places that are holding us together. Across Soho, cafés have evolved from casual coffee spots into something more essential — the unofficial workspaces of London. Here, amidst the hiss of espresso machines and the low hum of easy-listening jazz, people gather not to mingle, but to simply get things done. No name badges. No small talk. No networking.
In this exclusive piece, former Westminster strategist turned political firebrand Peter C. Barnes — whose views often reflect controversial right-leaning perspectives — turns his wry gaze away from Parliament and toward Soho’s café culture, where flat whites replace policy briefings and the unspoken rules of London life are playing out in real time. Written with sharp humour and tender honesty, he explores how these spaces have become quiet sanctuaries — and why you should think twice before asking for a teaspoon…
Marking the first International Day of Hope with music that brings us together
In a world that often feels fractured, music reminds us of what connects us. On Sunday 13 July, a colourful new street piano appeared in the heart of Soho, tucked into the courtyard of Carnaby Street’s Kingly Court. Designed by artist Yinka Ilori in partnership with Sing for Hope and The Global Goals, the piano is part of the #BeHope campaign launched to mark the first-ever International Day of Hope.
Playing the role of more than a striking installation, the piano is an open invitation to pause, reflect and take part in a global movement rooted in optimism and action. It stands for the pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals—People, Planet, Peace—and for the belief that hope, when shared, can inspire meaningful change.
Fabio Tedde aka Pianist Without Borders with the Be Hope piano, Soho | Photo credit: My Soho Times
We were introduced to this special piano not through the official launch, but through a spontaneous invitation from someone who’s made public music his life’s mission: Fabio Tedde, better known as Pianist Without Borders. Editor Kai Lutterodt shares more.
Imagine sipping your way through 20 of London’s finest bars — all without leaving a manicured private garden in central London. That’s the magic of Cocktails in the City, the UK’s leading cocktail festival, back this summer for its 10th anniversary.
Set against the historical backdrop of Bedford Square Gardens (think Bridgerton vibes), the space was transformed into a colourful fête-style celebration, complete with ribbon-draped trees, food and drink stalls, a live music stage, and a silent disco. With one weekend down and another to come (7–9 August), My Soho Times‘ editor – our girl about town – Kai Lutterodt went to soak it all in… A cocktail (or two) in hand.
With the UK currently basking in a heatwave, those typical summer showers we’ve become accustomed to feel like a distant memory. But if there’s one thing we know about British weather, it’s that it doesn’t like to be predictable — especially during festival season.
Whether you’re gearing up for festivals or a smaller local celebration, the key to enjoying every moment is being prepared for anything. From scorching sun to sudden downpours, festivals throw everything at you, and how you pack can make or break your experience.
Pride Weekend is back — and Soho is, as always, the beating heart of the celebration. Whether you’re joining the parade, dancing in the streets, or just soaking in the atmosphere, this is a weekend full of joy, visibility, community and culture.
Here’s your My Soho Times curated guide to making the most of it — from pop-ups and parades to secret quiet corners when you need a breather. Also check out our Last Min Guide to Soho Pride.
🏳️🌈 SATURDAY 5 JULY: THE PARADE + STREET CELEBRATIONS
Pride in London Parade
📍 Hyde Park Corner → Whitehall 🕛 12:00–18:00 Grab your friends and flags! London’s iconic Pride Parade features thousands of marchers, floats, and performers making their way through central London. Expect incredible energy and huge crowds. Prime viewing spots include Soho Square, Piccadilly, and Trafalgar Square.
📍Don’t miss the Pride in London Pop-Up at Walker’s Court, where you’ll find limited-edition merch, refreshing ice cream, and photo ops galore!
Beauty on demand? Yes please. Say hi to the DropGlam street team sharing the love around Soho this weekend at Pride in London. They’re promoting their one-hour beauty delivery app (for when you need that Ruby Woo asap!) — and they’re recruiting users and allies to be amongst the first to sign up! @dropglam.app
💄 Hourglass Cosmetics: The Vinyl Lounge (1 Day Only!)
📍Sounds of the Universe, 7 Broadwick Street 📅 Friday 5 July | 10am–6pm Music meets makeup at this exclusive one-day pop-up. Plus, keep an eye out for the brand’s new global ambassador, singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams, in town for BST Hyde Park. Enjoy:
📍 41 Lexington Street 📅 Now until Sunday 6 July Aesop Soho is transformed into a beautiful literary space, offering complimentary books by LGBTQIA+ authors, curated in partnership with Gay’s the Word and indie publishers. No purchase necessary — just the power of queer storytelling.
Nothing like a summer house party, especially one in Soho. Expect drag queens, disco beats, and seriously good cocktails. @thelittlevioletdoor
🎭 Greek Street Live – Pride Takeover
📍 Greek Street From 11:00am Saturday Start your day with a drag brunch and stay for the street party, featuring DJs, dancers and all-day celebrations in one of Soho’s most iconic lanes.
🧘 Need a Breather? We Got You.
☕ London Grand Coffee
📍 11 Warwick Street, Soho (Regent Street end of Soho) 📅 Open Monday to Saturday If the buzz gets too much, escape to this calm, coffee retreat just moments from the chaos. Great coffee (on ice too), intimate yet cosy, and free Wi-Fi — plus a few shaded seats downstairs if you need total downtime. A perfect place to regroup before heading back out. Use code “SohoTimes” for 10% off your order. @londongrandcoffee
🍰 Pride Bites: Rainbow Food Specials
Hummingbird Bakery (Wardour Street, Soho): Don’t leave without trying their range of Pride-themed cupcakes. Fluffy, colourful, and 100% Instagrammable.
BBagel Bakery Bar (Wardour Street, Soho): Taste the rainbow with BBagel Bakery’s rainbow bagel baked fresh for Pride! Available for a limited time only!
🎾 Not Just Pride: More Weekend Picks
🎾 Wimbledon on the Big Screen
📍 King’s Cross or Covent Garden 📅 All weekend Catch the tennis action with a cold drink in hand. Outdoor screens, deck chairs and big-match energy.
🎤 Gracie Abrams at BST Hyde Park
📍 Hyde Park 📅 Friday 5 July Gracie headlines at BST on the same day as the Hourglass pop-up — a perfect pre-show stop!
📅 Suggested Weekend Itinerary
Friday
Pop into Aesop’s Queer Library for a literary moment
Visit Hourglass Vinyl Lounge on Broadwick Street
Chill at London Grand Coffee or enjoy drinks at The Little Violet Door
Saturday
Pride Parade (12–6pm) — don’t forget to spot the DropGlam street team!
Greek Street Live + Carnaby Street DJs
Soho after-parties till late
Sunday
Brunch in Soho
Watch Wimbledon at King’s Cross
Take home a book from Aesop if you haven’t already
Join the Celebration
Whatever your vibe — loud, proud and on the parade route, or tucked away with an iced coffee and a queer romance novel — Soho welcomes you.
📸 Tag @mysohotimes in your weekend snaps and use #MySohoTimesPride to be featured!
MY SOHO TIMES 