Berwick Street

It's argued by some that the heart of Soho is right here in Berwick Street, the crossroads of old London - the veg stalls, market sellers and rag trade - mixed with the sleaze of nearby Walkers court and encroaching affluence of Soho west. To come here during the day is to be in the midst of lively stalls in the heart of the West End and shimmy and weave amongst Londoners going about their day.

The shops are very good, and in particular if you love interesting fashion both vintage and edgy, as well as music. There are numerous rag trade stores selling raw fabric like the Berwick Street Cloth Shop and Borovick, as well as high-octane vintage stores like Reign and Bang Bang alongside cutting edge stores like Machine A. With regards to music, you'll find some of the best vinyl, old and second-hand records and CDs here. The Music and Video exchange is a classic and this one is very good for electronica and beats, while over the road the legendary Sister Ray has a massive collection of vinyl and a well-curated selection of records and rare records. Last but not least, the indie comic and publishing institution that is Gosh! Comics has moved into premises at the bottom of Berwick Street, and stocks an intelligent collection of comics and indie zines and graphic novels. It is not your average bookstore.

Further up the road, a couple of modern classics are ideal places for a rest and recharge, depending on personal taste. Yumchaa has a wonderful selection of teas from around the world, and is a civilised, unpretentious environment for a cup of, er, chai. Then Flat White is its polar opposite - busy, dark and serving one of the best cups of coffee in the city, you can read a copy of Dazed while plotting your next purchase.

Nearest Tube - Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Circus are all about a 5-10 minute walk.