Soho at nine in the morning
The neighbourhood everyone knows from midnight, walked before it opens its eyes. Walked and written by the editor. https://walkwalk.org/london/walks/soho-quiet-morning

1. Berwick Street
The old record shops are mostly gone; one or two survive and the street at nine on a weekday is genuinely calm. Bar Italia is two minutes away.

2. Bar Italia
Twenty-four hour espresso since 1949. Stand at the counter; don't sit. A shot of coffee, a glance at the photo of Rocky Marciano.

3. Soho Square
The gardens open at 7:30. At this hour it's office workers smoking and one very dedicated tai chi practitioner.

4. Dean Street & Old Compton
The loud streets are silent. The neon signs look embarrassing in daylight. Walk slowly; this is the only way to see Soho's architecture.

5. Chinatown gate
End at the Gerrard Street gate, walk under it, and you're at Leicester Square. The city wakes up behind you.

Soho at nine in the morning