Soho’s Chinatown will always be a symbol of culture and community in the heart of Central London. Stepping through Wardour Street’s kitsch pagoda gates today, the infectious buzz is undeniable. London’s Chinatown is always evolving, with the most recent wave of restaurants representing Malaysian, Korean, Singaporean, Thai and Taiwanese cuisine alongside regional Chinese flavours like Sichuanese, Cantonese and Gansu style classics – not to mention an entire alley of pan-Asian dessert options. Here’s Time Out’s round-up of the 20 best places to get to know the foodie enclave.
Low on pennies? Not to worry. You can still make the most of the weekend. London has your back with a slew of free fun to be had. For a cheap thrill, visit the National Gallery’s free exhibition dedicated to the last painting of one of history’s most important artists, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. Time Out’s art critic gave the show five stars and called the work ‘a maelstrom of movement and brutality and morbidity’. Or hit up the New Cross & Deptford’s free film festival to see family faves and edgy documentaries without spending a penny.
If you want more five-star culture, seek out a screening of ‘If Only I Could Hibernate’, a rare Mongolian feature film our critic deemed an ‘astonishingly assured debut’. If that’s not enough there’s also a craft beer festival, a car boot sale exclusively flogging goods from classic vehicles, a huge programme of performances at the V&A celebrating Shakespeare’s birthday, a film festival celebrating the best documentary films from across the world and brilliant theatre starring national treasure Ian McKellen. Phew.
Still got gaps in your diary? Embrace the warmer days with a look at the best places to see spring flowers in London, or have a cosy time in one of London’s best pubs. If you’ve still got some space in your week, check out London’s best bars and restaurants, or take in one of these lesser-known London attractions.
RECOMMENDED: Listen and, most importantly, subscribe to Time Out’s brand new, weekly podcast ‘Love Thy Neighbourhood’ and hear famous Londoners show our editor Joe Mackertich around their favourite bits of the city.