Soho has always had my heart. It’s probably the only non-pretentious place that I happily walk through alone. I love the gritty, cobbled floors and it’s wonderful knowing that some super cool famous people have walked the same stone. From Lee Alexander McQueen to The Beatles and David Bowie (Trident Studios), from world class Jazz performers at Pizza Express’s Jazz Cafe (Benny Carter and Rick Wakeman for instance) to men and women turning tricks (it’s famous for it’s sex industry). There’s no denying that Soho leaks cultural diversity and houses some of the best known watering holes in the world. I could spend hours people-watching while I drink an espresso and sit in the window of a cute little cafe… or a bottle of wine down and three tequilas in Shadow Lounge, a cool gay club, (delete as appropriate). I’ve had some of the best, most memorable nights out in Soho. So when I was asked to pop along to check out a chic little chocolate shop on Broadwick Street called SAID, I couldn’t say no. Diet cheat day at its finest.
Soho’s Broadwick Street is special to me. It’s where I had my first interview in London and ultimately my first job. Hearst, home to Cosmopolitan, Harpers Bazaar and Good Housekeeping gave me some of the best years of my life. To this day I still remember my parents sat outside the chocolate shop – SAID – while I went in for my interview (I can’t remember what it was called back then though). Today, SAID is thriving and has fast become a star attraction. If I still worked on Broadwick Street, I would definitely find it difficult to not visit there every lunch time. The smell of chocolate from the outside made my mouth water and judging from the hustle inside, it was riling every one else up too.
My drink of the day was impossible to choose from. Milkshakes, mochas, hot chocolates… literally it’s a chocoholic’s dream. But I eventually settled on a small cup of delicious milk hot chocolate. For the indecisive among us, they offer a cup of half milk, half dark (above). Obviously being a person of complete gluttony, I couldn’t stop at just the hot chocolate so I chose a milk chocolate cookie for the side (which tasted like soft, buttery shortbread and creamy milk chocolate) and a little piece of praline.
The bill for two people came in under £15 and the environment is the perfect place to catch up for twenty or so minutes. Nearest tube stations are Oxford Circus, Piccadilly or Tottenham Court road so is totally accessible.
ADDRESS
41 Broadwick St, London W1F 9QL (UK)
OPENING HOURS
MONDAY – SATURDAY 10:00 – 23:00
SUNDAY & HOLIDAYS 11:00 – 22:00
