Soho Punk Tour: London’s Iconic Clubs & Sex Pistols Sites

Summary

London’s wildest punk stories come alive in Soho’s legendary clubs

You’ll walk Soho’s backstreets with a guide who lived through London’s punk explosion, hear wild true stories at sites like the 100 Club and Marquee, laugh at backstage mishaps, and see where legends like the Sex Pistols started out. It’s raw, funny, sometimes bittersweet — you’ll leave seeing Soho differently.

What’s the experience like?

We met Aidan right outside a pub I’d walked past a hundred times but never really noticed. He had this quick grin and wore a badge that said “Flipside London” — I liked him straight away. The first thing he did was point out a tiny doorway across the street. “That’s where the Sex Pistols played their first gig,” he said, and suddenly the whole street felt different, like it was humming under my feet. I could almost hear old guitar feedback bouncing off the bricks, mixed with today’s traffic noise and someone yelling about cheap theatre tickets.

As we wandered through Soho, Aidan kept tossing out these stories — some wild, some kind of sad, all of them real. We passed the Marquee Club (well, what used to be), and he told us about nights when people packed in so tight you’d come out smelling like beer and cigarettes whether you wanted to or not. At one point we ducked into an alley where The Jam supposedly got busted by police for playing too loud. There was this faint smell of fried onions from a nearby food cart; somehow it fit. I tried to imagine being here in ’77, all leather jackets and attitude.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much. When Aidan described a strip club gig gone wrong (Sex Pistols again), he did this impression of Sid Vicious that cracked everyone up — even two teenagers who looked like they’d rather be anywhere else at first. We stopped by an old record stall site and Aidan showed me how people used to swap vinyls right there on the pavement. My hands itched to flip through crates that aren’t there anymore.

The tour ended near a pub where apparently everyone — bands, fans, random weirdos — would pile in after shows. I lingered for a minute just watching people go by; it’s funny how places hang onto echoes if you know what to listen for. Anyway, if you’re into music history or just want to see Soho with new eyes, this punk tour is something else. I still think about those stories sometimes when I hear old Clash songs on the radio.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Soho punk music landmarks

• Visit clubs: Marquee, Vortex, 100 Club
• See Notre Dame Hall and strip club site
• Visit Sex Pistols' local pub
• View site of first Sex Pistols gig
• See Sex Pistols' rehearsal room
• Learn about The Jam's run-ins with law
• Explore influential record stalls and labels

Top questions

Is the Original Soho Punk Tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

How long does the Soho Punk Tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but expect a typical walking tour pace covering key sites in Soho.

Are infants or small children allowed on this punk tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join in a pram or stroller.

Does the tour include public transportation?

No transportation is included but public transport options are nearby if needed before or after.

Will we visit actual clubs like the 100 Club?

You’ll see legendary club sites including 100 Club and Marquee; entry may depend on current access but stories are shared at each spot.

Is there commentary throughout the tour?

Yes, your guide provides full commentary with stories at each location visited.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are welcome during the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes full live commentary from an award-winning local guide as you explore iconic punk locations around Soho on foot; everything is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels — just bring your curiosity (and maybe some comfortable shoes).