Soho, London | Abbán Brennan shares his hot tips

Ham Yard opened last year in Soho just a block from bustling Piccadilly Circus. Imbued with design director Kit Kemp’s signature love of colour and cosiness, the ethnic-inspired  spaces are modern  yet warm, playful yet sophisticated. 
Hailing from Ireland’s west coast, head concierge Abbán Brennan has been a concierge for 12 years.

Where’s the party? Ham Yard Restaurant and Terrace, Chiltern Firehouse, Kitty Fisher’s, Sushisamba, Aqua Shard, Berners Tavern and Social Eating House.

Best secret eatery loved by the locals? El Parador Tapas in Mornington 
Crescent, a family-run Spanish restaurant. There’s also a lovely little garden for the summer months. And I can’t leave out Andrew Edmunds in Soho!

An outdoor activity that’s worth doing? Picnic at the top of Primrose Hill on a glorious summer day. Lovely views and a few good pubs nearby for afterwards.

An unmissable piece of architecture? Highgate Cemetery West. Especially the catacombs and terrace. Book one of the guided tours.

What’s on at the theatre? American Buffalo starring John Goodman and Damian Lewis, The Audience starring Kristin Scott-Thomas, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

A new, high-end restaurant? Duck & Rice – the  new Chinese gastropub from Alan  Yau.

Any events we shouldn’t miss? Wimbledon, Trooping the Colour, Formula E racing in Battersea Park, Open House London – the architecture festival which facilitates visits to buildings normally closed to the public.

A local band you should definitely listen to? Where? Kwabs is a London boy with a whole lot of soul. See him at Somerset House on July 17.

Any markets you should visit? Maltby Street Market on Saturdays. Columbia Road, Brick Lane and Spitalfields market (they are all near each other) on
Sundays.

What’s the best locale for shopping for authentic local products? Borough food market has all types of food from all over the country. Thursday is best as Friday is very busy and Saturday is crazy! Some of the stalls are open all week for lunch but the full market is Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

A great spot for a business meeting? The Wolseley. Great for breakfast, lunch or dinner meetings.

The best contemporary art gallery in the city? I like the Hayward Gallery. The 
Tate Modern is great but everybody goes there.

You can’t come to London without seeing...? The view from Waterloo Bridge.