My Soho Times Winter 2020

WINTER 2020 | FREE

In this issue:

SOHO IS OPEN SERIES
REASONS TO LOVE SOHO

BACK TO FITNESS

The Nation's Favourite TV Self-love Guru, GOK WAN

Someone Of Soho by Richard Piercy exhibiting on the Flannels building WWW.MYSOHOTIMES.CO.UK

corner of Poland St and Oxford St, London W1 from 3rd-13th December

Showcasing emerging &
internationally-renowned artists
at one of the world's most iconic

addresses - Oxford Street

Read more about W1 Curates on page 12
WWW.MYSOHOTIMES.CO.UK

SHARE YOUR PICS WITH US -
TAG @MYSOHOTIMES #MYSOHOTIMES

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editor's note

he gif of he pren

This is my final editor's note column for the year and I feel
somewhat emotional. Had I have known the vast challenges I'd be
facing navigating a print magazine in the abyss of a pandemic,
though, I would have spared myself the stress - fact. That said, this
experience has essentially cemented what’s at the core of My Soho
Times - community. And it's my community which has been my
biggest strength, alongside family and friends.

The year also shone a light on another pandemic, one which is so
woven into our society it’s yet to have a vaccine: racism. The tragic
murder of George Floyd in the USA forced the inequalities black
and other marginalised groups face into the public eye. The
positive thing is, conversations are happening. Akil Benjamin
launched Mentor Black Business, supported by M&C Saatchi,
with a mission to match 500+ black entrepreneurs with mentors
(more info on the Notice Board p. 47). W1 Curates on Oxford
Street doesn’t shy away from exhibiting artists addressing themes
on race, gender, sexuality and social class.

We mark our one year print anniversary with the nation's fave TV
self-love guru, Gok Wan, as our winter cover star! I chat to him
about surviving lockdown, our shared love of calling Soho home,
and how DJing from his kitchen on a Saturday night brought joy to
millions during the height of the isolation. In this issue we also
introduce the 'Soho Is Open' series of interviews, taking you behind
the scenes of local independent businesses to meet the owners.
We have gift ideas for the festive season, we help you prepare for
Chinese New Year, discover the Sounds of Soho, get back to fitness
and lots more!

I don't doubt the challenges we've faced have also led to immense
blessings - like surviving to be here in the present. That is a gift in
itself. So, let's raise a toast to every win the year ahead brings - we
are deserving! Cheers!

Photo: Clancy Gebler Davies Season's Greeting from the My Soho Times team!

Editor's Picks for Winter Kai Lutterodt

The Soho Girl x Editor in Chief

IG: @the.soho.girl

GUILT-FREE WEAR US BE PRESENT

This is the good stuff that has got me We've had to think out of the box if we're We've put together a downloadable gift
through a really challenging period.... to be sustainable and continue showcasing guide to inspire the gift of giving, supporting
putting this winter issue together. The '1% independent and local businesses... not local and independent businesses, and
sugar, vegan friendly, gluten free and high forgetting that we're all of the latter - and celebrating our joint achievements… to be in
fibre chocolate (with CBD variety), made in self-funded too! So we designed this the present. And we haven't slacked when it
100% recyclable packaging' was a guilt-free enamel gold plated pin which can be worn comes to drink options for that celebratory
treat to help me keep my chill. with pride! All proceeds help keep us going! toast! www.mysohotimes.co.uk/gift

MY SOHO TIMES 05

A he hear of r ey is...

My Soho Times is an independent hyper local
lifestyle magazine, launched in Winter 2019.

Soho is without doubt the beating heart of London in
location and vibe. We aim to curate the very best

of Soho businesses for the benefit of both Londoners and
visitors. And not just online... We're committed to the power of

print, so you can take us anywhere!

We have you covered - in Soho and W1
Our varied distribution in Soho and other parts of the notable

W1 postcode (Fitzrovia, Mayfair and Marylebone) will have a
massive impact on the responses our partners get.

With your help we hope to grow a loyal readership for both our
seasonal and online publications in a very short time.

Join our mailing list for local news and the next issue of
My Soho Times!

www.mysohotimes.co.uk/sign-up

WWW.MYSOHOTIMES.CO.UK

14

21 36

08 38

16

26

11 19 32 44

What's inside? 16 MEET CHISTINE YAU 32 TONY THE SOHO TAILOR

08 THE PERFECT GIFT As part of our 'Soho is Open' Kai aka The Soho Girl interviews
FINDER series, we take you into the iconic Tony Phillips, aka Tony the Soho
blue building on Greek Street - Tailor, and delves into his 50 year
We've put together a gift guide Soho's oldest Chinese restaurant, service as a tailor in Soho. Part of
to help you find the perfect gift to meet it's owner Christine Yau. the Soho is Open series.
for you, family, or friends from
Christmas or Vals Day.

11 VISIT CARNABY THIS 19 YEAR OF THE OX 36 SOUNDS LIKE SOHO
WINTER
Prepare for the year of the Ox this Contributing editor Gillian Smith
Don't miss the opportunity to see Chinese New Year with blogger, explores the various sounds which
the Carnaby Christmas installation The Chinese Foodie sharing tips on make up Soho... From record
titled Choose Love in Carnaby... It'll things to do whether you'll be at stores to post-production houses.
leave you feeling inspired as you home or out and about.
go about your shopping! 44 LOVE SPELLS COCKTAILS

14 DESIGN A NEW BRAND 21 8 THINGS TO LOVE Check out these cocktails made
IDENTITY ABOUT SOHO from spirits you'll find in our gift
guide... Spark the love spells with
We call on the expertise of 5 London Beautiful Life and friends these romance inspire-cocktails.
creative professionals to share their curate a list of things to love in
tips on business and design. Soho... In case you need convincing!

CONNECT WITH US

@MYSOHOTIMES  •  WWW.MYSOHOTIMES.CO.UK

Contributing Editor: Gillian Smith Contributors: Freya Starr | Lua Cooper | Imran Khawajai| Kesh Wang |
Daniel Morgenstern| Marilita Hatzivassiliou | Kiran Selvakumaran | Erica Tang | Ari Gurdon Lindey | Sam Lehane |

Ivo Belohoubek | John Ingledew | Yohann Pavy | Dan Brain | Ian Houghton
Design: Fast Track Branding Cover photo: TV presenter, stylist, author and DJ Gok Wan

For opportunities to contibute or advertise please email [email protected]

MY SOHO TIMES 07

THE KING OF SOHO Gin £35.50 THE HUMMINGBIRD BAKERY
www.gerrys.uk.com Ventine's Day Heart Cake £32.95
www.hummingbirdbakery.com

WAX LONDON Whiting Shirt £120
www.waxlondon.com

PINK MARMALADE Gin £38
www.pinkmarmaladegin.co.uk

Il MASSIMO, CARLUCCIO'S hamper £90 LANIQUE Spirit of Rose £27
www.carluccios.com Available at Waitrose

HATTINGLEY VALLEY Classic Reserve £35
www.hattingleyvalley.com

MY SOHO TIMES metal pin set £15.99 SANKOFA by SB Vision £11.99
[email protected] www.sb-vision.com

THE BLACK EXPLORER £20 OLIVER STEPHENS Gift Voucher
www.theblackexplorer.com www.oliverstephens.com

MAMA MZUNGU Social Enterprise CHILLI NO.5 The BBQ Set £25 MAD CITY Botanical Rum £30
artisan soaps made in Uganda. www.chilli-no5.com www.foxholespirits.com
[email protected]
TONI X BECCA Nomad Collection £100
www.beccaapparel.com

WWW.MYSOHOTIMES.CO.UK

DOWNLOAD THE FULL
PERFECT GIFT FINDER
WWW.MYSOHOTIMES.CO.UK/GIFT

THE CHERRY TREE selection box £55
www.cherrytreepreserves.co.uk

DIVERSITY MATTERS Gift set £9.99 GIMBER set €51.95 www.gimber.com
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/DiversityMatters
Gift ideas for loved ones, BUMBLEZEST pack £48.95
friends or simply a treat for www.bumblezest.co.uk

yourself this winter! ALOHO65 spirit drink £22.50
www.aloha65.com

AFROCENCHIX festive set £90
www.afrocenchix.com

WIZARDS MAGIC CHOCOLATE £2.50
www.thewizardsmagic.com

PORTRAIT ILLUSTRATION from £180 MOORE HOUSE COCKTAIL COMPANY
www.danielmorgenstern.com Bottled cocktails from £9.60, Candles From £22

wwww.moorehousecocktails.co.uk

Asọ̣ IYOBA IDIA TRACKSUIT TOP £65
www.aso-global.com

OMOLOLA Africa outline ring £18

SEARCHYS BESPOKE CHAMPAIGNE GIFT BOXES www.omololajewellery.com

& EXPERIENCE VOUCHERS Searcys cuvées £39, SOHO SCARVES The Forks Aviator £32
www.soho-scarves.com
www.searcys.co.uk
MY SOHO TIMES 09



Photography: David Parry

Visit Carnaby this winter...

The Carnaby Christmas installation this year is titled This Christmas, stop by the Choose Love charity pop up
Choose Love in Carnaby and is in collaboration with shop located at 24 Carnaby Street and give a gift that
charity Choose Love. A series of pink neon light boxes are won’t be forgotten. The Choose Love shop is the world's
suspended the length of Carnaby Street that beam first store that sells real products for refugees where
poignant words of hope. The words pay tribute to the visitors are encouraged to shop their hearts out but leave
strength and courage of Londoners and the whole of the with nothing. You can purchase all the essentials to help
UK. Other words of empowerment include believe, heal, people in refugee camps get through the winter months
brave, dream, faith, together and family. including blankets, hot food, coats and more.

Can't get to Carnaby Street London? That's not all, on your walk through @carnabylondon stop
Then the 360° virtual tour is the next best thing. Enter by the neon pink angel wing installation, they can be found
Carnaby Street and step under the world famous, iconic on the corner where Broadwick Street meets Carnaby
Welcome to Carnaby Street arch, with the choice of Street.
walking down either at street level, or 10ft high in the sky,
gliding through the giant pink neon glow Christmas light Discover over 100 amazing brands, restaurants, café's,
installation like never before. pubs and independent businesses in the area who all have
amazing products, services and experiences in London
The immersive 360° experience is available for free on the that you can't find anywhere else. Head into Kingly Court
Carnaby website (carnaby.co.uk) and includes a live and dine alfresco with heaters and be sure to make use of
function where the user can join up with someone the colourful communal seating areas located around the
anywhere in the world to take the tour at the same time, 14 streets of Carnaby.
sharing the experience. www.carnaby.co.uk | @carnabylondon

MY SOHO TIMES 11

WWW.MYSOHOTIMES.CO.UK

Photos courtesy of W1 Curates | @w1curates

If you’re looking for the old West End razzle dazzle to the world. Giving everyone the opportunity to
light up the Winter evenings, chances are you’ll head experience art, to access it right there - amid all the
for Oxford Circus and continue on towards Marble noise of city life, it provides this little oasis. Shoppers
Arch. But what of the other half of Oxford Street, and workers are left feeling ignited and inspired. We
traditionally the more neglected end of London’s bring art to the people, we open those doors, and
favourite shopping mile? To be sure there’s been a who knows where that could take them?”
certain amount of upscaling over the past few years,
with one or two fewer slightly scruffy pop-ups and a Artists who have had their work exhibited in this
smattering of respectable High Street names. unique way range from the contemporary to the
classic. Julian George’s visual celebration of talented
September 2019 though, was a game changer. That’s black chefs has had a successful run, along with
when the jewel in the crown of luxury retail outlets, pencil artist Helen Beard’s The Desire Path (pictured),
Flannels, arrived, opening its doors at numbers 161- David Bailey, Michael Craig-Martin, Kelvin Okafor and
167. A portfolio of designer merchandise was yours David LaChapelle have also been represented.
for the browsing.
The project has supported the local community and
So far, so commercial. But it’s soon apparent it’s not the NHS during COVID, along with education and
just retail beaming out into winter gloom W1 Curates heritage concerns. Its most recent incarnation is
has transformed the exterior of the store into an Someone of Soho - 100 portraits of people closely
extraordinary public exhibition space. Using state-of- associated with the area, by Richard Piercy.
the-art technology, they exhibit the best art with
digital prowess and innovation. The aim is to make art So it seems the Oxford Street Christmas lights won't
available to everyone, all year round, night and day, be the only reason to head down the 'Soho side' of
via state-of-the-art tech. W1 Curates believes art has the world's most famous high street this winter...
a purpose, the power to change the world. To drive Words by Gillian Smith
consumer consciousness away from retail and
towards issues that matter. As founder Mark Dale For more information and to find out about
says, “For me, when shoppers rest their bags down upcoming exhibitions visit www.w1curates.com |
and stare at the incredible art , it’s the best feeling in
IG: @w1curates

MY SOHO TIMES 13

A NEW IDENTITY

BRANDWrittten by Kai Lutterodt

Whichever way you read it - 'Design A New Brand
Identity' or 'A New Brand Design Identity' - we've
called upon the expertise of 5 professions who've 'been
there, done that' so you can sail by getting your brand

up and running!

START SMALL - INVOLVE FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Sam Lehane of M.Y.O recalls his humble begins.

A really important thing when launching a new brand is to BRAND DESIGN THEN AND NOW
have a good product or service - it doesn't have to be perfect John Ingledew is a visiting Professor of Design at The
though - but also to be yourself and be open and honest on University of West London and the author of HOW TO HAVE
the journey. Despite not having a creative background, M.Y.O GREAT IDEAS and THE A-Z OF VISUAL IDEAS, both published
was launched by my partner Diana and I after we learned how by Laurence King Publishing. John is also a long time Soho
to teach one creative class - a week before our first ever live lover and photographer of the area. He shares his thoughts
one - we now do more than 14 and have hosted 10,000s. about branding past and present.
We invited a bunch of friends around (I can still picture it
vividly!) and we were open with them about winging it. We Indelibly marking cattle with a red-hot branding iron was for
were clear about why we wanted to do it (we want every adult centuries the method used by farmers to identify the livestock
to explore their creative side) and we were committed to they owned from those belonging to others. At a glance
learning and improving what we did as we went along - it's anyone could tell one brand from another. Branding today is
hard to figure out what people actually want without starting just the same - clarity and instant recognition are vital. The
from somewhere. We charged from the start, too - no secret of branding success is ensuring every visual aspect
freebies, as it doesn't lend itself to good constructive encountered by customers or potential customers embodies
feedback, in our opinion. the unique personality of the business or company, perhaps
People are people - they appreciate and understand when also its history and ethos. Be clear about those things and
you are trying to give it a go and try something new. Everyone then express them visually. I have always loved the London
who attended the first session has been back to the studio Underground branding, in particular the logo, the typography
many times since the start and they’re like ambassadors. We is friendly and municipal in a uniquely English way, the red
love them! We also made every single guest for the first 12 circle echoes both the tunnel through which you travel and the
months of M.Y.O fill out a feedback form that we read and Circle Line enclosing central London, while the blue bar is a
learned from. Makes it easy for friends to tell their friends, too. train – it’s genius.
You'll see that word of mouth quickly leads to sales growth. It's Top Tip: A very successful brand feels like one of your old
magic. So, get started and begin small, involve friends or family friends, you really look forward to hearing their news, finding
and get them to refer you, charge them, always be learning, out what they’re up to and knowing what’s new. Your mission
slowly make things better and grow from there. Whilst always is to create this unique friendship.
being yourself, being open about why you are doing this and
the stage you are at. You got this! (@myolondon) WWW.MYSOHOTIMES.CO.UK

PITCH IT
Ivo Belohoubek (@dogoodfilmsworldwide) is a humanitarian
filmmaker working with NGOs, helping them document and
promote their work. His company DoGoodFilms is a leader in
the field of philanthropic communications - and this is vastly
down to getting the pitch right.

Whether it’s creative, sales or a product - it’s a numbers game.
You lose many and win some. I have been pitching work for
well over a decade and trust me, the only thing that has got
easier is dealing with failure. If there is anything I have learnt
from trying to win clients, it’s that it really is about them and
not me.

“To me, digital A simple tip for anyone who is wondering why the phone is not
marketing is all about ringing - despite you being the hottest thing on the market - is,
storytelling, copywriting, look at your proposal from the client’s perspective. Is my
and social psychology.” experience relevant to their brief? It doesn’t matter that I can
do it. If I can’t show relevant examples, they will ditch my CV
- Yohann Pavy straight away. Is my price realistic and good value for money? If
you come too cheap, they may not think you are considering it
Image courtesy of Yoann Pavy seriously enough and if you are too expensive… well you know
DIGITAL MARKETING the answer to that. Know your weaknesses and address them
Yoann Pavy (@yoannpavy) is a marketing leader passionate in your proposal rather than hoping that they won’t notice.
about disruptive businesses. His focus is on growth, brand They will. And last but not least, communicate with the client.
awareness and driving business results. Having worked at Asking the right questions before you even submit your
companies such as Deliveroo and Depop in their earlier days, proposal will put you on their radar. Very best of luck.”
he knows a thing or two about getting the right audience to
pay attention.

1. Define your niche - not many things, just one thing. ‘DISRUPTION’, ‘PIVOT’ AND ‘AGILITY’
Particularly when you have expertise or insider perspective Dan Brain and Ian Houghton, co-founders of MAD//Fest
(but a passion works as well). This point relates very well with London (@madfestlondon) - the UK's most disruptive
the notion of finding your 1000 fans, there are enough marketing and advertising tech festival, reflect on the
people on this planet for anyone to talk about anything and 'disruption' of the year.
find their 1000 fans. You can be niche and specific enough,
no need to reach millions of people. Only the ones in your It’s hard to reflect on what we’ve learned as a business and
niche will do. about individuals without mentioning the experience of 2020,
which has been challenging, exciting and certainly the steepest
2. Become a student - find, follow, and study to learn what to learning curve we’ve ever had. This year, words like ‘disruption’,
create.This is always true no matter your level of expertise or ‘pivot’ and ‘agility’ stopped being business speak and became
age, so be a student, learn from other people, engage and the fundamental challenges for businesses large and small.
network. Never has the turn of phrase “the best laid plans” felt more
appropriate! But you can rely on creative businesses for
3. Share your ideas in public - think out loud and do your creative thinking. Ideas, developing distinctive products and
work in public to attract the right people. This gets you in the differentiating from the competition have always been
conversation. Your audience also will be more interested in important, but this year they’ve been absolutely fundamental
your journey and development than the outcome of what in re-evaluating what our business does and how it functions.
you are saying. Plus this creates engagement and brings We genuinely think that the new digital experience and fast-
people in on your journey. paced product development will be huge assets going forward.
On a personal level, the experience of launching and growing a
4. Create the conversation by starting your own platform (on start-up is highly rewarding, but not always a bed of roses.
IGTV, blog, podcast, YouTube channel etc). This lets you Getting the balance of hard work, accepting support from
switch from participant to creator. Find your medium - if you people you trust and making the time to switch off and do the
are good with words, use that. If you are confident in front of things you love right will ultimately make you happier, healthier
the camera, go ahead. But if you are hesitant about video, I and better at solving daily challenges.
would still suggest you do try, as it’s the best way to get your
message across on multiple social platforms and get people MY SOHO TIMES 15
to discover you and your business. You could still opt for
audio-only and go down the podcast route.

WWW.MYSOHOTIMES.CO.UK

SOHO IS OPEN SERIES

Y before Ming: Meet Christine Yau

The Woman Running Yming

Behind the facade of Yming, the iconic blue building on Greek Christine volunteered with The Soho Society, and worked
Street and Soho's oldest Chinese restaurant, is its inspiring with the metropolitan police to launch a Chinese Victim
owner Christine Yau. Voted The Mulan Award winner for Support Scheme. Christine also started the Chinatown
Renewal partnership with Westminster Council in 2003,
Community Woman of the Year, as well as taking on the role of where they focussed on repaving Gerrard Street, along
Vice President of the London Chinatown Chinese Association. with other improvements.
Imran Khawajai and Kesh Wang took the opportunity to find
Eventually Christine did join the Chinese association where
out about her 35 year history in this neck of the woods. she was involved in organising the first London public
event in Trafalgar Square; the Chinese New year
“I Started the restaurant by mistake...” celebrations in 2003 which have become a major annual
Christine has an adventurous spirit which is evident in how she event for Londoners and tourists. She was also behind the
came to run Yming. She arrived in London 35 years ago and building and designing of the traditional Chinese Gate in
bumped into two friends who convinced her to partner Wardour Street when the new leader of China visited
together and buy a restaurant. That was the introduction to England.
Yming in 1986. However, her partners fell out after a few
months. “I was quite stubborn being a woman and thought I Thinking outside the box of Chinese food
can’t let this fail within one year. So I stayed on while they left; it As well as achieving an enviable work-life balance, running
was very tough and quite a journey.” Christine took sole Yming has become an essential part of Christine’s daily
ownership, deciding to be brave and carry on despite not routine. When she first started out in the 1980s, Chinese
knowing anything about Soho or the people there. Though that cuisine in Chinatown all looked roughly the same: meat
soon changed. and fish doused in black bean and oyster sauce, with most
menus including dishes such as sweet and sour pork, and
Christine’s Chinese heritage didn’t automatically put her in the crispy duck. “It was more Cantonese village food, like home
same business circles as her Chinatown peers. “It was a man’s cooking,” Christine explained. Unbeknownst to many at
world, they didn’t want to mix too much with women or let the time, menus in China had always been diverse, with
them interfere. There was strong resentment towards a cuisines in stark contrast to each other across many
woman who tried to be one of them.” she recalls. different provinces. Christine devised a menu based on
northern Beijing food as she thought it would be the
But relationships changed and grew stronger over time. This culinary style that would work the best. Devising the menu
initial division however allowed Christine to meet other people
of Soho and get involved with the wider community.

MY SOHO TIMES 17

was a long painstaking process - it was sent to a friend in 2021, 'Y' not Ming?”
Hong Kong who then sent it to Beijing for the mother of 2021 marks the year of the Ox in the Chinese calendar.
the friend to check, then re-checked by neighbours and Uncertainty still lingers due to the global pandemic.
local restaurants for authenticity and accuracy. “It came However, Christine remains hopeful for the “old glorious
back and I got 75-80% right with [those] suggestions.” And days" to come back. Being a Lamb, a zodiac sign just as
when the menu came out with dishes such as Mongolian hardworking as the Ox, she is aware things are never easy
lamb, it confused many in the London food scene. “When in life - “you really have to fight for it,”. At the same time
people first visited, they couldn’t understand. Even food Christine is staying optimistic that things will go back to
writers at that time couldn’t understand. There was a sense normal eventually. When asked where she drew the
of curiosity by food writers and that’s how I started building inspiration for the name Yming from, Christine simply
my business slowly,” Christine recalls with a fond chuckle as answers: “When people ask me why do you call it Yming, I
she took us through the photo album of past customers - will say ‘Y’ not Ming?” she concludes with a confident smile.
an array of household names - journalists, food writers,
actors including Colin Firth, the late John Hurt, Charles Visit YMING this season
Dance, and philosopher AC Grayling. “It hasn’t been Yming re-opens this December for the first time since its
updated for a long time!” temporary closure following the announcement of the first
lockdown. Christine and head of house, manager William
Ying and Yang are looking forward to welcoming regular and new
Since Yming was first launched it has enjoyed huge customers to Yming. There's a newly curated All Day set
popularity. To Christine, food is not just food, it is vital to menu which includes options of Cauliflower Y Ming Style
the a existence of a person.“It affects your mentality, it (V), Hot and Sour Soup, and Spare Ribs as starters.
affects your health and health affects your outlook in life,” Followed by main options of Mr Edward Pork, Empress
Christine notes with seriousness. “And the Yin and Yang Beef, Dry Cooked Beans (V) to name a few, served with a
come into this. [In Chinese culture] we believe in Yin and glass of wine or procecco for £18.
Yang because everybody is built differently. Sometimes
you’re stronger with certain elements, so you have to pick Visit www.yminglondon.com for the full menu and
the kind of food that will soothe the fire inside you.” Yin booking info. Follow Yming on Instagram @yminglondon
being the feminine and Yang being the masculine life
forces, it is apparent that the owner of Yming believes in Written by Imran Khawajai and Kesh Wang.
the esoteric healing power of food, and she has brought Photography by Ari Gurdon Lindey.
this passion into running her restaurant.
WWW.MYSOHOTIMES.CO.UK

@thechinesefoodie

We asked London-based blogger China Exchange provides ample
and Instagramer Erica Tang aka
The Chinese Foodie, to share her opportunities to understand China,
top tips on celebrating the New Chinese culture and Chinatown. I’ve
Year whether you're out and about been to a few events there, including a
rare screening of the 1987 film Ping
or staying in! Pong (filmed in Chinatown).They also
organise exhibitions about Chinese art,
the history of Chinatown London etc.

Keep an eye on Chinatown’s special Grab a few buns from Bun House - to
festive decorations when time comes!
me they are the best buns in town.
There’s usually a parade across
The lamb bun is my fav savoury and
Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and the West
the custard bun is my fav sweet. Other
End. Shops and restaurants will also have
interesting snacks include Jianbing
their own promotions and perhaps special
from Pleasant Lady, and Cantonese
meals to help you celebrate! pastry from Chinatown Bakery.

Milk tea is my go to drink whenever I'm I love Four Seasons’ Hog Maw Chicken
soup and roast duck. Food House
in the Chinatown / Soho area. So many
Chinatown has amazing BBQ skewers,
fine choices to choose from including
grilled fish and hot pot. Jinli, Er Mei and
Biju, Xinfutang, Kova, Yi Fang, Woo Barshu all do nice Sichuan food. There are
Tea... And if you love matcha as I do,
Tsujiri London is the place for tasty so many choices for a lovely festive meal in
Chinatown, Soho.
matcha desserts and drinks!
Steps: 1. Mince in only, add 1-2 tsp spice
Lamb & Coriander Ingredients list:
Dumpling Filling water, stir in on direction for 1-2 mins
Approx 300g lamb mince 2. Repeat step 1 a few times until stringy (you
Chopped coriander (I used 2 can use chopsticks or a fork but I find it easy
to just use my hand). 3. Add in the other
handfuls) ingredients and seasoning and mix well.
Chopped spring onion whites (1 4. Wrap with store bought wrappers or make
handful) your own (for 100g flour use 50-60g water,
plus a pinch of salt).
1.5-2 tbsp spice water (pre-boil 5. Boil or pan fry and serve with some vinegar
with some star anise, sichuan and chilli oil.
peppercorn, and cumin)

2 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp cooking wine,
Some finely chopped ginger

Find this and other articles on our blog www.mysohotimes.co.uk/blog

MY SOHO TIMES 19

ST MORITZ

& DINE AUTHENTIC SWISS
One of my favourite restaurants in Soho. In my
"The perfect food for date night, is opinion, it offers the ultimate, sexiest sharing
scrumptious food you can indulgently share food: fondue! The original Swiss cuisine St Moritz
with your loved one." Self-confessed foodie, restaurant in Wardour Street is the most cosy,
@gourmelita, gives us the lowdown on her cute and hunger-satisfying spot ever for new and
favourites in Soho to be wined and dined for old lovers alike. We usually go for a Swiss red
wine, the Raclette and onion soup to start with;
any special occassion... or not. then the Rosti and a pot of Neuchateloise - the
classic gruyere and emmental cheese fondue, as
well as the Bourgouingnonne- beef fillet with
various sauces. Daters, be prepared however - it’s
highly likely you’ll leave this lovely spot smelling of
cheese and with a perfectly round food-baby!

161 Wardour St, Soho, London W1F 8WJ
www.stmoritz-restaurant.co.uk

BERNERS TAVERN

MICHELIN-STARRED BRITISH
Breathtaking ambiance for a romantic date when
you feel like dressing up and getting a taste of
that high-end London vibe! This imposing venue,
located just north of Soho, has one of the most
beautiful bars in London. Big bonus: the food is
also spectacular. Their lobster mac n cheese,
Scottish grass-fed steaks and baked Alaska
dessert are a must try, as well as the fab
cocktails.

10 Berners St, London W1T 3NP
www.bernerstavern.com

FATT PUNDIT

Indochinese cuisine that will have you swooning,
in a cosy atmosphere with exciting cocktails. The
food is phenomenal - for me a must-try is the
cauliflower popcorn, along with crispy okra, sticky
vegetables, crackling spinach and the luscious
sizzling chocolate brownie!

77 Berwick St, Soho, London W1F 8TH
www.fattpundit.co.uk

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There's so much to love
about Soho! x

@londonbeautifullife

MY SOHO TIMES 21

Lunch date... Looking fresh x GeNtidcoreDssiDedonupnawi<t3h

Delish food and drink at Blacks
x

Regent Street

#LCoaokrinnagbGySootdr!eet Turn heads! x
Ready for date night

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8 THINGS TO LOVE

ABOUT SOHO...

loEver,oPsitchcaedGilrlyeeCkirgcouds of Green Space BRUNCH in Soho Brunch at Blacks x
x
It's beautiful to find so many Brunch is the
green spaces in the heart of
London. We love Soho Square and latest craze to enter our food capital.
Golden Square - perfect for taking
a break from the bustle! We love the new menu (perfect for

Look good herbivores and carnivores alike) at

Nico DiDonna is our go to for the members’ club Blacks - now open to
perfect outfit for any special
occasion; from red carpet to, well non-members too!
first date night - you'll find
something from his collection for Walk Everywhere
that 'wow factor'!
Not only is Soho's square mile
walkable, but it's also comfortably
walkable to just about any attraction
in central London. So hit the daily
step target and make Soho your
destination for a power walk or stroll!

good hair daze Sweet treats

Oliver Stephens salon on D'arby Sugar and spice and all things nice...
Street specialise in Organic Colour, these and more can be found in Soho!
Hair Extensions, Women’s and We love The Hummingbird Bakery's
Men’s Cutting. Walk out feeling selection of seasonal treats for
beautifully confident with hair Christmas and Valentine's Day. Their
that speaks volumes! red velvet with cream cheese frosting
is simply the best!

Get the shot The arts

Without a doubt, Soho is up there Soho is no stranger to the arts - from
amongst the most instagrammable theatre and cinemas, to music venues
places in London. Get a selfie by the and post-production houses. Many
Carnaby Street arches, snap up have a long history in the area.
the street art, window displays, Roll on 2021!
food, and the iconic High Streets
bordering Soho; Oxford Street and photography @Londonbeautifullife
Regent Street. models @beccadelaroque | @baxter094
words @thesohogirl
behind the scenes Photography @clarityshots

MY SOHO TIMES 23



Win A Chance to Design
My Soho Times Apparel

CALLING ALL EMERGING (AND ESTABLISHED) ARTISTS!
Fancy the opportunity to have your Soho-inspired designs

featured on our upcoming apparel collection?
We'll pick four lucky winners who'll also have a double

spread spotlight on them in our 2021 print issues!
To enter head over to:

www.mysohotimes.co.uk/apparel
MY SOHO TIMES 25

Is there much more to discover about the
renowned multi-award-winning TV presenter,

stylist, designer, confidence coach, author,
pantomime star and DJ?

Kai Lutterodt, aka The Soho Girl, caught up
with the nation's favourite self-love guru, Gok

Wan, for a chat about surviving lockdown,
companionship, a shared love of calling Soho

home, and opening up his kitchen for
Instagram's biggest house party -
Isolation Nation.

WWW.MYSOHOTIMES.CO.UK

WITH 100'S OF 1,000S OF PEOPLE years, that I am this weird anomaly that kind of walks around
I HAD NEVER EVER MET" totally on cloud nine, feeling great about themselves the whole
time. I am like every other member of this population on our
Due to COVID-19, my interview with Gok Wan is via a zoom call. planet. And you know, I have my up days and my down days.
Not that I'm complaining - the very opportunity to interview So I do several different things. Number one, I have to practise
Gok is a blessing in itself, first and foremost. I was that insecure gratitude. I've not seen my family for five months now. I'm really
young girl who watched 'How to Look Good Naked' back in the missing them. I need to be really grateful that they're still here.
mid noughties and took on Gok as my guru. I share with Gok I've got to remind myself about what I have and stop worrying
that my late mother loved his show. Truth is, if I'm nervous about what I don't have. The other thing is I'm categorically
about anything, it's not the interview, but rather making my organising my brain, giving myself things to do. I'm setting
mum proud. It's not long before the ice is broken, perhaps myself personal challenges. I'm doing as much as I possibly
through us both expressing vulnerability in the early stages of can. So when I dip, when I finish my 15 zoom calls and filming
which should be a formal interview. Gok switched on his or whatever I'm doing and I suddenly find myself in a very quiet
camera seven minutes in: "Kai, do you know what just place, I have got something to occupy my brain.
happened? We went from our first Tinder date to our fifth!" We
both bust into hysterics at the thought of our interview being a AND SPEAKING OF BEING OCCUPIED, YOU ACTUALLY
date; "All of a sudden we found the confidence to switch on the HAVE A WELL-KNOWN COMPANION - DOLLY DISHCLOTH
video... all of a sudden we sent the first picture, all of a sudden Absolutely. I mean, dogs are great companions, it's been great
you discovered my name was Gok and not Paul…" and with in lockdown. But actually, some days when I've been at my
that I made myself comfortable to get to know my date - the lowest and I just need to clear my head, then this one needs
real Gok Wan. me. I find sometimes it can get a little bit too much… not that I
would ever change the situation. It's only because I massively
HOW ARE YOU GOK? AND I KNOW THE AUTOMATIC love her and I want to make sure she's all right.
ANSWER 'WOULD BE I'M FINE', BUT HOW ARE YOU
REALLY? IT'S NOT A GOK WAN INTERVIEW WITHOUT TAKING IT
How am I? I'm all right. I wouldn't say I was good, I wouldn't say BACK TO HOW TO LOOK GOOD NAKED... YOU BROKE
I was bad. I'm all right. I'm sad at how things have turned out in INVISIBLE BOUNDARIES...
2020. I feel very sad about the people that have lost family How To Look Good Naked did bring generations together. I
members and lost friends to this terrible pandemic. I'm very think probably by its peak - series three or series four - we had
sad about the businesses that are struggling, so I feel sad. And three, four generations of women watching the show. It was a
I've felt sad for several months now. But I have a natural very powerful position to be in. And a very humbling position to
disposition to try and just get on, doing as much as I possibly be in knowing that a gospel was being taught to not only a
can to keep my brain active, to keep work going, to keep my generation that didn't have it, or fought for it, but a generation
friends motivated, to keep my family well and safe, mentally. that then could take it on. I think it's still kind of happening
And so I can't let myself slip into a bad space. I've got to try and now. So many people I talk to say “Me and my grandma" or "me
keep my spirits up because too many people need me. That's a and my mum" or "I used to watch this with my daughter.” It's a
good thing for me... and that’s not me trying to be some kind of very privileged position to be in. How To Look Good Naked was
weird messiah. It's not selfless; it's a two way action. If I feel that never about nudity. We never, ever put nudity on screen, we
I can look after my people, and my community and the stuff put bodies on the screen. And so I think it's where
that I'm doing, it gives me a purpose to get through this really, empowerment for the female form took a stand, as opposed to
really tough time. the female form being put out there to be purely sexual. It was
an incredible brand to be part of.
WOW. THAT'S REALLY POWERFUL. AND THANK YOU FOR
SHARING. AND I THINK SOMETIMES IT CAN BE DIFFICULT YOU’VE DONE EVERYTHING GOK! WHAT ARE YOU MOST
TO EXPRESS VULNERABILITY... PROUD OF?
You're right. Everyone has got very, very used this year to I have so many it's very difficult to say any one of them is not
turning around and saying, "I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm good, I'm quite as proud... that only comes from the fact that I still feel
good, I'm fine, I'm fine." But, you know, that isn't necessarily a very much like the 13 year old fat boy at school, still trying to
wrong thing to do... we're going to need to be really strong and prove myself. My dad taught me that. My dad came over to this
we're going to need to support each other and businesses. I country, had to prove himself as a member of society. Went up
think optimistically, that we will be stronger. We are, and will against racism, married a white woman and stood against all of
have been far more honest about our emotions, about how we that. From a young age, Dad taught me, my brother and sister
feel by the end of this. And I think we're going to be very well that actually proving ourselves was our power. And I still feel
versed in reaching out to people around us when we need like that boy now. So to turn around and say, you know,
help, when we're not okay. winning an RTS or having a hit TV show or dropping my first
clothing collection or DJing at my first festival or writing my first
WHAT COPING STRATEGIES DID YOU HAVE IN PLACE TO cookbook - these are monumental big moments in my life. The
SURVIVE LOCKDOWN? cookbook will never, ever be as big as the fashion show, but
A lot of people think because I've taught self-love for so many the fashion show will never, ever be as big as the moment that
I took my mom and dad to Downing Street… I suppose the day
that I wake up and I go, “this is my proudest moment!" is the
day that I'll probably think, OK, time to close the book down.
And so I hope I don't get to the proudest moment, I guess.

MY SOHO TIMES 27

BECAUSE FOR ME IT'S REALLY
IMPORTANT TO HAVE THAT
SENSE OF COMMUNITY."

Written by Kai Lutterodt | @the.soho.girl
Photography by Chris WR Cox Photography Ltd

WHAT'S YOUR CONNECTION TO SOHO? HOW DID ISOLATION NATION COME ABOUT?
Well, I've lived in London since I was 20. I've probably been in It was all by accident. When the lockdown was announced, I
Soho for twenty two years - physically in Soho because I'm just was like, f**k. DJing has become 20 percent of my business -
obsessed with it and I love it; I feel comfortable here, and I feel that's how much I DJ. Financially I rely on it now, but also it’s a
fresh, and I feel alive. And when I go out of Soho I don't feel like huge outlet for me. Filming Monday to Friday on set takes it out
I'm in London anymore. And that might only be Putney or of you. I have to let myself go. And I do that through music. And
Richmond or the East End, but I just don't feel like I'm in I knew I was going to find myself in quite deep water mentally if
London. I've always said If I move out of Soho, I'll move out of I didn't have that outlet. And so I decided that I would just put it
London. I might decide one day I want a house in the country. I online and see what happens. I did the first one on Instagram
might want to move back to Leicester or Manchester, but it live and we got like 13,000 people, which was amazing. Within a
won't be another part of London. This is my London. matter of four or five weeks, it had grown such a huge
following, that we were topping the bill in the UK. People in
I’M ALSO A SOHO LOCAL! AND I HAVE TO ADMIT GOK, I America were talking about us. All of a sudden there was this
USED TO PASS YOU ALL THE TIME WALKING DOLLY BUT online party at the weekend with this "crazy”, they called me,
WAS TOO SHY TO SAY HELLO... I DIDN’T WANT TO guy jumping around his kitchen with pots and pans, pretending
FANGIRL YOU! to do the percussion to old vocal house and gospel house and
Awww, you should have said hello. I'm actually pretty Chicago house. A lot of the people that had followed my career
easygoing, you know! The difference is that I’m Northern, so had no idea that I'm a DJ. it was just complete serendipity,
actually, I annoy people. That is what we do up North. I know all because when everybody needed that escape, Isolation Nation
of my neighbours around here. I pop in every morning to say provided it and when I needed to escape, it provided for me -
hello to all the businesses that are open. And, you know, I buy to the point where we built up 1.2 million listening in! Then
local and I shop local. Because for me it's really important to signing with a music label, and management and a new agency,
have that sense of community. We are seeing businesses plus releasing a track… and now I’m doing an album with
closed and shutters going down - these are incredible local Defected. It's just taken off. Watching the brand grow and be
businesses. So to me, it's very important that we support those loved be and a really important service for a lot of people that
small businesses. And where I can, I will try and shop as local were shielding or self-isolating or going through break ups or
as I possibly can. So that would be going down to Old Compton whatever was happening during lockdown when they would
Street for my coffee or my pasta. Then walking through usually have an outlet somewhere else. Isolated Nation
Bloomsbury to the bookshop that's now selling coffees to keep became the outlet. And so that's amazing.
business afloat. I'm drinking a lot of coffee at the moment! I've
got four coffee shops on my road, so I kind of alternate them Gok Wan Present Isolation Nation is available at
because I don't want to give all my business to just one (even www.defected.com/gok-wan-presents-isolation-nation.html
through I love Gio)... because then I feel guilty!

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Gok Wan's 4-step
Self-love Tips

Our favourite self-love guru shares these
simple tips you can adapt in your daily routine

to help you stay switched on by showing
yourself some love...

MY SOHO TIMES 29

1 Smtilhmeiontfhrkoenirni3ng30g0y.SoeIsucet'ocrtnoerndihcdMaksvsofirntirnhgsienatmgtgihSnoimdonidglineditnaoyth! e

Reflect on SelF-Acceptance 2
Write all the things you hate about yourself on a
post-it note and stick on the right hand side of the
mirror. the next day when you go to that mirror, you
have to be positive About one of those things and
move it to the left. Over time you're going to have
Filled it with all the stuff that you will accept.

3 self-care hour a week
give an hour to yourself a week. You can split that down to
five minutes, ten minutes or a solid hour. But make sure that

you're investing just a little bit more time and looking
after you. whether that is for you to learn calligraphy or

to to have a long bath or you're going to light a candle -
you might want to make a candle! You are going to do
something which is just about you.

You're not going to beat yourself up... 4
because life is f**king tough enough! the more
we worry about stuff, the worse it becomes
every single time.... You are brilliant. You can
do it. You can work these things out. We do it

every single day.

For more inspiration follow Gok Wan on
Instagram: @therealgokwan

Written by Kai Lutterodt | @the.soho.girl
Photography by Sue Lacey Photography Ltd

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#SohoSpeaks takes you behind the scenes with films and
interviews celebrating some of the amazing people at the heart
of the independent businesses who make our Soho the vibrant
area we know and love. Undeniably the heartbeat of London and
a hotbed of individualism and creativity, Soho offers unrivalled
shopping and dining experiences with its variety of concept
stores, one off restaurants and international brands in the mix.

The series includes: iconic Soho bespoke tailor Mark Powell, stylist of cult hair salon and brand
BLEACH Freddie Leubner, founder and owner of indie record shop Sister Ray Phil Barton, Great
British menu finalist and head chef of Evelyn’s Table Luke Selby, and Filiz Ayan founder of unisex
jewellery boutique Seven Mor and Mor London. As well as insights from Polpo’s co-owner Richard
Beatty, Space Manager of Copenhagen streetwear brand Wood Wood Farai Jackson, Christian Parisi
head chef of much loved tapas restaurant Ember Yard, with many more still to be announced!

Tune into @ThisIsSoho on Instagram for the exclusive videos and Q&A’s landing each week and visit the
website for more information www.ThisIsSoho.co.uk

MY SOHO TIMES 31

SOHO IS OPEN SERIES

Written by Kai Lutterodt
Photography by Ari Gurdon Lindey

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Measuring up to

TONY THE SOHO TAILOR

To get to Tony Phillips’ studio you have to walk into Borovicks (established in 1969/70) Tony is clearly doing something right.
Fabrics, Soho’s oldest fabric store, and up a short flight of "I've got clients who have been with me since I started," Tony
stairs to where Tony’s studio is located on the first floor above recalls, “Well, in actual fact, I can name one of them. Borovick,
Berwick Street. I get to wondering about the countless number who owns this building, his son, when he was nine, used to
of people who’ve taken the same steps up to be measured by come. And I still do work for him. Probably one of the oldest.
Tony. I’m now amongst that number (including famous faces But there are more.”
and local personalities which Tony name drops casually during
our interview). I’m looking forward to it... someone with a 50 i'Im Not a bespoke tailor"
year (plus) history tailoring in Soho will surely have one hell of a Tony’s connection to Men’s Fashion began with selling suits. “I
story to tell. enjoyed it, I was good at it, but I wanted to do more. I wanted
to make clothes. I wanted to create styles.” Things took a turn
50 Years a tailor in soho for the better when he met the late John Michael Ingram and
Tony’s story as a tailor in Soho doesn't begin on Berwick Street, spent a few years working at his shop on Savile Row. “That was
despite it feeling as though he’s part of the street’s fabric. He the year that the Beatles played on the roof. I think it was ‘67,
started at Noel Street in 1969, before moving to here four ‘68, something like that.” A quick Google search confirmed it to
years ago. “I’ll be honest with you, I was in the basement. A lot be close enough: 30 January 1969, the Beatles performed an
of people didn't even know me then, you know, and people unannounced concert from the rooftop of their Apple Corps
would come down and say, ‘Hey, have you seen the new shop headquarters at 3 Savile Row. It was around this time that
open?’ I’d say, ‘no, no, no, tell me about it. Menswear?’ because Tony got to mingle with the creme de la creme of bespoke
I'll go down there and talk to them and see if I can get some tailoring. “I’ve got a lot of respect for these guys, but I don't
work, you know. But I was tucked away.” actually do bespoke.” Tony confesses, or to set the record
Despite the emotional change when he left his basement straight. “I make suits made to measure, which if you do it
studio of 48 years for a new one above street level, life on properly, in some ways it can be better. But one person would
Berwick Street has thrust him into the limelight and the 'Tony say that, another person would say something different. But I
the Soho Tailor' personality. He’s now an intrinsic part of the like to make a suit made to measure. And it looks absolutely
intimate Berwick Street locals scene. “It’s more lively over here.” perfect. That's the way I do it.”
Tony shared. Back in the studio: “I'm doing a second overcoat
for a client. He liked the first one we made. He loved it so Tony looks the part of a bespoke tailor even if it’s settled that
much, he wants another one.” It doesn’t take long to realise he isn’t. Looking the part seems to be second nature to him.
Tony’s secret weapon to longevity - keep the customer happy "I've probably got about a hundred Versaci ties. So you don't
so they come back again. And with a 50 year service in Soho see the same one for these two or three years worn again.”

MY SOHO TIMES 33

2020 has been a tough year for small and Independent running round my waist and bust, standing in poses to get the
businesses. Two lockdowns and being classed as ‘non-essential’ measurements right, with expertly placed pins narrowly
must have taken its toll on business. “The first time I had three missing pinching my skin. Despite this, it wasn’t a given that I
months off and ok, I enjoyed it because I've never had that long was gifted at sewing and that still bugs me today. I’m curious
off before, you know, but this time I'm not ready for it. I’d got to know where Tony’s creativity and talent came from. Family
busy again. Clients were coming in, money was moving again, perhaps? "Nobody in my family sews.” Perhaps school? “No,
and now it's gone back to square one. So I've got to start all but I was good at school. I worked as hard as I could, you
over once this lockdown's finished. It's been hard, but thank know. But I always wanted to do more. I always think that
goodness I've got good clients that keep coming back.” whatever I've done, I could do better. And I try to do better
every time. I'm never satisfied.” Which may come as a surprise
MEASURING UP to those who see Tony through the mirror of social media, or
As Tony explains about the various fabrics in his studio, there’s out on Berwick Street always looking confidently dapper. “My
one in particular which catches my eye. It has the word love wife would say 'oh, you've done great.' And I say, 'Yeah but I
written all over… and it’s love at first sight for me. “That’s a could have done this, could have done that’. But I'm happy
Versace, and it's got glitter all the way through it. It's a lovely now."
fabric. You can use both sides, actually.” Tony is no stranger to
designer names and turning their fabrics into made-to-measure PROUD MOMENTS...
masterpieces. “I buy from people like Versace, Fendi. If they’ve For Tony, proud moments are when he gets it right the first
got the rolls and they don't want to use them anymore, I’ll buy time. "That's an achievement." An example of this is in the
them up and then make jackets.” suits made for his friend, artist George Skeggs, aka Soho
George. "He fell down once and broke his neck. So he has a
I feel comfortable in Tony’s studio, filled with the memorabilia of very round back and you have to create the jacket style to fit
someone who is sentimental about every aspect of his great the shoulders and the back of the neck so it doesn't stick up.
career (including his first, and subsequently almost every, pair And I hit it first time. I was, well, happy."
of scissors he’s ever owned). As he takes the tape measure
around various aspects of my torso, I’m taken back to familiar Despite turning 70 on the first of December Tony has no plans
grounds. I grew up in a family of seamstresses - my to slow down. “No, no, no. I'm not slowing down,” he explains,
grandmother was head of Singer in Accra back when Ghana “but I'm not getting any faster. I just want to keep going. I want
was the colonial Gold Coast. My late Aunty Marian was my to do what I love. What I love is fashion."
personal clothes maker. I got used to having the tape measure
Follow Tony Phillips on Istagram: @tonythesohotailor

WWW.MYSOHOTIMES.CO.UK



Soho rocks. And rolls. And everything else in between. SOHO RADIO
The Swinging 60s cemented the idea of the area as the With all the music production and sales
centre of cool, but audio-wise its history goes way back. busily whirring and clicking in the area, it
Whatever sounds were hitting the airwaves, you can bet was only a matter of time before Soho
you heard them first in Soho. Record shops were so brought forth its own radio station. Since
plentiful that a map produced in the 1990s detailed its inception in 2014, Soho Radio has
more than a 100 of them scattered around the area grown rapidly to encompass both music
and culture, uniting the worlds of London,
The Saville Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue enjoyed a the wider UK and globally. The station
brief but spectacular incarnation in the late 60s as the broadcasts more than 250 shows a month
world’s wildest music venue when it was leased by online covering every musical genre, along
Beatles manager Brian Epstein. Everyone from Jimi with the best of the arts, life and chat and
Hendrix to the the fab four themselves regularly tore up its own podcast production arm. It also
the stage of a Sunday evening. play a vital part in local community life. So
turn on… and turn in…
A quick reverse of the flow of time brings us back to the
present. Contributing editor Gillian Smith takes you 33 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 0DG
through a snapshot of Soho’s current auditory delights. www.sohoradiolondon.com
Long may they continue!

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SILK SOUND SISTER RAY RECORDS
While the music industry tends to capture the Sister Ray Records, named after The Velvet Underground
public imagination, the more grass roots world song, has been a fixture in the Soho Record Shop firmament
of voiceovers, audio booths and track mixing since it was founded by Neil Brown way back when in 1989.
has always had a steady foothold in Soho. Still going strong on Berwick Street, where many others have
Most post-production facilities boast their own sadly foundered, the label’s dedication to vinyl has paid off
audio studios, but specialist companies are handsomely. Whatever you’re looking for, if it’s not
still very much around. One such is Silk immediately available in shop, Sister Ray will get on order
Sound, which has been based on Berwick double quick.
Street since the heady days of 1979. Through
its doors have passed the actors, presenters 75 Berwick St, Soho, London W1F 8RP
and voiceover artists whose carefully www.sisterray.co.uk
modulated tones have reflected an ever-
changing world via TV, advertising and drama.
Listen up people.

13 Berwick Street, Soho, W1F 0PW
www.silk.co.uk

SOUNDS OF THE UNIVERSE
Another long-standing staple in the world of Soho Record
Shops is Broadwick Street’s Sounds of the Universe. With
shipments from the USA, Japan and Europe, the store reckons
their selection of Reggae, Dubstep, Funk, Soul, Latin, African
and world beats is the largest in the UK. They also have what
they promise is a killer selection of books and DVDs. Linked to
Soul Jazz Records, the label’s releases can also be bought on
the website.

7 Broadwick Street, Soho, London,W1F 0DA
www.soundsoftheuniverse.com

DEAN STREET STUDIOS
Sound studios have always been a vital component of
the entertainment industry and one of the oldest and
best known in Soho is Dean Street Studios. If these
walls could talk they’d pen a tell-all biography selling
millions. Music legends like David Bowie, T-Rex, Thin
Lizzy and U2 worked with owner-producer Tony
Visconti to create history. Later the likes of Tina Turner,
Pink Floyd, The Smiths, Duran Duran, Ed Sheeran and
Adele took their turn. Today the space is home to a
main studio and a number of smaller concerns still
creating audio magic across all aspects of media.

59 Dean St, London W1D 6AN
www.deanst.com

MY SOHO TIMES 37

WWW.MYSOHOTIMES.CO.UK

SOHO IS OPEN SERIES

WOVEN IN THE FABRIC OF SOHO

BOROVICKS

“My answer to anybody who wonders where fabric is used The business has indeed become renowned for the
is this. Wherever you can imagine fabric being used, that's expertise and approachability of its staff over the years and
where we supply.” So says Simon Lipman, current owner of prides itself on the one-to-one advice staff offer. According
Brovick Fabric Store in Berwick Street. And he should know. to Lipman, “It is still in some way quite old fashioned in the
No-one understands the ins and outs of his craft as well as way that you deal with your clients. First and foremost -
he does. The store is the oldest fabric shop in Soho and and it's a really old adage - is that the customer comes first.
one of the most famous across London. Established in I can vouch for the fact that is the reality here. Any
1932 by the Borovick Family it operated throughout the business worth its sauce has to build on a customer
Second World War, moving seamlessly through the relationship.”
changes of the Swinging 60s, all the way to the Soho of the
heady 2000s to now, where it still stands proudly. Employees of Borovicks are highly schooled in the art of
fabrics. “I will say the most junior member of staff has
Simon Lipman arrived at the company during the 1980s clocked up over 25 years!” Simon laughs. “So the level of
aged just 17 and has been there ever since, eventually expertise, learnt over years, is high.” Such dedication to
becoming Director for 15 years. He purchased the service and quality has earned the company a global
company from the Borovick family in 2016. “It was a natural reputation (Borovicks ships worldwide) and a loyal
progression when the opportunity arose to make the big following in film and theatre.
decision for my family and I. The idea was to just make
subtle changes to add some of our own influence, take it Down the years the company has supplied materials for a
on its next steps but really maintain that fundamental host of major theatre, film and TV productions, many of
Borovicks core.” which have gone on to win Tonys, BAFTAs and Oscars. The
store remains a favourite of Central Saint Martins fashion
A cornucopia of colours and textures, the vivid fabrics that students and holds ranges for bridal, evening wear and
adorn the walls of the small space on Berwick Street - it interior furnishings. Attitude and service however, remain
occupies the same location since its inception over 80 the same for all customers; Simon assures us that “The
years ago - speak of the variety of individuals and crux of the business is you still get the same service
industries the company supplies. Uniquely placed in its whether you're spending five pounds or five thousand.”
ability to evolve with the changing face of the textiles “The good thing about here is that whilst working, you do
industry (whilst retaining an old school level of service) develop your own personal style in serving someone.
Borovicks is a Soho staple.

MY SOHO TIMES 39

COMBAT FOOD WASTE THIS
FESTIVE SEASON

REGISTER TO BECOME
A FOOD WASTE HERO WITH
TESCO AND FOOD SHARING APP OLIO!

Learn more about the role & sign up to register

as a FWH (Food Waste Hero).

www.olioex.com/tesco-volunteers

How you attend to them depends on how much attention Tesco Dean Street
you give. It’s important to listen to what they want.” Community Champions

One of the most interesting developments facing Tackle Food Waste
independent businesses today has been the dawn of the in Soho & The Westend!
digital age. While currently in the process of revamping
their website, Simon asserts that for Borovicks, first hand Take part in a short survey and get
service will always be paramount. 25 Clubcard points plus get entered into a

“Our website is going to be a pictorial website, it's not going draw to win a £1,000 Tesco gift card!
to be e-commerce. When you want to purchase fabric, it’s www.tescoviews.com and enter
very tactile. You need to feel it, see it. It's very sensual. It's
very easy to look through a whole lot of pictures. But often code 2377
if you’re unsure, how will you know it's going to suit the
dress? It’ can be difficult to replicate colours and textures Supported by
with a camera, so we always make sure to send swatches
first.” Dean Street Community Champions
WWW.MYSOHOTIMES.CO.UK
Another challenge facing so many small businesses has of
course been the impact of Coronavirus. Whilst difficulties
have been inevitable, as Simon can attest, Borovicks lights
still remain on. “The main thing really, is that I have made
no redundancies of any of our staff.” Lipman says. “No
matter how hard things are, that was so important to me.
Because at the end of the day, we are a family, you know?
That’s what Borovicks is all about."

www.borovickfabrics.com | IG: @borovickfabrics

Written by Freya Starr
Photography by Ari Gurdon Lindey

New Year - New Perspectives:
5 resolutions you need to get your

business on track for 2021

With a decade’s worth of experience working with 3. MAKE BUSINESS PLANNING A WEEKLY GOAL.
SMEs and startups, Lua Cooper - Founder & Principal Don’t just think about this week, always carve out time to
think about growth. Don’t make the mistake of failing to
Consultant at Greengage, shares some advice on strategise. Taking time weekly to sit down and discuss,
simple ways to get you and your business in the adjust and debate goals or targets may seem hard to
carve out, but it is key ideation and brainstorming time for
productive lane for 2021. you and your team.

A year ago when the clock struck midnight on January 4. FIND WAYS TO AUTOMATE BASIC TASKS WITH
the 1st, and we welcomed in the new year and the new DIGITAL TOOLS.
decade - the year we’ve just had isn't quite what we 2.7 million businesses said they would have ceased
envisioned. Whatever ride 2020 took you on, there is no trading without access to digital technology this year. In
time like the present to start planning and setting bold 2019, businesses who used cloud based systems, online
goals with a fresh perspective for your business in accounting software and digital training tools turned over
2021. While every SME (small or medium-sized on average £262,000 more than businesses who did not.
enterprise) wants to increase turnover or bring in new
clients, it’s worth thinking outside the box when it 5. PRIORITISE...
comes to your targets. Some creative planning will give then re-look at your to-do list and see if you really have to
you a competitive edge in the year ahead. As with any get that done right now, or can it wait? Avoid
resolution, it’s important that your business goals are procrastinating the tough stuff, add the rest to your
ambitious but not unachievable - so we at Greengage backlog. Try a digital tool like Trello - use like a to-do-list &
have a few tips and suggestions to steer you in the right move items around like Post-Its.Challenge yourself with
direction. OUR TOP 5 RESOLUTIONS: your resolutions.

1. BOOST YOUR DIGITAL PRESENCE. Whatever 2021 brings, we’ll be digitally resilient - together.
2020 was the year of social, did you get involved or did
you miss out? 83% of businesses who’ve begun or In light of the ongoing crisis - Greengage wants to help.
increased their usage of social media throughout the We are offering SMEs and startups a 45 minute
pandemic intend to continue to use them in 2021. consultation to help them come up with fresh ideas, new
perspectives and solutions, plus offer some hands-on
2. CREATE A NEW YEAR'S MARKETING PLAN. support.
Even if you already have one - make sure you review it.
Take advantage of free mentoring on Digital Boost from Please visit us at www.greengagedigital.com and on
Google Mentors, get them to give you some advice - a instagram @GreengageDigital to schedule a free session.
second pair of eyes, or third never hurts.

MY SOHO TIMES 41

Back on track to FitnessWRITTENBYKAILUTTERODT|@THE.SOHO.GIRL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIBBY PRODUCTIONS

Turn over a new leaf! For inspiration on getting match-fit for the
much-anticipated New Year, read on...

MARSHALL STREET
EVERYONE ACTIVE

People and premises come and go, decades
pass, but Marshall Street endures! Today it’s a
fully restored pool with marble floors dating
from the 1930s and a modern gym and day
spa. For a unique wellbeing experience,
Marshall Street Leisure Centre & Spa is a
spectacular Soho spot, with a full range of
activities. It boasts a fully-equipped gym,
stunning 30m pool and a space for fitness
classes, along with a relaxation suite. And
that’s not all… there’s also a Sauna Steam
room. The centre covers all bases so you’re
sure to find something to suit your needs, you
can choose from award-winning swimming
lessons, an intense body pump, or for those
who like to turn up the heat, a hot yoga
session. To cool down, take a soothing lap in
that impressive pool. The spa is wheelchair
accessible.

MARSHALL ST, SOHO, LONDON W1F 7EL
WWW.EVERYONEACTIVE.COM

WWW.MYSOHOTIMES.CO.UK

SOHO FITNESS LAB SWEATY BETTY

Founded in 2014, Fitness Lab now consists of two HEARTCORE X NO.1 CARNABY
locations in Central London, providing constant
refinement of the lifelong journey to better health Shop the Sweaty Betty collection… and let London's
and fitness. Our four key principles underpin every best workout studios put you through your paces at
decision we make. Years of experience and Heartcore! Enjoy the famous avo toast at the Farm Girl
thousands of hours of personal training delivery café or create your own salad bowls, washed down
mean we have a tried and tested formula that with a delicious smoothie or a wholesome superlatte.
works. Our first studio opened in Soho in 2014, and then treat your hair to a blow dry at Duck & Dry.
providing us with the foundation to refine and You could actually spend a whole day at No 1 Carnaby,
develop our formula, Book a free consultation and it’s all in one venue!
mention 'My Soho Times'.
NO. 1 CARNABY ST, SOHO, LONDON W1F 9QF
9-12 ST ANNE'S CT, SOHO, LONDON W1F 0BB WWW.SWEATYBETTY.COM
WWW.FITNESSLAB.FIT

THIRD SPACE

PSYCLE In the heart of Soho, on the corner of Brewer Street,
dwells a different kind of health club – individual in
Sign on for one of Psycle’s 45-minute cycling style and committed to excellence. Leave behind the
classes you’ll grind your way through speed and energetic streets of Piccadilly and immerse yourself in
endurance work while surround-sound systems the steam and sauna rooms or if fitness you’re after
and flashing neon lights will make you feel more try the functional rigCycle, combat and Pilates classes
like you’re in a nightclub than a fitness studio! Not and the Mind & Body studios.
into spinning? Not to worry. Psycle isn’t all about
sweating it out on a bike — barre, strength 67 BREWER STREET, SOHO, LONDON W1F 9US
training and yoga classes are also available. WWW.THIRDSPACE.LONDON/SOHO

76 MORTIMER ST, LONDON W1W 7SA
WWW.PSYCLELONDON.COM

HOME WORKOUT &
QUICK STRETCHES

If you can’t get out to a fitness
centre - no sweat! Get fit online
with a home workout and simple
stretches you can do whilst at
work. We love the FitOn app which
offers range of exercises.

WWW.FITONAPP.COM

Illustrations: Sketchify

MY SOHO TIMES 43

Soho times

LOVE SPELLS
4 Cocktails to get the sparks flowing

THE KING OF SOHO LANIQUE
SPIRIT OF ROSE

THE WINDMILL LANIQUE AND PROSECCO
Perfect for celebrations. The Lanique
A classic cocktail based on the gin Rose Fizz adds a floral touch to your
inspired by Paul Raymond - The King palette.
of Soho.
Champagne or prosecco with a
45ml King of Soho Variorum dash of Lanique.
10ml Lemon Juice 25ml Lanique
10ml Sugar Syrup Prosecco, Cava or Champagne
30 ml raspberry puree Pinch Pour your choice of fizz into a
Black Pepper Champagne flute and top with
Shake and double strain into a chilled Lanique. Cheers!
Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with
raspberries. Enjoy!

PINK BEE G&T ALOHA

BUMBLEZEST CBD TONIC & ALOHA MULLUED WINE
PINK MARMALADE GIN A tropical twist on this winter classic
with warming notes.
Combining artisan gin award winning
CBD tonic for a G&T magical twist. Aloha65
200ml red wine 1 bottle
Take a large glass (ideally pre Cinnamon 4 sticks
frozen) Orange slices 1
Add at least three cubes of ice Whole orange sliced
Pour in a healthy measure of Pink Star anise x 4
Marmalade Gin Cloves x 6
Top up with Bumble Zest CBD Add all ingredients to the pan and
tonic until the glass is ¾ full heat until hot and serve. Perfect to
Watch the colour change! watch the festive fireworks with.
Add a sprig of rosemary for extra
infusion, taste and relaxation...
Now put you feet up!

SOHO HANDED TO YOU ON A PLATE

MY SOHO TIMES 45



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We'd love to hear from you - get in touch!
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WIN CfnrsIineeeUTwanthsHdsPoelseCnEwstaatptweAlHiTrrCwihKtaUue.nopmEMdfHcaygulBokisMvmeooiOnkhmCgIooXoN,intulwligeGtmeObcf'ovtierBieRrodsIndt.BRceEeBoaatD-okma.uGexileksr!BydS/IoAsFitugnoiTgnpKhgnuwoiEC-vpwuietRphatAtoYwooRoauwyurDinra!! Editor's Note

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JoinNceWretwea'toroerrksaMwfltowowrYaccyworsSel.lomaaOnbtyivoHtsehroOaeohtpelooTpwtooIikimMtrhtoue.uEnsItfS.itcfyiooeoIrsu.Nup'adFkans/LldiiskUniebofErnltuaoNanetbCednecapEpenaRardrrstNnti-nneoEferflusTtohewWuniprotsiOIrankslfRilcguoKnennutcepenartst FREELANCE SERVICES
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programme provides an opportunity to build bridges,
invest in communities and develop new relationships local photographer,
videographer or illustrator - we
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rates - email us for a quote!

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MY SOHO TIMES 47

Food & Drink Fashion & Retail

AMATHUS BOROVICKS FABRICS

113-117 Wardour St, Soho, W1F 0UN 16 Berwick St, Soho, London W1F 0HP
www.amathusdrinks.com www.borovickfabrics.com

AQUA KYOTO MARK POWELL BESPOKE

Entrance 30 Argyll St, W1F 7EB 2 Marshall Street, Soho, London, W1F 9BA
www.aquakyoto.co.uk www.markpowellbespoke.co.uk

B BAGEL BAKERY BAR MISAN TEXTILES

54 Wardour St, Soho, London W1D 4JF 4 Berwick St, Soho, London W1F 0DR
www.bbagel.co.uk www.misan.co.uk

CHOTTO MATTO POAN

11-13 Frith St, Soho, London W1D 4RB 37 Soho Square, Soho, London W1D 3QZ
www.chotto-matte.com www.poan.com

CROSSTOWN DOUGHNUTS TONY THE SOHO TAILOR

4 Broadwick St, Soho, London W1F 0DA 16 Berwick St, Soho, London W1F 0HP
www.crosstowndoughnuts.com www.borovickfabrics.com

EXPERIMENTAL COCKTAIL CLUB Freelance

13a Gerrard St, West End, London W1D 5PS FAST TRACK BRANDING
www.chinatownecc.com
www.fast-track-branding.com
MY PLACE SOHO
GREENGAGE DIGITAL
21 Berwick St, Soho, London W1F 0PZ
www.myplacesoho.com www.greengagedigital.com

PASTAIO THE SOHO GIRL

19 Ganton St, Soho, London W1F 9BN www.thesohogirl.com
www.pastaio.co.uk
WWW.MYSOHOTIMES.CO.UK
PIZZA PILGRIMS

11 Dean St, Soho, London W1D 3RP
www.pizzapilgrims.co.uk

ROBATA

56 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 4UE
www.robata.co.uk

ZEBRANO

18 Greek St, Soho, London W1D 4DS
www.zebranolondon.com

ZIMA

45 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D 4SD
www.zima.restaurant

YMING

35-36 Greek St, Soho, London W1D 5DL
www.yming.co.uk

Entertainment Beauty & Wellness

CURZON SOHO LONDON CLINIC OF
HYPNOTHERAPY
99 Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, W1D 5DY
www.curzoncinemas.com www.londonclinicofhypnotherapy.com

RONNIE SCOTT’S MARSHALL STREET LEISURE
CENTRE
47 Frith St, Soho, London W1D 4HT
www.ronniescotts.co.uk 15 Marshall St, Soho, London W1F 7EL
www.everyoneactive.com
SOHO RADIO
OLIVER STEPHENS
33 Broadwick Street, Soho, London,W1D 0DQ
www.sohoradiolondon.com 2 D'Arblay St, Soho, London W1F 8DQ
www.oliverstephens.com
SOHO THEATRE
SOHO FITNESS LAB
21 Dean St, Soho, London W1D 3NE
www.sohotheatre.com 9-12 St Anne's Ct, Soho, London W1F 0BB
www.fitnesslab.fit
THE PIANO BAR SOHO
THE LONDON SALON, SOHO
16 Carlisle St, Soho, London W1D 3BT
www.pianobarsoho.com 5 Carlisle St, Soho, London W1D 3BJ
www.thesohosalon.com
100 CLUB
THE WACKY BARBER
100 Oxford St, London W1D 1LL
www.the100club.co.uk 9-12 St Anne's Ct, Soho, London W1F 0B
www.wackysoho.co.uk

WE ARE CUTS

41 Frith St, Soho, London W1D 5LW
www.wearecuts.com

Community

THE SOHO SOCIETY

www.thesohosociety.org.uk

MUSEUM OF SOHO

www.mosoho.org.uk

MY SOHO TIMES

www.mysohotimes.co.uk

WESTMINSTER RECYCLING

www.westminster.gov.uk/recycling-and-rubbish

WESTEND COMMUNTY TRUST

www.sohocaf.org.uk

MY SOHO TIMES 49