My Soho Times Spring 2021

SOHO IS OPEN

People who LIVE WORK PLAY in Soho to tell us
their biggest takeaway from the past year &

what they're most looking forward to when
lockdown is lifted... and Soho re-opens again!

Photography by Andrew Leo
Written by Kai Lutterodt

MY SOHO TIMES 51

ANDREW LEO - PHOTOGRAPHER
“At the beginning of lockdown 2 I decided I needed a positive new
project to counterbalance a year of Brexit and Covid. On the first day I
cycled through Soho and noticed a few interesting and diverse
characters and knew this was the place to start. I approached people
on their daily walk which had become the highlight of their day. I told
them it was to give me a purpose and a reason to talk to strangers
from all different backgrounds and walks of life. I’ve loved it and met
so many good people who I now see whenever I go there.”

Biggest takeaway?
“Exercise and being outdoors is king, even if it’s freezing. Just one
conversation with someone can make your day better. You don’t need
as much money as you thought you did. Don’t judge someone by how
they look, you’ll be wrong every time... and sugar is a nightmare.”

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STUART S.
“For me it’s the friendly atmosphere.
Everyone here gets along, whatever
culture you’re from, whatever sexual
orientation you are and it has really
good friendly vibes.”

MARK T.
“Bar Italia is the famous coffee shop for Mods.
Come down here on a Sunday and it'd be full of
mods, full of scooters. For us London Mods this is
our manor. We love it. And then obviously have a
few drinks in Ronnie Scott’s, and probably down
Carnaby Street. Go down to get a new suit. Fred
Perry. Gotta be done!”

BRIGITTE DE PRISCO ALGERNON ALOYSIUS ST. JOHN
"We’re looking forward to sunshine - CHOLMONDELEY
and embracing without the virus… the FETHERSTON HAUGH
community should have a big party!" "I'm looking forward to visiting The
French House which is one of the
last bits of old Soho remaining,.
seeing people again and being
able to solve the problems of the
world over a couple of halves, or a
bottle of cider... or two!"

MY SOHO TIMES 53

ARMIN LOETSCHER AKA SWEETY FLEUR S.
"I’ve been in Soho for over 60 years, a very long "What I love about Soho is how inclusive it is.
time. Lockdown has affected me very badly. The My sister is gay, and I'm straight - it's always
St Moritz Club has been closed for one year, and the place we can go together and feel very
the restaurant on and off. We can’t open until accepted, have a good time with both mixes of
May. I want to see that they get the tables our friendship groups.... Just to have a beer in
outside, alfresco dining. Last year when I applied the sun is actually all I want right now!"
the council said it’s not possible, but I’ll try again.
Would be nice to get four or five tables outside."

CLAUDINE DAVIES EMERZY CORBIN
“I love all the restaurants! I love My Place around "The minute I can put my USB in them CDJs and
the corner - that's a great hangout. My biggest rock a crowd.. it's like religion, like prayer - I’ve
takeaway? I think it was Chinese... oh missed it for a year and half. Biggest takeaway?
symbolically! *laughs* I don't know really. The sentence we use is, ‘you’ve got to do your
Basically safety, taking care of yourself more. It's shadow work’. You’ve got to know yourself. Look
been a rough year. Until most of us get the jab, at your traumas, look at your pain and be alright
then I'll see the light at the end of the tunnel.” with the silence.

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BEV ELLIOTT - THE PUNK QUEEN OF SOHO

"I don't have any time to spare for things in the internet
world - I need to have face-to-face connections and
that's what I've been missing. I'm most looking forward
to going to gigs again at my fave venue in the world - 100
Club. Live music is as important as breath is to me to
keep me alive. Once it all opens up I shall be back to my
normal stewed and tattooed - that's me! If I'm in London
I get all my tattoos done at Diamond Jacks Soho. You'll
see everything in Summer - they're all be on display!"

Biggest takeaway from the past year?
"That sometimes it's ok to be on your own and not rely
on others... and other times I just want to hug someone
so badly! I'm just so grateful to be in Soho. I don't know
where else I could have been and felt so happy. We're
Soho Strong - that's what I I say!... In fact that's gonna be
my next tattoo!"

MY SOHO TIMES 55

OTTO G. DAMIEN J.
“I think just meeting up with friends "I'm looking for normality - but not the same
and you know, especially at this time normality we had before. I think that this lockdown
of the year, summer time. Definitely taught us the ways we were living were probably
Soho Square is my favourite place - not the best. It's been a year of reflection for
the green space, getting to socialise everybody... I'm looking forward to progress."
in the open.”

HOLLY S. MITCHEL C.
"I'm looking forward to the buzz of it all "After so many months of lockdown it would be
being back to normality - the bars being so nice to be out and about meeting friends,
open, seeing all my friends... And when enjoying the bars and restaurants… and
Pride's back! My biggest takeaway I would hopefully the weather’s going to be super
say is living in the present. Before the amazing! Soho Square is my favourite place, but
pandemic I definitely had a habit looking my favourite bar would be The Yard. My biggest
further into the future and planning my takeaway is realising how precious life is. My
life, when actually it's more important family live in Zimbabwe, and I've not been able to
just to live in the moment." see them the whole time. So, you know, it's just
made me appreciate life more."

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GEORGE SKEGGS AKA SOHO GEORGE

“One thing that I do really miss culturally (and I do need
artistic calories every day of the week) is going to the British
Museum. My first trip of the day would be into the
Member’s Room, cup of coffee, chat with a few members of
staff and then go on my way to Soho. I really do miss that -
and the National Gallery, and the V&A which is probably
one of my spiritual homes…all three of them really. But
they’ve been taken away.

I’ve done a few drawings for painting, but I can’t seem to get
into it. I just can’t get into it creatively… It’s really weird. It’s
not like me. That’s the only thing that’s been a bit of a
downside really, is the fact that I couldn’t get back into my
painting. I’m going to start tomorrow - I need that kick!”

Biggest takeaway from the past year?
“That human nature doesn’t change. People panic and get
frightened... it’s a survival instinct.”

MY SOHO TIMES 57

WHERE HAVE ALL OF SOHO’S
LGBT BARS & CLUBS GONE?

The LGBT scene was in trouble even before COVID reared its ugly
head. But what will happen to the Soho scene after this catastrophic
event? Many a night was spent hopping from Comptons (or Duke of
Wellington) for a pint to Admiral Duncan for the drag show, then a
drink over at the Village Bar to ogle the go-go dancers... ending up at
The Shadow Lounge or Freedom to dance the night away. It was the
norm for many of us.

Remember Barcode on Archer Street? Topless and sweaty men
dancing the night away? And Molly Moggs, with Dame Julie Paid singing
and the friendliest crowd in Soho? What about The Astoria - where
Madonna, Kylie, Robyn etc. graced the stage - demolished in 2009 for
Crossrail - and which, hard to believe, is still under construction!

The Shadow Lounge is now Midnight Lounge VIP and bills itself as ‘a
little bit naughty’ - but not for the LGBT crowd - it’s a straight strip club.
What was naughty was the gay cinema in Walker’s Court - now long
gone - along with the gay-friendly bookstores that once lined the
notorious alleyway.

‘A place called The Wag, though not exclusively gay, was one of my long
gone favorite places in Soho,’ says Roy, a hairstylist.
Candy Bar on Carlisle Street was THE place for the ladies but has since
closed, replaced by SheBar on Old Compton Street. There was a very
discreet entrance that led down to a small venue - which might be a
reason it may never open again - along with Admiral Duncan (closed
since March 2020), also very narrow, and not good for social
distancing.

‘My favorite was the sandwich shop called Old Compton Cafe, and it
was really fun to go there at like 3 a.m. after clubbing for a coffee and
sandwich before you went home’ says Suzie, a club promoter.
Whatever happens to our gay scene is out of our control. But we have
loads of memories of the scene that once was, and hopefully Soho will
go back to being colorful, vibrant, loud and proud.

Written by Tim Baros

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MY SOHO TIMES 59



CLEMMIE'S BIG
SPRING CLEAN

For the Mind, Body, and Home...

With it being a year since the first lockdown, most of us have spent
more time in our homes than ever before. So we could all probably
do with a little (or large) Spring Clean - but why should our homes
get all the attention? Surely our bodies and minds deserve a little

spruce up too - especially after the year we’ve all had? These are
some of my favourite brands that have not only got me through

the lockdown(s) but also improved my life in some way.

FOR THE MIND.... CBD OIL BY CHILL OUT FRED THE FIVE-MINUTE JOURNAL
This oil is top quality and incredible Journaling has proved to be an
THE CALM APP incredible stress management
Everyday mindfulness and meditation for relieving stress, anxiety and tool however, not all of us have
depression as well as reducing
for stress, anxiety, sleep, focus and inflammation in the body (along time to devote to it.
health. I recommend the 10 minute with many other health benefits). Enter The Five-Minute Journal -
daily guided meditation to start your Different strengths are available; a journal for people who don't
I’ve been using the 2000mg -
day with a clear mind. The sleep write journals. Just a few
stories are also my go-to for winding www.chilloutfred.com minutes a day is a commitment
down. Try it out for free for the first 7
we can all stick to.
days. www.calm.com www.intelligentchange.com

FOR THE BODY... SYMPROVE PROBIOTICS YUM & YAY
Unless you’ve been living under a Milled seeds packed full of
LIFE DRINK BY TERRANOVA goodness and essential fatty-
Ideal if you’re in need of an energy boost or rock, I’m sure you’ve heard acids such as Omega 3’s
of the importance of gut health by needed hearts, brain and eye
are looking to turbo charge your nutrient now so I had to include a probiotic health (and more!). Just a
status. This magical drink is full of incredible spoonful a day is all you need.
company on here. Symprove Tip: sprinkle on yoghurt,
ingredients. In fact, I’m yet to find a green Probiotics is my absolute fave. I do porridge, add to your smoothies
powder as comprehensive as this. Terranova their 12 week course around 2-3 or make energy balls with them.
are one of my favourite supplement brands
times per year. www.yumandyay.co.uk
and are 100% additive free. www.symprove.com
www.terranovahealth.com

FOR THE HOME... DOTERRA ESSENTIAL OILS PATCH PLANTS
Purify the air in your home and We’ve all gone house-plant crazy
METHOD CLEANING boost your immune system and this year - and for a good reason.
PRODUCTS mood at the same time with the
best quality essential oils out ●Indoor plants have shown to:
Chemical free cleaning products Boost your mood, productivity,
that smell amazing. I’m a sucker there. My go-to is grapefruit ●concentration and creativity.
and wild orange. I also put a Reduce stress, fatigue, sore
for these. Their new peach drop of lemon essential oil in my ● throats and colds.
blossom scent is gorgeous. water every morning to start off Help clean indoor air by
www.methodproducts.co.uk the detox process (yes, you can absorbing toxins, increasing
humidity and producing oxygen.
ingest these ones!).
www.doterra.com Patch helps you discover the best
plants for your space, delivers them
Written by Clementine Pellew-Harvey,
Nutrition & Wellness Editor for My London Times to your door and helps you look
after them. Be warned - you might
want everything on this website.

www.patchplants.com

MY SOHO TIMES 61

Food & Hospitality editor,
Will P. Hanley, gets us

ready for eating out again...

Soho in my mind has always been the most fascinatingly
dynamic, idiosyncratic, innovative and occasionally downright
odd hub of wonder in the centre of the West End. This neon-lit
volcano of activity all of a sudden went dormant twelve
months ago, thanks to this pandemic crisis we find ourselves
in.

One thing I thought would be an easy task for my debut Continuing down Old Compton Street, for me it’s impossible to
feature in My Soho Times would be where I’d be making a resist the classic charm of Cafe Boheme. Those Negronis
beeline for as soon as we’re allowed back out to play. Dear would have worked up an appetite for a bowl of perfectly crisp
reader, this task is so difficult to to succinctly put into a couple frites and a glass of Pinot Noir, for a moment of peace to
of page leaves - and thank goodness for that. watch the world go by in a destination designed by Al Fresco
cafe culture of years gone by.
THE SITUATION WE FIND OURSELVES IN...
One thing I can never resist at any time of day is Dim Sum. Not
Our beloved hospitality industry has taken such a huge hit far away, on the corner of Frith Street and Romilly Street sits
over this past year. Even more brutally so, with a ray of hope BaoziInn. By this point one may already be mildly steaming, so
piercing down onto the streets last summer with what we some bamboo baskets of colourful, flavour-packed joy would
thought would be the path to recovery, but instead, the plug be a very sensible option. Keep an eye out for the seasonal
pulled once again from up above, despite much evidence special dumplings on offer, and a bowl of possibly the best
showing that the hospitality world didn’t cause the spread of Dan Dan noodles in the capital to share.
this invisible menace. One silver lining is that such initiatives as
the pedestrianisation of many of the local streets to expand LA GRANDE DAME FOR THE GRAND FINALE
room for outdoor punters was a common sense measure that
should be here to stay, making outdoor dining a permanent As we progress on, one of the aforementioned neon lights of
feature.. Soho illuminates the path to our final destination of the
evening. Quo Vadis, Le Grande Dame of Dean Street, provides
Much has been lost: businesses and livelihoods alike. But now the perfect venue to settle in for a night of exterior
we’ve been promised that soon, we’re going to reach the entertainment. Jeremy Lee’s signature smoked eel sandwich is
summit of our struggles and plant the permanent flag of the essential rich, buttery, sharp bite of awakening ecstasy one
gastronomic freedom firmly into the ground. Thankfully, many requires to get comfortable before daring to tackle the
have held on. Now, it’s time for us to get back out there and absurdly decadent pudding menu. Expect golden profiteroles,
support the long-established stalwarts we know and love, jumbo meringues and lashings of cream in nearly every way
keeping our eyes open to curious new ventures taking a bold imaginable, washed down with a chilled glass of Poire Williams
step out into the new world of food & drink. to make sure the job is done.

THE EXPEDITION BEGINS... As I’ve been penning this piece, so many more cherished gems
on these hallowed streets which I love come to mind. Not the
There are certain ground rules for a night out in this postcode. bricks and mortar, but most importantly, the people who work
One being that no evening should ever begin without a so tirelessly to make these institutions what they are and to
sufficient aperitivo to restart the engine after an excruciatingly deliver such wonderful experiences for us day in, day out,
lengthy period of being declared off the road. Bar Termini on against seemingly insurmountable odds. I believe we’re about
Old Compton Street concoct the most well-balanced Negroni to enter a new golden age, creating a bright new chapter in the
one could ever hope to enjoy. No more than two, otherwise story of Soho. Let’s try and meet these hospitality heroes half
one may risk pitstop number one becoming Bar Terminus by way by getting ourselves back out there to support as many as
an overly eager mistake being made. This is an endurance possible by way of as many empty glasses and clean plates as
exercise, not a drag race after all. we can possibly manage.

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Fix SOPHIE'S SOHO

A cathedral of a steak house in a former cinema - the
large bar area at the front of the premises is one of the
top spots in Soho for a pre-prandial libation or a
regular Monday afternoon Martini. The Manhattans are
world class and perfect for washing down the many
offerings on the bar menu.

42-44 Great Windmill St, Soho, W1D 7NB
@sophiessoho

LONDON COCKTAIL CLUB

Since 2008, the London Cocktail Club has opened in
multiple sites across London and beyond. Their all-time
greatest hits feature many well-known favourites,
curated in their own signature style. For the ultimate
money shot, look no further than their ballsy Pornstar
Martini.
4 Great Portland St, Fitzrovia, London W1W 8QJ
@londoncocktailclub

MURDER INC

The bar which pulls no punches, Murder INC offers
perhaps the highest quality cocktails for criminally
good value, with many coming in at under a tenner.
You’ll be brave enough to fight a bull after sinking
their take on the Hemingway classic, Death in the
Afternoon.

36 Hanway St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1UP
@murderinclondon

BAR SWIFT

Without doubt one of the very best cocktail dens in
the capital. An upstairs/ downstairs setup of first floor
mixology featuring all sorts, coupled with a basement
stocked with over three hundred whiskies. Now Spring
has sprung, try out the Rhubarb & Custard Milk Punch.

12 Old Compton Street, W1D 4TQ
@swiftbars

THE VAULT

Locked away secretly behind a bookcase on the
hallowed ground of Milroy’s on Greek Street, The
Vault has carved a niche of its own, serving a modern,
varied menu for those who want to imbibe more than
whiskey. Go for the dealer's choice here, you can
bank on it being fantastic.

3 Greek St, Soho, London W1D 4NX
@thevault_soho

MY SOHO TIMES 63



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