My Soho Times Autumn 2022

Editor's Picks for Autumn

editor'snote

Ba .a Ro...

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." (Dr Samual Johnson)... and that's how I feel about Soho - in a gender inclusive way of course!

The summer landscape saw a big change in our industry when Time Out released its final print publication. And whereas some may take this as a hint that 'print is dead', we're choosing to see the glass as half full - it's time for hyper locals to lead the way! As a direct result we've brought onboard a Business Development Manager to help us strategise ways to take our brand beyond just a print magazine. I'd like to think of My Soho Times as a lifestyle platform which now includes our newly launched free Venue Finding Service - let us help you with bookings for Soho and the West End, we’d love to hear from you!

If you're reading the physical copy this magazine, it means we've already had our autumn release party at our front cover neighbour’s, The Little Scarlet Door and if it's anything like I envision it whilst writing this, I prophesize it was an epic houseparty vibe bringing together our biggest supporters, partners and friends in one uniquely decked-out loft apartment in the heart of Soho (p.27)!

The Autumn equinox has sent summer packing and brings with it a cosy energy… It's time to prepare for the Dinner Party season! We speak to a Wine Buyer and Water Sommelier (yes, you read that right) to get a better understanding of our drink choices (p.8).

All Hail the Drag King, non-binary performer Adam All, making waves in the LGBTQ+ nightlife scene (p.12), Gillian Smith notes the transfer from Elizabethans to Caroleans since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II (p.9). In the world of Fashion, model CC Mason takes us front row for trends seen at London Fashion Week (p.49) and Nicholas Cox offers us alternative jazz nights Beyond Ronnie's ). We're back on a roll baby, join in!

The Soho Girl x

Kai Lutterodt Editor-in-Chief IG: @the.soho.girl

Whether it's lunches or dinners, friends or family - I love bringing people together! My LET'S DO LUNCH NETWORK events start this season, as well as a series of WINE & NETWORK events You'll be seeing a lot more of me playing the hostess with the mostest Have you booked yet?

THEATRE

I recently went to see GET UP STAND UPTHE BOB MARLEY MUSICAL with my dad, and I can't stop raving about it! This stage adaptation doesn't shy away from social issues of the time, still evident today. It's so much more than just song and dance. GO SEE IT… and thank me later!

We're officially in the final quarter of 2022, ‘Where did the year go?’ you cry out! It's not too late to make the most of what we have left Let's get organised! Keeping a weekly track of your plans, ticking off your 'to-do' list and finally getting round to working on that mailing list (p 22)

Photo:PaulTodd

MY SOHO TIMES is an independent hyper local lifestyle magazine, media and events platform launched in Winter 2019. We believe Soho is the beating heart of London - in location and vibe! So our aim is 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!

Our distribution is across Soho and the West End (Fitzrovia, Mayfair, Covent Garden and Marylebone). Enquire about adverting with us info@mysohotimes.co.uk

JessicaToaleexplorestheheritage businessesofSoho Planyournext shoppingtrip:shoplocaland independent!

KaiLutterodtspeakstothecofoundersofTheLittleScarletDoor, theguysbehindbringingthe ultimatehousepartytoSoho!

autumnal accents

Calming and warm, brown, burnt mustard, and orange hues are all great additions to your home for an effortlessly snug feel this Autumn For contrast, add a splash of plush pink or royal blue

Tonythe

NEEUQ & COUNTRY: THEEND O F ARENA

The final trumpet has sounded, the echo of sombrely marching feet receded into the distance, the

fabled Queue dispersed, the crowds returned home Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is finally getting the peace and quiet she deserves in the vault of St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, alongside her late husband and family 96 years on earth with 70 of them spent as the crowned head of state and church must surely count as a particularly triumphant innings

Even her exit gives new meaning to the phrase ‘leaving on a high’ No sooner had the military dress uniforms been dry cleaned and the horses fed, watered and stabled after the razzmatazz of the Platinum Jubilee in June, mere weeks later the slightly unexpected news dropped that the Queen had died Cue jump starting the protocols of Operation London Bridge and ten days of national mourning for a genuinely beloved monarch, followed by a ceremonial funeral the likes of which few of us will witness again

Much has been made of the fact that a large proportion of the citizenry of these isles have known no other sovereign I reckon it’s less that the Queen has always been there

More that if you’re 70 or under you were essentially just joining her for the ride. You can date your own era primarily from the style of hat she was wearing the year you were born.… the hair of course, remained reassuringly the same for pretty much seven whole decades.

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS!

Progeniture geared entirely towards male succession has meant the most monarchs have been Kings, but the few Queens we’ve had for sure have made their mark on history. From the usurped Empress Matilda, who in the 1100s spent 20-odd years trying to regain her filched throne from her cousin Stephen, to the short-lived reign of Henry Vlll’s sadly wronged eldest daughter Mary, via the much savvier first Queen Bess, a Victoria and our own late Elizabeth, it’s been a bumpy ride! But one which the regal ladies have stuck with, showing themselves more than equal to the task.

In all six women have been crowned (two further candidates didn’t quite make it - the aforementioned Matilda and the much more unfortunate Lady Jane Grey, beheaded after a nine day reign in 1554) and they count amongst their number some of the most successful sovereigns these isles have ever seen.

Put your hands together for both Queen Elizabeths and Her Maj the late, great and legendarily unamused Queen Victoria.

Today though, with the next few crowned heads set to be kings, it looks like the coronation of Elizabeth III might be a fair way off. A shame in my view – my favourite meme over the last few weeks has been the one declaring: ‘They’re making a man Queen? Political correctness gone mad!’. And with life and art being so intricately bound – after all, the most powerful piece on a chessboard is the Queen, so it should come as no surprise that our last female sovereign has left enormous shoes to fill.

ELIZABETHANS NO MORE WE ARE ALL CAROLEANS NOW.

Ever onwards though is the name of the Kings and Queens game - the monarchy, constitutional or not, is all about continuity. This leads us to our new King, Charles lll and the Carolean age in which we now find ourselves. The name originates from the Latin version of Charles, Carolus.

As the longest-serving heir to the throne, Charles will be pretty familiar with the trappings of kingship but will doubtless find his own reality very different from that of his mother.

Times have changed a great deal and it isn’t so easy to maintain an air of monarchical mystique with so much of the Royal family’s life – private and public –accessible to the public. He may well find himself with somewhat of a tightrope to walk, with decisions pending about the role of a king not just at home but in Commonwealth countries re-thinking their Head of State requirements.

For now though we wish him well at the start of his reign and our own brand new era, so let’s raise a glass or two to the dawning of the Carolean age –and see where it takes us. Cheers!

Share your thoughts with us via Twitter and our blog! @mysohotimes

Gillian Smith is the Senior Contributing editor for My Soho Times, a freelance Writer and Producer who has worked extensively across all media from print to broadcast and digital. Areas of special interest are film (including red carpet events, navigated with a sharp pair of elbows) and arts and culture.

“The monarchy, constitutional or not, is all about continuity. This leads us to our new King, Charles III and the Carolean age in which we now find ourselves."

ALL HAIL THE DRAG KING

by

A day in the life of London's leading Drag King artist Adam All.

HOW DO YOU START YOUR DAY?

My wife and I like a morning so we grab it with both hands; coffee, a healthy breakfast, usually hot rice or hash browns, and a longish walk give us a decent kick start. After that we like to get organised, catch up on admin, make a schedule if necessary, plan ahead. Might squeeze in some more focussed exercise and a nice hot bath.

BY LUNCH TIME...

I love a lunch. I might go out if it's nice, maybe tie it in with picking up makeup supplies or costume additions, but for sure I have to have a good lunch. Afternoons usually begin with intense rehearsal, recapping, tightening up, warming up bodies and voices, stepping through routines. If there are meetings or interviews these need to be done by 4pm latest so I can get focussed.

TIME TO HIT THE STAGE

By 4pm I'm ready to get into face, and I like to settle down, get some music on, maybe I'll have a glass of wine and take my time. I'll start with my hair, then its my face; foundation, contour and spray to fix. Then my body; strapping or tape, if I need to paint my chest, now's the time, it'll need multiple fixing spray layers to stop it rubbing off en route, in the heatwave it was almost impossible to get to gigs in one piece! Then its the eyebrows which take considerable focus. I'll leave the facial hair for the dressing room at the venue.

Although I would have adamantly denied it when I was young, I feel that I've always been drawn to the stage. But as a very obviously queer, visibly androgenous person there never seemed to be a role for me or a light under which I could shine. Until I found Drag Kings. I say I found them but in reality there were none in the town I grew up in, nor in the surrounding towns and cities: Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth. Somehow I felt that I could inspire the change I wanted to see.

"I want to see Kings achieving as much as Queens, we've got a lot of catching up to do and right now my energy is focussed on making that happen."

Written by Kai Lutterodt

Photography

Emma Bailey

I think it's high time we talked about masculinity both for its negative and positive traits, especially masculinity belonging to nonmen. That's part of what Drag Kings do; fight the patriarchy and bring about positive change. I love my job!

Being a self-employed, full time performance artist in London is no walk in the park, and being a Drag King in what is predominantly a Queens world is even harder. There are shows when you know you've got 'em by the balls, and others where you can't cut through the noise. Each new door I kick down makes me feel like we're getting somewhere.

YOUR FAVE SHOWS SO FAR?

My TedX performance at the Piccadilly Theatre was a mile-stone for me because I got to talk to a broader audience about the importance of Drag Kings and my journey into performance as a non-binary person. I always love a Pride, big and small. Last year the main stage at World Pride in Copenhagen had a fantastic atmosphere - I felt like an absolute rock star! But the best gig for me has to be our very own BOiBOX Drag King Cabaret. This September we celebrated nine years, that's 124 all Drag King shows, showcasing 173 individual Kings at our last count. It's amazing to see how far we've come.

WHY SOHO?

As soon as I was old enough I took myself to Candy Bar, an iconic lesbian bar. It was one of the first places I took a residency in London, first with karaoke and then we launched BOiBOX there and we've kept ourselves in Soho, one way or another ever since, despite multiple venue closures.

END OF THE NIGHT...

Normally I would roll in around 12 or 1am-ish, sometimes later. I'll stop and take my face off, then I might nod off to a nature documentary... doesn't David Attenborough have the most relaxing voice?

Catch BOiBOX Drag King Cabaret on Sunday 20th November at The Phoenix Arts Club. www.adamall.co.uk | @adamall_drag

WINE & D i n n e r

P R E P A R I N G F O R T H E P R E P A R I N G F O R T H E

P A R T Y S E A S O N P A R T Y S E A S O N

We called upon the expertise of Elizabeth Kelly, Master of Wine and Wine Buyer at Majestic to share some tips on choosing your wines to make an impression...

DOES COST MATTER?

In terms of price point, there will be a great bottle to suit everyone and still impress guests, however the £8-10 mark tends to be where you can get the best value for money. Bear in mind that regions that are more commonly known - i.e. Burgundy, Bordeaux - tend to command a more premium price tag, given their popularity, but a good wine merchant should be able to suggest some wonderful lesser-known regions that offer good value for money and will certainly impress your guests this Autumn.

FOOD PAIRING TIPS

Whilst there are many suggestions around food and wine pairings, there really is no hard and fast rule because

everyone has different tastes. If you don’t like a wine, even if it really pairs with a food, in theory, it might not be for you.

However, there are reasons why some food and wine pairings come about. If you have a light wine with really rich food then it's less likely that you will be able to taste the notes of the wine. Matching similar intensity in food and wine instead helps create a balance. If you’re eating fish and only drink Red, try to find something lower in tannins and lighter, like Pinot Noir. If you like steak and only drink White - why not choose a richer, fuller bodied White - e.g. an oaked, warm climate wine or a Viognier?

Rosé is also a great wine to pair with food, as it often has more weight than White wine, but more freshness and acidity than Reds.

Discover a wide selection of wines at ww.majesticwine.co.uk | @majesticuk

H O O S I N G Y O U R W I N E & W A T E R :

In the corner championing the liquid gold we’re 60% made of, is Water Sommelier Doran Binder sharing how the new SodaStream Art could add some sparkle to your dinner party

WHY WATER?

Water is the most vital drink on the planet to human beings and is something we all depend on. So it’s important that we know that water is not ‘just’ water.

There are huge variations between natural and tap water, so much so that it could be classed as the equivalent of comparing organic and processed food. Tap water is generally different sources of water treated chemicals like fluoride and chlorine to ensure it’s safe for public consumption. Natural, mineral, and spring waters are bottled at the source, controlled by trading standard.

Because of this, water can give you the ability to change the taste and mouthfeel unlike any other drink.

TWHY SHOULD WATER BE CONSIDERED FOR DINNER PARTIES?

Serving water at dinner parties is a huge conversation maker. It gives you the ability to demonstrate that water has a taste and distinct mouthfeel, the same way others may consider wine or beer, which allows you to elevate the dinner party conversation.

Serving sparkling water, and serving it in the sparkling water glass I have created with SodaStream, is a great way to make its appearance at the dinner table feel more grown up too. You can actually demonstrate the effects of carbonation on mouthfeel. The difference between the same water at different carbonation levels is mind blowing, and with a SodaStream, you have the power to sparkle water to your preferred level. Not to mention, using a SodaStream is better for the environment too as it eliminates the need to buy single-use plastic bottles. The new SodaStream Art is available at: www.sodastream.co.uk

“I’ve been dating since I was fifteen, I am exhausted. Where is he?” exclaimed Charlotte York in Episode 1 of Season 3, ‘Where there is smoke’, of Sex and the City That was in the year 2000 before dating apps existed and the only way of meeting ‘the one’ was IRL; through friends, at events, parties, at work or school.

Fast forward to 2022. After living in a pandemic for two years, most of us have at some point found ourselves being a 'Charlotte' and said or thought to ourselves ‘One more swipe and I will go to bed,’ hoping that ‘the one’ will be somewhere lost in the intricate algorithm of modern match-making.

If you live in London and own a smartphone, finding someone available for a date is surprisingly easy. Dating apps have become incredibly popular - in the UK six million people will be using them this year - and every eligible Londoner will have at least three apps on their phone. Even though Hinge’s slogan is: ‘Designed to be deleted’ (it’s one of the most popular apps in the UK) dating app users tend to keep them for at least two years, even if they pause and then resume their profile

London daters tend to set up meetings like job interviews. That attitude towards dating overlooks how magical it can be to discover one another without preconceptions or expectations. When you see someone’s height, drinking preferences and job title, does that really give you the urge to learn to love them?

I am an anthropologist and filmmaker with a YouTube channel LibidoTube that offers a conversation about how to have healthier sexual practices and how to communicate with your partner, or your sexual partner and, ironically, I don’t have one.

Prior to the pandemic, I would trust that life would put someone in my way, but socialising became difficult and I still wanted to put myself out there and test my dating abilities. So I gave in to the dating apps, and I kept swiping right for the wrong guy!

During my first dating experience, a prospective partner I met on Hinge sent a digital rose (bigger deal than giving a like) to one of my friends. It felt disrespectful, since he had seen my friend’s picture and he knew her name. This helped me understand that this was a trend, a plan of action for online daters to keep their options open.

‘JUST ONE MORE SWIPE AND I WILL GO ‘JUST ONE MORE SWIPE AND I WILL GO ‘JUST ONE MORE SWIPE AND I WILL GO TO BED,’ HOPING THAT ‘THE ONE’ WILL TO BED,’ HOPING THAT ‘THE ONE’ WILL TO BED,’ HOPING THAT ‘THE ONE’ WILL BE SOMEWHERE LOST IN THE INTRICATE BE SOMEWHERE LOST IN THE INTRICATE BE SOMEWHERE LOST IN THE INTRICATE

I decided to open up the discussion by interviewing three online-dating-users within my network. They agreed that this was a strategy, a way not to keep all their eggs in one basket in order to avoid disappointment. But if we keep our options so open, aren’t we going to run out of options altogether?

All my interviewees seemed to have issues settling into one person or at least dating one person at a time. Commitment does not happen straight away with love, but it is a path you follow when you are discovering someone new, and that is hard to achieve when you have multiple options.

Mark, 29, an engineer and bachata dance fanatic from London, downloaded Tinder in 2017 after a long term relationship ended and his first date became a one year monogamous relationship. Ironically, the app that is most known for finding casual sex led him to a stable relationship. When that ended, he downloaded OkCupid in hopes to find a more serious option. But he found more hookups through this app, even though he liked the highly detailed questions and the fact that you could know so much about someone's preferences and taste before even meeting up, 'You are asked whether you like to sleep in a cold bedroom or in a warm bedroom'.

I also interviewed Jackie, 27, a Marketing Executive from Barcelona, who told me that she had recently broken up with a boyfriend

and she went on Hinge straight away seeking validation, swiping through the catalogue of handsome men just for fun. Most people on dating apps use it as a rite of passage, as a way of testing their self-esteem.

This perpetuates the idea of objectifying people, since there is a thrill of discovering the 'new person' fresh out of your screen. Hence, this person after browsing for a bit, decided to go off the app and trust her social connections and rely on real-life events to meet people.

But for others, like Martin 31, a busy government funding officer from London, using apps means they are in control of managing their time when meeting someone. As it is predictable and practical, you can organise yourself and be efficient with what you want to get out of your date, which in real life, would be completely unpredictable.

Nevertheless, this is an issue that most interviewees have highlighted, which is the performativity of dating as oftentimes people 'project who they want to be' and they are mostly peacocking, at least for the first few dates until you can start to discover them at a deeper level.

In a city like London, people seem to be busy chasing a career, yet still need side hustles, hobbies, artistic aspirations and volunteer gigs. A divinely orchestrated and insular life path does no longer seem to be an appealing option, and that reflects in relationships.

Ironically, these dynamics of control and endless offers has found us lost, because we will never know if we are making the right decisions and even if we do, there will be a thought at the back of our heads that there are still options out there.

HALF WAS THERE ALL ALONG. HALF WAS THERE ALL ALONG.

SOMETIMES WE MUST LET SOMETIMES WE MUST LET SOMETIMES WE MUST LET LITTLE MIRACLES HAPPEN, LITTLE MIRACLES HAPPEN, LITTLE MIRACLES HAPPEN, EVEN IF THAT MEANS GETTING IF THAT MEANS GETTING EVEN IF THAT MEANS GETTING OFF A DATING APP ONLY TO OFF A DATING APP ONLY TO OFF A DATING APP ONLY TO REALISE THAT YOUR OTHER REALISE THAT YOUR OTHER REALISE THAT YOUR OTHER HALF WAS THERE ALL ALONG.

Seven years ago I set up Let's Do Lunch, a networking platform with the aim of creating meaningful connections through the sharing of food. It’s finally having a revival, so I've asked three PR executives I admire to share a memorable 'let's do lunch' moment, and its impact.

SARAHLEWIS,FOUNDEROFSALTPR

Whether it's lunch with clients, with journalists, new business partners or colleagues, daytime dining is a very useful way to get the measure of someone There is no substitute for a face to face meeting and nothing more bonding than a meeting of minds over lunch, even more so today!

It feels decadent, which gives it a frisson all of its own! Is this really work? Of those lunches, and I have had many, some have proved to be pivotal in my life. Lunch with Aldo Zilli catapulted me into the heady Soho scene and restaurant PR, as well as the world of celebrity with memorable encounters as wide ranging as Tim Roth and Harvey Keitel to Chris Evans and Barbara Windsor I’ve had lunch with my food and drink heroes Ken Hom CBE and Richard Corrigan

But probably one of my most significant lunches was with my friend Lucy Mitchell at Balthazar with Gok Wan MBE to discuss a new idea for The Golden Chopsticks Awards... five years later, as we celebrate our latest awards, I can look back and see how important that particular lunch was. I can safely say lunch has given me my best friends, fantastic business partners and more!

FRANCES COTTRELL-DUFFIELD, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF TONIC PR AND COMMUNICATIONS

One of my Directors at Tonic, Raff, and a lunch a few months ago just to catch make some plans for the future. During lunch we talked in such detail about our aspirations and how best to support our client base, that we decided there and up another agency together, Tonic specialising in Digital Marketing restaurant industry.

We were at our beautiful local bistro, Laundry in Brixton, and the setting was to help encourage creative thinking and connecting in a way that just isn't possible office scenario. We're good communicators we speak really openly and regularly another, but there is something about bread and catching up over lunch that move a conversation along and help deepen connection.

Fast forward a few months and we've set up the agency and are already looking after our own client base, so that lunch really was an important catalyst to this exciting new chapter.

JORI WHITE, CEO & FOUNDER OFJORI WHITE PR

As a hospitality PR of nearly 30 years standing, business lunches are a fundamental part of what I do. There are however a couple that stand out. Without doubt one of the most memorable is the meeting I had with the Marketing Director of legendary camera brand Hasselblad, at the iconic Groucho Club. Over coffee she offered me a global campaign for the brand, and I didn’t even have to write a proposal!

Over the next few months Jori White PR retained affiliate agencies in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Milan, Paris, NYC and Singapore, coordinating amazing launch events in each city. We even got to work with astronaut Buzz Aldrin (pictured), who used a Hasselblad to take pictures on the moon!

Not only did we create an award-winning campaign, but it also led to us being retained by luxury lifestyle clients around the globe, from Mykonos to Dubai.

So, when are we doing lunch?...

Email Marketing

As we enter the final quarter of the year, it's time to get reorganised! We've called upon the expertise of Retail Copywriter and Strategist Aimée Lopez, founder of Copy Unleashed, for essential tips on email marketing. Your target audience is just a click away...

For any business, in or beyond Soho, the first emails you send are crucial in building a relationship with your audience. So it’s important to make a good first impression.

Well-thought-out emails can help to build trust and engage interest. The magic happens when you show your audience that you can provide them with additional value as well. Ann Handley, the best-selling author of Everybody Writes states that "Being in someone's inbox is a privilege."

Email marketing is a tool you can take ownership of that is not ruled by social media giants. There are 4 billion daily email users and 99% of email users check their inboxes every day (HubSpot).

A major advantage you have is that your business is based in the beating heart of London. It’ll be an easy sell to get people onto your email list to keep updated on the hip happenings. Don’t be shy. Freely ask your audience if they would like to sign up for your email list.

STEPS TO CREATING A SIMPLE EMAIL FLOW:

First, think about what your goal is with your emails. Is it to engage your audience, gain feedback, or increase your conversions?

Research - Really Good Emails is a great resource to find email examples. Map out your email sequence including frequency: once a week, once a fortnight, once a month. Plan - create a content calendar of subjects for your emails at least a month in advance to keep you organised and everything running smoothly. Find the right email platform for your business: Mailchimp, Klaviyo, Convertkit, ActiveCampaign are some of the more popular ones. Create your emails and personalise them for your audience and your brand. Send a final copy of the email to yourself and a trusted peer to proofread before sending it to your list.

TYPES OF EMAILS TO CONSIDER

Of course, this is dependent upon your business objectives, but you should have the following emails in your arsenal:

Welcome sequence - to introduce yourself and/or brand and let your audience know what to expect from your emails.

Abandoned cart email - if you own or operate an e-commerce store, you gotta have a simple abandoned cart email ready to roll as an average of 70% of your visitors will abandon their shopping carts.

Thank you email - to thank your audience for visiting.

HOOK ‘EM WITH EMAIL SUBJECT LINES

Email subject lines are the key to your open rates success. It’s pretty simple. I like to include the business’s name and then a hook statement to create interest. In my opinion, an email coming from a business should be in title caps. Let’s keep things professional.

Trends constantly change but at the time of writing, one emoji within your email subject line is a way to make your emails stand out within someone’s cluttered inbox.

PRIVACY IS IMPORTANT - GDPR

Lastly, it is very important to follow the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to prevent the hard work you’ve put into creating your emails from going down the drain. GDPR requires that you get direct consent from a person to receive your marketing emails. Do not by any means buy an email list and send emails to that list. Just don’t!

Aimée Lopez is a Retail Copywriter and Strategist with 26 years of retail experience. Using persuasive tactics based on consumer behavioural psychology, she turns your passersby into customers with the power of words. For more info visit: www.copyunleashed.com

TALES OF THE CITY

DIARY OF CREAT

Author and perfor Celine Hispiche sha journal account of in Soho as a new s begins...

With the sudden change in weather, I love when Soho goes into its cosy Autumn phase. I feel very lucky to live in the heart of it all and to have Berwick Street on my doorstep. Coffee shops are buzzing with the sweet smell and sound of milk steamers and the yummy aromas from the market’s street food stalls - quite frankly I’m in heaven!

It’s just suddenly dawned on me I’ve been a resident in the West End for over twenty years. Soho is my magnet, my go to, a place that is home. Filled to the brim with history, every step I take whether looking up or down has a story to tell. As a writer this is the magic juice that inspires me. Both visually and mentally.

As a recent present to myself I bought a membership to the London Library in St James Square. This is my bolt hole where nobody can find or get hold of me. As I shut my front door to make my journey to my creative sanctuary, the adventure begins…

I walk past a green plaque that reads ‘John William Polidori 1795-1821 Poet & Novelist lived and died here’. I always give a smiling nod as I start to imagine Lord Byron knocking on his door

Winding my way down to Piccadilly Circus I turn right onto Jermyn Street, left into Duke of York Street which then leads me into St James Square. I walk through the entrance doors, swipe my membership card and YES, I have arrived! Phone off and basics for writing, I shut my locker and make my way to the stacks. Through this metal honeycomb warren, where the ghosts of Virginia Woolf and Dickens are flicking through books, I find a desk and dive into my own creative world.

Reading and writing have always been a great passion of mine and all though friends have remarked “£46.00 a month, that’s expensive for a membership!” I can tell you straight up you can spend that on a round of drinks in some local establishments.

I have to say it's money well spent. More importantly, I’ve realised you must do something for yourself that makes YOU feel good.

My newly released book Celine’s Salon - The Anthology Vol 2 can be purchased at: www.wordville.net | @celinessalon

EH R I TAGEBUSINESSESOFS O OH

Soho has had many faces – from farmland and fashionable suburb of the aristocracy to the world-famous entertainment district it is today. It has been the centre of waves of French, Italian and Greek migration to London, and a place where makers and creators have lived for centuries. It gained notoriety for its place as a home for gangsters and the sex industry, and most recently it has become the indisputable heart of the gay community. There are glimpses of this vibrant past on almost every corner. And today, this distinctive history is etched into its streets and colourful shop fronts.

Soho is undoubtedly an area that has been at the heart of change – and it has embraced this change. Its unique mix of residents, businesses and visitors have created a dynamic character unrivalled by any other part of London.

But the area’s popularity, its centrality and everchanging nature does pose a threat to some of the more long-standing businesses – and particularly traditional retail outlets. Old photos of Soho show a buzzing market on Berwick Street, which has been operating since 1778.

Times of course change – but the diversity on offer in Soho is worth preserving. Cities thrive when they have a mix of uses. Instead, we risk creating a monoculture. Ensuring that Soho remains a mixed community of residents, businesses, and visitors is in all our interests.

This is most simply done by choosing to frequent Soho’s older establishments and shopping locally – and encouraging others to do so. It also means making the case for diversity in our neighbourhood in the face of pressure to conform. And I have no doubt that the community in Soho is up to this task!

al resident and West End Labour Councillor Jessica oale h d businesses we now erve their heri oday...

AlgerianCoffeeStores

With its distinctive red shopfront and striped awning on Old Compton Street, Algerian Coffee Stores has been open since 1887. It is the oldest coffee shop in London. You can find teas and coffees from around the world as well as pick up an espresso or cappuccino. The shop has been run by the same family since 1946.

ICamisa&SonsBarItalia

This was London’s first real Italian food store. It was opened by two brothers back in 1929 at 66 Old Compton Street. It remains a treasure trove of Italian food items in the heart of Soho. Another remnant of Soho’s Italian community is Bar Italia, opened on Frith Street in 1949 by the Polledri family, who still run the establishment today.

AdmiralDuncan

The crown jewel in Old Compton Street’s gay community is The Admiral Duncan. Open since the 1830s, it has a history as colourful as the pride flag that adorns its frontage. In the 1920s and 30s it was a hub for the Sabini gang and the site of a mass brawl with their rivals the Hoxton gang. In 1953 Bob Dylan lost the only copy of his radio drama there. And in 1999 it survived a bombing which sadly took the lives of three, an unborn baby and injured 79 people.

MaisonBertauxL’Escargot

Established in 1871, Maison Bertaux on Greek Street serves up delectable French Patisseries made in-house. Usually full to bursting, the shop recently launched a fundraiser to help cover its costs.

Another ancient French establishment is L’Escargot, founded in 1896. It is the oldest French restaurant in London and was the first one to serve snails in England as a delicacy.

OtherNotables:

House of St Barnabas – Opened in 1862 as a pioneering homeless charity and place of refuge. It now provides a social enterprise programme and operates as a private members’ club.

The Old Coach & Horses – Watering hole since the 1800s, still a popular haunt today. Hamleys – The oldest toy shop in the world! It opened in High Holborn in 1760 but moved to a Regent Street home in 1881 where it remains today.

Ronnie Scott’s – Open since 1959, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club feels like it has had a place in Soho since time immemorial. It paved the way for American jazz in the UK.

Milroy’s - London’s oldest whiskey shop, based on Greek Street opened in 1964.

THEBEHIND DOOR

They say 'it's not who you know, it's what you know.' But perhaps in today’s connection-heavy times, it’s about being in the know - and that's where we come in. It was only a matter of time before the ultimate house party arrived in Soho. Our girl about town Kai Lutterodt meets the new neighbours

PhotographycourtesyofTheLittleScarletDoor

THE ORIGINS OF THE “HOUSE PARTY”

When Kamran Dehdashti and Jamie Hazeel began their first project together, transforming a run-down Notting Hill Gate flat into an upscale bar, they didn’t have much to work with—just three months, £14,000 and a solid friendship. However, it was in the flat’s old living room, surrounded by unique cornicing, original moulding, and an old fireplace that The Little Door & Co. was born in 2014.

Intrigued by the idea of making the bar look like someone’s living room, the brand’s iconic “house party” concept began to emerge. “You know, it’s something incredibly powerful… this idea that you could invite people into a public space that had all the benefits and all the emotions and all the feeling of being in someone’s home,” Jamie explains.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

For Kamran and Jamie, the process begins with weaving together an intricately detailed story. “We write a story for the people we imagine would live there and we go into a huge amount of detail,” Jamie explains. After crafting a narrative behind the space, including who would live there, it becomes easier to answer questions about details like what kind of music they listen to, what coffee table they might have, what spices would be on the rack and what car

they would drive. “This process creates a sort of common brief for everyone involved in the project. So we’re all aligned around the common vision of what it’s going to be.” Kamran concludes.

The Little Scarlet Door’s story differs from that of its predecessors, Yellow, Orange and Blue. The Little Door & Co’s other venues are “very much UK Maisonettes" and from the time they met, Kamran and Jamie had a shared vision of creating flats that were more “loft-style”. When they stumbled upon the future site of The Little Scarlet Door, they recognised the perfect opportunity to create an industrial, Manhattan-inspired flat.

WHO’S INVITED?

When creating venues, there are two very important underlying facets of Kamran and Jamie’s design process. First and foremost, they create spaces that feel like people’s homes. And secondly, the venues both engage with and represent the community around them. The Little Scarlet Door’s location nestled in the heart of Soho continually drew Kamran and Jamie to the social melting pot aspect of the area. “Soho is one of the last true social melting pots in London," Jamie shared. "and the social melting pot is the ultimate house party.”

Photo:Co-foundersKamranDehdashtiandJamieHazeel

- Kamran Dehdashti

As such, The Little Scarlet Door is not another members club, much to my amazement. "It goes back to what Kamran was saying about the gap in the market. We wanted to create an environment for people who want a more refined experience, like they might have in a members club, without being reliant on being a member to get in." Jamie added.

GOOD NEIGHBOURS

Every good house party needs good neighbours, and in Soho, The Little Scarlet Door has found just that. “All of the businesses have been super welcoming,” Jamie says. Particularly noteworthy for The Little Scarlet Door is the new courtyard that’s has opened behind the building. “We are really excited about the community that’s going to form around the courtyard,” Jamie continues. From enjoying the recently opened Milk Beach to sharing drinks with the folks at Zebrano’s, The Little Scarlet Door has already received an incredibly warm welcome. And we can’t forget Golóso, the Italian sandwich shop across the street. “Their paninis got us through the build,” Jamie laughs.

And for their first Christmas in Soho? "We're looking busy already," Kamran shared, "all the key dates are gone. Our menu will be more extensive over that period.... there'll be plenty of Christmas cheer!"

"We felt that the beauty of a house party should be a social melting pot of everyone… The invite is open to all, but you got to be respectful of our house and everyone in it."

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE LITTLE DOOR & CO?

For now, Kamran and Jamie are celebrating the enormous success of The Little Scarlet Door. “Our core focus at the moment is making sure that Scarlet is running the absolute best it can,” Jamie explained and then further elaborated, “But we will probably be opening another one in the not too distant future.” The pair even hinted at expansion beyond London, and maybe even the UK. “We have a very powerful and expandable concept. We’re plotting that out as we move forward,” Jamie continued.

Kamran also revealed that The Little Door & Co. previously copyrighted seven door colours, and as The Little Scarlet Door is the fourth, there are three remaining. Who knows, another signature brightly painted door could be coming to a street near you!

In the meantime, I’ll be at The Little Scarlet Door, enjoying an array of toasties, sipping Jamie’s favourite cocktail (the Kiss Kiss Bang Bang), and making myself right at home at Soho’s newest house party.

The Little Scarlet Door |12-13 Greek St, Soho W1D 4DL www.thelittlescarletdoor.co.uk @thelittlescarletdoor Written by Kai Lutterodt

“Soho is like the friend I’ve had the whole way though the time I’ve lived in London… of all the places, it’s probably the one that’s had the greatest long term continuity in my own social life." - Jamie Hazeel

A Night at the Awards... A Night at the Awards...

filled with VIPS, celebrities, food writers, and prominent influencers in the Oriental food & drink industry. Co-founded in 2018 by host Gok Wan MBE alongside friends Lucy Mitchell and Sarah Lewis, The Golden Chopsticks Awards (The GCAs) has become one of the largest and most prestigious celebrations of East and South East Asian food in the world. The growing popularity of oriental cuisines in the UK has seen a demand for emerging Asian chefs who have opened a plethora of eateries from pop ups to supper clubs. The GCAs have become an important ceremony, celebrating newcomers alongside well-established successful hospitality veterans.

There were 19 Award categories and ‘The Best Dumpling Award’ was one to to keep an eye on (a hint by Gok). The winner of the award was Chung Ying Group, well deserved and truly a force to be reckoned with as they came out on top, beating many of the Capital's renowned restaurants for their dumplings... congratulations to Birmingham!

My personal favourite was ‘The Golden Chef Award’ presented to Andrew Wong, whose heartfelt speech dedicated to his late father, recognising the hard work of those who came before us, had everyone feeling emotional. As a British-born of Chinese heritage, his speech resonated with my own upbringing and understanding where we come from through our food.

Soho winners, Opium, took home 'Best Golden Cocktail Award’, a new category introduced this year. Other West End winners included Park Chinois for 'Best Dining Experience',

ll roads led to Mayfair's Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square on Monday 26th September for a glittering ceremony

G A V A G H A N

FOOD & RESTAURANT COLUMNIST

My Soho Times' restaurant spy, reporter and commentator is on the hunt for what’s trending on the food scene.

The poor old food and drink industry in the UK just can't catch a break over the last few years.

First there was Covid where it really was a survival of the fittest. We saw many adapt their businesses and introduce takeaway and delivery services when they hadn’t done so before. We also saw many close their doors for the last time… Now, with the current economic climate they sadly are taking the biggest hit again.

As butchers can’t afford to run their fridges and many more can’t manage the escalating prices in produce, we are already starting to see the fallout with some taking the hard and often heartbreaking decision to shut down now before spiralling costs put them in serious debt further down the line.

With more than 2.9 million people employed in the F&D sector in the UK these are yet again, seriously trying times.

In the last 30 years our foodie cultural landscape has blossomed and grown beyond all recognition. Where once before we were laughed at by the rest of the world because our food was perceived as boring, we can now proudly show off the cuisine of practically every country and continent. There are more restaurants and street food vendors than ever before in our history and there is a long food chain – excuse the pun – of people and businesses that stand behind every burger you tuck into from a vendor, every dish you eat in a restaurant.

That is why it is crucial that we try our absolute best to keep on supporting them as much as we can. Yes, we will all be tightening our belts ourselves and are worried about our own domestic costs, looking to see where we can make savings, but even though it seems like ‘the chips are down’ please try and do what you can to keep on supporting our fantastic food and drink sector. We need to keep the 2.9 million people in it in employment so that they too can pay their bills and survive not just as businesses, but as humans too.

TREND ALERT: Flexitarianism.... What is it? Do you know what flexitarianism is? No, neither did I until I started to research this article Well, that’s not strictly true. I’d heard the term and thought – correctly it seems – that it relates to people who decide to be vegetarian one day, vegan the next and a carnivore when it suits them Well, it turns out that there is more to this movement than meets the eye and it’s based on scientific findings Because apparently if we don’t change the way we eat we will ‘push food production beyond planetary boundaries by 2050’ according to Nature, the world’s leading multi-disciplinary science journal

Nature’s report shows that eating a diet high in fats, sugars and meat actually risks destabilising the Earth’s ecosystem Savvy Londoners are taking this very seriously and acting upon it How? By being vegan one day, vegetarian the next and carnivore when it suits them too, and by doing so, helping to reduce greenhouse gasses from cattle by more than half

As well as specialist vegan street food vendors, London restaurants are also getting in on the scene and responding positively with many now offering vegan, vegetarian and meat menus - not just their standard ‘one size fits all’ affairs that up until recently have been de rigeur. So now you know, what action can you take to help to save our beautiful planet will you become flexi?

Small Plates, Big Charm of the Venetian Cicchetti

in front of us. The duck had been roasted and pulled, much like a Peking duck and was adorned with little cubes of sweet Melinda apples from Trentino that had a beautiful freshness and balanced the savoury, saltiness of the duck and pancetta. It was a sound start to our meal.

Next to arrive was the Black Ravioli – our favourite dish of the whole meal. The handmade ravioli, coloured with squid ink, was stuffed with creamy mascarpone and white crab meat and was served in the most delectable cream and white wine marinara sauce with just a hint of hot chilli. Not only was this utterly delicious in and of itself, but the sauce was also swimming with Littleneck clams. I’m still dreaming about this dish now; it was that good.

The Meat Mixed Grill was our least favourite dish, not because of the taste or the produce, but because of the size of the portions. That said, the handmade Tuscan pork sausage seasoned with basil, fennel and white wine was meaty and marvellous, however the ribeye steak was just a little too fatty and was no bigger than a medallion. The lamb chop was also disappointingly small although what little meat was there was succulent and well-seasoned. We really would have liked one each, however the dish is meant for one person only and not served as a sharer, hence the size of the portions.

The Seafood Mixed Grill was another story. The dish was enticingly presented with a fillet of grilled seabass

with a blistered skin, a huge King scallop that was perfectly cooked, (slightly translucent in the middle) a nice big, juicy king prawn and a langoustine – all of which made this seafood lover incredibly happy indeed. The quality, freshness and ‘cooking of’ were excellent.

And finally, the bruschetta came in the form of a generous slice of sourdough toasted – a lovely change from a small slice of toasted French bread that you usually find in Italian restaurants in the UK. This was generously topped with earthy mushrooms and slivers of decadent, delightfully pungent black truffle with a smattering of peppery roquette. Amazingly simple, but very tasty.

WHAT’S IT LIKE THERE?

Everything about Cicchetti is charming and extremely easy on the eye, shall we say. From the striking, eyecatching façade to the art deco inspired fittings and artwork, to the good looking and classically attired cocktail waiters and floor staff. The service from start to finish was impeccable and the atmosphere lively and inviting.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

San Carlo Group is not a chain. It is an independent, family run business. So, let’s just get that straight. They just happen to have done incredibly well for themselves. How? Well, in 1962 Carlo DiStefano arrived in the UK from Sicily with only £12 in his back pocket. By 1992 he had launched his first Italian restaurant in Birmingham. The family now own no fewer than 23 authentic Italian restaurants across the UK with establishments also in Bangkok, Kuwait and Qatar.

From very humble beginnings their empire is now worth a cool £60 Million. Evidence that they are doing something right. And it is no surprise to learn that San Carlo Group restaurants are also winners of no less than 36 industry and consumer food and drink awards. They also sit comfortably within the Top Ten Italian Restaurants in the UK.

WOULD WE GO BACK?

Most definitely! For 30 years I have been a supporter of and writing about the independent food and drink industry in the UK – around the same time that Carlos DiStefano launched his very first restaurant. It is so inspiring to see how this family-run independent business has flourished and that can only be because their strong family values and shared ethos in their brand.

m thrilled to have found a taste of Venice in London, and I’ll be saving the airfare to spend on more of the delightful dishes at charming Cicchetti.

Written by Kelly Gavaghan.

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Ava Lawrence reviews

The Sun & 13 Canons's latest pop-up, bringing the still-undiscovered flavours of Nepal to the heart of London. Here's proof that you can taste the world in Soho. Let's take a journey to the Himalayas via the Swiss Alps....

When I was asked by the Editor of My Soho Times if I’d like to do a review of a new residency at The Sun & 13 Cantons, I jumped at the chance. The pub was one of my favourite haunts when I worked in the ad industry in the heady late 1990s. As some may know, the Cantons in the name refers to the ‘states’ of Switzerland as the pub was named after the Swiss watchmakers housed in this corner of Soho in the 1800s.

In keeping with the Alpine theme, a Rajiv's Kitchen is now in residency serving Himalayan-inspired dishes. We were greeted by smiley Nepalese waitress Sabnam, who explained the menu and took our order.

As we’re on the topic of mountains, I naturally had to order the goat. It comes as a surprisingly delicately fragranced yet hot curry, and is part of a Thaali on the Big Plates section of the menu.

As part of the Small Plates offerings, the pork ribs dish is one of the best things I’ve tasted all year. It has a huge depth of flavour from being marinated in sweet pomegranate molasses and rich earthy spices. The balance was perfect. The meat satisfyingly fell off the bone; it was so tender.

Non-meat eaters are taken care of as well, with around half the menu being vegan, including slow roasted aubergine

Rajiv’s Kitchen is in residency until early 2023 at The Sun & 13 Cantons, 21 Great Pulteney St, London W1F 9NG | Tuesday 5pm-10pm, Wednesday to Saturday 12.30pm-10pm, and Sunday 12.30pm -5pm | @rajivskitchen

marinated in hemp seed sauce, with a beautiful pomegranate and garlic yoghurt. The friendly chef and owner Rajiv came out to say hello to customers during our lunch sitting. He explained that growing up in Nepal, meat was only eaten once a week, hence a variety of vegetarian dishes on the menu.

The vegan chilli momos were a hit with my chilli loving friend, as were the chicken momos I tried with Nepali salsa. The high altitude Provence rosé I drank with this dish was a sublime pairing.

If this height of cooking is any indication, Rajiv may soon be following former Sun & 13 Cantons chef alumni Asma Khan Of Darjeeling Express and Matt Young of Rök Scandinavian restaurants, in that his tenure may be a launch pad for a more permanent restaurant... you heard it here first.

Written by Ava Lawrence

THEON RISE NEW OPENINGS

This Autumn not only marks a change in seasons but the ever evolving food scene in Soho. An appetite for unique dining experiences does not fall short with the new food outlets taking the hospitality scene by storm. Here are some which pack a punch!

KOYN SOHO

Inspired by the spirituality and duality of Mount Fuji, Samyukta Nair’s newest opening, Koyn, brings an upscale Japanese izakaya restaurant to Soho. A truly luxurious space where executive Chef Rhys Cattermoul celebrates Japanese cuisine through delicate Unami flavours Having dined there last week, don’t miss the Avocado Crispy rice and Chilean Seabass. 38 Grosvenor St, London W1K 4QA www.koynrestaurants.com

Secondly, you need to study wine, either through specialised courses like sommelier schools, WSET or Court of Master Sommelier programmes.

CHOTTO MATTE SOHO RELAUNCH

How should we taste wine when buying a bottle in a restaurant?

Chotto Matte is back with a sleek and fashionable new look Blending the distinct flavours of Japan and Peru, the restaurant not only has a new robata grill but new menu additions, reworked cocktails and more. Try their new Nikkei brunch menu available every Saturday. 11, 13 Frith St, London W1D 4RB www.chotto-matte.com

MILK BEACH

First of all, you have to relax, forget about the pressure and the eyes on you, because trying a wine in a restaurant is the easiest thing ever. You have to answer one and only one question: do I like this wine or not? If the answer is yes, you can be served. If something bothers you, return the bottle and ask the sommelier's opinion about it.

To show off, grab your glass by the stem, look at the colour, spin your wine into your glass and then take a sip and give your answer.

Bringing Australia to Soho, Milk Beach serves an all-day brunch menu and seasonal sharing plates inspired by the varied cultures that make Australian cuisine so unique. With a coastal interior, this new location has menu favourites from its Queen’s Park location, but the stars are its new items, think robata-grilled prawns, whole John Dory and The Lamington dessert 14 Greek St, London W1D 4DP www milkbeach com

What’s the best, affordable wine to impress guests at home?

BLOCK SOHO

I advise that a good Crémant de Bourgogne or Crémant from the Loire Valley will have all the celebration qualities and the prestige of a bottle of champagne but for a much sweeter price.

What is the most underrated wine?

Built on British food tradition, Block Soho specialises in steak, chops and seafood, they work with respected suppliers including Huntsham Court Farm and Newlyn Fish Market The Sunday roast menu looks inviting with 21 day Himalayan salt-aged whole joints. Meat-free options can also be found as well as an upcoming breakfast menu 2 St Anne’s Ct, London W1F 0AZ www.blocksoho.com/menus

I think that the Langhe Nebbiolo from Piedmont in Italy is unbeatable in it’s value for money. These light body red wines are full of fruit, generous, and have a great acidity too. The best choice for an aperitif or a first date.

Written by Vani Abrol | @the.foodgeographer

Spice Up Your Autumn...

FattPunditisanIndo-ChineseAsianfusionrestaurantspecialising in food from Kolkata, with a mix of Chinese influence from the Hakkapeople.Thespicybeefmomosareaperfectflavoursome starter, or try the chicken for a more low-key spice experience The popular critically acclaimed crackling spinach is similar to friedseaweedwiththeadditionofsweetyoghurt,dateandplum sauceandpomegranate-itallmakesadeliciousdish.Themusthave dish is the shredded chilli venison, perfect to excite your tastebuds Tryitforyourself!

13 OLD COMPTON ST, LONDON W1D 5JQ WWW.CAFEBOHEME.CO.UK

Imagine yourself dining in a classic French restaurant in a hiddencornerofParisinspiredby19th-centuryFrenchpoets For the early birds heading for breakfast, the French toast is softandfluffyandcoveredinberriesaddingahintoftartness to its overall sweetness For dinner, try the escargot or rock oysters and we’re betting no-one can resist a baked Camembert. Choose from the month's wine selection, while listeningtothedailylivejazzperformances.

1 NEWBURGH ST, LONDON W1F 7RB WWW.UGLYDUMPLING.CO.UK

Ifyou’relookingforafun,affordableeveningwithfriendsoran interesting place to take a date to warm up in the chillier Autumnalair,headtoUglyDumpling.Thefoodisfarfromwhat the name suggests; the combinations may seem a bit odd but thechefsaremagicians!TheCheeseburgerDumplingtasteslike a mix of beef, fries and American cheese The Strawberry Cheesecake dumplings melt in your mouth with just the right amountofsweetness Forvegetarians,thespringrolldumplings containanentireworldofflavours,readytoburstforth

If you’re a cheese lover then this Chicago-style eatery is the place to go Pick from a vegetarian Mediterranean pizza toppedwithgoatcheese,feta,mozzarellaandricotta,withlots ofveggiesontop There’sawickedChickenTenderdeeppizza forpoultryfans,orgofortheultimateinautumnalflavourwith theForestTrufflepizza Andgetyourphonesready,you’llwant anInstagrammablemomentofoozingstringingcheeseasyou cutasliceandtargetittowardsyourmouth!

Ever dreamt of going to Korea? I have Head to Hongdae PochatoexperiencetheKoreankaraoke-stylednightlifeina restaurant with old-school Korean songs and trendy pop groups blasting out in the background. This is the perfect alternativetoabar,asit’sessentiallytheKoreanequivalent ofapub SampletheKimchiJeon(crispysavourypancakes), tender beef bulgogi, and the renowned Tteok Bok Ki (rice cakesandfishcakesinasweetandspicysauce).

If you’re undecided about what to eat, why not try a blend of Korean and American classics? Coqfighter is an inspired combinationofthetwoinonetocreateadeliciousburger.With branches across London, there’s a reason why this crispy goodnessissopopular TrytheGoldenK-wingsservedwithsweet soyglazeandKoreanhotsauce,theSpicyBuffaloloadedfriesor pickfromtwoofthemostpopularburgers-theOriginalburgeror the Green Chilli Cheese for those who want an extra kick. There areplentyofveganoptionstoaccommodatealltastes

After the success of its first branch in Shoreditch, this classic Vietnamese restaurant opened up a new venture smack in the middleofSoho TrythePrawnSummerRollstoremindyourselfof thelong,hotsummerthat’sjustpassed.Forseafoodfans,sample something different like the Crispy Fried Sea Bream served with spicy green mango salad, nuts and mixed herbs Experience the originalPhonoodlesoupwith24-hourbeefmarrowbonestockonebowlisenoughfortwo,soit’stheperfectdatemeal.

The avo-lution in London's the west end

Avocado are one of the most nutrient-dense fo available, and this Mayfair restaurant choose share all its goodness. Layla Turner discovers m

Just a stone’s throw from Soho is a recent addition to the concept culinary scene; The Avocado Show, which

opened its doors a few steps away from Oxford on Princes Street, back in late 2021. We all know popular avocados are - especially with millennials course - but how lucrative could a solely avocado-based restaurant actually be? It turns out, very.

The Avocado Show operates at 11 sites and six across Europe, including Amsterdam, Paris, Madrid, now London. The concept boasts a massive followers on Instagram, and has gained a loyal fanbase since the opening of its first restaurant in Amsterdam back in 2018. ‘In the beginning’, say owners Ron Simpson and Julien Zaal. ‘The Avocado Show was just a simple idea between two friends. We saw it as a cosy, “gezellig” spot to enjoy beautifully crafted dishes made from our favourite superfruit.’

‘Of course we wanted to create a popular concept, but we couldn’t have predicted how far we’ve come so fast. We expected it to be a place where we could serve our

friends and family in the neighbourhood. It turns out a ot of other people also thought we had a great idea.’

The interior of The Avocado Show is everything you would expect a 'star product' restaurant to to be filled with; neon lights, slogan memes, and baby pink seating. Where the concept differs from other Instagrammable restaurants in the area however, is the food.

The menu boasts an impressive variety of dishes, all centred around the main ingredient: avocados.

Punters can choose from a range of starters and sides including nachos topped with a mountain of fresh guacamole, or avo fries. For breakfast, there’s egg based dishes and pancakes, and for lunch or dinner, tacos, hot bowls, burgers and more. Everything is cooked fresh and though all menu items are centred around the superfood, the dishes are surprisingly flavourful, too.

The idea for a London location originated in 2019 when The Avocado Show collaborated on a pop up with a popular West London restaurant. ‘We worked with Bluebird Chelsea in 2019 on a brief pop-up that was a huge success for us. We were blown away by the enthusiasm from our English fans. From that moment on, we knew a permanent London restaurant had to be in our future’, say the founders.

‘We’ve definitely had London on our radar for some time. We see it as a city where our concept can really thrive. If you look at avocado consumption in the UK, or even how often you see it on menus, you see the potential. As for Soho, there was never any doubt that the restaurant had to be located in the West End.'

Love or hate avocados, this green-with-goodness restaurant is definitely worthy of your attention. With sustainability at its core, The Avocado Show ensures that every single avocado used within each of their restaurants is grown at socially responsible farms.

The avo-lution is here to stay!

The Avo Show | 6 Princes St, London W1B 2LG www.theavocadoshow.com @theavocadoshow

The ongoing war in Ukraine has seen a global boycott of most Russian connections. However there is an exception to every rule Instead of shying away, Zima Russian restaurant in Soho stepped up to the plate in a firm stance of solidarity towards Ukraine. The team's fundraisng efforts have enabled them to raise over £27,000 for Ukrainian refugees through The British Red Cross.

Marketing manager Polina shared; "We at ZIMA Russian Restaurant were dismayed by the catastrophe that is happening in Ukraine and wanted to bring awareness to our guests and show that this was affecting all of us as well. Moreover, our team consists of many Russian speaking nationalities, with many of them being from Ukraine."

In February 2022 ZIMA decided to donate 10% of the restaurant revenue to the British Red Cross in support of Ukrainian refugees. "We tried to do the most we could to show solidarity and help those who were in need at that moment in time. It was a very difficult and rough period for all our team, therefore it was important to take action and help as much as we could." With the help of ZIMA's loyal diners, and partner involvement, they managed to raise £20,675 in the first month alone!

Other initiatives included the addition of flavourful Ukranian Specials developed by Head chef Alexei Zimin, with dishes such as Chicken Kyiv and Spartak – Cacao based Honey Cake. 10% from the sale of these menu items was also donated to the British Red Cross, bringing the total amount raised to an impressive £27,441.31! "It was only possible with the continuous support of our guests. Thank you everyone who has visited us and supported this cause.”

ZIMA Russian Restaurant 45 Frith St, London W1D 4SD www.zima.restaurant |

Written by Kai Lutterodt | @the.soho.girl

10 PUBS IN SOHO & FITZROVIA WITH REAL HISTORY

Written by Nicholas Cox

THE NEWMAN STREET TAVERN

THE RISING SUN

Originally established in 1730, the Rising Sun at the junction of Tottenham Court Road and Windmill Street is an art nouveau Gothic building designed by Victorian architects Treadwell and Martin in 1896 and built by F. A. Rhodes in 1897. In the early 1980s the pub was renamed ‘The Presley’ and decorated with images of Elvis Presley, the owners lowering the ceiling and destroying the Victorian interior.

46 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 2EL www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

THE SUN AND 13 CANTONS

The Sun and 13 Cantons is a Grade II listed public house at 20 Great Pulteney Street, Soho. The pub, which takes its name from Swiss woollen merchants who used to be based nearby, has operated on this site since at least 1756. During that year it appears in Freemasonry records as a Masonic

The Newman Street Tavern was built in 1899 on a site where there has been a pub since the 1780s. Previous names include The Oxford and Cambridge, The Cambridge Stores, The Cambridge Arms, and The Garrick’s Head. The Cambridge Coffee House is recorded on the site in local directories of 1841 and 1856. It is now called Mr Fogs House of Botanicals and is filled entirely with flora and fauna collected from all around the world. Botanicalinspired cocktails are served.

48 Newman St, London W1T 1QQ

THE FRENCH HOUSE

WHITE HORSE

Dating back to the early 1700s, the White Horse was rebuilt in the 1930s with a stunning art deco exterior, including two original stained glass pub signs.

16 Newburgh St, Greater, London W1F 7RY www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

The French House is a Grade II-listed pub and dining room at 49 Dean Street. It was previously known as the York Minster but was informally called ‘the French’ by its regulars. It sells more Ricard than anywhere else in Britain and, before Covid, only served beer in half-pints. During the Second World War, General Charles de Gaulle was a regular, his speech rallying the French people, ‘À tous les Français’, was written in the pub. The name was changed to ‘The French House’ after the fire at York Minster in 1984. Contributions toward the restoration fund started arriving at the pub. Upon forwarding them, the landlord learnt that the cathedral had been receiving deliveries of claret intended for him!

49 Dean St, London W1D www.frenchhousesoho.com

SLUG & LETTUCE

The original No. 5 was one of the larger houses in Lisle Street, dating from 1683. The present No. 5 was designed by Frank T. Verity in 1897. It has a highly picturesque front in the early Renaissance style of northern Europe, a well-composed design dominated by a three-storeyed oriel placed centrally below a great gable, its stepped profile decorated with inverted consoles and crowned with an obelisk. The building was first occupied in 1900 by the French Club and subsequently by Pathé of France and Pathéscope Limited, filmmakers. In 1935 it was purchased by St. John’s Hospital for Diseases of the Skin. It is now part of the Slug and Lettuce pub chain.

5 Lisle St, London WC2H 7BF www.slugandlettuce.co.uk

THE COACH AND HORSE

There are at least six Coach and Horses in London’s West End, two of them in Soho, but the most famous is at 29 Greek Street on the corner with Romilly Street. In the 1980s, it became a haunt for Soho personalities and journalists and its former landlord Norman Balon, became known as London’s rudest bartender. In 1989, the interior of the pub was recreated on stage for the biographical play Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell.

29 Greek St, London W1D 5DH www.coachandhorsessoho.pub

THE GLASSHOUSE STORES

The Glasshouse Stores, 55 Brewer St, Soho was the Coach & Horses when built in 1730, but was renamed in 1876. Its Victorian style is steeped in etched glass and dark wood panelling. A Samuel Smith’s pub, the brewery’s policy is to discourage the use of mobile phones, laptops, tablets, iPads or similar and there is no music or television so as to encourage human-to-human social conversation. Despite lower-thanaverage prices, Samuel Smith’s pubs are generally less crowded and less touristy, with a local atmosphere and yes, people do actually talk to each other!

55 Brewer St, London W1F 9UJ www.whatpub.com

THE BRICKLAYERS ARMS

Dating from 1789, I love the fact that this pub has hardly changed since I started visiting regularly in the 1980s. There has been a no mobile phones policy since they were invented, and it now has a blanket no tech policy!

31 Gresse St, London W1T 1QS www.whatpub.com/pubs

B O L D , B R I G H T A N D B E A U T I F U L

She counts chasing the latest fashions across the globe as part of her job, and for her - London is a place like no other when it comes to style. Model, actress, and digital content creator, CC Mason, reviews the vibrant colours of this season ' s fashion trends - fresh off the catwalk...

Photo: RL Bowles-Meentzen

HOT COLOURS: ORANGE

From rich, deep tones for Fall and Winter all the way through to bold neons for Spring, orange is a colour you need to incorporate into your wardrobe this year. It’s an undeniably adventurous colour, and you ’ re going to be seeing it united with rich fabrics like velvet, silk, and leather (faux or otherwise) for the coming seasons. Depending on the tone, you can team it with black lace and mesh, with creams and beige, or even with denim.

Photo: RL Bowles-Meentzen

DEEP GREEN

Fall and Winter aren’t letting go of green, jus lowering the temperature of the colour to mat the season. Khaki and emerald greens are goi to be all the rage, and just like with orange, playing with textures will be the key to makin thi t d Ph t RL B l M tzen

ALENTINO PINK

ears the fashion world touted the ‘millennial as the hot new colour, and now it’s become mmon that many, myself included, rank it as tral colour Valentino, however, had enough his soft tone, and dedicated its entire Haute ure collection to the now iconic cool toned nk. This is one of the few bright colours that ot be leaving us anytime soon.

o: RL Bowles-Meentzen

DESIGNER TO WATCH

Paul Costelloe was the first show I ever attended at a London Fashion Week, so his designs will always hold a special place in my heart - they’re a fantastic indicator of future trends. For Spring 2023, Costelloe fused hot neons and a divine shad of lilac with whimsical silhouettes and daringly short hemlines

Photo: CC Mason

TRENDING:

rsets and harnesses, once reserved for behindsed-doors affairs only, or at most worn by the more ring fringes of fashionable society, have now been lcomed into the mainstream. Both are being worn h a wide selection of outfits, from the ultraminine, which provides a sharp contrast with leather d buckles, to classic street styles, and even over ts. Photo: RL Bowles-Meentzen

TRENDING: SUITS

Suits, suits, everywhere suits! If you have any doubt about what to wear for Fall, put on a suit Three piece suits, wide leg suits, blazers and suit jackets with clashing prints are all fully on trend for Fall and Winter. As a blazer girl myself, I will not be complaining about making a few additions to my already expansive collection of blazers and suit jackets. There is no colour, no pattern, and no texture off limits this season when it comes to suits, so if you are having an ‘I have nothing to wear ’ moment, suit up! Photo: RL Bowles-Meentzen

Written by CC MASON | IG: @ccmasonrlly

"I love the colour and the style, it's both formal and casual." - @eswiks

DOM WEARING: UNIQLO

"It's warm and stylish." - @domwilliams93

TONICHA WEARING: BARBOUR

"it’s practical and comfy, reminds me of the countryside, where I am from." - @tonicha.india

ESTER W. WEARING: COS

PAULL M. WEARING: LOVERBOY BY CHARLES JEFFERY "It stands out, vibrant colours." - @paullmaurer

CATHERINE

"It’s different and it stands out."

WEARING:

"It’s easy, simple, minimalist and block colours." - @elliexclarke @chuckf_

BRIAN S.

"It’s

WEARING:

"It’s warm and it’s Bob Marley!" - @gingusranks

JAMES R.

TIME IS MONEY

WEARING: Vintage Sheepskin '76

warm, vintage and quality." - @soho_hobo

ELLE & ALEX

ASOS SUIT & AMEE BOTTUGA

WEARING: DESIGUAL AND PHILIP TREACY HAT

POPPY-MAE TOMKINSON

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ON DENNY

th Intensive Repair Capsules a 100% plant-based material his intensive conditioning is designed to treat damaged, nd get them back to optimal just 14 days. They work on d toes! £25/ 30 capsules htondenny.com

ECO WARRIOR

SOS Hand & Body Bar

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SKIN DILIGENT

Vitamin C Serum-in-Oil

This rare vitamin C formula combines the effectiveness of a serum with the com nourishment of bot brighten, intensely h restore the integrity barrier, control seb and prevent breako combat oxidative st premature ageing a level £55 / 30ml www.skindiligent

MESSIAH AND EVE Body Serum

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Blending premium skincare ingredients usually reserved for the face, with a bespoke French fine fragrance this innovative, super concentrated, yet lightweight formula, brimming with active ingredients, packs a powerful punch to bring dull, dry, tired skin back to life £38 / 200ml www.messiahandeve.co.uk

E Y O N D R O N N I 'E S

Do you play word association games at Christmas, where someone says something, and you reply with the first thing that comes into your head? So if they said “Soho Jazz” you would reply “Ronnie Scott’s!”

Operating since 1959, this much-loved world-class institution is an integral part of the fabric of Soho. But despite the relatively high prices it has become a victim of its own success and tickets sell out weeks in advance, preventing spontaneous nights out. So, if a friend phones one morning saying, “let’s go out in Soho tonight, I fancy a bit of jazz”, one thing is certain, you won’t be going downstairs at Ronnies (upstairs is OK but it’s not the same). So, what are the alternatives and where can you get in without booking weeks in advance?

Trisha’s, a London speakeasy behind the blue door of 57 Greek Street, also known as the New Evaristo Club, is a Soho legend. The history of Trisha’s runs deep - a bastion of oldschool Soho, it’s been going for 78 years now, making it the oldest jazz club in Soho. Five pounds to get in, and another fiver for a beer, it’s the best value night out in Soho! Don’t be put off by the décor, there is no-one alive who is old enough to remember the smell of fresh paint in Trisha’s, and as a result when the band strikes up, the whole room comes alive, delivering a jazz experience like no other.

Crazy Coqs, at 20 Sherwood Street, is in the basement next to the majestic Beaux-Arts Parisian style dining spot, Brasserie Zédel. It is a small intimate live performance venue offering cabaret, jazz, comedy, and other live shows. Unfortunately, it is not a well-kept secret and jazz performances sell out almost as quickly as at Ronnies.

A G U I D E T O J A Z Z M U S I C A C R O S S S O H O A N D T H E W E S T E N D

The 100 Club at 100 Oxford Street has been hosting live music since October 1942 when it was called the Feldman Swing Club. The club became a mecca for black musicians such as Frank Holder, Coleridge Goode and Ray Ellington. Other notable jazz musicians, including Louis Armstrong, Sonny Stitt, Lee Konitz and Archie Shepp, also played here. Bigname touring bands (including the Rolling Stones) often play “secret” or low-key unadvertised gigs, relying on word of mouth to fill the 350-capacity space. You might be lucky enough to get in on the night but generally, the busy programme is booked up many months in advance.

Opened in 1985, Jazz After Dark at 9 Greek St, Soho is an intimate, low-lit cocktail bar staging live nightly jazz, funk, soul and R ‘n’ B The eclectic setting has played host to many up and coming musicians, along with well established and renowned artists including the late, great, Amy Winehouse. It’s also an art gallery during the day, where resident artist Sam Shaker showcases a selection of his most popular works, including portraits of the many visiting celebrities from down the years. You don’t need to book in advance, but you’ll need to arrive early if you want a seat, and the band doesn’t start early. | 9 Greek St, London W1D 4DQ

Established in 1993, the “Ain’t Nothing But - the Blues Bar” at 20 Kingly Street uses the Paris jazz business model – no booking, no entry fee, just buy a drink and listen to the music, seven days a week; with two bands playing every evening, go to the early session if you want a seat. | 20 Kingly St, London W1B 5PZ

Ever wondered what it would be like to have a jazz band in your living room? Well wonder no more, because The Piano Bar Soho at 16 Carlisle Street hosts live jazz in the living room of a Georgian town house. You can book tickets at lunch time for the evening performances, usually an early and a late show, but you might not get seats in the same room as the band! If you do get in, try the Smoked Old-Fashioned cocktail, you won’t be disappointed! |

16 Carlisle St, London W1D 3BT

Built in 1898, and now a listed building, The Spice Of Life, part of the McMullen family of pubs since 1986, is a traditional London pub, but one with an esteemed musical heritage. In the 1960s it hosted many great acts of the time, such as Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and Cat Stevens; in the ‘70s The Spice of Life became a regular haunt for The Sex Pistols. In the late 1990s a thriving Jazz Club started up in the basement and continues to attract top acts. Although a popular venue, it’s easy to get in, you can book at lunch time, turn up at opening time, grab the best seat and have a pub meal before the music starts. I highly recommend it. |

6 Moor St, London W1D 5NA

DID YOU KNOW, WE ORGANISE EVENTS TOO?

As well as writing about brilliant events, we also organise and host pretty cool ones! With access to varied and niche audiences across Soho and the West End, we offer the best experience for both our clients, and our guests.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Stamp your authority on a topic of your expertise, or use this hot seat as an introduction to a new audience

LAUNCHEVENTS

&NEWOPENINGS

If a diverse crowd is what you want, we ' re at your service! Speak to us about organising your launch party or an event to spotlight your brand

INFLUENCER'SNETWORK

We work regularly with some of the most exciting London-based content creators on social media! They’re passionate and have a track record of achieving high engagement with their audiences For all event enquiries, get in touch with us TODAY! events@mysohotimes.co.uk

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STRETCH & BREATHE:

Three ways in which Yoga means Self-care

When you walk into a Yoga class, the teacher will ask you to go barefoot and leave your phone outside. Although many people ignore the phone part... it's a good idea to completely disconnect from the world for an hour. Depending on the style of the Yoga class you signed up for, you may have to focus entirely on your balance, coordination and breathing. This doesn’t leave much headspace for anything else (like thinking about your to do list). So at least for an hour a week, it's all about you. Take that time to move, breathe and let go.

2. Yoga gets you out of your comfort zone, which is a good thing.

Yoga can challenge your body with intricate poses. It can test your strength, flexibility and balance. But most importantly, it can totally change your perception of what your body can and cannot do. When we encounter something that looks difficult, our default thinking is "I cannot do that", "I am not able to", and sometimes we can't, but we should at least try. Yoga forces you to look at your body in a very different way and to honour its abilities and limitations. Yoga teaches you patience and resilience, skills we need in our everyday life.

Many people have no idea what "listening to your body" means. It means becoming aware of the signals that your body sends. It means knowing exactly when to rest and when to move, when to hold on to something and when to let go.

Yoga teaches you walk through life with a deeper knowledge of yourself and your value. It teaches you that it's ok to rest, to do less, to say no to a meeting or a. night out. It's self-care to say 'I'm not feeling my best today, I will slow down.'

Ana Stefan is a Posture Coach, Yoga Teacher, Pilates Instructor and Flexibility Coach based in Dublin Ireland. She helps people improve their posture, strength and mobility to live better and without pain.

www.anastefan.ie

3. Yoga teaches you the ultimate self-care tool: how to listen to your own body.

1. You leave your shoes and your worries at the door.

HELP IS AT HAND: LOOKING OUT FOR OTHERS,

Activelistening andself-care

At Central London Samaritans, people often ask how they can look out for friends, colleagues and family members. What are the signs that someone might be struggling or feeling suicidal? And how should someone initiate a conversation with someone they’re worried about? People fear that they might not be prepared to hear that someone is considering taking their life, and many people are concerned about ‘saying the wrong thing’ or ‘making it worse’. Amber Murray, from Central London Samaritans shares ways we can look out for others, and implement self-care into your own routine.

BACK TO THE BASICS: HUMAN KINDNESS

Anyone can feel invisible and alone in a room full of people; often exacerbated by everyone else appearing to be happy or content. What helps? Being ‘seen’ and being asked if you’re okay helps. Having the opportunity to air compounding, negative thoughts in a confidential space without fear of judgement can give someone an enormous feeling of relief and help reveal other options and pathways beyond despair or thoughts of ending one’s own life.

SPOTTING THE SIGNS

What does ‘someone struggling’ look like? Unfortunately, it can look like nothing at all. Some people are adept at hiding how they are really feeling. Others may exhibit one or many signs that they’re finding things hard and can no longer see a way forward.

Some people may be withdrawn and shutting everyone out, not taking care of themselves,drinking heavily, tearful, not sleeping, constantly tired or lethargic, finding it difficult to focus, experiencing panic attacks or showing signs of anxiety.

Someone who is considering taking their life may act out of the ordinary, like calling or texting much more or much less than normal, or they may behave in ways that are reckless like speeding, drink driving or walking in unsafe areas alone at night.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND REMEMBER, THIS IS HARDER FOR THE PERSON WHO IS STRUGGLING

It can feel awkward to start a conversation with someone you might be concerned about, particularly if you don’t know them well. You could try something like: ‘I’ve noticed you’re a bit quiet, are you okay? Do you want to talk?’. As long as it feels natural and not like an interrogation, it’s worth a try.

Don't make it about you by interjecting with 'oh that happened to me once'. And don't judge by saying things like, ‘you shouldn't have done that’.

Avoid giving advice, because it can be confusing and conflicting; if given the time and space to really explore their feelings, people often come to their own conclusions about how they can make changes in their lives. Sometimes it might be necessary to signpost to further support, such as Samaritans, GPs and other organisations, which is different than giving advice, it’s just letting someone know there’s more help out there.

THE SUBJECT OF SUICIDE

It's important not to shy away from talking about suicide; it might be the only opportunity someone has had to put the thought out there. If someone says, ‘I don’t see the point in carrying on’ or, ‘I don't want to live anymore’ to a friend or family member, their immediate reaction might be alarm, shock, or even self-blame: ‘but you have me, am I not enough?’, (which actually shifts the focus away from the person who is confiding).

A well-meaning response may also come out as a sort of reprimand: ‘don’t be ridiculous!’ or, 'don't say that, you have so much to live for!'. Comments like this will most likely result in a quick retraction: 'well obviously I'm not serious!', which shuts the conversation down. The person will no doubt continue to feel isolated, heavy or hopeless and avoid talking about it to anyone else.

If instead you were to respond with, ‘how long have you been feeling like that?’, or ‘what's been happening lately to make you feel that way?’, or ‘have you thought about ending your life?’, their feelings are validated and the opportunity to really talk is there.

Ultimately most people don't want to end their lives, they just want the pain to stop and to feel like life is worth living again. Let them talk and see what a difference it makes to their demeanour, sometimes immediately.

SELF-CARE IS ESSENTIAL

I realise that I am writing quite passionately about how we can all consciously look out for others and be good listeners, but it is equally important to remember that we matter too. As listeners, we aren't

there to fix things for other people, and we can’t take someone’s problems and make them our own.

One way to feel lighter is to do something that makes you feel connected with your happier self, like being in nature, doing something creative, or spending time with people that bring you joy. If you're feeling heavy, worried or stressed, talk to someone you trust. We can't only be listeners, there must be balance; Samaritans always look to each other for support. Some of our Samaritans have been volunteers for 10, 20 and even 50 years, but they couldn't do it without looking after themselves in the process.

One of our longest serving Samaritans uses an excellent analogy, which she borrowed from flight attendants: ‘always put your own oxygen mask on before helping someone else’. Look after yourself so you can be there for others. Feeling as low as the person you are listening to isn’t how you help them (in fact it would probably make them feel worse!), just listening, really listening, is what helps. Everyone deserves to feel like someone cares, and – as another wise Samaritan once said – "nobody should die because they have nobody to talk to."

Written by Amber Murray |www.samaritans.org