Soho is a relatively small geographical area in the heart of London covering just over one square mile. Soho’s borders are generally considered to be Oxford Street to the north, Shaftesbury Avenue in the south and Charing Cross Road and Regent’s Street to east and west respectively.
Soho’s name derives from an English 16th century hunting cry “so-hoe” back when the area was open fields and grazing land used to hunt hare.
During the second half of the 17th century new building progressed rapidly. This development was enhanced after the Great Fire of London in 1666, which created a huge demand for new housing. In the 1670s construction began in Golden Square, Gerrard Street and Old Compton Street while Soho Square was laid out in 1681.
In the 18th century, Soho was a residential area that rivaled Mayfair and St James’s as a fashionable London address. Large, elegant houses were built by the end of the 17th century and the area still retains a great deal of this original street pattern.
Soho’s modern day cosmopolitan nature, with coffee and cocktail drinkers on table lined streets, has its roots in the large influx of different nationalities to the area over time. From the French Huguenots in 1685, to Italians and Greeks in the 18th and 19th centuries, to the Chinese influences in the 20th century, all have left their mark on Soho’s social scene.
Restaurants and bars are numerous in Soho, literally offering something for everyone; there is a fantastic mix of Michelin starred restaurants such as Arbutus and Yauatcha intertwined with small, independent establishments which give Soho a real community feel.
Entertainment is at the centre of Soho’s fabric. The world famous Ronny Scott’s Jazz Club, The Box and G-A-Y are just three of the many venues which have helped cement Soho’s reputation as the place to go out in central London.
There are also theatres showing productions such as Jersey Boys and Priscilla Queen of the Desert as well as many private members clubs, made famous in the 1960s.
Despite social change, Soho’s character remains. The impressive loft and warehouse conversions are immersed in history and character. The artistic clientele of the 1680s have evolved into the advertising and media companies based in the area today. Soho still attracts an eclectic crowd helping keep the vivacious qualities and friendly atmosphere on every street.
Soho benefits from Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus and Tottenham Court Road underground stations being nearby as well as Charing Cross for overground train services.
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