The name Soho is thought to come from a 17th-century hunting and battle cry. From the 17th to early 20th century it was a place to be avoided. It was developed as an urban area from the late 16th century onwards. In those early days it was not a place for decent people. Prostitutes strolled the streets, pickpockets were on the lookout for the unwary, and it was not the place to wander far from the street lights. This all changed with the coming of the 20th century when it became the centre of London's bohemian life with writers and intellectuals filling the many restaurants and pubs. The area has also developed into a place for great jazz clubs. If you like jazz don't miss Ronnie Scott's club.
Soho Square is a good place to start exploring. Entering Soho from the busy intersection where Oxford Street meets Charing Cross Road is like entering another world. If you hear someone say, “Oh, look at that cute little Tudor cottage!” you can be sure they do not live in Soho. The ‘cottage’ in the centre of the square was built in 1947 from the timber of an old ship. this romantic cottage is actually the cover for a ventilation shaft (air vent). Not very romantic!
Nearby Greek Street contains some of London’s best ethnic restaurants. The street has also been known for the quality of its coffee houses and taverns since the 1670’s. Anyone in search of “real English tea” should visit Maison Bertaux at 28 Greek Street which has been here since 1871. It is a small, informal place with superb pastries and ‘Real English tea’.
Soho is full of history. Opposite Soho Square is Dean Street where Karl Marx lived above the Quo Vadis restaurant. He wrote his famous book Das Capital here.’
Old Compton Street is Soho’s main shopping area and is famous for its ethnic restaurants and interesting shops. Good Italian coffee can be found at the Bar Italia at 22 Frith Street - the most authentic Italian Coffee Shop in Soho. The nine-year-old Mozart stayed with his father and sister in the house next door to the Bar Italia from 1764 to 1765.
Berwick Street Market is located near the end of the Soho district. In the nineteenth century it was a crowded slum, but now has a lively fruit and vegetable market.
These are just a few of the many interesting places to see in Soho. Stroll around and you will discover much more.
Cathy Smith - I have Miss McGinn to thank for my becoming a writer. I was in her class for only two years from age nine to eleven. In what we called ...
