Historically, Soho was always the centre of bohemian life in London – a neighbourhood notorious for drinking, fashion, cabaret, music, and the sex industry.
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Since the 17th century, when entrepreneurs and craftspeople first arrived to set up shop, this square mile of the English capital operated as a space where Chinese, Italian, Jewish, Hungarian, Bengali and LGBTQ communities could mingle freely. It was a place for freedom and expression, unlike anywhere else in the city.
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But over the years, Soho, like most of London, has been hit by sweeping gentrification. With Crossrail – the new underground line being built on its borders – scheduled for completion in Autumn 2020, things are likely to only get worse. Today, Soho’s countercultural spots are a few final frontiers, as opposed to the norm.
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