Caught Short in Soho? There’s a new study underway to get to the bottom of Soho’s Public Toilet issues | My Soho Times

To pee or not to pee? That is the question that Plan for Soho and The Soho Society are jointly tackling head-on in a quest for a deeper understanding into the uncharted territory of public toilet facilities in Soho. A newly commissioned study will investigate how lavatorial amenities impact everything from business to residents’ quality of life, local economy, and vulnerable social groups. Our editor, Kai Lutterodt, explores more around this sensitive area…

Soho is the world-famous square-mile neighbourhood in the heart of London, known for its bustling streets, lively entertainment venues, and diverse range of restaurants, cafes, eateries, bars and pubs. However, one aspect that often goes unnoticed but plays a crucial role in maintaining the area’s liveliness – is the presence of public loos.

The lack of toilets in Soho is a bit of a “p*** take,” as some punters might bluntly put it. Being a resident in Soho means you’ve probably witnessed some pretty creative ways people find to relieve themselves on the streets. I thought I’d seen it all until the lockdowns of 2020/21 took things to a whole another level. Ah, the sight of someone’s derrière gracing the sidewalk (to take a dump) was the peak of horror! Now, while I may have the luxury of dashing home whenever nature calls, I can’t help but empathise with anyone who might find themselves caught short in Soho. So fear not, I come with a contribution of a few pointers for a compelling case as to why our bustling area would benefit from investment of clean and safe public loos, which will undoubtedly contribute positively to the overall well-being and reputation of the area in the long term.

Why Public Loos in Soho are a Necessity

A safe space for when nature calls

Public restrooms are undeniably a necessity in Soho for many reasons. Firstly, the sheer influx of visitors and tourists that flock to the area on a daily basis demands accessible and clean restroom facilities. Whether it’s a shopper needing a quick break, a local worker enjoying their lunch break, or a visitor exploring the vibrant streets, having well-maintained public loos ensures their comfort and convenience throughout their experience. Public toilets are potential lifesavers (well, savers of embarrassment, depending on your perspective!).

Contribute to the overall cleanliness of Soho

The presence of public toilets contributes to the overall cleanliness and hygiene of the area. By providing these facilities, people are less likely to resort to alternative options when nature calls. This, in the long run, helps contribute to the overall well-being of communities. Imagine being able to inhale the sweet smell of fresh croissants from the nearby bakery – without a the underlining scent of urine, during your commute across Soho.

A symbol of inclusivity and accessibility

As much as a portable loo can be an eyesore, public toilets are a symbol of inclusivity and accessibility. They serve as a practical solution for both locals and visitors who may not have access to private facilities nearby. This includes those with medical conditions, disabilities, pregnant people, and the elderly by providing access. Some may also have facilities equipped with features such as accessible stalls, handrails, and diaper-changing stations. This ensures that everyone can comfortably and confidently navigate their day-to-day activities.

Less exposure, higher safety?

Okay, so the fact remains that Soho has a safety issue, especially after hours. Restrooms aren’t going to solve this; however, having designated public toilets in key areas for people to use is likely to reduce the likelihood of public urination or indecent exposure, which can be distressing and offensive to passersby (I still have sore eyes from the unwarranted sight of someone’s backside!).

Boost the local economy

Public bathrooms also have a positive impact on local economies. They encourage tourism and enhance the overall visitor experience in a particular area. Travellers and tourists often appreciate having access to clean restroom facilities, especially in popular tourist destinations such as the West End. By investing in well-designed and well-maintained public restrooms, communities can attract more visitors and boost their local economies… money talks!

The bottomline is that, public toilets in Soho play a vital role in maintaining the vibrancy, cleanliness, and accessibility of the neighbourhood. They provide a necessary amenity for visitors and locals alike, contribute to a cleaner environment, cater to healthy and accessibility needs, and enhance overall safety. The availability of public toilets reflects on the Local Authority’s commitment to making Soho a desirable destination for people from all walks of life.

Words and photography by Kai Lutterodt | @the.soho.girl

Share your thoughts in the comment box below!

We’d love to hear your feedback, suggestions, comments. For partnerships, social media coverage and feature requests please email kai@mysohotimes.co.uk

More from the Blog!

Get social with us – follow and tag us! @mysohotimes #MySohoTimes