There’s still a note of fresh paint lingering as you walk into the the time warp of an iconic establishment. This is how I spontaneously spent my 20th anniversary living in Soho, by heading over Mayfair’s Heddon Street to experience the recreation of Soho’s iconic drinking den that closed in 2008. The legacy of the Colony Room Club lives on, and with its return, a new chapter in Soho’s artistic history is about to unfold…
Photo: Editor Kai Lutterodt and Nicholas Cox visit the Colony Room Green | My Soho Times
The original Colony Room Club founded by Muriel Belcher is described as “a small, darkish mirrored room which can get amazing full.” Inside this the green warp homage to the original, it was abuzz with former members reminiscing on the old times, and those like myself filled with curiosity. I never got to visit the original Colony Room Club before it’s closure 15yrs ago. I was either too young or clueless – perhaps a bit of both!
Known for its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, the Colony Room Club played an integral role in shaping the art scene in the mid-20th century. Established in 1948, the club quickly became a hub for artists, writers, and intellectuals, attracting creative minds from all walks of life. Its bohemian ambiance and infamous reputation as a sanctuary for free-spirited individuals made it a magnet for the avant-garde crowd.
Artists such as Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, and Damien Hirst were regulars at the Colony Room Club, enjoying the camaraderie and creative energy that flowed within its walls. The club’s intimate setting and dimly lit interior created an atmosphere of mystery and exclusivity, making it a haven for those seeking an escape from the outside world.
Unfortunately, in 2008, the Colony Room Club shut its doors, marking the end of an era. Many feared that Soho’s vibrant art scene would never be the same without its beloved haunt. However, after over a decade of absence, the news of its return has injected a sense of hope and anticipation into the community.
The revival of the Colony Room Club in the form of the Colony Room Green (or simply ‘the Colony‘ as I’m hearing locals call it) promises to bring back the spirit of artistic freedom and creativity that thrived within its predecessor’s walls. You’ll find artists and enthusiasts alike once again experiencing the unique charm and allure that made the club legendary.
Whether you’re a longtime admirer or a newcomer curious to explore its history, the Colony Room Green, through a secret door in the basement of the newly opened Ziggy Green restaurant, is undoubtedly a cause for celebration.
p.s there’s a no phones policy (however being the millennial journalist that I am, I was exempt from that rule), and don’t be surprised to hear the words ‘cunty‘ (my auto-correct clearly is!), and ‘f**k off‘ floating about… means the punters must like you!
📍 Colony Room Green, Ziggy Green 4 Heddon St, London W1B 4BS |
Written by Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl
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