Jeffrey Bernard was a renowned figure in London’s vibrant, bohemian neighbourhood of Soho. Notorious for his excessive drinking and partying, his lifestyle added to his legendary status. Join Nicholas Cox as he re-traces the footsteps of this prominent Soho figure with a guide though Soho. But first, let’s find out who Bernard was…
Who was the Soho legend Jeffery Bernard?
Born on May 27, 1932, in London, England, Jeffrey Bernard lived a life that epitomised the eccentricity of the area. Bernard was primarily known for his distinct personality, witty writing, and his notorious lifestyle. He gained fame as a columnist for The Spectator, where he penned his renowned column titled “Low Life”, which chronicled his escapades, observations, and musings on the Soho scene. In his writing, Bernard fearlessly delved into the depths of his own self-destructive behaviour, his tumultuous relationships, and his indulgence in alcohol.
Jeffrey Bernard’s unique style of writing captivated readers by offering a peek into his tumultuous life and the colorful characters that inhabited Soho. With his sharp wit and unabashed honesty, he painted a vivid picture of the vibrant yet gritty world he inhabited. Despite his tumultuous lifestyle, Bernard remained a beloved figure in Soho. He was an integral part of the community, known for his charm, charisma, and quick wit. His presence in the local pubs and bars was a cornerstone of the Soho experience. Jeffery Bernard’s influence extended well beyond his lifetime. Following his death in 1997, he continued to be remembered as a symbol of Soho’s vibrant and rebellious spirit, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as a Soho legend.
In the footsteps of Jeffrey Bernard
I’m just starting a new project below Kemp House in Berwick Street whose most famous resident was Jeffrey Bernard. The journalist died in 1997, but the Soho legend lives on, so I decided to retrace his footsteps around his favourite Soho watering holes.
Leaving Kemp House, he would have turned right down Berwick Street then left into Peter Street, crossing Wardour Street into Meard Street, crossing Dean Street and turning left, he would have entered 41 Dean Street, which was the Colony Room Club, a private members’ drinking club presided over by Muriel Belcher from its inception in 1948 until her death in 1979. Upstairs where the club was, is now residential. The ground floor is now a restaurant called “Ducksoup”.
Leaving the Colony, Jeff would have continued down Dean Street to the Groucho Club, another private members’ club formed in 1985 at 45 Dean Street. Here he would drink vodka and sodas until irate editors phoned him for his late copy. If he was too “tired” to produce anything they would print the famous euphemism “Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell” by way of explanation.
Leaving the Groucho and crossing Old Compton Street, Jeff would arrive at The French House, 49 Dean Street. After the fall of France during the Second World War, General Charles de Gaulle was a regular and his speech rallying the French people, “À tous les Français”, was written in the pub. Clive Jennings describes The French as a staging point on the “Dean Street shuffle”, part of “the lethal triangle” of Jeffrey Bernard’s favourite watering holes. It used to sell more Ricard than anywhere else in Britain, and only served beer in half-pints, but this tradition was dropped after the pandemic. It retains its Bohemian Soho character, where people chose to share time and conversation.
Continuing down Dean Street, Jeff would have turned left into Romilly St, stopping at Ketner’s, an excellent French Restaurant with a risqué reputation until it became a pizza parlour in 1980. Now it’s another private members’ club, Ketner’s Townhouse.
After a bite to eat, Jeff would have continued along Romilly Street, crossing Greek Street to enter his favourite pub, The Coach and Horses. The landlord for over 60 years was Norman Balon, who developed a persona as “London’s rudest landlord“. In 1989, the interior of the pub was recreated on stage for the biographical play about Bernard, “Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell”.
It was quiet when I entered and the barmaid looked too young to remember Jeff, but I lent on the bar and as casually as I could, enquired “Jeff been in?” Maybe she was a professional actress resting between plays, but her laughter seemed genuine to me, and she introduced me to two gentlemen who were standing in Jeff’s spot at the bar discussing plans to stage the play “Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell” in the pub. They promised to invite me to the event.
Jeffrey Bernard was more than just a Soho legend; he was an enigmatic figure who left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of London. Through his writing and larger-than-life persona, he embodied the essence of Soho’s bohemian spirit and remains an iconic figure in the history of the neighbourhood.
Jeffrey Bernard – the Soho legend – lives on!
Written by Nicholas Cox @njcoxx
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I see The French House there, but Jeff frequented a place not far from the C&H that he called the French Pub, but was different, and had nothing French in its name. I am trying to remember its name but am coming up short. Its sign was simple, a sort of herald or shield, dark red perhaps, with three stars?
I often ask for a book at the library this way.
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