To kick-start our International Women’s Month series, we’re highlighting Soho resident and founder of My Soho Times, Kai Lutterodt aka The Soho Girl. In this article (originally published in the winter issue of the Soho Clarion), Kai reflects on her two decades of calling Soho home…
As I write this article in the early morning of Thursday 23rd November, it occurs to me that this date marks my 20th year living in Soho. I was in my late teens in 2003 when I moved to Greek Street, followed by a short stint in Drury Lane Covent Garden, before settling back, in Soho. To have my whole adult life shaped through my experience of living and working in Soho is quite a privilege I don’t take for granted. In fact, I wear the honour with pride – ‘The Soho Girl‘. My characteristics, particularly around tolerance, acceptance, and resilience are all from living and working in Soho.
Early memories
My earliest memories of Soho date back to childhood. My dad was a music journalist back in the day, and I fondly remember him bringing home signed autographs. I also remember accompanying my dad to underground bars and record stores in Soho during the late 90s. It was also in this vicinity that my love for Chinese culture was sparked with visits to Chinatown, which led to me picking up books like “Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China” and eventually a visit to Beijing in 1999 with Dad. This trip played a significant role in shaping my love for travel writing.
My early years living in Soho included Berwick Street market. Handy Andy’s was the equivalent to the budget stores I’d find in the more diverse residential areas I grew up around such as Camberwell and Harlesden. It was at Andy’s that I got all my home essentials for the flat I still live in 18 years ago. I most likely went in for a dustpan and broom, but walked out with everything else but the kitchen sink!
Starting My Soho Times
You can live somewhere, but it’s not until you actively engage and immerse yourself, that you’re actually part of that community. The turning point for me was four years ago when I decided to start a print publication, My Soho Times. Prior to that, I’d been dabbling in travel journalism, shortly after graduating from university with a BA Hons in Journalism. However, that plan soon fizzled out in my third year when I was diagnosed as being dyslexic. On one hand, a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders, and on the other hand, the damage to my confidence had already been done. The thought of applying to work for a company scared me to the core – and still does, so I knew being my own boss would have to be my sole option.
It takes a lot of guts to set up a free publication alone, with little funds, and even less support at the time. However, with bundles of determination, I’ve managed to publish 10 editions, with the 11th out in January. Some highlights have been the Autumn 2020 ‘Take Away Issue’ featuring stories of resilience during lockdown, and the Autumn 2021 cover which featured all senior models of colour. I’m also super excited about the launch of our new Annual Catalogue magazine which will be released in January 2024, with the wonderful George Skeggs on the front cover to mark his 80th birthday.
The people I’ve met
I’ve met the most amazing people and equally some of the most outrageous characters during my time in Soho. However, my neighbours are first and foremost those I have to thank for the wholesome experience I’ve had since young adulthood to now. Namely artist and former model Rebecca Taylor who now has a fab travel blog ‘Old Bird Travels Solo’, and Beverly Ellie who I view as a community champion standing up for the marginalised, particularly those with disabilities.
Other people I’ve been inspired by in Soho include Clare Lynch during her time at Soho Society and the late, great Leslie Hardcastle whom I found an interesting connection with; we both have Croydon to Soho ties. Tony Shrimplin of the Museum of Soho, Tony Phillips aka Tony the Soho Tailor whose studio has been a refuge to hear some amazing stories of his service in Soho for over 50 years. Sadly he’s packing up from the Berwick Street studio. Let’s hope we can keep him in Soho. Continuing on, Mark Powell did the honours of being the My Soho Times first issue cover star. Bev Elliot aka The Punk Queen of Soho, dynamic lads that make up ‘The Soho Flannuers’ (you’ll see them outside Bar Italia, or My Place!), and tattoo artist Darryl Gates.
I’ve also been lucky enough to collaborate with amazing Soho-based creatives such as Ari Gurdon-Lindey, and most recently for my anniversary shoot, Danny Woodstock. Angela Fealy is a gifted filmmaker who also celebrates a milestone 10th anniversary of living in Soho. You’ll probably find us at Trisha’s celebrating, and dragging Neil Harrison – he’d get ‘Best Barman of the Year’ award from me if I gave them out!).
Then course, there is artist and style icon George Skeggs whom I recently had lunch with at Poppies where he shared stories of arriving at Piccadilly in 1957 on the number 6 bus and making his way into Soho where he stumbled across the 2i’s Cafe “That was it!” he exclaimed, “I was hooked! I’ve been here ever since”.
I’d like to see more support from the local council and local businesses collaborating with Soho Creatives. This is something I’ve very passionate about, and where possible use my platform to shout about those that do.
I’ve met so many people in Soho over the 20 years, some nice, some not so. My biggest take away is that No everyone is going to like you, and that’s OK. Like Usher says on a hit R’n’B “Just dust your shoulders off and don’t care what no-one says about you”!
What’s next for My Soho Times?
We’ve finalised our new annual catalogue magazine which will have a listing of Lifestyle businesses across Soho & the West End. I’ve had to pivot my business plan from being ‘hyper-local’ to being ‘Soho-centric’ (unfortunately I didn’t get enough support from local businesses), so it’s businesses or brands with an audience in Soho.
The 2024 annual catalogue magazine with Soho George as the cover star comes out in Jan/February. Keep an eye out on http://www.mysohotimes.co.uk for updates and pre-order. Follow my Soho journey on IG @the.soho.girl
Written by Kai Lutterodt
This article was originally published in the winter issue of The Soho Clarion
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