LCC x MST: A Whole World Called Soho | My Soho Times

This issue of My Soho Times magazine is presented by MA Journalism students from London College of Communication (LCC) who have assumed responsibility of producing content as part of their collaborative unit. This special edition is a reflection of their ideas and creativity, featuring their chosen articles, images and social media content (keep an eye out on our TikTok for more!), all centred around the vibrant central London area loved by visitors and locals alike… Experience the world of Soho through their distinctive perspectives.

A Whole World Called Soho

Written by Natália Maria de Oliveira Magalhães

This neighbourhood is continuously inviting locals and visitors to embark on a unique journey, so buckle up and come with us to learn more about its multicultural past.

Covering an area of approximately one square mile (or 2.6 square kilometres) in bustling Central London, Soho encapsulates the diverse essence of the city. It is a place where history, culture and constant evolution collide, giving way to charming streets, unique boutiques, endless restaurant options and a vibrant energy.

Over the last few decades, Soho has earned a reputation as a leading player on the cultural scene due not only to its commitment to creativity and innovation, but also to its concern for cherishing its past. Today, it is known as the city’s centre for music, film, theatre, fashion, and design. Everything happens here. Some even say that before a trend takes over the whole of London, it first passes through Soho.

In a video on YouTube, the vice-chair of The Soho Society, David Gleeson, reflects: “We all live in on top of, over, under, sideways to theatres, cinemas, strip joints, shops, cafes, restaurants, bars… It’s a very delicate balance in this ecosystem – but it works.”

Its cultural roots, however, extend beyond geographical boundaries. And we’re not just talking about the street names. Yes, there are indeed several streets in the vicinity named after countries; Greek Street, Denmark Street, Poland Street, Livonia Street (modern Latvia) and, of course, the charming Chinatown. But here we’re talking about the people who contribute to this thriving area.

Chinatown London | Image by Natália Maria de Oliveira Magalhães

Why Soho? Let’s Talk History!

“It was the first port of call; it was cheap, and it provided asylum to people forced out of their own countries by political and religious persecution over the centuries. Soho welcomed these people, but then benefitted enormously from the creativity and culture they brought,” says another member of The Soho Society for over 40 years, Wendy Hardcastle.

Different nationalities chose Soho to build their lives and remain here to this day. At the beginning of the 20th century, immigrants arriving in London – often in search of refuge and a new start – saw the area as a kind of sanctuary. According to the online portal British History, this was a time of prosperity in the region, when property development was in full swing.

Immigrants from all over the world brought their customs, traditions, and narratives with them. Notably, the Italian and Chinese communities have a strong presence in the region today, but you can also find elements of French, Spanish, Maltese, and many other cultures. There’s room for everyone.

Meet some of the locals

To showcase the heritage of contemporary China, it was in the heart of Chinatown that David Tang founded the cultural centre China Exchange in 2015 and since then it has promoted festivals, exhibitions, events, and volunteer projects. Tang passed away in 2017, however the centre remains steadfast in its mission to promote China to its community to foreigners through art.

De Hems | Image by Natália Maria de Oliveira Magalhães

A little further back, in the 19th century, a Dutch sailor arrived on Macclesfield Street and opened an oyster bar, which he named after himself. De Hems soon gained fame for serving poets, gangsters, and music industry entrepreneurs. During the Second World War, the place became a secret meeting place for the resistance after the Netherlands was occupied by the Nazis. Today, the area’s only Dutch pub makes it its mission to make sure you eat like a Hollander, offering their round Bitterballen (meatballs), craft ales and gin.

Not far from there, on Frith Street, is Lobos, a meat and tapas restaurant. After working together for seven years, friends Roberto, Joel, Cortés, and Ruben decided it was time to open a business together. As you enter the space with its dark red walls, low lighting, and semi-open kitchen, you can get a taste of the best that Spanish cuisine has to offer, with a varied menu of meats and wines, to the sound of rock and roll.

And it’s on Hanway Street is where Luis de Souza’s business is located. The Brazilian arrived in London in 1985 and opened his restaurant Feijão do Luis (meaning Luis’ Beans) on Oxford Street in 1996, before moving to his current address in Fitzrovia.

With brightly coloured décor, live music, a variety of desserts and, of course, the famous feijoada, Souza created a real meeting place for Brazilians in the city. According to the Evening Standard, he “has done more than most to promote Brazilian food” in the city.

“Soho is always changing, and we can’t change that,” Gleeson continues, but it’s safe to say that it has remained a village at heart. And it is precisely in this surprisingly harmonious fusion of new trends and historic charm that anyone, from anywhere, can feel at home in London.

Visit these restaurants

LOBOS, 48 FRITH ST, LONDON W1D 4SG www.lobostapas.co.uk
DE HEMS DUTCH CAFE BAR, 11 MACCLESFIELD ST, LONDON W1D 5BW www.dehemspub.co.uk
FEIJÃO DO LUIS, 20 HANWAY ST, LONDON W1T 1UG

Written by Natália Maria de Oliveira Magalhães