Editor’s Note: 5 Years of My Soho Times Magazine | My Soho Times

Five years ago, the journey of My Soho Times magazine began with a self-funded pilot printed in Soho. Despite facing initial challenges with printing costs and a lack of advertisers, the mission has remained to capture the essence of Soho in a tangible form. Founder and editor Kai Lutterodt reflects on changes five years on, plus shares her season’s picks!

The Journey to Print

Soho resident, founder and editor of My Soho Times; Kai Lutterodt **@the.soho.girl**

Wow, five years ago, I rushed to the printers on the top of Poland Street to pick up the pilot copies of My Soho Times magazine. This initiative was completely self-funded; we had zero advertisers at the time, but lots of enthusiasm to capture the spirit of Soho and bring it to life through our pages. I quickly discovered, however, that printing in Soho simply wouldn’t be cost-effective, so that was the first of my ‘made-in-Soho‘ tickboxes gone. The compromise, however, was to find affordable printing elsewhere to allow us to fulfil our goals – showcasing the best of Soho and London’s West End through print!

Identity Fix: “Soho’s FREE Promo magazine”!

Another fast yet steady change is ‘what we are.’ Initially, a lifestyle print magazine was the ideal, but now, to cut back on the fluff and say what it is on the tin – we are a promotional guide magazine. And proudly so. While we may have stripped back some editorial content, it’s all still available on our blog. Our print focus is to support local businesses with their marketing strategies to gain visibility within a Soho audience. Now that we’ve cracked that code, we’re very much open for business, so do get in touch with your promotional campaigns; we’d love to showcase you (bring a budget please – we are still a FREE magazine after all)!

Featured Highlights in Our Autumn Edition

In our first Autumn edition after a brief hiatus, we welcome Danish Steakhouse, Köd, as our front cover stars – meat lovers rush over (p.12). Gilian Smith shares her picks on the Arts (p.31), Freya Starr finds out what it takes to curate the London Film Festival (p.33), Julia Ferrari strolls the West End for the best beauty finds (p.35), Big Issue vendor André Rostant makes his debut as a My Soho Times contributor with a tale of everyday life on the Streets of Soho (p.45), Police Sergeant Andy De Santis shares Soho Nightlife Satey tips (p.42), plus George Skeggs presents his recent art (p.39).

Social Media Marketing Consultation

I’ve pivoted to offering social media marketing consultation services, so if you want to digitalise your business, feel free to contact me at kai@mysohotimes.co.uk for help navigating the online landscape!

Editor’s Picks this Autumn

GET SOCIAL (MEDIA SAVY)

I’m all for going from URL to IRL (in real life). However, if you’re a business, having an online presence is essential. Social media is one of the most effective ways of promoting your brand— most platforms are FREE! Don’t have the time or know-how? Invest in a social media manager (contact me)!

COLLABORATE

If you have not yet checked out ‘All is Joy’ located on Dean Street, consider this your prompt to do so. Occupying the former Warner Bros building, All is Joy offers a community-driven space for creatives. Your next collaboration may be closer than you think – check out their events at 75 Dean Street.

STAYCATION

I LOVE a staycay! Who doesn’t?! There’s something uplifting about stepping out of your typical environment that boosts productivity. A delightful hotel stay for a night or a long weekend recharges my batteries…Plus, I return home with a renewed sense of appreciation too! Check out my recent stay at Hart Shoreditch!

Pick up your FREE copy of My Soho Times magazine in Soho from this weekend or read it online here! If you enjoy reading our print issue, please share the love by passing it on to a friend or colleague!

Let me your thoughts online IG: @the.soho.girl and X: @thesohogirl

Written by Kai Lutterodt

This article was published in the Autumn issue of My Soho Times magazine. View it online here.