Old Compton Brasserie is Back and Better Than Ever

Tim Baros takes us on his culinary experience dining at the Old Compton Brasserie after its recent re-opening since lockdown…

It was surely missed during the COVID lockdown – but to be back there, on opening day – July 4th – and to be greeted by Max, one of the best restaurant managers in town – was just what the doctor ordered. And it was like the past 4 months hadn’t happened. On the many times I have eaten there I have always had impeccable service and impeccable food, and an impeccably great time, and July 4th was no exception.

Treated like a welcomed guest by Max and his international staff, I couldn’t wait to tuck into many of their signature dishes. While there was mass craziness and mayhem on Old Compton Street on that independence day, being inside Old Compton Brasserie was like being a world away. A gentle crowd, full of people who could not look any happier to be there and to finally be out of quarantine and out of their homes – it was quite a scene. Gok Wan and a gaggle of gays were sat at a table near the back, while a great mix of couples lingered over drinks at the bar. But it doesn’t matter who you are, you will be made to feel special at Old Compton Brasserie.

And their food is just as good as ever. Their OCB Burger was just perfect as I hadn’t had a restaurant burger in too long! I still remember how juicy the meat was, how soft and delicious the bun was, and overall it was just what I was craving, with long skinny fries to make the meal a perfect one. My friend went for their speciality – the Sirloin Steak Frites – a meal that’s typical brasserie but for this place it’s a main must have! In fact, there is something for everyone on their menu, including vegetarian, fish, salads and sandwiches to whet your appetite. And drinks – their drinks are the tops – with whatever you want, they have, including a speciality drinks list called ‘Faces of Soho’ – drinks named after semi-well known Soho characters (the Ruby Venezuela is my personal favourite).

If you’ve walked by recently you’ll have noticed the pedestrianisation of many Soho streets in the evenings and all day weekends. Old Compton Brasserie’s outdoor space is always packed – hence you know it’s one, if not the most popular in the area. We all know the reason why; great ambience, delicious food, amazing staff, and in an excellent location. Old Compton Brasserie – welcome back – we missed you a lot! 

Old Compton Brasserie is located at: 36, 38 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 4TT

Let us know your favourite item on the menu!

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Loved Eating Out to Help Out? These businesses are extending it throughout September!

And just like that, August has flown by. But that doesn’t mean your taste for al fresco dining has to end too! If like us, you loved the Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme which offered diners a 50% discount, up to £10 per person, off meals and soft drinks – you’re in luck… It’s been extended, not by the Government but at the restaurants own cost!

These are a few we’ve spotted in Soho looking forward to having you back this month for half price dining! (Please note each restaurant has their own terms and conditions for discounts.)

My Place Soho

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEg_5PvnWy2/

Robata

The Real Greek

Old Compton Brasserie

Tamarind Kitchen

Zima

Let us know if there are any others we’ve missed off this list!

Cheers to an al fresco September!

Look out for the Autumn issue of My Soho Times coming soon!

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Breaking the Rules – A film premiere with a difference

Gillian Smith attended BREAK, the first ever Drive-In premiere on 22nd July at Brent Cross, London. The film was rolled out nationwide in other drive-in venues, starting with Sheffield.

Continue reading “Breaking the Rules – A film premiere with a difference”

Divert the Traffic: Plans to Save Soho this Summer

Summer in Soho has always had the best vibe. Where else would you want to be for eating, drinking and hanging out with old friends? Not to mention the new ones you’ve only just met on a great night out…

Lockdown in Soho

Lockdown Soho My Soho Times
Empty streets of Soho during lockdown | Old Compton Street

After the long months of lockdown, it looks like bars, restaurants and cafes are set to re-open during the first week in July.  But with some uncertainty around the whole 2m (or will it be 1m?) social distancing issue, accommodating drinkers and diners inside is going to be tricky.

Burger & Lobster lockdown soho
Lockdown Soho: Burger & Lobster temporally boarded up

Save Soho: Soho Summer Street Festival

But as we know, where there’s a problem Soho will be looking to find a solution asap…  Enter the Soho Summer Street Festival.

This is the brainchild of Soho Estates’ John James.  The plan is to temporarily pedestrianise the beating heart of Soho for a few months to allow for al fresco drinking and dining. No cars = lots of beautifully spaced tables taking their rightful place along the pavements and roads.  We’re talking a squarish rectangle encompassing the likes of Streets Old Compton, Frith, Dean, Greek, Bateman, Carlisle & Romilly. 

Screen Shot 2020-06-17 at 10.14.33

Obviously there will be the logistics to sort out – deliveries and access for emergency & rubbish removal vehicles being the most pressing. And of course close co-operation with Westminster City Council will be vital to comply with licensing laws for street drinking. 

cof_soft
Some of our favourite restaurants including 40 Dean Street have expressed their support

Support for the plan has come from all quarters and is pretty much across the board. The Soho Society has some reservations in that the ‘festival’ aspect might attract unruly behaviour and noise, but hopefully fears can be allayed on that score and a summer of love commence.

In the meantime Save Soho (not to be confused with Save Soho performing arts campaign) is asking for support and looking for ideas and input from the public.

Show your support

An update from Save Soho:

Save-Soho-2020-Update

Westminster City Council has proposed opening the streets in the evenings (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/reopening-westminsters-hospitality-sector)
But, this is not enough for most of the smaller places within Soho to open, and not enough to afford to survive. If you agree and would like to help us help Soho, please email your support to CoW below, suggesting changing the hours to 12.30 – 10.30pm, email movementstrategy@westminster.gov.uk & tbarnes@westminster.gov.uk  by Sunday 21st June and ask them to extend our hours. They give the voices of residents far more credit than anyone else’s voice – so your email really matters now.

If you will email, please do include your name and address to show you’re a resident.

For more info visit https://savesoho.co.uk to have your say.  You’ll be in good company – the campaign already has the backing of Stephen Fry, Chrissie Hyde and chef and food writer Yotam Ottolenghi.

So get clicking and let Soho save your summer. Sitting, sipping and watching the world go by is just what we need right now.  See you down there.

Words by Gillian Smith @gillianasmith_| Photos: Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl

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Soho’s Urban Biodiversity | My Soho Times

Dr Luke Dixon of Urban Beekeeping shares insight into Soho’s often unspoken biodiversity and tips on how we can do our part to save the bees…

Continue reading “Soho’s Urban Biodiversity | My Soho Times”

“It’s Much Easier to Work 14 Hours a Day When You Enjoy What You Do.” – Justina Matuleviciute, founder of JMComms

Part of our spring issue Soho Female Founders series, Justina Matuleviciute shares insight to being founder of JMComms…Continue reading ““It’s Much Easier to Work 14 Hours a Day When You Enjoy What You Do.” – Justina Matuleviciute, founder of JMComms”

“I feel passionately about hypnotherapy and all its attributes” – Lydia Johnson, London Clinic of Hypnotherapy founder

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“It is about utilising the power of now, being in the present, conscious thinking and subconscious patterns of behaviour holding you back.”

Tell us a bit about your work as a hypnotherapist and who you help

I support and maintain the lifestyles of busy people, performers, parents, teens and students. I help them let go of their negative noise – it is an effective platform for change.

It is about utilising the power of now, being in the present, conscious thinking and subconscious patterns of behaviour holding you back.

Finiting your thoughts to manifest your life into the way you want it to go. It is uplifting, transformative and effective.

Often when we get stuck, it can feel like wading through treacle and we repeat patterns of behaviour. Awareness of the power of thought, re-setting your mindset and creating daily rituals to keep you on track, it can relieve bad habit thinking and creates a world of difference.

We are powerful creatures, I tap into that and it is a journey… We can even manifest all our desires and have a life that we want to be living in.

What’s your connection to Soho?

I grew up in London – it is definitely home from the core. Soho has never lost the excitement and allure it had when I was growing up. The atmosphere, the independent shops, the long running establishments laced in past decadence and debauchery. It tells a story, even on a cold, damp Monday morning.

I started my practice in Belsize Park and Soho was always on the horizon, a little way off the Harley Street beaten track and a space to bring Hypnotherapy in a more contemporary setting.

Having left London for a good few years to live in Cornwall, I came back with a fresh zeal and vigour and now appreciate London in its many changing guises and ever evolving outfits.

I still leave at the weekend but cannot wait to get back to the throbbing heart beat of Soho, it has changed, but London has been changing for centuries, after all…

What made you want to decide to start your own business?

I feel passionately about hypnotherapy and all its attributes.

I have often felt stuck at times in my life, not understanding why I was repeating old patterns of behaviour….I cannot recommend this form of therapy enough. It is solution focused and you really can re set and re frame a negative mindset, enabling growth and good habit thinking.

Change your thoughts, and you can change all your world around you.

By running my own business, I can be in charge of helping people. I like to make it accessible to all… it should be a service we are all able to access.

It plugs into my core values and if you can be paid to help people, there is no better feeling.

I hope to set up more clinics in the UK and beyond.

What are the advantages or disadvantages of being a woman in your industry?

To be honest, I have never felt my role being advantageous. Regardless of gender, the advantages of being me is I have lived through many tough experiences. This applies to both men and women. I notice how many of clients are suffering burnout and anxiety. In my industry, there are both men and women promoting good mental health.
I do not think gender has made a difference at all.

What advice would you give another women wanting to start a business or become self-employed?

Have a clear vision, something you feel passionately about.Get organised and understand your ideal client. You have to be self motivated and enjoy your own company.

Most importantly trust those womanly instincts!

Confident birds support each other… hang out with them and support your gang and anyone with enthusiasm.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Get to a hypnotherapist as soon as possible, it seriously changed my life after the first session.

Be honest and kind – two consistencies that will go far…and step into your confidence.
It is a choice, even if it doesn’t not feel like that.
Let go of negative noise.
Get a dog.

Struggling to cope during lockdown/quarantine? 

Lydia Johnson specialises in Clinical Hypnotherapy, EFT, Mindfulness and Meditation. Get up to 50% off hypnotherapy sessions from the comfort of your sofa when you use code MY SOHO TIMES.

London Clinic of Hypnotherapy

Look out for more interviews from our Soho Female Founders series!

Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

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Soho on Pause | My Soho Times

Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder. Being sequestered in West London far away from the city centre certainly makes you appreciate past Soho times. True, you do have more space here in the suburbs to enact the seven metre swerve necessary to socially distance yourself from approaching fellow humans. Strange, one muses, that only a few weeks ago what might have seriously offended now just elicits a watery smile of acknowledgement.

My last visit to Soho was a flying one for an emergency dental appointment near Carnaby Street on the morning before lockdown… even then the streets were deserted and the silence pretty much awe-inspiring. Mid-tooth inspection the dentist suddenly picked up the sound of actual birdsong. A brief pause of appreciation from the room followed – personally I could only make out a mash-up of building site and dental drills – but you really don’t want to spoil the moment.

Dentist’s appointments for me always bring the film Marathon Man unwillingly to mind. Least said soonest mended I reckon. Not that that worked very well for Dustin Hoffman. Haven’t seen it? Now’s the time, but you may never get your teeth fixed again.

Given that my phone has begun clocking me up with more hours of screen time than I’m actually awake, I’m beginning to wonder if I’ve accidentally scrolled myself via a kind of Alice in Wonderland tumble into a movie app.

After all, the media is awash with comparisons to apocalyptic movie scenarios – deserted streets caused by vanishing populations abound in the cinema – and for Londoners 28 Days Later seems to be the dystopian vista of choice. But then the iconic opening scene was inspired by John Wyndham’s Day of the Triffids; Wyndham was himself a Central London resident for many years (Bloomsbury not Soho, but we’ll allow him that because he was a sci-fi visionary) so his original evocation of near-silent streets was particularly resonant.

Our current situation is unprecedented though, so maybe many of our reference points will come from cinematic sources. In the case of Soho and Central London the suspended animation of a freeze frame, waiting for the moment the action can begin again.

In the meantime, stay safe Soho, along with the rest of our capital and the stunningly brave NHS, supply, transport and care workers.

Words by Gillian Smith

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