LIVE WORK PLAY
When I created My Soho Times as a blog in 2012, the main objective was to share my experience living in the bustling heart of London… By 2015 I decided I didn’t want it to be just about me, but rather the amazing people who LIVE WORK PLAY (interpret the latter as you wish!) in Soho!
We commissioned local resident Daniel Morgenstern to design an illustration for our dog-friendly cafes feature – and here’s what he came up with!
With a decade’s worth of experience working with SMEs and startups, Lua Cooper – Founder & Principal Consultant at Greengage, shares some advice on simple ways to get your business back on track again.
Continue reading “Back to Biz: A Guide for Entrepreneurs and Freelancers”
This International Chefs Day we’re turning the spotlight onto Chef Rajiv who shares his blessings of 2020 and flying the flag for Nepalese cuisine at the British Street Food Awards!
Continue reading “What’s Cooking in Rajiv’s Kitchen? | My Soho Times”
Whether it’s the lockdown blues, or end of summer slump you’re battling with, Lydia Johnson, founder of London Clinic of Hypnotherapy, shares these steps to help you get your mojo back!
There is a tiny cafe in Soho that was a lifesaver during lockdown.
B Bagel Soho kept their doors open after our Prime Minister announced a total lockdown of the economy. They were deemed an essential business (food: i.e. coffee and bagels) and stayed open, and there was literally nothing else open in the West End (except for the grocery stores). And if you, like me, are not a fan of instant coffee, B Bagel was the lighthouse that shone most bright for those of us who needed to get their daily coffee fix – there was simply nowhere else to get coffee (and unfortunately the grocery stores had turned off their Costa coffee machines).
Luckily the coffee (and the bagels) are most excellent at B Bagel – the coffee is smooth and goes down easy and the bagels come in many different varieties with any sort of filling you want. But also excellent were the staff during the strange and unusual lockdown time – they were friendly, warm and welcoming – and with my many visits during lockdown I have gotten to know the staff and have become friendly with them- how many coffee shops do you visit where that happens?
And once the weather got warmer, and April turned into May, more places started opening up – but it was always B Bagel that I returned to time and time again (and still do). So here’s to B Bagel – thanks for staying open during that difficult time. It is a place that I will be forever grateful for and will continue to visit time and time again.
Written by Tim Baros
📍B Bagel Bakery Bar 54 Wardour Street, London W1D 4JF
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B Bagel Bakery Bar 54 Wardour Street, Soho. Follow on Instagram @bbagelbakery
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Not long to go before our Autumn issue is out!… Hope you’re hungry!
Continue reading “My Soho Times Autumn issue Out 1st October!”
It might seem that art and homelessness have an unlikely connection, until you meet Lanre Olagoke – founder of Art-Alive Arts Trust. Once homeless himself, the artist and youth advocate used his talent to get through his toughest times. A powerful testimony that art holds much more value than just a price tag... Our editor Kai Lutterodt shares more.
Continue reading “Lanre Olagoke: the artist on a mission to keep ART-ALIVE in Soho | My Soho Times”
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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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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