"Too many shadows whispering voices
Faces on posters too many choices
If when why what how much have you got
Have you got it do you get it
If so how often
Which do you choose
A hard or soft option...
In a West end town a dead end world
The East end boys and West end girls" - Pet Shop Boys
Tally-Ho! During my five days in London I stayed in the district of SOHO. A livelier part of Westminster, part of the West End of London, with a focus on the arts and diversity. Back in the day, it was a fashionable district for the aristocracy, and has been one of the centers of London for theatre, cinema, and the arts for at least two-hundred years. SOHO's central location is just a stones throw to Chinatown, Piccadilly Circus, and Carnaby Street. This is also home to the SOHO square with Charles the II statue. Yup, that stiff upper lip guy!
The history of SOHO goes back centuries - and unlike the New York SOHO named after a District - in London the "SOHO" first appears as a hunting cry in 17th century London. James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth used "SOHO" as a rallying call for his men in battle. Therefore SOHO most likely derived from these origins.
The only issue I found was the lack of street signage - and as an English speaker found it humorously frustrating walking around in circles. At times I had to snicker like I was in a Benny Hill skit. Interesting that I found myself more lost in SOHO London versus in Roma, Vatican City, Paris, Barcelona combined. However, I did find the London residents the most polite in all of Europe. P'haps it was just my royal upbringing or my red scarf, maybe?!
Wanderlusting around SOHO was actually a tad neat. It reminds me of a much larger Castro District if you get my rainbow drift. I enjoyed passing by the Victorian era theatres, the historic buildings, the countless British pubs, the firehouse, and of course chatting with the fashionable Brits who call SOHO home. I was pleasantly surprised on the diversity of SOHO, really.
In the end, I would recommend SOHO to all. It's a more liberal part of town. So conservative families be aware. I frequented several restaurants & pubs in the area and really enjoyed the vibe. If I had to describe SOHO in four words it'll be: Artsy, Historic, Fashionable, Cool. Just remember to scream "SOHO" as in a fierce battle, and make James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth proud. Ta. Ta. read more