Soho Stories - a stroll around London’s entertainment district (4K)

[@peterward3965]

Bit of useless information from me, the large new building in Manette St is on the site of Foyles book shop. Above Foyles were some apartments, one of which the late Danny La Rue lived for decades. And next door to goldsmiths with the green and black frontage is a very old building which was La Rues bar. During WW11 Danny with his mother lived on the site of Center Point in victorian flats. Unfortunately their home was bombed, and they would attend the Catholic Church in Soho Square. I use to drive for Danny. That's my bit of gossip 😊

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That’s fantastic info - wish I’d included it in the Soho chapter of my book

[@peterward3965]

@@JohnRogersWalks Thank you, cheers 🍻

[@tbjdiamonddog]

Great info, not useless at all, thanks

[@zcam1969]

Priceless information Peter thanks for sharing.My dad scrolled through there as a American Soldier 44 prior to D-Day

[@janettedewar6617]

My dad lived in Pulteney Chambers Brewer Street middle of the 60's to the 90's. In those days it was gas lit flats, battery powered tv and we'd sit at the open window listening to the music playing in the street. We used to have a bath in Westminster public baths when we visited him. Thanks so much for this.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

Wow. No electricity? No water? Or just no bathroom?

[@luapnosboh7421]

Sat at the open window listening to the music below , memories ❤

[@tbjdiamonddog]

Baths in Marshall Street ?

[@seanjamescameron]

I remember when I worked on feature films we had to stop filming at 5:30pm so the film reels could be collected from Cardiff at 6pm to be taken "up London to Soho Square" for processing overnight and a draft version would come back from Soho Square when they came to collect a new reel of film the following day. One day, as runners, we missed the van so drove very quickly down the M4 to try and find the Soho van in the service station before it left Wales, we did find him and return to the set drained and relieved without any of the producers being aware of what had happened. The Prince Edward Theatre was the first theatre I visited back in the late 1980s to see Elaine Paige in Anything Goes. We travelled up from the valleys of South Wales for the day. I remember we had food in a little cafe just opposite. I went for a walk before the show and there was a lady in every door way asking if you "want an experience". Totally different vibe from today. Last time I was in Soho I had lunch at Poppie's (21:28) for fish and chips with cuppa tea and bread and butter. Lovely place but like most of that area, overpriced. 27:20 Eleanor Marx lived just down the road from me in Sydenham SE26 on Jews Walk having been born at 28 Dean Street, Soho. 27:40 I always remember going down Meard Street and noticing on one of the black doors a golden plaque reading: 'This property is a home and no longer used by prostitutes so please stop knocking'.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Great notes Sean thanks

[@chrisprobert5340]

That was put there by the artist Sebastian Horsley who lived, I think, at No. 3...

[@wendyHew]

I felt the same poppies was so expensive. It costs a fortune for a day out in London these days. I miss a nice portion of chips wrapped in newspaper for a pound.

[@PhilipStacey-ty2em]

what about this video, ? very well done and great narration,

[@adrian4794]

I wonder if it was called Meard St after the French word for 'shit'?

[@diegocorrea5143]

Soho has been a constant reference in my understanding and enjoyment of London. It has that "Threshold" quality... is not posh, is not low, is not beautiful, is not ugly, is not glamourous is not tacky it has that great feel where everybody is welcomed, Soho takes life easy, there is a peculiar., sort of charming pace to it.. in any case, I really wish it remains for many many many years to come:))))

[@valpayne2963]

Thoroughly enjoyed this walk. I was lucky enough to work for a company in Dean Street from 1974-82. Fascinating to see how much is still the same and yet how much has changed. Brought back so many memories. Thanks.

[@oiko02]

Mozart was already a recognised prodigy touring in Europe when he was 8 and lived in Soho. He started composing when he was 4 or 5.

[@seonadmacleod139]

When I first came to London in 1972 I used to go to Berwick Street market every Saturday. There was a fabulous Italian deli where we bought the best ham and mortadella. It was really buzzing then! Thank you for a great dose of nostalgia!

[@johnorchin8567]

I watch so many videos about London, but this video stood out for me, possibly because you brought your film making talent to the screen, and in so doing captured the feel of Soho which is often missing in a lot of modern ‘walking’ videos. I like the way your camera seem to linger on its subject, while life went on gently around it, but not distracting from what you’re focused on, or talking about - very clever that!

[@KOTDM1988]

Evening. Just watching after a stroll around Skopje, Macedonia. The Internet is wonderful, isn't it!?

[@johnhoward2402]

Another gem John, thank you! In the early 70s I worked for the Metropolitan Water Board. Trying to collect water rates from the clubs and the 'ladies' who worked in the flats above them led to some interesting encounters. Thanks for stirring the memory banks.

[@keithsbitsandpieces]

Absolutely brilliant John , I used to be a despatch rider in the late 1970's and based in Soho Square and Kingly court .. Brought back many memories ;)

[@JenoeRussell]

Fantastic! When will we have the next Soho video?

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Jenoe - hopefully film Part 2 soon

[@donrevie721]

Rogers really is the doyen of London walks isn't he? ...he should be given an award and a generous stipend to ensure he keeps doing what he does ..so well !

[@TomJosephi]

I'll llok forward to your next video on the rest of Soho. it reminds of the West Village in New York City. It's probably one of those areas where it was a colorful and cheap place to live but since it became fashionable it's become extremely expensive. You bring out those interesting details that most tourists would miss.

[@caroledrury1411]

I love this very much. It’s also very meaningful because my father Harold’s Arthur Drury, an artist lived in Soho between 1948 and 1952 and then again in 1968 to 1975 before he re-joined us in the states. He also talked about talking with Francis Bacon and all of the other characters that I have since learned so much about. This is the first update that I have watched online about Soho today so in our family it is very meaningful. Coming to you from Greensboro Vermont

[@mattking1879]

Superb vid John. It was Selectadisc when the Oasis album cover was shot, before it became Sister Ray. My neighbour worked there at the time. It was really exciting.

[@TraitorVek]

I do Love Your Little Journeys

[@tracyfryer8153]

Brilliant and how things change ❤

[@christopherbutler7588]

Great walk so interesting with all the history thanks 😊 👍

[@brownh66]

Marvellous video. Delightful presentation and very informative. More please...

[@emmaearnshaw3282]

Good vibes in Soho, not bustling like it was. Glad you included Bar Italia, had many wild eyed early Sunday mornings after nights out at the Milk Bar.

[@briancox4339]

Great video I must admit I have learnt more true facts about the history of London watching your videos John than any where I can remember so interesting videos congratulations on another masterpiece thanks for sharing John much appreciated.

[@splitvision64]

Educative & inspiring - Good work!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks

[@margaretdrew2844]

When I saw you were doing Soho I had to watch ,so many famous places .

[@LLACEM]

Brilliant really enjoyed this thank you so much

[@jeremyhaines4481]

This is very interesting and informative about soho london

[@JTTW1455]

Thank you for the SoHo Sampler. Very eventful and lively walk.

[@benedictmarshall7031]

Yet another wonderful video. I once worked just off the Tottenham act Road / Oxford Street area and used to pop by Soho and Wardour Street on my way home. I also loved popping into Pollo (Italian restaurant) for what must have been the cheapest Spaghetti Carbonara in London. £2.50 with a glass of red wine if I’m not mistaken - late 80s prices.

[@joebenge3920]

Loved it, John. There's so much in Soho, all crammed into quite a small area. I worked as a runner for an advertising agency on Lower John Street, back in 2004-06. Mostly involved getting lunch for the creative director, but I did a bit of running between post production houses like Framestore. It was a very eye-opening experience for a 19 year old.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I bet Joe - hope they treated you well, the runners are the most important people in the operation

[@joebenge3920]

@@JohnRogersWalks Well, I should note that they didn't replace me when I left. Think that indicates how crucial I was to the success of the business, Good times though.

[@Steveoaudioandstuff]

You have an uncanny ability to draw our eye to things people walk past in their thousands John. What a groovy trip this week. Thank you so much for this tremendous piece of work. Looking forward to episode 2. 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@lindasueanderson8024]

I love stories about you coming to London as a young student, I very much look forward to more Soho (especially now that I know Hammer Films is there!) and I have longed for a "wherever that may be" tshirt if you are looking to merchandise!

[@elizabethjeffery6380]

Hi John. I watched your Soho walk today for first time and what a fascinating part of London. I recall wandering the area years ago and I came across a very old shop which sold old maps and prints. Even more intriguing it had a very small restaurant in the basement and I sat alone and had a vegetarian saffron stew followed by home made cream. One of the best lunches ever, I wonder years later if it is still there and if you have ever passed it by. Thank you

[@philburdett]

Ah, now we're on my patch! Many stories to tell but suffice to say the morning was not underway 'til I had two coffees at Cafe Boheme & a few pints in 'The Coach' (in Jeffrey Bernard's seat if it hadn't been taken) - great memories of just about all the places you indicated & I think I could write a 500 page memoir about it & only get to the end of Dean St...fabulous stuff as ever, sir & I look forward to parts 2 & 3 & also buying the mug...

[@JohnRogersWalks]

brilliant - thanks for sharing Phil

[@maddog.mcewan]

Thank you !!! Good memories … loved the Intrepid Fox in the 90s

[@janebaker966]

I loved the sonorous sound of those church bells at the start,added atmosphere. Not a place in London I know but I did find myself in Soho square by accident 2 or 3 years ago,lost again!,but I made it to the theatre just in time! Nice to hear about the history. Danny La Rue! I was astonished. Do you think our Danny knew about the other Danny! Danny La Rue,now he had class,what a performer,I've got his film,the only one he did Our Miss Fred on DVD. It's so funny. In the Carry On style but luckily I like the Carry On style. I was lucky enough to see Danny La Rue onstage,it must have been in the mid 1980s. I know it was after he lost all his money but as he pointed out,not his talent. I didn't know this at the time only later. It was at the Bristol Hippodrome. At the end of the show he came on in his man's attire and talked to us the audience,he chatted and reminisced. In particular he recalled how he saved the Bristol Hippodrome from closure and he truly did. It must have been around 1980 that the then management of this central city theatre announced it cost too much to run and they were going to sell it for redevelopment. There was an outcry,locally and nationally. The upshot was that Danny La Rue staged a fabulously showy and over the top pantomime Cinderella that year and the theatre was saved. Of course lots of negotiations etc were going on in the background but I don't know about any of that.

[@johnannetteedwards1743]

I lived in Berwick St in 1990-91 right where the old barrows were, so amazing to see it now. Did lots of Sunday morning walks down to the Embankment and lots of late night dinners at that several storied old Chinese restaurant in Chinatown where the waiters were all rude to you, and if they weren't there was something wrong! 🤣

[@martevansdrums]

Wonderful video. I used to work in music publishing early-90s and would walk through Greek St and Soho Square on my way up to work in Mortimer St. Glad to see if it still looks somewhat the same! Also, I'd buy the mug 👍

[@elizabethhammond5545]

It is so wonderful to walk these streets with you and see London as it was and is now.

[@nigelkind781]

I totally agree with you ! I was/ am feeling exactly the same thanks for bringing that to your podcast I watch regularly it’s a breath of fresh air and keeps me sane knowing I not on my own thanks 👍

[@CrazyTeacherNick]

Thanks, made an old man very nostalgic.

[@Na5tyify]

The original Sister Ray Records used to be down the old Compton end where the market is. The original location you show was actually it’s second location. I’m very happy you included it anyway as it’s Sister Ray that is the main association to Soho for me.

[@kalelake3067]

You are very good; you make it interesting to watch your videos.. 🌺

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks

[@flydriveexplore]

Loved this, brought back memories of the 80s and the Intrepid Fox. We were going to be rock stars! Still love walking the area when we visit although I do miss the sleaziness and there are only so many trendy coffee shops you can cope with in a day. Who remembers queuing at the Soho Soundhouse music shop for their summer sales?

[@margaretdrew2844]

I love all the blue plaques and seeing who lived in these buildings. I don’t get to London very often. ❤

[@abdullahmasud004]

Love your videos. It's like walking with an old and wise mate who knows how magnetic nostalgia can be.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks so much Abdullah

[@kevindehinkelai7464]

Just watched your latest episode 2 of Soho walk and decided to revisit episode 1 Great walk John, love Wardour street especially when there's not a A bomb in sight 🙂 Looking forward to your next wherever that may be!

[@rosieHolliday5887]

I used to spend a lot of time in Soho in the 90's. I always found it relaxing around that area. The bar scene at night is always the best. My bestie who now lives in Paris with his husband would take me out all the time around there. Best memories. It was "our place" & gay men are such great people to hang out with. So much fun 💘 I'd go back to those days in a heartbeat. Thank you for this xx

[@tbjdiamonddog]

Lived in Soho 5 years up till 2022, so many great memory’s. I guess you know about Mcartney building on Soho Square, that’s worth a talk

[@sadhumannell2769]

Ronnie Scott’s was originally in a basement in Chinatown,possibly on Lisle St.off Wardour St.Visited couple of times with a musician I was dating, Roshan Roland Kirk and Stan Kenton played. Think it moved in mid 1960’s to current location on Firth St.Flamingo Club was on Wardour St too. Many well known British musicians mostly blues,Americans too started there. Chinatown had not developed at that time.Thanks for all the memories you help dig up. From a West End girl.

[@sonyahanan]

Cheers JohnI am learning about my neighbourhood.. I move in Bloomsbury 23 years ago, my Job was located in Soho NHS Clinic,, back then .. now retired. Nostalgia, I used to sit there in SoHo square back early 2000 4 my lunch break😟😥

[@ndhan72]

London....always the coolest city in the world.

[@zcam1969]

.John Rogers you are a walking gold mine of historical information ! You Bedazzle me like Peter Cook ,have you ever met him?.

[@paulhutchins6019]

Thank you John, you're always so informative and the depth of your knowledge is great. Soho looks a lot safer than when I first went there mid 70s. It reminded me of the TV show Budgie, with Adam Faith lol. 👍🏼

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I loved that show Paul

[@edenjs1503]

20 years since I visited the area and great to see, despite the timeframe, that Soho has retained so much of it's former glories. With the sun shining, I definitely felt a 'must add Soho to my bucket list' moment. Thanks for another entertaining vid 👌

[@JagBetty]

Another enjoyable stroll John….Merry Xmas.😎👍

[@noreenclark2568]

I do enjoy your trips around London I'm a history buff and I like to see the old places thanks for showing.

[@johndixon3631]

Great tour of Soho John. Thank you. Your knowledge is staggering. I only recently discovered your videos and look forward to watching more soon. I believe Raymond's Revue Bar was also the venue The Beatles filmed the striptease section of Magical Mystery Tour in.

[@NicholasDeroche]

i was watching this one while working and every few minutes i heard "...i used to work here..." and i thought this man is my hero.

[@LeeDannphotography]

Keep the great videos coming John. I have a very hectic job and stay at home dad to two young girls. I have virtually no time to explore our amazing country, something I long to do. Your videos are a great companion whilst I work.

[@mrdorf2784]

Great video. I’ve walked through soho a million times on my lunch break but never really paid attention to the buildings. Thanks to this video I’ve learned a lot and I’ll pay more attention next time.

[@OldSkoolFlava]

The orange building at 15:32 I Geek Street, Soho is the site of the famous 1970s & 80s import record shop Groove Records.

[@chrisblay]

What a fascinating walk and talk around Soho. I never realised there was a strong French connection in that area. So much history you have covered John, that otherwise, would be easy to overlook.

[@pamelamckenzie2685]

I love your videos the history of every place fantastic.

[@maria_in_shropshire]

My Head Office is based in Soho Square, without fail I go for a walk around the nearby streets at lunchtime, such a fantastic area

[@ko6el]

Berwick St, So High Soho fantastic costumier, fancy dress shop 👌

[@JoeViveiros]

One of my favourite suburbs, I used to live close by in Fitzrovia

[@alexandrajames8734]

Interesting to see the streets of Soho again. I worked near by in the late 70's early 80's when I was around 22. Wow what a time we had. Clubs, pubs, late nights & food too. Can't remember the names of any place we went to but we tried them all. x

[@prbentley77]

I would say Bute Street in South Ken is the French area in London. Love your videos btw. All the best from Copenhagen

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Totally agree - I lived in Glendower Place SW7 for a few months and the streets were full of French speakers from the School nearby

[@angelenoof206]

Splendid so alive - more of the vibe I remember from the 80s however changed than I think I’ve seen in any of the videos

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Classic stuff, thanks John, so interesting, and I'd love a 'wherever that may be...' hoodie ;-)

[@dalegriffiths3628]

Super once again John, you are so watchable - I appreciate the time and effort you put into these productions. Makes me want to retrace your steps and go and look for this gems myself.

[@malcolmlewis6014]

Travelled up from South Wales to visit Ronnie Scott's at 39 Gerard St. in late October 1961 midnight to 3am session but had an extra hour because the clocks went back , Tubby Hayes Quintet with Jimmie Deuchar and the Ronnie Scott Quartet , i remember seeing a photo of Zoot Sims at the top of the stair entrance which Ronnie had just put in to the display case. Learnt later that he was the first American jazz musician at the club . Such great memories of Soho at that time.

[@jamesgoold7287]

DEFINITELY put: "Wherever that may be!" on a mug. I'll buy one...

[@margaretdrew2844]

So you were lucky enough to watch all the stage productions .I envy you so much . .

[@maggiesamuels2937]

Thank you John what a brilliant walk around one part of Soho . I use to work in an office in Frith Street and have lunch my in Soho Square. I haven't been around that area for couple of years thanks for bringing alot of memories back can't wait for part 2.

[@Slycockney]

Thank you John that was brilliant and took me back a few decades when I worked in Soho for many years in the photographic trade. Had many a pint in the Intrepid Fox, and a few bottles of pink Champagne in the French when I was supposed to working overtime. Propositioned quite a few times around Berwick street and Rupert street, those were the days! Can't wait for the next Soho installment. Also looking forward to your book release.

[@barneykennett9282]

Thoroughly entertaining walk, really enjoyed this... 👍.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Barney

[@roberthickton7732]

Tons of information and relaxing . Thank you.

[@ArthurStone]

Thanks John; great tour. Brings back good memories. Covent Garden has some interesting roots too...the Physic Garden, Seven Dials and a few interesting pubs. Best.

[@johncubbidge2237]

Thanks for bringing new information to my old memories of Soho. At Patisserie Valerie opposite Comptons Pub in the 60's & 70's it was always packed, 6 to a table with a three tier cake stand in the centre, and after coffee and wonderful French cakes one would pay by an honesty system of declaring how many cakes one had eaten from the stand. Did anybody else cheat?

[@Tom_J23]

Hi John!! Great video as always!! Thanks!!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Tom

[@Anne.2024]

Beautiful episode

[@alanperry3651]

In 1963 aged 15 my first job after leaving school was in Hanway St number 39 to be exact. It was a textile warehouse which was deep underground and covered a area approx half the size of a football pitch. I would spend my lunchtimes in the early days over the other side of Oxford St sitting on a bench in Soho Square wondering where all the action was that I had read about in the Sunday newspapers re Soho and wondering what all the fuss was about. Eventually after a couple of weeks and fed up with sitting on the bench I took a walk down Greek St and the nearer I got to Old Compton St the more the aroma of coffee got stronger. There were quite a few shops along OCS then with coffee beans displayed outside. I would then turn into Wardour St and make my way back to that underground place of toil still wondering what all the fuss was about Soho. Most of my working day was spent underground as I travelled in by tube to Tottenham Crt Rd. Sometimes when sitting in Soho Square I would see those trolleys full of cans of film being pushed through and I thought I could do that. I saw a job advertised in the Evening Standard for a Messenger Boy for A B Pathe and applied. In those days it was easy to get a job and in March 64 I started working from Film House in Wardour St. It was then I became aware of the Soho I had read about as previously I had never ventured or strayed from my Greek St/OCS/Wardour St route. My eyes were opened daily as I walked during the course of the job through streets I had never seen before. Might I suggest John a route for your next walk through Soho starting in Hanway St, then across to Soho Square through to Film House, 142 Wardour St, making your way to Golden Square where we Messenger Boys sometimes went for lunch at the film company building (name forgotten) on the West Side. Then a short walk to Ham Yard home of the top Mod club back in the 60s The Scene club although I think it's a bit different to how it was round there now. Finally over to Haymarket House down Haymarket where I worked as a Projectionist ia Ad Agency after leaving Pathe in 65. I would do it myself but live to far away now and I don't think I would get any further than that bench in Soho Square. Keep up the good work and interesting videos.

[@mr.d1775]

Another great walk John. I can remember as a teenager walking some of those streets in 1970s. Early morning smells of coffee brewing from the various cafe's and deliveries of blocks of ice the size of a refrigerator standing on the pavement waiting to go in. I guess they didn't have refrigerators in some of those places, hard to believe in 1970s lol.

[@rain_down_]

Great bank holiday treat, thanks!

[@mattcranston9591]

Kettners now owned by Soho House. Was a Pizza express at one point. Famous for being a favourite of Oscar Wilde. I think he always ordered the pepperoni😄

[@peter.nguyen]

I walk this path at least once every month and seeing it through film just brings a romantic aspect to it that I've never appreciated. Thanks John.

[@grandmasterbeats9732]

Berwick St. was the famous location of Oasis's famous album What's The Story Morning Glory.

[@robbojax2025]

Wonderful walk. Looking forward to part 2.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Robbo

[@kennethdonedmund8988]

Just tuning in from Canada, as an Irishman I recall London as a child passing through on our way to Surrey for a wee holiday. Memories ,oh the memories! Thanks for your passion . I'm hooked.

[@TimothyHalkowski]

Brilliant walk!

[@grahamcook4429]

Hi John Been watching and enjoying your videos for a while now and find them very absorbing and educational. Always felt your East London and Epping ones were the best but this Soho one has been fantastic and is right up there, love the musical snippets that you included (Strummer, Blur and Oasist. Looking forward to Pt2 as Carnaby St and surrounding areas should be a real treat. KR Cooksta Booksta

[@lizstevenson7801]

Thank you so much John, your very best walk so far. This brought back so many memories of my youth growing up in London, going to the theatre's plus Ronnie Scots, tuesday night at the Marque in the 60's and early 70's. I loved all the history you talked about, you seemed to be in your element on this walk. Thanks for the memories, lived it 💕🇦🇺

[@mostlyindica]

Life doesn't get much better, thanks John. See you next time

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Alex

[@jenniferlevine5406]

Wonderful walk! Such a great pedestrian area and it is packing with history. Thanks so much!

[@richardd3780]

The stories... the music... the scenery... this video is making me feel ways about stuff

[@dazsmith690]

My GG grandfather Francis Girard a Huguenot veteran of waterloo was living in Frith street at Hazlits in 1814.He convinced a jeweller in the Strand to bring two watches for his companion to consider in his lodgings..and absconded out the window(must have been one of the lower ones)ended up being transported Down under..pardoned fairly quickly ..started out as french dancing instructor and became the first french baker in Australia. went into flour milling and then timber milling.owning several stations including Lismore(flooded badly recently).He got involved in fight with Governer Darling over a piece of land for his candle factory. complained to the uk authorities and had Darling sent home..there is a street in Sydney in ironically Darling harbour named after him.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Great story

[@asdacomp]

John, you are a treasure.

[@disruptivepatterns]

Thank you for another enjoyable video John, especially as our street was featured. The much welcomed reduction in Soho traffic was due to the resurfacing of Carlisle Street.

[@1CFcooper]

I’d buy a mug! Great video, thanks