Soho's dirty word

Inside the bitter battle to make Soho alfresco again

Frith Street in Soho in July 2021. Photo credit: Horst Friedrichs

Morning — the scenes of Soho’s streets filled with tables, chairs and revellers was a rare bright spot for many Londoners during the pandemic. And then all of a sudden, it was gone.

We’ve always wondered at Spy HQ: whatever happened to Soho’s alfresco setup, and could it come back? Well, after weeks of calling around the neighbourhood, we think we’ve got an answer for you.

Today we bring you an inside look at what has at times been quite a bitter battle over outdoor dining and drinking in Soho. It’s also one that goes beyond the literal tables and chairs — for both sides of the debate, the future of Soho and central London is at stake.

Soho’s dirty word is below.

FYI: we’ll be publishing this week’s London round-up on Monday morning because there’s a birthday on the Spy team this weekend 🎂

---

Inside the fight over alfresco dining in Soho

Old Compton Street in Soho in July 2021. Photo credit: Horst Friedrichs

Speak with the restauranteurs and landlords that are lobbying for alfresco in Soho and there's a name that comes up time and time again. He’s talked of as a nemesis of sorts, though many wish their relationship with him hadn't become so confrontational. If they’re to be believed, he's one of the most powerful men in Soho — the kingpin of a local campaigning machine with the borough council on his side. He is Tim Lord, the executive chair of the Soho Society.