Out of the many areas in the West End of London and the City of Westminster, Soho has always been known at the entertainment district. Soho was, even before the turn of the last century, the nightlife, film, theatre and sex capital of London. It was also the premier social hangout for all the movers and shakers in London. Even now, Soho is full of trendy restaurants; private members clubs, cool bars, media companies, boutique hotels and the coolest people in London live there.
Soho was used as grazing farmland before King Henry VIII seized it in 1536, to be used as a royal park. The word "Soho" first appears as a name for the area in the 1600s. Most believe it to be named after a hunting cry. The Duke of Monmouth appropriated the word "soho" as a rallying call for his men who were fighting in the Battle of Sedgemoor.
The Earls of Portland and Leicester and other landowners were keen to develop Soho like they'd done in Bloomsbury, Marylebone and Mayfair, but it never quite turned out to be a trendy area for the rich and famous aristocracy of London. Immigrants fled to the area instead. The Huguenots made it their home in 1688, and build the French church in Soho Square.
By the time 1800 rolled around, all the aristocrats who had once lived in Soho Square or Gerrard Street had fled to more fashionable areas of London. This is what makes Soho's character so alluring to many artists - it has traditionally been neglected by the rich and famous of London, and failed to be developed in the same grand style as its neighbouring areas.
Respectable families moved away in the 19th century, and made way for prostitutes, music halls and indie theatres. Foreigners flocked to Soho in the early 20th century and opened cheap restaurants in London, trendy bars, music venues and it became an exclusive club only for intellectuals, writers and artists.
Soho was used as grazing farmland before King Henry VIII seized it in 1536, to be used as a royal park. The word "Soho" first appears as a name for the area in the 1600s. Most believe it to be named after a hunting cry. The Duke of Monmouth appropriated the word "soho" as a rallying call for his men who were fighting in the Battle of Sedgemoor.
The Earls of Portland and Leicester and other landowners were keen to develop Soho like they'd done in Bloomsbury, Marylebone and Mayfair, but it never quite turned out to be a trendy area for the rich and famous aristocracy of London. Immigrants fled to the area instead. The Huguenots made it their home in 1688, and build the French church in Soho Square.
By the time 1800 rolled around, all the aristocrats who had once lived in Soho Square or Gerrard Street had fled to more fashionable areas of London. This is what makes Soho's character so alluring to many artists - it has traditionally been neglected by the rich and famous of London, and failed to be developed in the same grand style as its neighbouring areas.
Respectable families moved away in the 19th century, and made way for prostitutes, music halls and indie theatres. Foreigners flocked to Soho in the early 20th century and opened cheap restaurants in London, trendy bars, music venues and it became an exclusive club only for intellectuals, writers and artists.
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Home House is a premier venue for people from all walks of life, which is part of its uniqueness. Quite unlike many other international clubs, Home House is a place to enjoy leisure time or the perfect spot for a working day. Home House is London's premierVIP club.
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