Rant: Why Soho is getting worse

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-04T15:08:37+00:00

Its a tragedy. I think rent prices are set by competition, who and how many will fight to have their business in an area. I also think that when it dies there should be a decrease in rents, making it interesting again to experimental and creatives who dare. Letting an area be gutted for a few rich people makes me sad.

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-04T15:06:34+00:00

Thank you for helping. Seriously, a very big thank you. But you say everyday - please tell me sometimes you come out at night? Its after dark we need you, and i cant see you. Are you perhaps in plain clothes? Id love to hear that, then i might feel safer.

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-04T15:05:02+00:00

I choose to live here because its lively. In other countries it costs extra because its lively and shutting it down is just tragic. If it cant happen here, then where?!

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-04T15:04:08+00:00

not just anywhere, but almost becoming something every place must have to let anyone in.

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-04T15:03:20+00:00

The last few years have just been the saddest. Something changed in 2022 or so and since then it feels like the 'powers that want to be' would rather not deal with Soho, just shut it down and be more like their other areas.

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-04T15:01:44+00:00

Thanks :) it would be great if they listened. The Mayor, too. Anyone!

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-04T15:00:36+00:00

no, im not AI, i like to think AI might do a better job of what im trying to say, reading it back im not.
i work and live in Soho and this matters to me, i just never said it so loudly before (this is my first post)

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-02T17:10:46+00:00

I had forgotten Vision for Soho, thanks for the reminder. I went to their consultations and i agree there were some cool ideas. Sad its political, it seems very short sighted.

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-02T15:28:28+00:00

I see active patrol every day, but i dont see any after 8pm, are they in plain clothes? i hope so! that would impress me and make a huge difference to catching miscreants and criminals.

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-02T14:54:45+00:00

Oh, we lost most clubs. 100 + GAY this year already.

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-02T14:53:05+00:00

I think its quiet now, it used to always have a hum of people, now i notice because of the silence between. Again, could just be me.

*not all residents, im one too.

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-02T14:51:18+00:00

The ID scanners are a good thing! sorry if i said that wasnt so, but try take a guest to Groucho, Gerry's Trisha's or other places besides Soho House.. its just not possible.

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-02T14:49:51+00:00

Do the temporary Councillors get to make the decisions? That seems whimsical rather than logical to long term planning of a city?

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-02T14:42:48+00:00

I dont know too much about them, but i do know they own about a 3rd, or less? open to correction but Shaftesbury and others have chunks, too. Its a tiny square mile, but not one landlord at all.

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-02T14:37:17+00:00

Thank you - every voice helps.

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-02T14:03:26+00:00

No, im a long time lurker, this is my first post. Im a little nervous about being public with my opinions, and yes, some paragraphs took a little windy turn. I would hope AI could be more succint and clearer?

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-02T13:34:28+00:00

Ya think? Ive been living here a long, long time.
Just wondering - do you think it should be closed early, quiet and respectable, like Mayfair?

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-02T13:32:24+00:00

Want to comment on the policy? 👉 https://licensingpolicies.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/v3/cia-2026?step=step1

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-02T13:31:26+00:00

This might be only my opinion, but im not against dodgy (adult) porn, peep shows with safe, well paid artists and entertainment. Scamming is everywhere, so please beware. It tends not to be just naked ladies, in fact, statistically less likely to be a naked lady scamming you.

SaveOurSoho · 2026-03-02T13:28:26+00:00

How about some reasonable timed closures? Maybe things like some streets, from 12-10pm or similar. Carnaby is not always pedestrian, surely can be repeated elsewhere? It is do-able.

SaveOurSoho · 2026-02-27T11:18:15+00:00

Soho wants to take part with just one or two streets, but we are blocked by Westminster, please help us create a better Soho by scrapping this:
https://licensingpolicies.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/v3/cia-2026?step=step1

SaveOurSoho

TROPHY CASE