I M A G E S   B R I G H T O N  P I C T U R E S  O F  T H E  W E E K

Soho views in the 1980s and today

London's Soho has changed a lot in the last 20 years, not least because rising property prices have forced out many of the traditional small businesses in the area.  The essence of the place, however, endures remarkably.  The French, Italians and Jews who made Soho the cosmopolitan centre of London in the 19th and 20th centuries have been largely replaced by the growing Chinese community. The vice industry carries on regardless, though now run more by Albanians than Maltese. Gay men and women now enjoy a much more visible and vibrant street life, but they have a long history in Soho's pubs and clubs.  The fruit and veg barrows are still doing good business in Berwick Street. And as for Paul Raymond (of Revue Bar fame), well, he seems to go on for ever and ever. Today's picture feature shows ten views of Soho from the 1980s and the present day.

The waiters' race during the Soho Festival in July 1985 (image 125-1)

next picture

Copyright © David Gray 2000-2004.  All rights reserved.