Why are local residents trying to strangle Soho?

It's London's beating heart, but it seems not everyone's on board with fun

- Josh Barrie

I have slept in Soho. A few years ago, when I lived way down in Crystal Palace, the late night, reduced room rate for my Dean Street club felt worthwhile on some week nights. Back then it was £100 with breakfast, and no tiring commute

the next day. Even in the midst of Soho’s busy and chaotic

streets, I slept well. If it was particularly rowdy, I’d put in silicone earplugs and there we have it: enjoyable slumber, an antidote to any hangover. I find it hard to believe that’s become impossible in 2025.

Because we are again witnessing residents’ complaints. The Soho Society, which represents the district’s circa 2,000 residents, is once more lambasting the noise and supposed dereliction of the streets they live on, as if Soho were not Soho but some kind of leafy suburb in Zone 4. There have been numerous battles between locals and business owners. Last year, one of the more high profile involved Trisha’s, the basement bar on Greek Street trading for more than 80 years, which had to fight to stay open.

Not so long ago, the society launched a legal claim against plans for a new gin distillery and shop in Meard Street, which had been granted in July. Members appealed against “procedural unfairness” and wanted amendments to three licensing conditions.

Busybodies, much? We are seeing fewer than 2,000 people — a miniscule figure, especially if one considers that 30,000 used to live in Soho just after the Second World War — attempting to decide the fate of millions, railing against conviviality, joy, camaraderie and romance. Against new business, against progress. So many Londoners are already priced out of living in the city centre. Are they not even allowed to visit any more?

Policing the fun