Ladle: a new cabaret bar promises to revive “the spirit of old Soho”

The new Greek Street bar promises live music, cabaret and cocktails – as well as a revival of the spirit of ‘old Soho’.

Louche, which swears to live up to its name, will open its doors on the site of the popular wine and cocktail spot 68 & Boston, one of the victims of the pandemic. The new venue will be substantial, with a capacity for 260 drinkers and two stages for shows.

Open for a soft launch on October 4, before fully opening on Friday October 8, supporters of the bar say the new opening will feature “everything from glitz and glamor to bad behavior and the belly of Soho.”

Interiors include a series of portraits of notable figures from the area, including George Skeggs, the brightly colored artist better known as Soho George, as well as Song For My Father pianist Horace Silver, who has performed in several covers at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. . Other people hanging out include Madame Louise – she ran the region’s first lesbian club in the 1970s, on Poland Street – as well as former club promoter and socialite Philip Sallon, who will be a familiar sight. for all those who regularly attend the Groucho Club.

The bar comes from Rocket Leisure, which operates record bars across town including Eastcheap Records, Northcote Records, Old Street Records, and Venn Street Records. Howard Taylor of Rocket said of the opening, “The idea is that we’re bringing old Soho back to Soho in the room. The venue itself is a three-story, wood-paneled old townhouse with a capacity of 260 across those three floors, with lots of little nooks and crannies, low warmth, and a burgundy and dark green color scheme, renovated to be building-friendly. .

“There is a stage for live music and performances on the ground floor and an old English paneled room suite on the second floor with an upright piano and a second stage for further live performances.”

He added, “Every detail of Ladle Soho is inspired by the notorious characters and attitudes of old Soho, from the dimly lit interior styling to the diverse entertainment program, all to create a truly inclusive atmosphere. We are delighted to continue to build on our reputation for delivering great entertainment, delicious cocktails and outright fun to the London bar scene.

While atmosphere will be the club’s primary concern, the drink list should be a mix of “classics with a twist,” but Louche’s signature services will include a watermelon mezcalita, a rose cider-based Soho spritz. and an Umamartini, which sees a classic gin martini flavored with fino sherry, elderflower and olive brine. A snack menu will follow.

Live music will be on offer throughout the week, with a livelier program at weekends and more relaxed cuisine at the start of the week. The news should be encouraging for concert fans, given that the industry has struggled in recent years, with The Borderline shutting down in 2019 after three decades of performing.

The idea of ​​’old Soho’ stems from the area’s endless nostalgia for not so long ago, which is a tradition for the people of W1. The idea is now thought to refer to the 1970s and 1980s, when journalist Jeffrey Bernard propped up the end of the bar near the Coach & Horses restroom and figures, including painter Francis Bacon, were spending the afternoon. to drink in the neighborhood. clubs. In the 1980s, however, the “golden age” was said to be the 1950s; Ladle itself is designed to look like a bar from the 1920s. So it’s okay.

Louche will open at 5 Greek Street, W1. For more information visit ladchesoho.com