THEGAYUK

Tag: Soho News

Get the latest LGBT+ Soho news from THEGAYUK. Breaking news, features and interviews from the gay community in Soho, England, UK

  • There’s going to be an Act Of Remembrance for the 20th anniversary of the Admiral Duncan bombing

    Pride in London joins 17-24-30 NationalHCAW to mark 20 years since Admiral Duncan bombing

    • On 30th April 1999 a nail bomb attack at the Admiral Duncan pub in Soho killed three people and wounded 79
    • Soho attack followed two other nail bombings in Brixton on 17th April and Brick Lane on 24th April as part of a homophobic, racist terror campaign
    • Soho Act of Remembrance marking the 20th anniversary of the attacks will take place at 5pm on Tuesday 30th April outside the Admiral Duncan

    Pride in London is joining anti-hate charity 17-24-30 NationalHCAW (National Hate Crime Awareness Week) this Tuesday (30th April) to mark the 20th anniversary of the London nail bombings and remember those killed during the attacks: Nik Moore, Andrea Dykes and John Light.

    On 30th April 1999, three people were killed and 79 injured when a nail bomb was detonated at the Admiral Duncan pub in Soho, the heart of London’s gay community. At the time the pub and the street outside were particularly crowded because the evening was the start of the early May Bank Holiday weekend. Four of the survivors had to have limbs amputated.

    An Act of Remembrance marking 20 years since the attacks is planned for Tuesday evening, starting outside the Admiral Duncan and then moving round to St Anne’s Gardens on Wardour Street. The latter part will feature speeches from: Rev Simon Buckley, St Anne’s Church; Mark Healey, Founder 17-24-30 NationalHCAW and Cllr Ian Adams, Westminster Council – as well as three poems read by Trudy Howson, LGBT Poet Laureate; Terry Morely, Nik Moore’s aunt and Natalie Patterson, Andrea Dyke’s sister, and performances by the London Gay Men’s Chorus, the Pink Singers and Diversity Choir.

    Embed from Getty Images

    The bombing in Soho followed two connected attacks in other parts of the capital: Brixton on 17th April and Brick Lane on 24th April. Though there were no fatalities, 61 people were injured by the blasts. These attacks were racially-motivated and targeted the black community in south London and the Bangladeshi Muslim community in the East End. Smaller acts of remembrance took place in both locations on the respective dates as part of 17-24-30 NationalHCAW’s April Acts of Remembrance.

    Mark Healey, Founder of 17-24-30 NationalHCAW, said, “It’s hugely important that our communities come together to mark the anniversaries of these horrendous events. We have a duty to remember those we lost, to show our ongoing support to those affected by these attacks, and most importantly to educate the next generation to make sure these kinds of attacks never happen again.

    “We’re good at dealing with the immediate aftermath of these kinds of attacks but more needs to be done to deal with their longer-term impact on our communities. Some of the survivors and the families affected by these attacks are still suffering and need more support. I hope our April Acts of Remembrance inspire people to get involved, to build stronger links between all our communities and ensure there is no place for hate amongst us.”

    The Soho Act of Remembrance will take place at 5pm on Tuesday 30th April outside the Admiral Duncan on Old Compton Street, Soho. So the organisers can gauge how many people will attend, please register here if you plan to join the act of remembrance.

  • Man stabbed in Soho dies from his injuries

    Man stabbed in Soho dies from his injuries

    Police in London have launched a murder investigation after a man who was stabbed in the heart of Soho dies.

    A man who was stabbed in Soho, London has died from his injuries. Although police have said that they don’t believe the vicious attack to be a hate or homophobic crime, the stabbing happened in the centre of London’s LGBT+ scene.

    On Sunday, 3 March just after 6:00 AM  police were called to Romily Street, in W1.

    Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service and found the 37-year-old man suffering stab injuries. He was taken to hospital with critical injuries and he was pronounced dead at 19:42 hours on Wednesday, 6 March.

    His family are aware of the victim’s death. Formal identification awaits.

    A post mortem examination is due to be held in due course.

    A murder investigation has now commenced which is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin.

    A 34-year-old man was charged on Monday, 4 March with two counts of attempted murder, in relation to this incident along with another stabbing on the same day, of a teenager which occurred in University Street, WC1.

    The charge for attempted murder will be subject to a review by the CPS.

    A 41-year-old woman who was arrested remains released under investigation.

  • Man stabbed in Soho has “life threatening” injuries

    Man stabbed in Soho has “life threatening” injuries

    A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with two linked stabbing on Sunday, 3 March.

    geralt / Pixabay

    Police are linking two stabbings in the nation’s capital today after one man was left with “life threatening” injuries” in Soho and a boy, 16, was stabbed in Camden, just hours apart.

    Police were called just after 6:00 AM on Sunday, 3 March, to a seriously injured man in Romilly Street, W1.

    Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service and found the 37-year-old man suffering stab injuries. He was taken to hospital where his condition is being treated as life-threatening.

    An immediate investigation was launched by detectives from Central West CID.

    A woman, aged in her 40s was arrested near to the scene. She has been taken to a central London police station where she remains in custody.

    A crime scene was put in place, forensic work commenced and enquiries undertaken to identify any relevant witnesses or CCTV.

    Another male stabbed, Camden

    Later that morning, at 11:36hrs, police in Camden were called to a teenager stabbed in University Street, WC1.

    Emergency services attended the scene where the 16-year-old victim was taken to hospital. His wounds have also been assessed as life-threatening.

    A man, aged in his 30s was arrested near to the scene in connection with the Camden stabbing. He was further arrested a short time later on suspicion of attempted murder in Romilly Street, which is the heart of London’s LGBT Scene.

    The arrested man has been taken to hospital having told officers that he had swallowed a quantity of drugs. Police are awaiting an assessment of his condition.

    Enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances of both incidents.

    Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police should call detectives via 101 quoting reference 1783/mar03. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    At this stage, nobody else is sought in connection with either of these incidents.

    There is nothing to suggest that these crimes are related to homophobia at this time.

  • Man stabbed in the centre of London’s gay scene

    Man stabbed in the centre of London’s gay scene

    A man has been hospitalised after a stabbing in London’s Soho.

    Man stabbed in the centre of London's gay scene
    (C) GOOGLE MAPS

    A man in his 30s has been attacked and stabbed in the centre of London‘s gay scene on  Romilly Street, early Sunday morning.

    The status of the man has not been made public, although the police have revealed that he sustained “serious injuries”.

    Earlier this morning, police and paramedics were called to reports of a stabbing in Romilly Street in Soho at about 6 AM.

    A crime scene has been established as detectives begin their investigations.

    The motive of the attack has not been made known and details about the victim remain private at this time.

    One person, a woman in her 40s has been arrested.

    This is a developing story.

    Anyone with information is urged to call Central West CID on 101 and to provide the reference 1783/03Mar19

  • Two women sexually assaulted in the heart of London’s Soho

    Two women have been sexually assaulted in the heart of London LGBT+ scene.

    The Metropolitan Police are appealing to the public for witnesses after two women were approached on the streets of Soho and sexually assaulted.

    The incident was reported on the 11th May at 10:25 PM on Frith Street, which is the heart of Soho. According to police reports,

    The victims, two women – aged 27 and 28 explained how they were walking along the road when a man approached them from behind and sexually assaulted them.

    He then made off on foot towards Dean Street and the women ran, contacting police.

    Police have now released an image of a man they wish to question in connection with the assault.

    The suspect is described as a dark-skinned white male, with black hair. He was wearing a pink and white striped shirt and had a black backpack.

    Detective Constable Paul Durrant, from the Met’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences team, said, “These young women were just walking down the road when this despicable individual went up to them from behind and sexually assaulted them. It is important that he is caught to prevent him from targeting anyone else.”

    Anyone with information or who recognise this male please contact DC Durrant on 0203 733 5999 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • Here’s what some businesses in Soho are doing to celebrate pride

    Here’s what some businesses in Soho are doing to celebrate pride

    From 6th – 8th July, London’s Soho will be awash with all things bright and beautiful in the world-famous celebration of Pride. Every year, local business join the revelry to show their ongoing support of the gay community and this time around is no exception.

    BLADE

    Soho salon Blade Hairclubbing® is nodding to Pride both through the styling team and through a special offering from the resident mixology wizard Stroo Despot-Olofsson.

    Revellers will be able to enjoy the limited edition Rainbow Maker – a rainbow-coloured flight of top-shelf liqueurs with a craft lager chaser. A heady line-up of Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, Green Chartreuse, St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Walcher Biostilla Deluxe Organic Amaretto and De Kuyper XO Cherry Brandy is rounded off with a refreshing chaser of Harviestoun Schiehallion Craft Lager and will be available from now until 8th July.

    Those looking to up the ante style-wise can then go for a Pride Glitz; Blade’s top stylists will make sure that guests are Pride-ready by applying glitter to your roots, hairline or parting, ensuring that everyone leaves ready to join the party, sprinkled with sparkle and full of rainbow spirit – quite literally!

    HIPCHIPS

    This Pride, Soho favourite HIPCHIPS – which is based right on the Pride March route on 49 Old Compton Street – will be offering visitors to the parlour a chance to Pimp for Pride. All partyers will have the chance to pimp up the usual dip options, adding a touch more glitz and glamour in honour of Pride In London. HIPCHIPS will also be serving some pink bubbly to help visitors to the parlour get in the mood for revelry in the most fabulous way possible. All offerings available throughout the first week of July.

    The Pride In London Pop Up Shop

    Selling all manner of goodies and pride merch Pride In London’s pop up shop is now open at 72 Old Compton Street. Teeming with pride ideas the store also doubles up as a community centre for LGBT+ with plenty of activities to keep you entertained and informed. Don’t fret if you can’t make it into London you can always do your shopping online with THEGAYSHOP.co.uk, the official online merchant for Pride In London.

  • Man fighting for his life after being punched outside gay bar in London

    Man fighting for his life after being punched outside gay bar in London

    A man is fighting for his life after an alleged “one punch” attack outside a gay bar in central London.

    Admiral Duncan
    CREDIT: TheGayUK

    A man has been hospitalised and reportedly fighting for his life after been knocked unconscious outside the Admiral Duncan gay pub in Soho, London. According to witnesses, a fight broke out before the 39-year-old man was allegedly punched, just once, before falling to the ground where he lay unconscious.

    The victim was drinking with friends inside the pub before the alleged attack. An ambulance was called and the victim was taken to a nearby hospital.

    His condition has been reported as critical but stable.

    ALSO READ:

     

    The Metropolitan Police are not treating this attack as a homophobic crime and arrested a 23-year-old in the early hours of this morning (16th March) on suspicion of GBH. They said, “He remains in custody at an east London police station”.

     

     

  • What are these posters that have cropped up in Soho?

    What are these posters that have cropped up in Soho?

    Have you seen these posters which have been cropping up in Soho?

    IMG_1236 IMG_1238

     

    Well it’s all about the fact that gay and bisexual men STILL can’t give blood in the UK unless they’ve abstained from sex for ONE YEAR – even if they are in a monogamous relationship or feel that they have been enjoying safer sex.

    IMG_1240

    The posters – which leave out the letters of blood groups – such as A, B, invites people to log on to a website – where they can send a pre-written letter to let the Minster for health, Jeremy Hunt know how you feel.

    Bravo.

     

  • Yard Bar in Soho saved from the developers

    Yard Bar in Soho saved from the developers

    The historic Yard Bar in Soho has been saved after planning inspectors upheld Westminster City Council’s decision to protect it.

    The well-known LGBT venue in the heart of Soho found itself at risk, as the developer, Consolidated Property Corporation Limited, originally submitted plans to build flats over the courtyard area.

    Westminster City Council first blocked those plans in March 2015, but the developer submitted subsequent applications and launched two appeals that were finally rejected in the Planning Inspectorate on 10th August.

    In its final report, the appointed inspector described any move to build over the Yard’s courtyard as one which would “fundamentally alter” the character of the bar.

    The decision represents a full vindication of the council’s two-year battle to protect this much loved Soho bar, which received outstanding support from the local community and the bar’s owners, who led a high-profile ‘Save The Yard’ campaign.

    Cllr Robert Davis MBE DL, Westminster City Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for the Built Environment, said,

    “Soho is one of the most iconic areas of Westminster, with a unique character that everyone at the council is committed to protecting.”

    “The Yard is a jewel in Soho’s crown and I am thrilled that we have joined forces with the ward councillors and the local community to ensure it remains open for business.”

    “I am absolutely delighted that Westminster City Council has been able to play its part in saving this long-standing example of Soho’s history, culture and diversity.”

    The proposals for the development of three flats meant that the courtyard would have been enclosed beneath a glass roof, something which the Soho Society and Historic England also strongly objected to.

    This would mean the loss of an “extremely distinctive feature of the bar and its related culture” said the planning inspector.

    The Yard Bar’s owner, Andy Jones, led the “Save The Yard” campaign which brought the issue to even greater attention.

    He said,

    “It has been a very long battle and we are so delighted that we have been successful. The support we got from Westminster City Council, ward councillors, Historic England, Soho Society, heritage experts and the LGBT, business and residential communities was huge and unbelievable. We can’t thank everyone enough. Ultimately, all of their support helped to overcome the multiple applications and common sense has prevailed. Long live The Yard!”

  • London Gay Village To Stand With Orlando Victims Tonight

    Tonight the community of Soho and London, both straight and gay people shall be gathering to respect and show support at 7pm for the victims and families of the Pulse nightclub shootings in Orlando.

    CREDIT: © nito103 /Depositphotos

    Hundreds are expected to be gathering at Old Compton Street, Soho, to pay respect for the 50 people killed and over 53 hospitalised in a terrorist attack on the LGBT+ community of Orlando.

    At 7pm tonight, 13th June, everyone is invited to come out onto the street to hold hands. Local bars and businesses shall stop serving during this time.

    You can keep up-to-date on the official FaceBook page for more information.

    Volunteers are being asked for from 6pm to help with what is expected to be a large turnout.

  • RESTAURANT REVIEW | Top Dog Diner Soho (CLOSED)

    One could easily meander past Top Dog (TD) on Frith Street Soho without a second squint.

    UPDATED: 26th Sept 2016 – now closed

    First of all, the name doesn’t grab you like Herman Ze German or House of Ho – but equally, it’s not as off-putting as La Polenteria – really, polenta-smolenta. And secondly, the dark exterior doesn’t wink at you – one has to sport a bright button-hole on one’s lapel to make an impression in this neck of the smog-laden metropolis.

    But you’re not to be put off, TD has recently undergone a bit of a refurb and has utilised the space upstairs by transforming it into a speakeasy bar. What they don’t exude in a colourful shopfront they make up for in cool.  A minimalist bar with ’70’s leaf-shaped and made-out-of-scaffolding tables, grey walls with a hand painted mural: think a merman Eddie Izzard in a spacesuit, sporting an orange umbrella, serving drinks – it just works.

    We arrived to the Going Live of all receptions; the staff are animated and personable – move over Ant and Dec.  We were whisked straight up to the speakeasy drinking room where two cocktails were suggested.

    Dill or No Dill: Gin, elderflower cordial, lemon, cucumber, dill and smoked sea salt at £8.  A martini-style imbibe, aromatic and citrusy. The cucumber tones down the salt – slightly bitter.  Not bad, but not top hound.

    El Chaplulin:  Olmeca Altos Reposado, Tio Pepe, Briottet Cacao and Briottet Menthe Blanc at £9. A touch of the My Fair Lady’s, a decent enough tequila softened by the dryness of the sherry – a fruity kick from both Briottets enhances tobacco flavours. The world was a better place once the glass was empty – Top Dog.

    After our sharpeners we were led downstairs to the restaurant. You’ll feel as though you’re sitting in an industrial staff canteen, but with a touch of the Hoxton Square’s.  More of the scaffold, simplistic bare wood chairs, tables and work counter all lit with factory-style caged bulbs.

    We shared all the nosh.

    To arrive first: Kentucky fried cauliflower served with home-made BBQ sauce at £4. If you like cauliflower, and you like tempura – you’ll find this finger-lickin’-good.  We then tucked into truffle mac and cheese at £6.50: al dente pasta – the truffle oil didn’t overpower the mild cheese. My dining chum vacuumed up the lot.

    Before choosing the food we were informed all ingredients are straight off the farm wagon and all the burgers and hot dogs are made on the premises. We think they secretly have a little abattoir and greenhouse out the back – f-f-fresh.

    Next up: chilli cheese hot dog, cheese sauce, lettuce, coriander, pickled chillies and red onions at £9. A sophisticated hot dog – quality meat, porky and beefy notes elevated by lemon and nutty undertones from the coriander. Chilli and pickle is like adding hollandaise to a poached egg and muffin – the ruler of dogs.

    And: pulled pork ’n’ slaw, slow-cooked pulled pork, apple slaw, lettuce, pickles and Kansas City BBQ sauce at £10. My dining compadre wasn’t keen, which made me very happy indeed – not a crumb was left. An addictive beef patty oozing beefiness covered with succulent pork all merged with sweet apple and tomato – hints of garlic and chilli and a tease of paprika – makes a Big Mac seem like a shrivelled up chipolata – we’ve all been there.

    Along with: sweet potato fries at £4 – overdone and dry.  The house white, El Muro Macabeco 2014, had a similar bouquet to carpet stain remover.

    Bung Top Dog to the top of your Soho easy stops to line stomachs before snogging hotties in the Shadow Lounge, for an easy-on-the-Gucci-purse-strings buzzy din-dins with chums or if you just need to fill ya chops with a decent, fresh, meaty flavoursome sausage.

    Review By: Thabian Sutherland
    Address: Top Dog
    48 Frith Street
    London, W1D 4SF
    Telephone: 020 3019 2380
    Star Rating: ★★★★ (explained)
    Cost Rating: ££ (explained)
    Tipping Policy: A discretionary 12.5% gratutity is added to all bills.