While the aristocracy of 19th-century London lived in their large mansions along the west side of Regent Street in the district of Mayfair, it was the neighborhood of Soho on the east side where they came to party and have fun. But how did a once open farmland transform into an area plagued by prostitutes, vices, and even European radicals? It's time to explore this colorful neighborhood and its evolving role in London throughout the past several hundred years.

Join New York Adventure Club as we travel through London's neighborhood of Soho to uncover its eclectic history over the past 350 years, from its role as an aristocratic enclave, to the troubled years as London’s main red-light district, to its modern revival as the center for the British film industry.

Led by award winning London Blue Badge Tour Guide Pepe Martinez, our virtual exploration using powerful images, video, and Google street view will include:

• An overview of Soho’s rapid transformation, from farmland to aristocratic housing
• The story of the Windmill Theatre, London’s first legal burlesque theatre, which inspired the movie Mrs Henderson Presents
• The relationship between Soho and one of the most famous horror novels in history
• A virtual visit to Carnaby Street to see the world's most fashionable street circa the swinging 60s, and meet the man who helped put it on the map
• A discussion around Paul Raymond, known as the King of Soho and King of Porn
• Notable figures who have passed through Soho in the last 350 years

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A session with Pepe — any and all questions about London's Soho are welcomed and encouraged!

Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Once registered, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay will be available after the experience for all registered guests

About Pepe

I was born and bred in London and have lived here all his life apart from a year traveling the world in my 20’s. My professional life began working as a stage manager, followed by 15 years as a Tour Manager leading tours of the UK, Ireland and Europe, the USA, Canada, New Zealand and The Middle and Far East. I qualified as a London Blue Badge Guide in 2011 and was honoured to receive the award for Best Overall Practical Guide. Pepe is a tutor on the London Blue Badge training course. In lockdown he created a virtual tour training programme which has been attended by more than 400 Institute of Tourist Guiding accredited guides around the UK.

The blue badge is the highest attainable qualification for tourists guiding in the UK. London Blue Badge Guides have to pass 11 examinations before receiving their badge. The highly prestigious badge gives exclusive guiding access to many major sites in London including Westminster abbey and Saint Pauls Cathedral.

Disclaimer

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: Virtual, Neighborhoods