Ah, Berwick Street! Just saying the name feels like stepping into a time machine and landing smack dab in the beating heart of Soho. This little stretch of pavement has seen it all – from bustling markets to rock 'n' roll legends strutting their stuff. So, grab your walking shoes, or dancing shoes, and let's take a leisurely stroll down memory lane.
Picture this: it's the early 18th century, and Berwick Street is just a humble path winding through fields and farmland. But fast forward a few decades, and voila! You've got yourself a full-fledged marketplace buzzing with activity. Traders peddle their wares, haggling over prices as the scent of fresh produce fills the air. It's like something straight out of a Dickens novel, quite literally and as the writer himself lived for some time up in Fitzrovia, he would likely have tread our little street regularly in his wonders around the Victorian capital.
Come the swinging '60s, and Berwick Street undergoes a transformation worthy of its Soho stomping grounds. Suddenly, it's not just fruits and veggies gracing the stalls – it's vinyl records! Music aficionados flock from far and wide to get their hands on the latest hits, rubbing shoulders with the likes of David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. Legend has it, that if you listen closely, you can still hear the echoes of those iconic tunes bouncing off the cobblestones.
But wait, there's more! Our slice of Westminster isn't just about commerce and crooners; it's also a melting pot of cultures and communities. Step into any of the local eateries, and you'll find a smorgasbord of flavors from around the globe. From Chinese to our own Mediterranean fare, there's something to tantalize every taste bud. And let's not forget the pubs – oh, the pubs! Quaint, cozy, and overflowing with character, they're the perfect spot to while away an afternoon with a pint in hand and a story on your lips. If you crave a cocktail Violet’s at 19 Berwick has been serving the community for almost 36 years, providing a heaven for the colourful characters of Soho, a friendly home away from home to while away the hours with good drinks, and fascinating people.
Of course, no trip down Berwick Street would be complete without a nod to its artistic soul. With the famous Madame JoJos burlesque venue now changed to the shiny new Boulevard Theatre, showcasing the talents of both budding newcomers and seasoned pros. Whether you're into avant-garde performance art or something bit more risqué, there's bound to be something that catches your eye (and maybe even steals your heart).
As the sun sets on our little jaunt through history, it's impossible not to feel a twinge of nostalgia for the London of yesteryear. But fear not, dear reader, for this vibrant corner of Soho, shows no signs of slowing down. With each passing year, it continues to evolve and reinvent itself, welcoming new faces and new adventures with open arms. Shelter from the weight of the past in our beloved restaurant, and allow yourself to soak up more than just gin. The spirit of Soho kept alive for all these years within our walls.
So, the next time you find yourself pounding these well-worn streets, be sure to pay a visit to 18 Berwick Street. Who knows what treasures, what delicacies, what excitement you'll uncover or what stories you'll stumble upon? One thing's for sure – it's a journey you won't soon forget.