It was great finally meeting some of the Google Local Team (though the trepidation from their side was palpable) last night as we wandered through Soho.
For those in my group who walked with Luis (Google Local PM) down Greek Street just a quick reminder of some of the places I pointed out and their history:
The House of St Barnabus
This was founded as a Charity in 1846 but only occupied this building in 1862. As cited this is the oldest Homeless Charity and the earliest purpose built building. It is now run as private members club with all the staff coming from Homeless Backgrounds and all the profits going back into the Charity. As I said the Chapel is spectacular and well worth a visit when open.
(DISABLED ACCESS - Unfortunately the nature of this building being Grade I Listed has meant no structural alterations can take place by law. So this means it’s very awkward for the disabled to access. But staff have a ramp to give access to wheelchairs to enter the ground floor, but with no lifts its impossible to explore the other floors and there is no disabled toilet. However there is nothing the owners can do about this).
Jazz After Dark
The birth place of Amy Winehouse’s Career
(DISABLED ACCESS - The nature of the steep step and awkward door make this venue inaccessible for wheelchair users)
Trishas
One of the last drinking dens left in a now almost homogenised Soho.
(DISABLED ACCESS - There is no access for Wheelchairs to this establishment whatsoever. Being a basement bar there are simply stairs down and no elevator)