Old Compton Street has been a well-known hub of London's LGBTQIA+ scene for only a few decades, but alternative lifestyles have existed within Soho's historic walls for over 130 years. You will visit the hidden and sometimes forgotten places that have kept Soho's identity from the late Victorian era to the present day on this walk.

Start the day in Piccadilly Circus. In the 1800s, the area became known as ""the Meat Rack"" due to an increase in risqué entertainment and ladies of the night. Continuing your journey through LGBTQIA+ history you will pass the site of the all male Trocadero Long Bar, the wartime Shim Sham club, and the notorious Dansey Place. As you walk down the famous Old Compton Street, learn about figures in LGBTQIA+ history such as Quentin Crisp who frequented the Au Chat Noir cafe here and the safe haven for Francis Bacon after the war years in the back streets of Soho at the Colony Club.

Passing bars such as La Duce, Club Louise, and Colt Cinema you will hear about the repression suffered by the community during the 1960's to 1980's before arriving at The Village which liberated the scene into public view in the 1990's. Finally you will be brought back to the modern day, taking a moment at the Admiral Duncan pub to remember the dark day in British history in 1999 and ending your tour on Old Compton Street.

Soho has changed dramatically in the last five years. It's changing quickly, and with it, the LGBTQIA+ spaces where British gay identity was formed. Continue back down the road to the Duke of Wellington pub where we have included a drink to toast the end of your walk.

This tour is provided on a reserved basis prior to departure.

Duration:
Approximately 3 hours

Meeting point:
Piccadilly Circus, London

Ending point:
Old Compton Street, Soho, London

Departure Time:
To be confirmed at the time of booking

Included:
Guided Walking Tour with Blue Badge Guide, Pint at the Pub

Not Included:
Gratuities , transport, anything not aforementioned.

Additional Information:
Tour Activity Level Moderate.This tour includes walking; we recommend comfortable shoes.
Maximum number of participants: 14.

Tour does not operate on 1 January, 24-26 December