Remember The Edge? She’s had a makeover. Changed her name. Gone on the run. Ok, maybe not that last part. But the newly-named Soho Square is throwing open it’s doors to you humble folk now. We spoke to owner Andy to find out more.
Hi Andy! First off, tell us a bit about yourself.
I took over The Edge in 2001 and carried out a refurbishment program across all four floors, to keep its firm standing on the scene at the edge of Soho. During that time I acquired the Yard in 2009 and carried out a refurbishment I was very proud of. I then fought a successful battle to save the Yard last year.
Okay, and now tell us about Soho Square, what’s new?
Some very big changes have happened here. We refurbished the building to create a restaurant on the ground floor, a lounge space on the first floor to work during the day and have casual dining, a cocktail bar on the second floor, and the top floor is a dedicated space for parties and events. They’ve all got high-speed free wifi too, so you can plug in and chill on your own.
What prompted the makeover and rebrand?
After 25 incredible years we decided to close The Edge and re-launch it with a new identity. Crossrail had affected our business for over a year when they dug up Soho Square and it was a struggle to fill all four floors. We didn’t want to close the business down so we carried out a number of focus groups involving the LGBT community, local residents and businesses to find out what people wanted from the venue across its four floors.
Is Soho Square still an LGBT space?
We are obviously very proud of our heritage and we’ve been hard at work refurbishing the interior of this beautiful art deco building to give it a new lease of life. We wanted to create a new concept for dining on the ground but keep the spirit of The Edge alive in our cocktail bar upstairs. Soho has seen many changes over the recent years and being a gay owned and operated venue, we believe we have a created an eatery and drinking space that everyone feels welcome in a similar way to any establishment on Old Compton Street.
Tell us about each floor; we’ve heard they all have their own distinct style and atmosphere.
Well the ground floor is a restaurant with a fantastic menu written by Lucy Warrick, who has been part of The Edge team on and off for the last 20 years, and a shabby chic environment. We have a quick lunch menu and full evening menu with sharing plates and slider boards. And you can pop in for cocktails during our happy hour.
On the first floor we have a similar look and feel but with a more relaxed vibe so you can catch up with friends over coffee or a light bite or natter with a cocktail into the evening.
As you venture up our central staircase that has been overhauled to give a real warehouse feel, you reach the Soho cocktail bar that’s open for cocktails or any kind drink that takes your fancy. The final addition on the top floor has been uniquely designed to replicate a loft-style apartment; relaxed, comfortable and overlooking the gorgeous Soho Square.
Scenario 1: We’re on a date in Soho and fancy some dinner, what can you recommend from your selection?
Nothing better than a selection from our Square tasters, Maybe try Welsh goats cheese bon bon with beetroot, orange, balsamic glaze, honey and whiskey glazed pork belly squares, Handmade scotch eggs (you get one each) and homemade shepherds pie to share. Toast that in with a Soho Square signature cocktail; Grey Goose, muddled with raspberries and passion fruit, honey, fresh apple juice and served in a copper mug.
Scenario 2: Mum’s come up to visit us for the day, what should we treat her to at Soho Square?
We’re about to introduce afternoon teas here where you will soon be able to get a selection of finger sandwiches, pastries and homemade cakes served with a good old English cup of tea. Or you can treat her and add a glass of bubbly to spice the gossip up!
Scenario 3: We’re planning the annual office Christmas party, what have you got on offer?
We designed our top floors so you can hire them out exclusively or join the floors together for office parties and birthdays. We’re even installing an 80” screen in the loft so you can have your own film screening with friends and relax into our lounge’s beanbag furniture with drinks served at your seat. We designed a special events menu also but we feel we’ve created a great private party space whatever the occasion.
What’s coming up in future?
Loads of exciting things planned for the New Year. We plan to create a number of big parties throughout the calendar and of course we will be throwing a big party for Pride 2016!
Will we still be able to buy a cheeky drink in a plastic cup to take into the park during summertime?
We’ve gone a step further. We have now got some copper cups from our friends at Bacardi to buy your drinks and take them into the square, plus you’ll still be able to take pint glasses over there. We’ve extended our free wi-fi to reach the square so by next spring you can order food from our menu and we’ll deliver it over while you sit with friends.
Tell us, what do you love most about Soho?
Soho has always been a haven for our diverse community. Even though it feels at times that the scene is diminishing, the heart and soul will never leave.
• Soho Square Cocktail Bar and Restaurant (11 Soho Square W1D 3QE) is open from midday, Monday to Sunday. For more information and menus visit www.soho-square.co.uk