February 27th 2025.
Residents in Soho are expressing their discontent over plans to open a new strip club in the area. Dubbed as "the heart and soul of Soho," the community is fiercely opposing the proposed plan, fearing that it will bring back the notorious reputation of the neighborhood.
The Penthouse Club, known for its nude striptease performances and named after the adult magazine, has submitted an application to open a new branch in Soho. This has left the locals feeling distraught and disappointed. Some argue that the approval of this proposal will result in increased noise and hinder the improvements that have been made in the area over the past decade. However, others have labeled the opposition as "Nimby's" who do not want any form of sexual expression in Soho.
The club, which already has branches in the United States, Australia, and Russia, plans to open its doors on the site of the former LGBTQ+ venue, Madame Jo Jo's in Walker's Court. In their application to the Westminster Council, the owners of the club claim that it will bring in an investment of £8 million to the area.
Despite this, many residents are determined to block the plans, with the Soho Society being one of its strongest opponents. George, a 25-year-old chauffeur who has lived in the nearby Green's Court since childhood, shares his concerns with Metro. He expresses his love for the neighborhood and the positive changes that have been made in recent years. He believes that Soho does not need another strip club and that these establishments do not contribute much to the local economy. He also mentions the famous Windmill Club as a part of Soho's history, but believes that allowing new clubs to open will be a step backward. He further explains that the area has become quieter and safer, making it a desirable place to live.
On the other hand, there are those who are in favor of the strip club, claiming that "Soho has always been sexy." Local business owner, Jo Ann, defends the club, stating that Soho should be allowed to have well-managed and safe sexual activities. She also mentions the improvements made in Walker's Court, which was once known as a drug dealer alley, and how it has now become a safe place with good lighting and security.
However, a pensioner who has lived in the area for more than three decades strongly opposes the strip club. She shares her experience of the area's transformation and how it has become a better and quieter place. She believes that allowing a new strip club will take Soho back to its seedy past and hinder its progress. Another resident, a mother of two, also voices her discontent, stating that she moved to Soho because it is a safe place to raise her children. She does not want a strip club in her neighborhood and would prefer more family-friendly establishments.
In their official objections to the plans, residents highlight the changing nature of Soho, with more families and tourists visiting the area. They question whether a strip club is suitable for such a community and express concerns about the safety and character of the neighborhood.
Despite the opposition, the club's owner, John Kirkendoll, plans to operate it as a premium venue, offering not just striptease performances, but also music, drag, and "Cirque du Soleil"-style acrobatics. They assure that full nudity will only be allowed in private VIP rooms, with topless or semi-nude performances taking place on the main stage and by customers' tables.
A resident who has lived in Soho for more than 20 years dismisses the objections, stating that the heart and soul of the neighborhood is being lost to gentrification. He believes that the area is being destroyed and its identity is being taken away. He argues that people moved to Soho because it was unique and full of character, and the council's decisions are ruining it. He believes that the strip club should be allowed to open, as this is Soho, not Surrey.
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