This article brought back lots of memories of my time working in Soho in the late 80s. I worked on Dean St, at the Groucho club. Down times between shifts or after long nights were often spent in Chinatown, Wong Kei being a favourite place for price and swiftness of service. It's renowned for the rudeness of its waiters but I don't remember that at all - it was super efficient and no time for chat but I think that only seems rude if you're expecting a leisurely dining experience. China Town was a place of ease and familiarity in a Soho that seemed to change weekly - i loved it. I haven't been back for years but hold it in my affection as an English person who simply passed through. Having read this I would love to know more about its evolution and the people who built it (as opposed to this who 'designed' it later on) - if you are still doing your walking tours I will sign up next visit!
Just passed through Chinatown last week after not having been there in more than ten years. Your article really resonates with me and what I felt walking through there. For some reason I ended up eating at Old Town 97 and realised that the place next door is a Brazilian Churasco place. I wished I could have read this article before :)
My memory of being taken to eat Chinese food in 1970s London centred round Limehouse/ Docklands .. I guess there are historic roots there too .
This article brought back lots of memories of my time working in Soho in the late 80s. I worked on Dean St, at the Groucho club. Down times between shifts or after long nights were often spent in Chinatown, Wong Kei being a favourite place for price and swiftness of service. It's renowned for the rudeness of its waiters but I don't remember that at all - it was super efficient and no time for chat but I think that only seems rude if you're expecting a leisurely dining experience. China Town was a place of ease and familiarity in a Soho that seemed to change weekly - i loved it. I haven't been back for years but hold it in my affection as an English person who simply passed through. Having read this I would love to know more about its evolution and the people who built it (as opposed to this who 'designed' it later on) - if you are still doing your walking tours I will sign up next visit!
Just passed through Chinatown last week after not having been there in more than ten years. Your article really resonates with me and what I felt walking through there. For some reason I ended up eating at Old Town 97 and realised that the place next door is a Brazilian Churasco place. I wished I could have read this article before :)
Have a look at Brick Lane now. No longer the Bangla castle but several quality regional Chinese and some trendy ones. Maybe it’s a rental thing.