One of the best things about having a store on Berwick Street in Soho is the community that this incredible part of Central London brings. Soho has always been an eclectic place. Berwick Street was for a long time a major fabric hub in the capital, and while many of the cloth shops have since moved, it's good to know that the street is still a style destination. But Soho is of course better known for revelry than it is for fashion. In the 17th century it was a hideout for Huguenot refugees who kept a low profile in covert taverns. In the 19th century the gin palaces and bohemian haunts moved in, creating a raucous environment that drew all walks of life. In that aspect, Soho is little changed - if you want to lose a night in the capital, Soho is where you go.
The seedy rawness may have been washed away, but in its place is a world class bar and dining scene. One of our neighbours is Three Sheets- a discreet bar found just beyond the archway on Manette Street, which links Greek Street with Charing Cross Road. At the helm are brothers Max and Noel Venning, who after the hugely popular launch of the first Three Sheets in Dalston, couldn't resist setting up a Soho watering hole. We're glad they did. Three Sheets is the type of place where drinkers are coerced into the cosy proximity that all great bars foster, allowing for anyone at any time and from any angle to overhear and join in on a conversation. It feels both intimate and ambitious, a sanctuary where the art of the cocktail is elevated to a quiet triumph (read a great review over at Secret Trips).
We caught up with Max recently to find out more about how he started in the business, his personal style, and plans for the future. If you're in the area, you should definitely swing by Three Sheets for some sophisticated lubrication. Then suitably disinhibited, come and see us on Berwick Street!
OS: What do you love most about Soho?