Soho Deco: movies, music and motor cars – a guided walk

This tour visits an impressive cross-section of architectural masterpieces built in the 1920s and 1930s.

Soho – a magnet for art, music, fashion and and entertainment, echoed in its ever-changing architecture. In the interwar years, this area was a 24hr hive of activity. By day, Soho was alive with shops, cafés, markets, schools, artisans and craftsmen, then, as the sun went down and the lights came on, the streets buzzed with people dressed in their finest clothes, making for the best cocktail bars, restaurants, casinos, theatres and picture palaces.

During this colourful "Jazz Age" era many impressive buildings were constructed in a new motivational style, sporting clean geometric lines, pared-down motifs and shiny tiles, often in contrast to their crazy patterned interiors. Today we recognised this as the "Art Deco" style, and Soho has some fine examples.

See evidence of movie-making history, hear about fun, flappers and fabulous fabrics, plus colourful cabaret venues, hotels and hospitality, and even a classy car park. We will also visit a restored and revamped 1930s interior. You may well discover a new 'Art Deco' favourite along the way.

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• The walks starts in Oxford Street, not far from Soho Square – the specific meeting point will be clearly described after purchase – see more in the FAQs section, below.
• 2hrs / approx 1.5miles
• Ends a stone's throw from Piccadilly Circus
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Customer feedback: "Thank you so much for such an interesting walk... we really enjoyed it and you introduced us to some fabulous Art Deco buildings." / "Oh my god, I can't believe I had walked past so many of these for years and not noticed them – you are right we should look up more!" / "Another great walk Jane. So well researched and I love your personality. More please!!" / "This is the fourth Art Deco walk I have done with you and I plan to join all the others too. Many thanks." / "I hadn't realised there were so many 1930's buildings in Soho" / More feedback here

Other Art Deco walks and talks available – please check my listings.

My guiding style is inclusive, open and friendly. I design and research every tour myself – in fact, the research never ends. The walks and talks I offer are all on subjects that intrigue me and each one highlights a different facet of my personality. I am particularly interested in the architecture of our ever-changing streets and the little details on and above them. For more information, please visit www.janeslondonwalks.com

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Where does this walk start and what if I am running late?

• Important – please do not rely on QR codes, postcodes and maps sent via other apps as these often give incorrect information. The specific meeting point will be clearly described in words within the Order Confirmation email sent to you immediately after your purchase.
  – Scroll down to see the Additional Information section near the bottom of the email where you will also find details of how to play catch-up should you be running late on the day.
  – As a back-up, the same information will be sent to you within a reminder email 24hrs before the event.

What is the minimum age to attend this event?

• There is no minimum age
• No charge for children aged 5 or younger.
• All children 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult – one child per paying adult.

Can I just show up and pay on arrival?

• No – this is a ticketed event with a maximum group size – places must be booked in advance.

Do I have to bring a copy of my ticket to the event?

• No – you will simply be asked your name

Can I get a refund / is my ticket transferrable?

• As you can appreciate, refunds and reallocations do not apply to people who simply do not show up on the day!
• You can organise your own refund through Eventbrite's ticketing system up to 48 hours before the walk starts. However, please note that the booking fee (absorbed within the ticket price) is not refundable.
• Alternatively, I can hold your purchase for transfer to another Jane's London Walk within the next three months – please notify me in writing via email/text at least 48 hours before this walk is due to start.

What if it's raining?

• Walking tours will go ahead, rain or shine.
• However, if severely adverse conditions are forecast, or other unforeseen complications cause the event to be cancelled, you will receive notification and a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchairs?

• The walk will be mostly on standard pavements although we do access a couple of narrow backstreets which are uneven and/or cobbled in places.

How can I contact the organiser?

• Email: [email protected]
• Mobile: +44(0)7941 475003
• Instagram/Facebook: janeslondonwalks

Host or Publisher Jane's London Walks