Soho: where London’s authenticity was born and never left.
It’s where the city’s creative pulse beats the loudest, where old and new collide: indie coffee shops beside century-old pubs and underground music venues next to Michelin-starred restaurants. Known for its neon-lit streets, late-night cafés, iconic LGBTQ+ bars and historic jazz clubs where legends were made, Soho has always been a sanctuary for misfits, dreamers, and trailblazers.
More than that, Soho is a symbol of freedom. As the beating heart of London’s LGBTQ+ community, Soho’s streets tell stories of resilience, celebration, and unapologetic self-expression. It remains a place where everyone is free to be exactly who they are.
For over a century, these streets have been more than just a nightlife hotspot - they’ve been a lifeline. A place where love and identity have thrived, where history was made, and where the LGBTQ+ community found not just acceptance but home.
Welcome to Our Heart in Soho - Propel’s love letter to London’s most electric, inclusive, and unfiltered neighbourhood.
For Mel, our founder, Soho has always been more than just a neighbourhood. It’s been a source of inspiration and a symbol of authenticity.
As someone who values true connection and inclusivity, Soho has always deeply resonated with Mel. The energy and unapologetic spirit of Soho mirror the very values that Propel holds dear.
“Soho was always a dream for me, a place I always wanted Propel to be. It felt like the perfect home. Its diversity, rich history, and vibrant mix of individuals made it an exciting and dynamic place to grow. I also believed it would be the ideal location to attract diverse talent to join us on the Propel journey. Our first office in Soho was on Wardour Street, then we later moved to Greek Street, where we stayed for well over a decade.
Propel has always been a place that welcomes people from all backgrounds. It wasn’t just about attracting diverse talent; it was about building a culture that truly reflected our values. Soho felt perfectly aligned with the community and environment we wanted to build, and continue to build, at Propel.
Soho has always held a special place in my heart. From a young age, I was drawn to its energy and freedom. It was a place where I could eat, drink, dance, and be surrounded by people who were open, expressive, and unapologetically themselves. Over the years, I’ve been a member of many clubs in Soho, spaces I’ve enjoyed, supported, and felt deeply connected to.
That personal love for Soho naturally extended into my professional life. I wanted to build Propel in a place that reflected the values I cared about: vibrancy, inclusivity, and the celebration of difference. Soho isn’t just a neighbourhood; it’s a constantly evolving community where people from all walks of life come together. It was the perfect place to grow a business that thrives on connection and a shared spirit of openness.
It’s hard to pinpoint just one standout memory because, in many ways, simply being able to build Propel in Soho felt like an achievement in itself. When you set out to create a business in a place that truly aligns with your values, making it a reality is something to be proud of. Our first office on Wardour Street, in a warehouse space, was incredible. It was a place where our team - many of whom were also part of the Soho community - came together to create something special. Then, moving to Greek Street, one of the most sought-after streets in Soho, felt like another milestone. It wasn’t just about having an office; it was about being right in the heart of a community that embraced difference and creativity. Being part of that energy made it all the more meaningful.
Being a queer founder and having an office in Soho was an incredible milestone for me. Soho has always been a place where diversity thrives. It’s a vibrant community of LGBTQ+ people, creatives, and free thinkers. It’s a space where anything goes, where people can be unapologetically themselves.
For me, building Propel there wasn’t just about location; it was about belonging. As a queer founder, it felt like I’d found a home, somewhere I could truly be myself, both personally and professionally. I felt deeply embedded in the community, and I still do. Soho holds a huge place in my heart, and it always will. It’s a place I’ll always return to, always remember, and always love.”
Soho has been the home of London’s LGBTQ+ community for decades. Here are some defining moments that have shaped Soho’s legacy as a safe space for queer identity.
A trip down memory lane…
Way back when, Soho became a haven for the LGBTQ+ community due to the rise of secret clubs where people gathered, despite the risk of prosecution, to celebrate the freedom to be themselves.
Even in 18th-century London, people were already freeing themselves from the societal ‘norms’ of the time. Hidden away in Soho and Piccadilly, underground venues became spaces where the rules didn’t apply, and the bold and brave could celebrate their individuality.
Soho’s history is one of resilience, defiance, and unfiltered joy.
Though our physical office may have moved, Soho’s legacy will always be part of what Propel is. The lessons we’ve learned from its streets - the importance of authenticity, community, and fearless self-expression - continue to shape our culture and the way we show up every day.
No matter where we go, we carry Soho’s ethos with us: a commitment to inclusion and creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered. Because Soho isn’t just a place, it’s a mindset. And that’s something we’ll never leave behind. 💫
Soho’s impact on both the LGBTQ+ community and on us at Propel is undeniable. We are forever grateful for its influence, and we’ll carry its spirit with us as we continue to build a more inclusive future.
We’d love to hear your own Soho memories and reflections. Share them with us in the comments as we continue to celebrate this iconic neighbourhood and its eternal place in our hearts. 💜
