News Grouchos Closed By Police

[AgentPete]

Meanwhile, in the fleshpots of London’s Soho, Grouchos – founded by publishers but soon overrun by loud-mouthed advertising types – has been shut down. Had its license withdrawn pending police enquires.

I used to like the edgy atmosphere but a lot of folk didn’t. Dealing would routinely happen in the men’s (and probably ladies) toilets. You’d see – most often hear – other importuning going on there, too.

Kind of a mystery why the police have suddenly pounced – didn’t they know what went on there for decades? A statement says it’s “associated with serious crime or serious disorder or both”.

That’s pretty wide-ranging. “Serious disorder” was one of the reasons people went there, especially late on a Friday night!

Soho is becoming so monotone.

 

[Pamela Jo]

My experience w Soho was contrasted with NYC in the 80's so... it seemed fairly tame to me. Of course that was after the Ronnie's were removed. One of my favorite Lovejoy episodes was based there. That was more like your memories.

 

[Bloo]

What's a Ronnie, PJ ???

 

[Pamela Jo]

Actually the 2 Ronnie's were British comedy legends from the same era. What I meant was Ronnie Kray of the Kray bros.

 

[BrianY]

Wow. I knew places like this in New York for photographers, but all faded away as photographers moved out of Manhattan and publications there died out.

 

[Hannah Faoileán]

Actually the 2 Ronnie's were British comedy legends from the same era. What I meant was Ronnie Kray of the Kray bros.

Yes, I was astonished to read that Corbett and Barker were so out of order they had to be removed! (Blowing too many raspberries maybe.)