Our history
1950
Paul Raymond
arrived in London
Paul Raymond arrived in London and established the Paul Raymond Variety Agency in offices on Charing Cross Road.
1960
Raymond Revuebar
In the 1960s the Revuebar was a hit with the leading entertainment figures of the day. Paul Raymond bought the freehold to the Revuebar and had the beginnings of his Soho property portfolio.
1970
Property
In the 1970s and 80s, Paul Raymond continued to invest in property and expand his portfolio, purchasing freeholds in Soho through his company, Soho Estates.
1987
Madame Jojo's nightclub
In 1987, Paul Raymond opened Madame Jojo's nightclub. The venue was run by John Wright, better known as Madame Jojo herself, and delighted patrons with its distinctive blend of drag cabaret and burlesque. Madame Jojo's was closed down after the operators lost their licence in 2014. It is due to reopen once the works to improve and revitalise the venue are complete.
1993
Soho House Club
The first Soho House Club opened on Greek Street. Soho House Club was founded by Nick Jones and with the help of Soho Estates, they transformed a building on Greek Street into a members club for people in the media and creative industries. An international success story, Soho House has expanded and established clubs across the world.
2008
Paul Raymond
passed away
Paul Raymond died aged 82. Paul Raymond provided for his late daughter's children Fawn and India and for his son Howard's family through a series of trusts. On his death, his granddaughters Fawn and India James became the main beneficial owners of the property portfolio and other assets.
2011
Company changes
The trusts controlling Soho Estates' portfolio were divided by agreement to release a minority share of assets for the benefit of Howard Raymond and his children. Fawn and India remained the main beneficial owners of the majority interests. The James family re-formed Soho Estates as a new company. Fawn James and John James became Directors of the new company, and Steve Norris was appointed as the Chairman of the new board.
2013
Redevelopment began
in Walker's Court
Planning permission was granted to redevelop Walker's Court. The scheme incorporated new retail and office space, as well as the reinstatement of the Boulevard Theatre and improved premises for two existing nightclubs - The Box and Madame Jojo’s.
2016
Development began
on Ilona Rose House
Soho Estates was granted planning permission to build Ilona Rose House on the site of the former Foyles bookshop and adjacent properties. Arranged across nine floors plus four basement levels, providing office space plus shops, restaurants, bars, and affordable apartments to rent. The façade of the Grade II listed building on Greek Street was retained and houses a new education-led space.
2019
Boulevard Theatre
Walker’s Court redevelopment was completed and the Boulevard Theatre re-opens.
2022
Ilona Rose House and Leicester Square
Ilona Rose House - After exactly 10 years in the making, the iconic Ilona Rose House opened its doors. This mixed-use development comprised Grade A offices, restaurants, new public realm spaces, intermediate affordable housing, and a new gallery space for upcoming and recently established artists. Soho Estates themselves occupy the top floor and were joined by Warner Brothers De Lane Lea, Until, Milk Beach, Kapara, The Little Scarlet Door, and Soho Revue Gallery, all of whom have opened to widespread critical acclaim.
Leicester Square - In August 2022, Soho Estates started the installation of two new advertising screens in Leicester Square that went live in December. The screens have created new opportunities for advertisement in a historical and busy part of London.
1958
Raymond Revuebar
Paul Raymond opened the Raymond Revuebar as a private club in Walker's Court, Soho, to great popular acclaim. The Revuebar offered burlesque entertainment and strip tease. The Revuebar's famous neon sign was created by neon light artist Dick Bracey.
1970
Windmill Theatre
By the 1970s, Paul Raymond had diversified into publishing and took over the adult title Men Only in 1971; his other magazines included Razzle and Mayfair. In 1974, he acquired the lease on the Windmill Theatre. At the Whitehall Theatre, he produced the sex comedy Pyjama Tops, which ran for more than five years along with several sequels. Mr Raymond also controlled the Royalty Theatre.
1980
Boulevard Theatre
The Revuebar's second venue, the Boulevard Theatre, became the new home for Peter Richardson's comedy club, The Comic Strip. Performers included Nigel Planer, Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, and Alexei Sayle. In 1989, the Boulevard Theatre was also home to Eddie Izzard's stand-up venue, Raging Bull.
1990
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John James
appointed director
John James, Paul Raymond's son-in-law, was appointed director of Soho Estates.
2004
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Fawn James
appointed director
Fawn James, Paul Raymond's granddaughter, was appointed director of Soho Estates.
2010
Paul Raymond's
publications were sold
Reflecting diminishing returns from adult publications, the company sold its remaining interests.
2012
Foyles Soho portfolio
Soho Estates completed the purchase of a portfolio of nine West End properties, totalling 1 acre of land, including the Foyles bookshop on Charing Cross Road.
2014
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Revuebar sign restored
Fawn and India James commissioned a recreation of the Raymond Revuebar sign as a tribute to their grandfather and a piece of public art for Soho. The sign was remade by neon light artists Chris and Marcus Bracey, the son and grandson of the original sign maker.
2017
Kettner's Townhouse
and Soho House Club
Soho Estates completed the redevelopment of Kettner’s Townhouse and the original Soho House members' club. The project involved the careful refurbishment and restoration of 15 Georgian townhouses, including 11 listed buildings. The renovated Kettner’s restaurant was brought back to its former grandeur with the addition of 32 hotel rooms. The original Soho House club underwent an extensive refurbishment with the addition of a contemporary pavilion located within the site’s central courtyard.
2020
COVID-19 pandemic
Soho Estates worked closely with its tenants to support them through the challenging time, working in conjunction with Westminster City Council to provide al fresco dining, enabling key areas of the hospitality industry to remain open. This effort led to the formation of the Soho Business Alliance, which created a vehicle for local businesses to act collectively.
2023
Manette Street
and James Court
Additional tenants were welcomed into Ilona Rose House: Skyscanner, Dawn Capital, Planet Payments, and Daroco.
The development at 13 Manette Street was completed, and the Section 278 highway works to Manette Street were finished, meaning that Manette Street is now open and James Court is complete.
2020
2010
2000
1990
1980
1970
1960
1950
1950
Arriving in London
Paul Raymond arrives in London and establishes the Paul Raymond Variety Agency in offices on Charing Cross Road.
Arriving in London
Paul Raymond arrives in London and establishes the Paul Raymond Variety Agency in offices on Charing Cross Road.
1950
Windmill Theatre
By 1970s, Paul Raymond had diversified into publishing and took over the adult title Men Only in 1971; his other magazines included Razzle and Mayfair. In 1974, he acquired the lease on the Windmill Theatre. At the Whitehall Theatre, he produced the sex comedy Pyjama Tops, which ran for more than five years along with several sequels. Mr Raymond also controlled the Royalty Theatre.
1970
Raymond Revue Bar
In the 1960s the Revuebar was a hit with the leading entertainment figures of the day. Paul Raymond bought the freehold to the Revuebar and had the beginnings of his Soho property portfolio.
1960
Madame Jojo's nightclub
In 1987 Paul Raymond opened Madame Jojo's nightclub. The venue was run by John Wright, better known as Madame Jojo herself, and delighted patrons with its distinctive blend of drag cabaret and burlesque. Madame Jojo's was closed down after the operators lost their licence in 2014. Happily, Soho Estates is bringing the venue back in improved premises in 2021.
1980
John James appointed
John James, Paul Raymond's Son-in-law, is appointed director of Soho Estates. In 1993, the first Soho House Club opens on Greek Street. Soho House Club was founded by Nick Jones and with the help of Soho Estates, they transformed a building on Greek Street into a members club for people in the media and creative industries. An international success story, Soho House has expanded and has established clubs across the world.
1990
Fawn James appointed
Fawn James, Paul Raymond's granddaughter, is appointed director of Soho Estates in 2004. Following this good new, 2008 saw the passing of Paul Raymond, aged 82. Paul Raymond provided for his late daughter's children Fawn and India and for his son Howard's family through a series of trusts. On his death, his granddaughters Fawn and India James became the main beneficial owners of the property portfolio and other assets.
2000
Revuebar and Redeveloping
In 2010; Reflecting diminishing returns from adult publications, Paul Raymond's publications sells its remaining interests.The trusts controlling Soho Estates' portfolio is divided in 2011, by agreement to release a minority share of assets for the benefit of Howard Raymond and his children. Fawn and India remain the main beneficial owners of the majority interests. The James family re-form Soho Estates as a new company. Fawn James and John James become Directors of the new company, and Steve Norris is appointed as the Chairman of the new board.
2010
Ilona Rose House Opens
After exactly 10 years in the making the iconic Ilona Rose House opened its doors. This mixed-use development comprises Grade A offices, restaurants, new public realm spaces, intermediate affordable housing and a new gallery space for upcoming and recently established artists. Soho Estates themselves occupy the top floor and were joined in 2022 by Warner Brothers De Lane Lea, Until, Milk Beach, Kapara and Little Scarlet Door who have all opened to widespread critical acclaim. In August 2022 Soho Estates started the installation of two new advertising screens at Leicester Square that went live in December. The screens have created new opportunities for advertisement in an historical and busy part of London.
2020
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1950
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1950
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1960
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1970
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1980
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1990
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2000
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2010
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2020
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.
Add a Long Title
1950
Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.
Add a Long Title
1950
Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.
Add a Long Title
1960
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1970
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1980
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1990
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2000
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2010
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2020
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
1950
1950
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
1960
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
1970
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
1980
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
1990
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
2000
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
2010
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
2020
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
1950
1950
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
1960
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
1970
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
1980
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
1990
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
2000
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
2010
Write a Title Here
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
2020
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
1950
Arriving in London
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
1950
Arriving in London
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
1960
Raymond Revue Bar
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
1970
Windmill Theatre
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
1980
Madame Jojo's nightclub
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
1990
John James appointed
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
2000
Fawn James appointed
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
2010
Revuebar and Redeveloping
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
2020
Ilona Rose House Opens
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust.
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
1950
Arriving in London
Paul Raymond arrives in London and establishes the Paul Raymond Variety Agency in offices on Charing Cross Road.
Arriving in London
Paul Raymond arrives in London and establishes the Paul Raymond Variety Agency in offices on Charing Cross Road.
1950
Raymond Revue Bar
In the 1960s the Revuebar was a hit with the leading entertainment figures of the day. Paul Raymond bought the freehold to the Revuebar and had the beginnings of his Soho property portfolio.
1960
Windmill Theatre
By 1970s, Paul Raymond had diversified into publishing and took over the adult title Men Only in 1971; his other magazines included Razzle and Mayfair. In 1974, he acquired the lease on the Windmill Theatre. At the Whitehall Theatre, he produced the sex comedy Pyjama Tops, which ran for more than five years along with several sequels. Mr Raymond also controlled the Royalty Theatre.
1970
Madame Jojo's nightclub
In 1987 Paul Raymond opened Madame Jojo's nightclub. The venue was run by John Wright, better known as Madame Jojo herself, and delighted patrons with its distinctive blend of drag cabaret and burlesque. Madame Jojo's was closed down after the operators lost their licence in 2014. Happily, Soho Estates is bringing the venue back in improved premises in 2021.
1980
John James appointed
John James, Paul Raymond's Son-in-law, is appointed director of Soho Estates. In 1993, the first Soho House Club opens on Greek Street. Soho House Club was founded by Nick Jones and with the help of Soho Estates, they transformed a building on Greek Street into a members club for people in the media and creative industries. An international success story, Soho House has expanded and has established clubs across the world.
1990
Fawn James appointed
Fawn James, Paul Raymond's granddaughter, is appointed director of Soho Estates in 2004. Following this good new, 2008 saw the passing of Paul Raymond, aged 82. Paul Raymond provided for his late daughter's children Fawn and India and for his son Howard's family through a series of trusts. On his death, his granddaughters Fawn and India James became the main beneficial owners of the property portfolio and other assets.
2000
Revuebar and Redeveloping
In 2010; Reflecting diminishing returns from adult publications, Paul Raymond's publications sells its remaining interests.The trusts controlling Soho Estates' portfolio is divided in 2011, by agreement to release a minority share of assets for the benefit of Howard Raymond and his children. Fawn and India remain the main beneficial owners of the majority interests. The James family re-form Soho Estates as a new company. Fawn James and John James become Directors of the new company, and Steve Norris is appointed as the Chairman of the new board.
2010
Ilona Rose House Opens
After exactly 10 years in the making the iconic Ilona Rose House opened its doors. This mixed-use development comprises Grade A offices, restaurants, new public realm spaces, intermediate affordable housing and a new gallery space for upcoming and recently established artists. Soho Estates themselves occupy the top floor and were joined in 2022 by Warner Brothers De Lane Lea, Until, Milk Beach, Kapara and Little Scarlet Door who have all opened to widespread critical acclaim. In August 2022 Soho Estates started the installation of two new advertising screens at Leicester Square that went live in December. The screens have created new opportunities for advertisement in an historical and busy part of London.