Just when you thought pop-ups couldn’t get any more bizarre, a gin brand has announced it's launching a site celebrating the life and times of a famous porn baron.
The spot is inspired by Paul Raymond, who was known as "the King of Soho", and is being held at Raymond's first ever purchase in the area, 21 Great Windmill St. Fittingly, the venue will be decked out with a leopard print throne and Soho memorabilia.
Opening from November 14 for six weeks, the #21Soho pop-up will offer guests gin-based drinks, small plates and live entertainment. Events include gin masterclasses, comedy, burlesque, live music and "adult story time". Organisers say they're aiming to recreate the Soho of Raymond's heyday, from the late 50s to the early 90s.
Raymond made his name and substantial fortune with Soho strip clubs and soft-porn magazines and was well known for his extravagant publicity stunts, which once included having his girlfriend Fiona Richmond ride through Soho on a horse, in the nude.
From him, Raymond's granddaughters Fawn and India Rose James inherited Soho Estates, the vast property empire which owns much of the district it's named for.
Raymond’s legacy was the inspiration behind The King of Soho London Dry and the new Pink Variorum gin, who are behind the pop-up.
#21Soho will mark the fifth anniversary of The Kings of Soho gin and will be open from 4pm-10pm every Wednesday to Saturday.
21 Great Windmill St, W1D 7LB, kingofsohodrinks.com
