The French House and Trisha’s have both started crowdfunding campaigns to try and ensure their survival
One is where Charles de Gaulle allegedly wrote his À tous les Français speech, where Dylan Thomas accidentally left his only manuscript of Under Milk Wood, and where Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud and Augustus John would frequent to drink. Sylvia Plath is also said to have visited. The other, at 78, is Soho’s oldest club, famed for its cheap life membership fee, even cheaper drinks and cheerful atmosphere.
Sadly, both venues – The French House on Dean Street, and Trisha’s (also known as New Evaristo Club) on Greek Street – are now facing closure as a result of the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.
The good news is that you can help: last week, GoFundMe pages launched for the pub and underground bar, raising funds to ensure their survival; the French House page has a goal of £80,000, while Trisha’s has one of £20,000, both aimed at covering rent and other costs until lockdown lifts.
“[The French House is] not just an important piece of Soho history, it’s a resource for an entire community as well as being among the last bastions of old Soho,” reads The French House’s GoFundMe page. “With your financial support and sponsorship, the rent can still be paid and we can ensure that the French will be able to reopen post these strange days. And when it does there will be some great parties (pints might even be served!)”
“Trisha’s is a place for everyone,” reads Trisha’s, meanwhile. “You walk through that door and you're welcomed like family. It's been a home for the Soho community and those who just drop in and out for nearly 80 years and we want to keep the basement open at number 57 Greek Street for many more years to come.”
To prevent these beloved venues closing, and to prevent Soho becoming solely the home to sterile chains, please consider making a donation.
Donate to save The French House here, and Trisha’s here.
