DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
Una McTernan went on the walk on March 9, 2025. Here’s her review (please be sure to note the penultimate sentence): “We had a wonderful time on this walk with Luisa. We thought we knew Soho but we learned so much in side streets and previously unnoticed historic buildings. This is a walk for locals or visitors: there is something for everyone and especially if you are interested in the history of medicine, social history, and juicy tales of “ladies of the night.” All in historical context from a former doctor and current journalist/writer. We have done regular London walks for many years and this is the best one yet. Do not miss it!”
BILL OF FARE TO THE FEAST
Meet madams of bawdy houses, body snatchers and benevolent doctors in a two-hour walk through the alleyways and past the elegant townhouses of the square mile that is Soho. Find out how Soho got its name, how death, debauchery and do-good doctors all rubbed along together in Soho in the 1700s and 1800s and how some of Soho’s residents had an impact far wider than these colourful streets.
Discover what links “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” with one of the best-preserved workhouses in Soho, hear how executed murderers advanced medical knowledge and how a brave doctor turned detective to discover how 500 people died of Cholera within a few streets in two weeks in 1854. Clue: it was linked to a popular water pump.
We cover just over a mile of Soho, from the Georgian lodgings of a Devotee of Venus to a picnic spot beneath which lies a secret, to the first anatomy school in London and the sites of the first speciality hospitals in London that cared for women and those with the ‘foul’ disease.
There will be some sexual content (historical and tasteful) and some gore. It will be funny and moving – sometimes at the same time.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Ready? Strapped in? Here goes. Life force. Particle-Accelerator. Dynamo. Operatic. One woman procession. Surgeon. Author. Distinguished journalist (columnist, Editor, A-List freelancer). “Thinking person’s media personality” (radio and television pundit). All-rounder. Medical doctor and artsy (English Literature First). Londoner. Professionally qualified guide. Friendly. Fun. Charismatic. Effervescent. Make buzz distilled.
Amy Lambert –
This was an amazing tour. Luisa is very well informed and could respond even to unrelated questions about the history of this very interesting part of Soho. She even provided recommendations for books about the history she discussed (and local bars). My husband and I both enjoyed the walk immensely. Very, very interesting and worthwhile. She’s a super guide!
Kay –
Brilliant guide with so much knowledge of her subject and London. Having completed a number of London Walks over the years they are well worth the price and wont disappoint.
Andre –
What an absolute treat to be able to see the all too familiar sights and sounds of Soho in a different light. Luisa is a fabulous and knowledgeable tour guide who brought history back to life. Thanks for a lovely Sunday afternoon!
Anne Harden –
I joined this walk today and found it fascinating- our guide was very well informed and gave us a comprehensive account of this area over time. It left us wanting to know more. She was very interested in our comments and questions- a thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours – wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this walk – many thanks to our great guide
Lee and Ali –
Fascinating, well informed, humorous and educational tour. Really enjoyed it and will keep an eye out for more tours Luisa does when we next get to visit London! Highly recommended. Can’t guarantee the weather will be as good as when we went though!
Debbie Drapkin –
Luisa is a wonderful, engaging and interesting guide, who really brought the area to life. This was a part of London that I had walked through many times, however I simply had no idea of the history of the area. We particularly enjoyed the theme of the walk and learnt so much about some of the key personalities and their contribution to medical advances. She even followed up afterwards, sending links to some of the articles she had mentioned during the tour. 100% recommend.
Debbie Chazen –
Really fascinating walk with Luisa! She’s an excellent and engaging guide with plenty of wit and sass. Loved it, and so will you.
Christine Sugden –
Just been on this walk today and would certainly recommend it. Luisa certainly knows her stuff and presents it in an interesting, sensitive and humorous way. Would never have found all the places and blue plaques by myself; a delight to be shown all the mews and streets off the beaten path. A great way to find out about a particular London area and the subject matter. Thoroughly recommend it
Anne –
A most enjoyable walk in Soho with Luisa. It was terrific to hear about the challenges regular people faced, the medical heroes who fought to improve conditions and to see the workhouses and hospitals as well. Turning into alleyways and mews revealed hidden sights I would have never found on my own. Luisa is personable, engaging and witty. A great walk! London walks are always a highlight.
Irwin Greenspan –
Luisa leads an interesting tour on the subject of medical and health practices in historical London. She comes well prepared, and is most interesting.