The Hut

Soho Square is behind Tottenham Court Road. Not only does it offer the visitor a respite from the hustle and bustle of shopping, it’s got a unique feature right in the centre. It looks like Hut with Tudor features. What is it?

The Hut

The hut in Soho Square sits smack in the middle of Soho Square. It’s a quirky little oddity that looks like it’s been there forever. It’s got that Tudor vibe—half-timbered, a bit wonky—but don’t be fooled; it’s not some ancient relic.

Built in 1925 by the Charing Cross Electricity Company, it’s a cover for an underground substation. The design’s a nod to a gardener’s shed that stood there in the 1870s, fitting right into Soho Square, which has been around since 1681. Practical, not pretty, though it’s got a charm about it.

Fancy Shed?

The square’s a green patch surrounded by old Georgian houses and newer offices, and this hut’s the standout feature. It’s like something out of a storybook, and every time I see it, I think it would fit nicely into a Dickens Novel.

It’s Two storeys, wiry small windows, steep roof—but it’s just hiding cables and switches. It got Grade II listed status in 1992, so it’s officially special, historically speaking. Not bad for a fake-old shed.

WWII

Back in World War II, it had a bigger job. The space underneath doubled as a bomb shelter during the Blitz. Brick and concrete walls, room for 150 to 200 people, one loo—that’s it. Packed in tight, it stank, but it kept folks alive while bombs dropped. Londoners made do.

Post-war, it’s quieter—now it’s just a shed for gardening gear, with an emergency exit for the underground bit still there. That underground space is 3,200 square feet, and in 2015, Westminster Council tried selling it off for £175,000. Restaurant chains, gym owners, music venue types—all had ideas. Nothing’s happened yet, though.



It’s still sitting there, waiting. The hut’s not much to look at, but it’s got stories. Some locals reckon there’s a secret tunnel to Buckingham Palace. Rubbish, say the experts—no proof, just chatter.



It’s a clever trick, really—this hut. Looks old, works hard, fits in. Soho’s all about noise and life, but this thing’s a silent player. Keeps the square ticking over without fuss. These days it holds rakes and spades.

Parting Comments

I know it’s Grade II listed so it’s not going anywhere, and anytime soon. Soho might be known for being loud, brash, and making contemporary statements , but Soho Square will introduce you to this gem that dies it’s thing in its own understated way.

However it would be nice to see information about it on a plaque. I see so many people wonder around and try to figure out what it is. I suppose if they’re very curious, they could quickly whip out their mobile phones and do a quick search. Better still, they could read all about it in this blog.

Next time you’re in the hood, pop along and see this little gem for yourself. When you do, you’ll know that it’s just a hut with a substation secret, a wartime past, and a gardening present.

London’s full of these odd bits—layers of time stacked up—and this one’s a gem in its own understated way.

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