Welcome back to the iconic Windmill Soho
Monday 6 September 2021
This iconic venue is a world of theatrical dining, with no stage limits. After undergoing a full refurbishment, the Soho venue opened its famous doors once again in July 2021 as ‘The Windmill Soho’.
The Windmill Soho has been reopened by the prestigious Cream Group, who already oversee London's most elite and exclusive venues; Cirque Le Soir, Wylde by Nature, and Restaurant Ours to name a few.
From 7pm until 2am from Wednesday to Saturday you can book a theatrical dining experience, showcasing mesmerising never-seen-before performances alongside a dining menu designed by Michelin starred Chef Andrew Mcleish and creative cocktail list by celebrated mixologist Andy Mil.
The Windmill’s History
Great Windmill Street took its name from a Windmill that once stood there in the 18th century. In 1909 the now known site became one of the first cinemas in London named ‘Palais De Luxe’.
In 1930 the visionary Laura Henderson purchased Palais De Luxe. Mrs Henderson famously broke conventions and challenged norms to create the famous institution known as the Windmill Theatre. Often graced celebrities & royalty, The Windmill developed the idea of ‘The Revudeville’ – a programme of continuous variety acts including singers, dancers, showgirls.
A breakthrough came when theatre manager Vivian Van Damm began to incorporate glamorous nude females on stage, inspired by the Folies Bergère and Moulin Rouge in Paris. This coup was made possible by convincing Lord Cromer, then Lord Chamberlain, in his position as the censor for all theatrical performances in London, that the display of nudity in theatres was not obscene: since the authorities could not credibly hold nude statues to be morally objectionable, the theatre presented its nude, the legendary “Windmill Girls” in motionless poses as living statues or tableaux vivants. The ruling: ‘If you move, it’s rude.’ The Windmill’s shows became a huge commercial success, and the Windmill Girl’s took their show on tour to other London and regional theatres.
The theatre’s famous motto ‘We Never Closed’ references the fact the theatre remained open throughout the height of the Blitz.
Private hire
The Windmill is now available for private hire for seated dinners of up to 230 or standing drink receptions for 250 guests. We highly recommend the venue for Christmas parties, launch events, and client entertaining with a bit of an edge.
To find out more about hiring any of The Cream Group's venues please email us or give the team a call on 0207 870 9305.