The Phoenix Garden

Wandering around Soho, nobody is ever struck by the green trees and gardens. That’s not why you’re in Soho. But during some hungover lounging in Soho Square this past Saturday, we went for a wander to find Phoenix Garden. If I lived in the neighborhood, I imagine I’d come here often just to sit and stare at NATURE THINGS.
The garden is overgrown and not well manicured, but this is a really nice change, in my opinion. There are benches and logs you can sit on scattered around the garden, and most people are there to read, think, or have a quiet conversation. If you’re with more than one or two other people, I’d recommend going elsewhere. It’s a small space and there isn’t a lot of room for groups. The pathway through the garden is very narrow and also overrun, but that just adds to the charm. Finally, there’s a cat that lives in the garden. OF COURSE THERE IS.
Final note: no alcohol here, so the romance will have to stand on its own. A really nice respite in central London.

The Phoenix Garden is a secret oasis in the middle of the busy West End. It’s such a gem and I fortuitously found it as I was looking for a short-​cut to work. It’s too good not to share.
On sunny summer days I head there for lunch with a pal to chill out on their recycled benches. There are tons of different types of plants to refresh you birch trees, roses, poppies
You can even book the Pheonix Garden for a private functions, how fun! Definitely on my list of things to do.

Looking in from the outside on this enchanting place
I am filled with admiration for those that made this
into an oasis of calm in the midst of London’s noisy chaos.
There is a fascinating history to this area surrounding the
church of St Giles. This garden is on the site of the old leper hospital
(& part of the church originally) & opposite the church is where the old «Rookery of black birds» used to be: London’s ghetto for the poorest Irish Catholics & freed black slaves in 1860;it was also known as «The Holy Land». Charles Dickens & Henry Mayhew had to have police escort to enter, observe & record the lives of the people here

I helped create this little community garden when I was ten years old, digging up old rubble (it was bombed in the war) and helping to plant trees. It is hidden behind Shaftsbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road, behind the tall wall of St Giles’ churchyard and by what used to be printworks. It is looked after by volunteers who live nearby. It has beautiful plants and trees, is good for little children to play in and learn about wildlife, although I wouldn’t leave them to play alone as there can be local drunkards hanging about. You can volunteer here and learn gardening skills, and they have bonfire night events for children, and other events throughout the year — check the website to find out.