The 2i's Coffee Bar
The 2i's Coffee Bar used to stand on Old Compton Street and this plaque is on the wall at the far end near Wardour Street. in 1959 the film Expresso Bongo featured the 2i's with Cliff Richard playing the part of 'Bert Rudge'.
Based at 59 Old Compton Street, Soho, between 1956 and 1970, The 2i's was owned by Paul Lincoln, a wrestler and wrestling promoter.
The coffee bar had live music and several stars were discovered or performed at the coffee bar, such as: Tommy Steele, The Vipers Skiffle Group, Cliff Richard, Hank Marvin, Terry Dene, Carlo Little, Joe Brown, Eden Kane, Screaming Lord Sutch, Jay Chance, Tony Sheridan, Johnny Kidd, Jet Harris, Paul Gadd (later to be known as Paul Raven and then Gary Glitter), Dene Lincoln,Ritchie Blackmore, Alex Wharton, Mickie Most and Big Jim Sullivan.
On 18 September 2006, a 'Green Plaque' was unveiled (this image) at the site of the 2i's coffee bar to commemorate its existence. Today it is known as the Boulevard Bar and Dining Room. The basement is now just a lobby area.
The 2i's Coffee Bar
The 2i's Coffee Bar used to stand on Old Compton Street and this plaque is on the wall at the far end near Wardour Street. in 1959 the film Expresso Bongo featured the 2i's with Cliff Richard playing the part of 'Bert Rudge'.
Based at 59 Old Compton Street, Soho, between 1956 and 1970, The 2i's was owned by Paul Lincoln, a wrestler and wrestling promoter.
The coffee bar had live music and several stars were discovered or performed at the coffee bar, such as: Tommy Steele, The Vipers Skiffle Group, Cliff Richard, Hank Marvin, Terry Dene, Carlo Little, Joe Brown, Eden Kane, Screaming Lord Sutch, Jay Chance, Tony Sheridan, Johnny Kidd, Jet Harris, Paul Gadd (later to be known as Paul Raven and then Gary Glitter), Dene Lincoln,Ritchie Blackmore, Alex Wharton, Mickie Most and Big Jim Sullivan.
On 18 September 2006, a 'Green Plaque' was unveiled (this image) at the site of the 2i's coffee bar to commemorate its existence. Today it is known as the Boulevard Bar and Dining Room. The basement is now just a lobby area.