If you happened to be in Soho over the weekend, you might have stumbled across a pretty unusual – but, by now, well-established – sight. Amidst the hoards of shoppers and tourists, a bunch of waiters dressed in their work uniforms hurtled through the narrow streets, balancing a bottle of fizz and a glass on a tray.
The Soho Waiters’ Race is part of the wider celebrations for Soho’s annual Village Fête. This year’s edition of the eccentric event took place on Sunday July 19 in St Anne’s Gardens just off Wardour Street, marking the 51st edition of the fête.
The Waiters’ Race dates back to the 1950s, but the rules remain relatively unchanged. Beginning and ending at the legendary French House, participating waiters are encouraged to come ‘looking the part’. While 50 years ago this meant starched whites and a bowtie, now just about anything goes, with some waiters even running topless. They must then run the 800m loop holding their tray with one hand (the rules state they can use two hands to steady items on the tray for no more than three paces).
Crowds line the streets cheering on the waiters as they leg it up Dean Street, round Soho Square, down Greek Street, across Romilly Street and back across the finish line at the French House. By then, you can expect a fair amount of smashed glasses. The winner gets their hands on the coveted Waiters Cup, a cash prize of £100 and a hefty amount of glory in the hospitality world.
The race is just one part of the weird and wonderful things on display. The Soho Village Fête also includes a dog show, spaghetti-eating contest, a tug-of-war between the Soho police and fire service, morris dancers, snail racing and even a human fruit machine (where three people hide in a booth, each revealing a different ‘fruit’ sign).
Time Out photographer Chris Bethell was down in Soho to capture the 2026 Waiters’ Race and Soho Village Fête in all its glory. Here were the highlights:
Soho Waiters’ Race and Village Fête 2026 – in pictures
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