In the lively heart of London, amidst Soho’s neon lights and storied pubs, an unexpected resident has been turning heads—the elusive, pink-furred Soho Lynx. This rare species of wild lynx, found only in Soho, is as unique as the neighbourhood itself, with its blush-coloured coat and keen eyes that glint with the promise of mystery. For years, locals have reported fleeting glimpses of this striking creature slinking through quiet alleys and over rooftop terraces, often spotted at night when the streets settle into stillness. And now, for the first time, we’ve captured a photograph of a Soho Lynx on an early summer’s morning, prowling a Soho street with a confident air, as if it, too, knows it belongs.

The Soho Lynx is distinct from its Eurasian cousins found on the European mainland. It stands out instantly with its soft pink fur, a feature that feels both flamboyant and perfectly suited to Soho’s bold personality. Experts theorise that this colouration may have evolved as camouflage against the neon lights and vibrant street art that decorate Soho’s landscape.

Where to Spot a Soho Lynx

The Soho Lynx has a penchant for disappearing into the urban terrain, a master of blending into its surroundings while keeping a wary eye on passersby. If you’re hoping to spot one of these creatures, timing and location are everything. The best chance to encounter one of Soho’s pink-furred cats is when the streets are at their quietest, just before dawn or in the early hours of the morning. Here are some favourite haunts of the Soho Lynx, where you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse.

Rooftops and Chimney Stacks

With their agile, feline grace, Soho Lynxes are natural rooftop explorers. The buildings of Soho offer a perfect canopy of rooftops, on which the lynxes can prowl unseen. At night, if you’re walking along Dean Street or Berwick Street, keep an eye on the rooftops. You may catch the sight of a faint, pink form silhouetted against the sky, surveying its domain from above.

Pub Beer Gardens and Back Yards

Soho’s labyrinth of pubs and hidden courtyards provides a surprisingly diverse hunting ground for the lynxes, who are skilled at staying unseen in small, dimly lit spaces. The Soho Lynx is often spotted near pub beer gardens, especially those tucked away from the bustling streets. Places like the secluded garden at The Duck on Broadwick Street or the quieter courtyard of The King of Bohemia have both been reported as Soho Lynx territory. Early risers, or those lingering as pubs wind down, might spot one lurking in the shadows, on the prowl for a stray rodent – perhaps a delicious breakfast.

Courtyards and Hidden Gardens

Some of Soho’s prettiest secrets are its small, hidden gardens. Whether they’re nestled between historic buildings or tucked away in small alleyways, these little green spaces are prime lynx territory. The Soho Lynx is known to frequent courtyards where rodents are plentiful, and these quiet, tucked-away gardens provide the ideal spot for an early-morning hunt. Garden courtyards in various streets and small green patches behind private buildings make an ideal hiding spot for a resting lynx.

Empty Parks and Rooftop Gardens

While Soho may be short on traditional parkland, several smaller, quieter green spaces still dot the area. And when Soho is quietest, just before dawn, the Soho Lynx has been known to roam across these grassy patches, its pink coat glinting in the faintest morning light. Additionally, Soho’s rooftop gardens, often private and unseen by most of us, are another favourite perch. If you’re up early and know a rooftop garden spot, you might just catch sight of one lounging high above, surveying its kingdom from the perfect vantage point.

The Hunt: A Rodent Feast in Soho’s Streets

With its secluded lifestyle, it’s easy to forget that the Soho Lynx is, at heart, a predator. Feeding primarily on the area’s bustling rodent population, the lynx keeps Soho’s streets, pubs, and back alleys free of mice and rats. It’s especially active around bins, garden sheds, and the darker, hidden spaces where rodents like to scurry. Locals have long since come to appreciate the unseen impact of this beautiful hunter on the area’s cleanliness.

Tips for Spotting a Soho Lynx

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of a Soho Lynx, patience is key. Soho’s best-kept secret prefers solitude and avoids humans, so you’ll need to venture out when Soho is at its quietest. Early morning – just before dawn – is the ideal time, as the streets are still and the lynx may be finishing its nocturnal hunt.

• Remain quiet and avoid sudden movements if you think you spot one.
• Look up! Soho Lynxes love rooftops and often rest on top of buildings and ledges.
• Bring a camera, but be discreet. A flash or sound can spook these creatures, sending them darting off into the night.
• Be respectful of pub and private property boundaries, especially when exploring alleys and courtyards.

The Soho Lynx remains a wild beauty amidst one of London’s most bustling districts, a testament to the mystery that still lives in the Soho’s heart. So, next time you’re wandering Soho’s quieter streets, keep your eyes peeled and your senses sharp. You may just be lucky enough to see a flash of pink fur, or a pare of shining white eyes slipping into the shadows. The gorgeous Soho Lynx!