The Gay Hussar

The Gay Hussar

The Gay Hussar was a renowned Hungarian restaurant located in Soho, London. It was famous for its traditional Hungarian cuisine and its unique political and literary history. The restaurant was a popular meeting place for politicians, journalists, and writers for over six decades.

History

The Gay Hussar was established in 1953 by Victor Sassie, a Hungarian immigrant. The restaurant quickly gained popularity due to its authentic Hungarian dishes and its central location in Soho, a vibrant and culturally diverse area of London. Over the years, the restaurant became a favourite haunt for many prominent figures in British politics and literature.

Cuisine

The Gay Hussar was known for its traditional Hungarian cuisine. The menu featured a variety of dishes, including goulash, stuffed cabbage, and chicken paprikash. The restaurant also offered a selection of Hungarian wines and spirits.

Cultural Significance

The Gay Hussar was more than just a restaurant. It was a cultural institution that played a significant role in British political and literary history. The restaurant was a popular meeting place for politicians, journalists, and writers. Many important political discussions and literary debates took place within its walls.

Closure

The Gay Hussar closed its doors in 2018 after 65 years of operation. The closure was met with sadness by many who had fond memories of the restaurant. Despite its closure, the legacy of The Gay Hussar lives on in the memories of its patrons and in the history of Soho.

See Also

• Hungarian Cuisine
• Soho
• London

References

• The Guardian: "The Gay Hussar: Soho's famous Hungarian restaurant to close after 65 years"
• The Independent: "The Gay Hussar: A Soho institution that served up goulash and gossip"
• BBC News: "The Gay Hussar: End of an era for famous London restaurant"