Soho is the life of the party with many world-class bars from speakeasies to award-winning co*cktails, impeccable London skyline views, to bottomless brunch venues.
Looking for a historic bar with a gruesome backstory? Well, The Arts Theatre Club has you covered. How about a bar that serves desserts? Well, in that case, Basem*nt Sate is your choice.
There is a little bit of something for everyone looking for great bars in Soho. However, there are a few things you may want to consider when looking for the best bars in Soho.
Some bars are members only and charge a small fee for their clubs; most still allow walk-ins but check out the websites for more details.
Another thing to consider is the closing time, as most close by 1 am with a few, like the pink Chihuahua that close at 3 am.
Lastly, there are additional service charges in some bars like the Experimental co*cktail Club, which charges £5 for any guests past 11 pm. With that in mind, let’s dive into the must-visit bars in Soho.
Top Bars in Soho, London
The Mulwray
- Address: 28 Rupert Street, London W1D 6DJ
- Food: NO
- Atmosphere: Romantic, candle-lit, friendly, and cosy
- Known for: An intimate affair with designated sommeliers, perfect for a romantic date
The Mulwray is located in the same building as the Blue Posts Pub and Evelyn’s Table. It is a small-sized bar that opens from Tuesday to Saturday.
Access to the venue is via the Blue Posts side entrance, which brings you into the serene environment with floor-to-ceiling cabinets that decorate the walls with various collections of fine wine and liquor.
Professional curators and sommeliers expertly get the wines from bio-dynamic vines as well as sustainable growers. Most items on the list are natural contemporary gems that will suit every palate.
Sparkling favourites include the 2016 ‘Les 3 Terroirs.’ Michel Gonet Champagne from France. A popular Red Wine option is the 2018 ‘Syrahcha’ Syrah, Cathar(tic) Wines, Roussillon from France.
The staff is amicable and knowledgeable regarding their wine list and general service. Visit the bar to enjoy the warm atmosphere while lounging on plush couches. The candle-lit tables make for a picturesque dinner bound to wow your lover.
Designated sommeliers ensure you have the perfect wine pairing for your tasting. One highly recommended co*cktail option is the £12.50 Kanpai Japanese Yuzu Sake, which has notes of lemon. You may also want to try the £11.50 Holy Water co*cktail that is strong with a hint of citrus.
Feel free to join the monthly sip school hosted by Honey Spencer & Sarah Wright, who are the resident wine experts. The sessions last about 2 hours, and tickets sell for £50 per person. Check out their website for current dates.
Since the venue is a small intimate area, you should get a reservation in advance. Please keep in mind that there is a minimum of 24 hours of cancellation, and the cancellation fees are £20 per person.
Disrepute
- Address: 4 Kingly Court Carnaby, London W1B 5PW
- Food: NO
- Atmosphere: Eclectic, mature, and casual
- Known for: fantastic selection of co*cktails
Disrepute is centrally located within a six-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus. In case you are looking for the perfect place to sip a co*cktail in Soho, then Disrepute is your first go-to choice. Each drink comes with a beautifully crafted story with ingredients listed at the back of the menu.
You will mostly find older clients at DRP, as most regulars call it, most of whom are in their 30s. The dress code is usually casual, and you won’t miss a few business meetings here and there during the day.
Weekends are more eclectic, whereas weekdays are mostly filled with executives from companies and film destinations nearby.
The staff is world-class and highly praised because of their friendliness and timely responses to reservations and service.
The décor of Disrepute is reminiscent of the 1960s with timeless pieces and wood-panelled walls.
Vaulted ceilings echo the late fifties culture, but the rest of the surroundings instils a sense of hedonism and artistic expressions that the sixties were known for.
One thing to remember when visiting Disrepute is that it is a members-only bar. Walk-ins are welcome, but you may miss a spot on one of their busy days.
Contact the staff at 020 7494 2505 or [emailprotected] to apply for membership.
Swift
- Address: 12 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TQ
- Food: YES
- Atmosphere: Relaxed and comfy
- Known for: Award-winning co*cktails
Swift is another great co*cktail destination in Soho. The bar is the receiver of the 2017 Best New International co*cktail Bar from Tales of the co*cktail Spirited Awards 2017.
Swift was also named the winner of Time Out London New Bar of the Year in 2017, as well as the Winner of the Best Bar in GQ Food & Drink Awards in 2018.
The latest mention of Swift is in the CLASS Bar Awards 2020 for being the UK Bar of the Year as well as Time Out 2022’s Best co*cktail Bar in London.
The co*cktail list is innovatively made from inspiration based on the most creative thinkers and creative drinkers who have graced the glorious bar.
Dubbed the ‘Legends Menu’, the co*cktail menu consists of prominent personnel like Snoop Dogg, who has the Long Beach made in his honour.
Ian Fleming is another star with the Sandhurst (based on Hatozaki blended Japanese whisky) co*cktail named after him.
It is a relaxed bar great for a sip or two throughout the night. Two floors make up the venue, with the bottom being casual and the upper level having a more formal ambience to it.
The extensive drinks list showcases the meticulous attention owners, Bobby and Mia, had when building this world-class entertainment area in the heart of London.
Bar Américain
- Address: 20 Sherwood Street, London, W1F 7ED
- Food: NO
- Atmosphere: Unpretentious and inviting
- Known for: A great art décor date venue with old-school co*cktails
Time Out refers to the Bar Américain as “A spectacular new spot…one of the most truly opulent bars in London.” Located in Brasserie Zedel, Bar Américain is inviting with its stylish and yet elegant art deco that has a great balance between modern and Parisian brasserie styles.
It is a famous destination for artistic-oriented fans who want to soak in the soul of Soho’s artistic side. The walls are decorated with various pieces, including the complete collection of Paul Colin’s Le Tumulte Noir lithographs.
Stepping into the venue will give you a hint of the 1920s culture while still maintaining a modern look. The large buzzy bar is served by the best mixologists in London who expertly make the drinks in a dramatic and showy fashion for your entertainment.
Classic co*cktails are the order of the day with options like Cosmopolitan, White Lady, and Corpse Reviver. Like Swift, Br Américain has an Ian Fleming drink called the Vesper Martini that will grace you with an elegant 007 look.
Cahoots Underground
- Address: 13 Kingly Court Carnaby, London, W1B 5PG
- Food: NO
- Atmosphere: Theatric, historic, and lively
- Known for: 1940s train station theme with classic co*cktails and
Cahoots takes you back to the 1940s with its historical theme in a venue that used to be a train station. The abandoned train station has a rich history that dates back to the war when it was used as an air-raid shelter.
Renovated tube carriage seats comfortably sit a sizeable crowd as the guests have a sip of the British wartime-inspired spirits, rim, classic co*cktails, gin, and ale. The theme setting does not stop at the venue design. Drinks are served in quirky 1940s-themed mugs and vintage milk bottles.
Cahoots has three areas: the Underground, where the main bar is located, and two locations (ticket room and Control Room) at 5 Kingly Street. Control Room (open Friday and Saturday) is a private space, whereas the Ticket Room serves tipples in tins and teacups.
Cahoots is famous for its dramatic looks and a few live performances from time to time. Quirky co*cktails inspired by the Blitz-time of the British empire make up most of the menu, but I have to say, they are nothing you won’t find elsewhere.
Cahoots is where you want to be for a unique experience where you get to dress up and have an Instagram-worthy photo session.
The Vault
- Address: 3 Greek Street, Soho, London, W1D 4NX
- Food: NO
- Atmosphere: Dimly lit, well hidden, relaxed, but yet lively from background jazz music
- Known for: A hidden gem at the heart of London
Open from Monday to Saturday, The Vault is located beneath Milroy’s, the oldest whisky bar in London. The Vault is an excellent destination for those looking to listen to some jazz music in a hidden gem. A true hidden gem. The bar is neatly tucked behind a vintage bookcase inside Milroy’s.
Once you enter, you are greeted by the beautiful wooden bunkers, nicely accented by the exposed brick walls. The copper-topped bar is the centrepiece on the ground floor level.
The downstairs is referred to as the Vault’s Speakeasy bar with its attractive interiors and highly experimental co*cktail menu. Big leather sofas make for a comfy session while the small space adds to its intimate affair.
Do not let the industrial look fool you; the Vault is a warm atmosphere with tables lit by candles.
The extensive list of drinks consists of many diverse collections, including more than 400 whiskies from Scotland. Whiskies are the affair on the ground level, but there is downstairs for those looking for co*cktails and other assortments of spirits.
Simmons Bar Soho
- Address: 2 Bateman Street, Soho, London, W1D 4AE
- Food: YES
- Atmosphere: Pink décor, lively ambiance, and loud music including karaoke
- Known for: Great happy hour and bottomless drink offers
The venue opened in 2013 and has grown to become a party favorite in Soho with its pink inspired décor and plethora of colorful neon signs.
Simmons Bar in Soho is one of the location of this disco-like bar with over 20 other various location across London including Brick Lane, Camden Tow, Fitzrovia, Fulham, and King Cross.
For just £35 per person, Simmons Bar offers its guests bottomless prosecco and co*cktail teapots every afternoon. All you need to do is pick a choice of four different bottomless co*cktail teapots which come with various assortment of treats and sweets.
Not only that, you can have their happy hour co*cktails (2 for 1) for just £10 all week between 4pm and 9 pm. In case you want a great happy hour then check out the Clapham location that is currently promoting happy hour all night for their new launch.
The karaoke cave section of the Soho bar has over 50,0000 songs that will grant you and your friends a great night for just £50 per hour which is redeemed for drinks.
Bar Termini
- Address: 7 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 5JE
- Food: YES
- Atmosphere: a small venue with friendly and helpful staff
- Known for: A classic Italian co*cktail bar
Small sharable platters are not the unique thing about the Bar Termini. It is a popular venue in London that is special for its 1950s Italianate theme.
It has been featured in World’s Top 50 Best Bars list for several years due to its mixture of various offerings, including alcoholic drinks, coffee, food, and takeaway options.
The diverse bar serves mostly Mediterranean dishes, including Italian cheeses and burrata salads. It does not have a long list of drinks like Swift or Disrepute but makes up for it with perfect selections and providing all you can expect from a classic Italian co*cktail bar.
I recommend you try their £12.50 co*cktails like the Spritz Termini, which consists of a mix of Beefeater Gin, Prosecco, and rhubarb cordial. The £7 House Negroni may seem like a cheap option to avoid, but it is definitely worth a try.
The London Gin Club
- Address: 22 Great Chapel St, London W1F 8FR
- Food: NO
- Atmosphere: Warm, friendly, and intimate
- Known for: The ultimate gin & tonic
With over 100 expertly-curated gin collections, the London Gin Club is owned and operated by Inception Group’s Charlie Gilkes and Duncan Stirling. The bar is dedicated to serving the best of London’s most beloved spirit with an expert gin-credible team.
London Gin Club is open every day of the week with gin-tasting experiences on various days of the week.
The underground level is secluded for the Gin Vault masterclasses every Thursday and Saturday, where gin experts teach you about the history and origin of London’s beloved gin.
Get to start your tasting and co*cktail-making journey with the famous Bombay Sapphire Gin & Tonic.
The Blind Pig
- Address: 58 Poland Street, Soho, London, W1F 7NR
- Food: NO
- Atmosphere: Dimly lit, vibrant, social, and informal
- Known for: Speakeasy vibe with creative and technical co*cktails
The Blind Pig is industrially decorated with a copper-trimmed long bar, wooden seating areas and a vintage mirrored ceiling. Get to feel the luxurious and adorable interiors the minute you walk into the hard-to-locate venue.
The Blind Pig is situated above Social Eating House; the Michelin Starred restaurant run by the Michelin Starred Chef Jason Atherton and Chef Paul Hood.
You may miss the entrance if you do not look for the unmarked door next to the restaurant. Climb the stairs once you open the door and enter the dimly lit room filled with the scent of the dark rim and cider brandy.
It is a popular bar that is usually full, so it would be better to make a reservation beforehand.
The eclectic interior is great for linking up with friends after work and taking a sip of the great co*cktail options, including the Hunny Pot made from Bacardi Oro and mixed with mead, cider brandy, and honeycomb, honey, and orange blossom.
Basem*nt Sate
- Address: 8 Broadwick Street, Soho, London, W1F 8HN
- Food: YES
- Atmosphere: Intimate and cosy
- Known for: an intimate affair with live music
Basem*nt Sate is a small bar that offers a more personalized experience to the small clientele. It is a new venue that offers co*cktails and desserts.
The room is dimly-lit with a sizeable bar and fantastic collection of classic co*cktails from the Twinkle to the El Diablo, Brigadoon, Fish House Punch, Naked & Famous, and Charlie Chaplin.
Signature co*cktails include the Tongue Twister made from Hibiscus Mezeal & Smoked Tea Tequila and the Young Cuban made from Coriander Seed Rum. There are only six types of desserts for sweet tooths.
I recommend you try the £8 Plum Me Up with crème Fraiche and cinnamon Panna cotta, plum compote, and puff pastry.
Rum Kitchen
- Address: Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, London, W1B 5PW
- Food: YES
- Atmosphere: Fun and relaxed
- Known for: Caribbean style wine and dining with vibrant music
The wooden pieces that decorate the Rum Kitchen in Soho blend well with the neutral colours of the establishment. Light pink lounges are the well-placed nest to the large windows that pierce into the adjacent buildings. Long hanging light fixtures beautiful light up the room and add a more homely feel to the venue.
Rum Kitchen co*cktail bar offers one of the best happy hours in Soho every day of the week till 7 pm. Over 100 types of rum make up its list of rare co*cktails made by seasoned mixologists.
I recommend you try the Jamrock Punch for sweet flavours, Ting Wray for a punchy feel, and Pineapple Daiquiri for a refreshing drink.
£13 Chicken burger plus fries is a great option, but you may want to check some of their Caribbean-based cuisines, most of which start at £8. Main meals come from the 48 hours of marinated jerk chicken that is sous-vide for extra 2 hours before being put on the grill for a more flavorful dish.
Barrio Soho
- Address: 6 Poland Street, Soho, London, W1F 8PS
- Food: YES
- Atmosphere: Brightly coloured with warm lighting, upbeat ambience, and loud music
- Known for: Bottomless brunch and lots of party offers
Barrio Soho is one of London’s leading part bars with a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere that is inviting from several blocks over. Its selection of deftly crafted classic co*cktails compliments the list of Barrio co*cktail creations that come with a more modern twist to traditional co*cktails.
Barrio brings you a bottomless brunch at the centre of London with other unique offerings that only a great party destination can have.
There are 2-4-1 co*cktails every Monday to Thursday till 9 pm and Friday till 7 pm. There are also offers for £20 Prosecco per bottle and £3 on Tequilas. Regarding foods, Barrio Soho has incredible deals, including the £3 Tacos.
The upbeat atmosphere is filled with the 80s lip-sync performances as well as various nights of musical bingo.
Music genres grace the venue include old-school classics, samba, and other popular party anthems. The strong tequila co*cktails make for a great night of debauchery and endless fun.
Related: Best Bars in Shoreditch, London
Arts Theatre Club
- Address: 50 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D 4SQ
- Food: YES
- Atmosphere: cool, stylish, vintage, and fancy
- Known for: exclusivity and expertly lit design
Arts Theatre Club charges £100 per year for their exclusive membership. Its exclusivity stems from the rich Prohibition-era history that is a little bit murky but intriguing nonetheless.
The current establishment was once owned by Kray Twins, gangsters who became famous for murder, arson, and other major crimes that landed them in prison for the rest of their lives.
Today, the Arts Theatre Club serves as a co*cktail bar and eatery with fast bites like Margherita Pizza, chicken escalope panini and Capricciosa pizza with roast ham and artichoke hearts.
DJs play retro tunes with a mix of classics that moves the often-stylish crowd that frequents the venue.
I recommend you try some of their special co*cktails, like the Deadwood Dick made from jalapeno-infused Patron Silver Tequila.
Antidote
- Address: 12A Newburgh Street, Soho, London, W1F 7RR
- Food: YES
- Atmosphere: Cozy yet vibrant
- Known for: a huge selection of wine
The Antidote is a wine bar and wine shop all in one. The uber extensive wine list takes you through various countries’ finest, from France staples to options from Italy, Austria, and Spain. You may just end up spending most of your time going through the wine listing; it is long.
The organic and bio-dynamic wines make Antidote the best wine bar you must visit in Soho. Newer drinks and classics can be found on their menu, and the wine shop makes it convenient to carry what you like at home.
There are three different packages for wine tasting starting from £35 per person, where you can get to sip on a few classics, unconventional, and some real gems.
100 Wardour Street
- Address: 100 Wardour Street, Soho, London W1F 0TN
- Food: Yes
- Atmosphere: Lively and inviting
- Known for: Affordable co*cktails
The bar at 100 Wardour Street is located on the venue’s ground floor. It is a colourful and stylish bar next to the restaurant where executive Head Chef Tim Tolley serves his signature dishes.
The bar is next to Soho’s After Dark party place, where DJs craze the crowds from Thursday to Saturday nights.
All the co*cktails sell for just £6 and include popular drinks like the Spice Spice Baby made from Olmec Silver Blanco and the Zest for Life made from Ketel One and a mix of lime juice.
Though the restaurant is separate, the bar does include a few food items, including tortilla chips with pico de gallo and guacamole, chicken taquitos, and Korean fried chicken.
La Bodega Negra
- Address: 9 Old Compton Street, Soho, London, W1D 5JF
- Food: YES
- Atmosphere: Dim environment but the welcoming staff
- Known for: subterranean tequila co*cktails
This notorious subterranean tequila den serves co*cktails in a Hacienda-style cellar environment. It is a dimly lit venue with neon signs that create a unique setting. The décor has devilish styles, and you can tell from the creepy art pieces at the bar.
A full dinner menu accompanies the many hand-crafted Mezcal co*cktails that are punchy and bound to get your night going.
Bottomless brunch is the order of the day on Saturdays at La Bodega Negra. The bottomless margarita is well complemented by the 90 minutes of the restaurant’s finest Mexican foods like the classic tacos.
Jack Solomon’s Club
- Address: 41 Great Windmill Street, Soho, London W1D 7NB
- Food: YES
- Atmosphere: Upscale, glamorous, and classy
- Known for: intimate after-work drinks
Jack Solomon’s Club is a bar that focuses on whiskies and gin. It is named after the boxing promoter, Jack Solomon, who made most of his bucks after World War II in the British boxing scene. The bar was later built on the same grounds that Solomon used for his business.
Today, the Jack Solomon’s Club serves the meanest strong co*cktails in London with room for shareable platters and burgers on the menu. The venue is old school with little modern décor and warm lighting that signals an intimate affair with a group of fancy friends.
Related: Best Pubs in Soho, London
Pink Chihuahua in El Camion
- Address: 25-27 Brewer Street, Soho, London, W1F 0RR
- Food: YES
- Atmosphere: Mexican décor and welcoming staff
- Known for: tequila co*cktails
Day of the Dead murals covers a good chunk of the seating section in this 3 am bar at the heart of Soho. It is home to some of the best tequila-based co*cktails you can find in London. The bar is conveniently located below the El Camion Mexican restaurant, where you can go for a quick Mexican delicacy.
The Mexican co*cktail bar is open for walk-ins, but there is a membership that you can join from their website. The Chihuahua co*cktails include the Mai Tai, Pina Colada, Espresso Martini, Spicy Margarita, Paloma, and the pink Chihuahua for £11
Experimental co*cktail Club
- Address: 13A Gerrard Road, Soho, London N1 8AY
- Food: NO
- Atmosphere: Cozy and large for a sizeable party
- Known for: Speakeasy vibe with perfect co*cktails
Located a few minutes walk from Trafalgar Square, the Experimental co*cktail club is known for having the best of the best co*cktails in London. If you want a great drink from London’s best mixologists, then this co*cktail club should be on top of your list.
The speakeasy style of the bar makes it hard to locate in Chinatown, but once you find the three-storied building, you won’t miss the three-level bars again. You won’t need reservations in advance as this is one of the few places that keeps half of its capacity for walk-in guests.
However, you may want to get there before 11 pm as there is an extra £5 cover charge late into the night.
Aqua Spirit
- Address: 240 Regent Street, Soho, London, UK W1B 3BR
- Food: YES
- Atmosphere: Airy with great views of London skylines
- Known for: Great rooftop bar with enticing co*cktails
Last but definitely not least, we take a look at the best rooftop bar in Soho, Aqua Spirit. The bar is one of the few drinking venues with a great view of the London skyline. It offers a great terrace for those warm nights but a cosy and warm atmosphere in the indoor bar for the cold nights.
You may want to reconsider if you want a budget-friendly venue since the menu has pricier options compared to most of the bars we have listed. However, the beautiful views may be worth the price.
Since Aqua Spirit is part of the Aqua restaurant group, you can expect top-notch services, from great quality wine selections to expertly made co*cktails. Do not forget to have a taste of their delicious snack menu.
Also Read:
- Best Bars in Covent Garden
- Best Bars in Mayfair London
- Best Bars in and Near Victoria, London
- Best Bars in Paddington, London
- Best Bars in Liverpool Street
Final Thoughts
Soho is a cultural-centric part of London that is filled with what the best of London entertainment has to offer. The list of perfect nightly affairs venues is inexhaustible, and you may find yourself wondering all night to pick out the best.
For more options, check out some of the most frequented bars in Soho, including: Milk and honey, Heritage Bar and Restaurant, Soma, and Soho Residence.
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