Soho has long been a hotspot for fab nightlife in London. From glam bars, clubs, and theatres to cosy local pubs, there are plenty of places for a night out. You can check out one of the many pubs in Soho if you’re looking for a relaxed spot for a drink in the afternoon or a great place to go in the evening. There are plenty of options in this busy area, from gastropubs to expansive Irish pubs. Make your plans with our guide to the best pubs in Soho.
Guide to the best pubs in Soho
In this guide
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The best pubs in Soho
- The Dog & Duck – Classic pub since 1897
- Waxy O'Connor's – Vast Irish pub
- The Lyric – Family-friendly Victorian pub
- John Snow – A cholera doctor, not GoT
- The Toucan – An homage to Guinness
- The Ship Soho – Lively and traditional
- Admiral Duncan – Colourful gay pub
- Golden Lion – Dean Street corner pub
- Star & Garter – Friendly green-fronted venue
- The Argyll Arms – Classic drinking destination
- The Coach & Horses – Eye-catching Greek Street venue
- The Blue Posts – Innovative gastropub
- Old Coffee House – Cosy and authentic
- The Glasshouse Stores – Cosy and atmospheric
- De Hems – Unique Dutch influence
- The Crown & Two Chairmen – Smart and spacious venue
- The Sun & 13 Cantons – Eclectic and modern style
- The White Horse – Colourful and modern
- The Royal George – Quirky venue full of character
- The French House – Bohemian French-influenced spot
- The Queen's Head – Packed with history
- The Three Greyhounds – Attention-grabbing mock-Tudor building
- The Shaston Arms – Part of the community
- The Clachan – Original Victorian features
- The Nellie Dean – Classic pub with contemporary style
- The Ganton Arms – Spacious and contemporary
- Duke of Wellington – Lively and inclusive destination
- Glassblower – Friendly historic spot
- The Spice Of Life – Bustling and buzzy pub
The best pubs in Soho
The best Soho pubs
Classic pub since 1897
The Dog & Duck has operated in Soho since 1897 and comes with colourful tiled walls and a cosy atmosphere. This pub is known for its pies but it also does other main courses, sandwiches, and snacks. There are drinks for every taste going, from cask ales to cocktails and wine.
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18 Bateman Street, Soho
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The Dog & Duck
020-749 406 97 - Read more on Thatsup
Vast Irish pub
Spread across a mammoth six floors, Waxy O’Connors is one of London’s most famous Irish pubs. There are four bars in this labyrinth-like venue, which has a traditional and rustic look. Live sport and music are on regularly, and there’s a wide selection of drinks. This includes local beer and Irish whiskeys.
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14-16 Rupert Street, Soho/Covent Garden
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Waxy O'Connor's London
020-728 702 55 - Read more on Thatsup
Family-friendly Victorian pub
Visit The Lyric for a traditional Victorian pub. It’s a cosy place with wall hangings and roaring fires. There are 33 taps showcasing beers from independent breweries, plus a straightforward menu of classic British pub food. Think favourites like pie, burgers, and sausages and mash. A kids’ menu is also available.
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37 Great Windmill St, Soho
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The Lyric
020-743 406 04 - Read more on Thatsup
A cholera doctor, not GoT
When you want a pub that feels cosy, John Snow is a good place to go. Named after a groundbreaking London cholera doctor, this place has warm wood panelling and a traditional look. This warren-like venue includes a number of different spaces. There are a wide variety of beers and ales.
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39 Broadwick Street, Soho
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John Snow
020-743 713 44 - Read more on Thatsup
An homage to Guinness
Named after the famous Guinness-loving bird, The Toucan is the ideal stop for fans of the drink. It opened in 1994 but is steeped in history. Now it's a classic Irish pub with memorabilia both inside and out. It's busy and compact so you'll often see a big crowd drinking outside too.
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19 Carlisle Street, Soho
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The Toucan
020-743 741 23 - Read more on Thatsup
Lively and traditional
Lively pub The Ship is full of musical history, having been the neighbour of an iconic music venue for many years. Behind the bar you’ll find cask ales, craft beers, and wine and spirits too. If you get peckish, try a cheese toastie or classic bar snack at this traditional-looking pub.
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116 Wardour St, Soho
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The Ship Soho
020-743 784 46 - Read more on Thatsup
Colourful gay pub
Soho is known for gay nightlife and Admiral Duncan is one of the top gay pubs in the area. It has a colourful exterior and feels friendly and cosy inside. Events like drag cabaret and karaoke are held regularly, and the drinks list is broad enough to satisfy everybody.
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54 Old Compton Street, Soho
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Admiral Duncan
020-743 753 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Dean Street corner pub
Corner pub Golden Lion has a traditional aesthetic both inside and out. It looks smart from the outside and has a classy cosy pub interior. A broad range of drinks are on offer and food is available too, including meals for children. Expect pub favourites like burgers, nachos, and pie.
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51 Dean Street, Soho
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Golden Lion
020-743 406 61 - Read more on Thatsup
Friendly green-fronted venue
Star & Garter is a short distance from Oxford Circus. The green exterior is decorated with foliage. This is a LGBTQ-friendly pub with a compact interior and a hidden upstairs bar. The atmosphere is open and friendly and the look of the place is traditional. A wide range of drinks are served.
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62 Poland Street, Soho
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Star & Garter
020-728 726 35 - Read more on Thatsup
Classic drinking destination
Having been around since the 18th century, The Argyll Arms is a well-known spot for a drink in Soho. The venue is full of history and features original architectural details. This ornate pub offers a huge range of drinks and food is available to eat in or take away.
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18 Argyll Street, Soho
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The Argyll Arms
020-773 461 17 - Read more on Thatsup
Eye-catching Greek Street venue
Set in a Grade II listed building with eye-catching red pillars, The Coach & Horses is a well-known Soho sight. Arguably the area’s most famous pub, this vibrant spot is wholly traditional. The setting is cosy, serving cask ales, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
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29 Greek St, Soho
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The Coach & Horses
020-743 759 20 - Read more on Thatsup
Innovative gastropub
Based in a blue Grade II listed building, The Blue Posts is a pub that's a bit different. Renovated in 2017 by top chefs the Selby brothers, it includes a cosy traditional pub plus a wine bar and exclusive fine dining restaurant. The focus is British craft beers and upscale bar snacks.
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28 Rupert Street, Soho/Covent Garden
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The Blue Posts
0792-133 60 10 - Read more on Thatsup
Cosy and authentic
This family-run venue feels cosy and traditional, decorated with taxidermy and framed photographs. The drinks include draft beer, spirits, and wine. Food is also served; comforting classics like jacket potatoes and cottage pie. There's a small choice of dishes for kids on offer on as well.
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49 Beak Street, Soho
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Old Coffee House
020-743 721 97 - Read more on Thatsup
Cosy and atmospheric
The Glasshouse Stores has a traditional look both inside and out. This low-lit and compact bar feels intimate and atmospheric. You can play darts or pool and enjoy a broad choice of beers. Food is also available, with hearty options like lasagne and curry as well as lighter sandwiches.
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55 Brewer Street, Soho
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The Glasshouse Stores
020-728 752 78 - Read more on Thatsup
Unique Dutch influence
Visit De Hems for a distinctive pub experience. This smart pub has a classic feel but a clear Dutch influence. Drinks include wine, cask ales, craft beer, and cocktails. You can also try something new with the Dutch-inspired food menu featuring options like bitterballen, croquettes, schnitzel, and Dutch-style sausage.
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11 Macclesfield Street, Soho/Covent Garden
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De Hems
020-743 724 94 - Read more on Thatsup
Smart and spacious venue
Located in Dean Street, The Crown & Two Chairmen sits on a corner and has a smart look. The inside of the pub is spacious, with private hire areas available for bigger groups. There's a broad choice of drinks available paired with classic pub grub like calamari, burgers, and steak.
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31-32 Dean Street, Soho
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The Crown & Two Chairmen
020-743 781 92 - Read more on Thatsup
Eclectic and modern style
Renowned pub The Sun & 13 Cantons is housed in a Grade II listed building. There's a modern attitude here along with classic style. A range of drinks are available including local and international beers on tap. The pub hosts kitchen pop-ups that showcase international cuisines from Ukrainian to Nepalese food.
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21 Great Pulteney Street, Soho
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The Sun & 13 Cantons
020-773 409 34 - Read more on Thatsup
Colourful and modern
With a striking blue colour palette throughout, The White Horse is a vibrant pub blending tradition with modern touches. Live sport is shown here. The drinks range from cocktails to cask ales and food is available too. There are breakfast dishes and light snacks, plus more filling options like sausage and mash.
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16 Newburgh Street, Soho
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The White Horse Soho
020-749 497 48 - Read more on Thatsup
Quirky venue full of character
Quirky pub The Royal George is eclectic and has lots going on. There's imaginative decor plus live sport and live music, including ukulele jams. The pub has a varied choice of drinks alongside classic pub grub like burgers. There's also a basement space that's ideally suited for private hire.
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133 Charing Cross Road, Soho
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The Royal George
020-773 488 37 - Read more on Thatsup
Bohemian French-influenced spot
After a pub that’s a little out of the ordinary? The French House will satisfy. You’ll find a standard pub interior at this bohemian spot but otherwise things are different. Beers are sold by the half pint, there’s Breton cider and about 30 types of champagne, and phones and similar devices are banned.
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49 Dean St, Soho
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The French House
020-743 724 77 - Read more on Thatsup
Packed with history
Opened in 1736, The Queen's Head is an independent pub that's brimming with history. This venue aims to be the quintessential London pub, with a classic look both inside and out. The large selection of drinks include local cask ale and craft beers, plus there's traditional food like ham hock terrine.
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15 Denman Street, Soho
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The Queen's Head Soho
020-743 715 40 - Read more on Thatsup
Attention-grabbing mock-Tudor building
The mock-Tudor facade of The Three Greyhounds will quickly catch your eye. This popular pub feels cosy with wooden beams and sparkling lights. The drinks range from cocktails and wine to British craft beers, plus there's tempting seasonal food. Light snacks and a menu for kids are also on offer.
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25 Greek Street, Soho
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The Three Greyhounds
020-749 409 53 - Read more on Thatsup
Part of the community
Welcoming local pub The Shaston Arms is at the heart of its community. The outside is bright red and it's equally bold inside. The focus here is on drinks instead of food, with a broad selection of draft beer, wine, and spirits. Private hire of the venue is also available.
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4-6 Ganton Street, Soho
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The Shaston Arms
020-728 726 31 - Read more on Thatsup
Original Victorian features
The Clachan dates back to 1898 and is full of tradition. Many of its original architectural features like ironwork can still be seen today. The pub does a varied range of drinks and food is also served, including pre-theatre dining. Large groups are welcome and live sport is also shown here.
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34 Kingly Street, Soho
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The Clachan
020-749 408 34 - Read more on Thatsup
Classic pub with contemporary style
The Nellie Dean has been open since 1967 but a pub has stood on this spot since 1748. Now it's a modern incarnation of a pub with contemporary furniture and exposed brickwork. There's a varied choice of beer, wine, and spirits, and a concise menu of pies and patties.
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89 Dean Street, Soho
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The Nellie Dean
020-773 425 72 - Read more on Thatsup
Spacious and contemporary
Modern and friendly pub The Ganton Arms is a contemporary take on the traditional pub. It's colourful and has a function room for up to 20 people. There's a full selection of drinks for every preference, as well as an equally diverse food menu. On Sundays a full roast is served.
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18-20 Ganton Street, Soho
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The Ganton Arms
020-381 359 41 - Read more on Thatsup
Lively and inclusive destination
In Wardour Street you’ll find bustling and inclusive LGBTQIA+ pub Duke of Wellington. This is a welcoming and friendly place with lots happening like bingo, pub quizzes, and lively DJ sets. There’s lots of choice behind the bar with drinks ranging from prosecco and cocktails to wine and draft beer.
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77 Wardour Street, Soho
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Duke of Wellington Soho
020-743 912 74 - Read more on Thatsup
Friendly historic spot
In the heart of Soho, Glasshouse is a family- and dog-friendly pub with a beer garden. The pub has an eye-catching red exterior. Live music is on regularly and the menus offer lots of choice. There's a full range of drinks plus contemporary pub grub, including kids' meals and gluten-free options.
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40-42 Glasshouse Street, Soho
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Glassblower
020-773 485 47 - Read more on Thatsup
Bustling and buzzy pub
Buzzy pub The Spice of Life is set over two floors, with a traditional look on the ground floor and a more contemporary style downstairs. The atmosphere here is friendly and welcoming. Food and drinks are served here and there are plenty of events going on too including live music, quizzes, comedy and poetry.
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The Spice Of Life, 6 Moor Street, Soho
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The Spice Of Life
020-743 770 13 - Read more on Thatsup