Guide to the best pubs in Soho

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.