If one thing’s for sure, it’s that London isn’t short on places to enjoy a drink or ten. Whether you’re looking for a spot for your next date night or a place to dance well into the early hours, you’ll likely find something apt in Soho. For centuries, Soho has been the place to go in London when you want to indulge in a little much-needed hedonism. From classy drinking haunts and basement bars to themed cocktail bars in weird and wonderful places, here’s our guide to the best bars in Soho for an unforgettable night in the capital.
![A group of friends toasting with drinks in a bar](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/article/22/sep/the-best-bars-in-soho.jpg?1737549328)
The best bars in Soho
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The best bars in Soho
- 1Bar Américain A nod to the Prohibition Era
- 2Ain't Nothin' But Soho's original blues joint
- 3Albert's Schloss Bavarian pleasure palace
- 4Bar Termini Quintessentially Italian
- 5Disrepute The former drinking haunt of glamourous stars
- 6Nightjar The ultimate London speakeasy
- 7Swift Two bars in one
- 8Experimental Cocktail Club The no.1 date spot
- 9Bar Crispin Seasonal British plates and European wine
- 10Comptons An LGBTQIA+ icon
- 11100 Wardour Street A bit of everything
- 12The Little Scarlet Door A house party but at a bar
- 13Cahoots Keeping the post-war spirit alive
- 14La Bodega Negra A slice of Mexico in the heart of Soho
- 15Bar Lina An ode to 1960s Italy
- 16Soma To the Indian subcontinent and beyond
- 17The Thin White Duke A tribute to Bowie
- 18The Mulwray A diverse wine selection
- 19The Vault Secret jazz bar in Soho
- 20Garlic & Shots One for the garlic lovers
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The best bars in Soho
Soho bars you don't want to miss
![Bar Américain – Bars in Soho](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/b/a/bar-americain-4.jpg)
![Bar Américain – Bars in Soho](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/b/a/bar-americain-0.jpg)
![Bar Américain – Bars in Soho](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/b/a/bar-americain-6.jpg)
![Bar Américain – Bars in Soho](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/b/a/bar-americain-3.jpg)
![Bar Américain – Bars in Soho](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/b/a/bar-americain-1.jpg)
A nod to the Prohibition Era
This American-style cocktail bar in Soho is home to a dimly-lit basement bar kitted out with dark wooden furnishings and leather seating. The cocktails served are a nod to those served before the Prohibition Era in the U.S., like the classic cosmopolitan, white lady and corpse reviver, all made with their original recipes. Changing themed cocktail menus, inspired by West End productions or periods of history, are also a regular feature.
- 20 Sherwood St, Soho
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![Ain't Nothin' But The Blues Bar – Bars in Soho](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/london/ai/ef6c9f00-7637-11ed-b24b-86d7fdd99ed5/aint-nothin-but-the-blues-bar-b956b761.jpg?1735896994)
![Ain't Nothin' But The Blues Bar – Bars in Soho](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/london/ai/ef6c9f00-7637-11ed-b24b-86d7fdd99ed5/aint-nothin-but-the-blues-bar-a04d8620.jpg?1735896994)
![Ain't Nothin' But The Blues Bar – Bars in Soho](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/london/ai/ef6c9f00-7637-11ed-b24b-86d7fdd99ed5/aint-nothin-but-the-blues-bar-8b60d5e3.jpg?1735896994)
![Ain't Nothin' But The Blues Bar – Bars in Soho](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/london/ai/ef6c9f00-7637-11ed-b24b-86d7fdd99ed5/aint-nothin-but-the-blues-bar-927be4a2.jpg?1735896994)
Soho's original blues joint
Ain't Nothin' But is a legendary blues bar in Soho that has been hosting lively, boozy nights of live music since the early 1990s. With daily performances, including acoustic sets, full bands, and cult jam sessions featuring dozens of musicians, it offers an authentic grassroots blues experience. Its intimate setting, diverse crowd, and free early sessions make it a must-visit destination for blues lovers and live music fans.
- 20 Kingly St, Soho
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![Albert's Schloss London – Bars in Soho](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/london/al/898dff64-a0a1-11ee-b935-86d7fdd99ed5/alberts-schloss-london-ed4aaebe.jpg?1735900969)
![Albert's Schloss London – Bars in Soho](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/london/al/898dff64-a0a1-11ee-b935-86d7fdd99ed5/alberts-schloss-london-89266bba.jpg?1735900970)
![Albert's Schloss London – Bars in Soho](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/london/al/898dff64-a0a1-11ee-b935-86d7fdd99ed5/alberts-schloss-london-a20b3879.jpg?1735900971)
![Albert's Schloss London – Bars in Soho](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/london/al/898dff64-a0a1-11ee-b935-86d7fdd99ed5/alberts-schloss-london-df7ccc3c.jpg?1735900970)
![Albert's Schloss London – Bars in Soho](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/london/al/898dff64-a0a1-11ee-b935-86d7fdd99ed5/alberts-schloss-london-f4519fff.jpg?1735900969)
Bavarian pleasure palace
Albert's Schloss is a Bavarian-inspired beer hall found in several UK cities, offering an immersive Oktoberfest experience all year round. Serving Munich's famous lagers, fresh Czech Pilsner, and a menu of contemporary Bavarian cuisine, it's as much about the food and drink as the lively atmosphere. With live music, DJ nights, cabaret, and private hire options, the Soho bar and restaurant has become a popular destination for a fun and authentic Alpine experience.
- 20-24 Shaftesbury Ave, Soho
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Quintessentially Italian
For classic Italian coffee by day and tantalising cocktails by night, head along to Bar Termini on Old Compton Street. Enjoy classic cocktails like the house negroni, or opt for beer, wine, prosecco or champagne alongside a selection of antipasti, like Italian cheeses, charcuterie, Sicilian caponata, and more. Don't forget to snap a picture of their classic black and white chequered floor before you leave.
- 7 Old Compton Street, Soho
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The former drinking haunt of glamourous stars
Although Disrepute is a members-only spot, the Soho bar permits non-members until capacity. It's a nod to the glamorous 1960s when the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe used to drink there. The cocktails are served creatively, featuring short descriptions that leave a little to the imagination. Pick something that you're most drawn to and you'll likely end up with a drink to suit your taste and temperament.
- 4 Kingly Ct, Soho
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The ultimate London speakeasy
This swanky speakeasy in Soho is the ideal date spot and place to catch up with friends. The cocktails are playful takes on the classics, inspired by drinks from the pre-prohibition, prohibition, post-war and modern-day periods. Expect drinks topped with candy floss, milk chocolate sculptures, and all of the classics. There's also a menu of bar snacks and small plates served late into the night.
- 49-51 Carnaby St, Soho
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Two bars in one
Upstairs in Swift, you'll find an aperitif-focused evening bar which is the perfect spot for a first date drink from their award-winning cocktail menu. Head downstairs, and you'll come across a speakeasy-style basement ideal for late-night drinking from the special drinks menu. It's basically two great Soho bars in one, catering to two kinds of nights.
- 12 Old Compton Street, Soho
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The no.1 date spot
If you can find the front door to The Experimental Cocktail Club (look for a tiny, faded black, rusty door), you're in for a treat. This Chinatown cocktail bar has a carefully crafted menu of cocktails made using hard-to-find spirits from France and beyond. The decor is shabby chic, with a dark and moody interior, making it an ideal spot for a date.
- 13a Gerrard St, Soho/Covent Garden
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Seasonal British plates and European wine
Wine-lovers are in for a treat at Bar Crispin on Kingly Street. This all-day natural wine bar in Soho is the place to be for exquisite European wines and a food menu of seasonal British dishes. Sip on low-intervention wines and chow down on delectable sharing plates, with sustainability at the core of Bar Crispin's ethos. There's also a an intimate cellar you can book for private events.
- 19 Kingly St, Soho
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An LGBTQIA+ icon
Comptons, built on the site of the 200-year-old Swiss Hotel, is one of those bars that’s been around forever; in fact, it’s been at the epicentre of the gay scene since 1986. These days, it’s one of London’s most celebrated LGBTQIA+ venues with events taking place weeklong, like DJ nights, happy hours and more.
- 51-53 Old Compton St, Soho
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A bit of everything
This relaxed and stylish Soho bar and lounge ticks all boxes for an epic night out. It's located above the former site of the Marquee Club, where the likes of David Bowie, Joy Division, and The Cure once played, and you can dine on modern European fare in the basement alongside a range of cocktails before dancing well into the night to a live DJ.
- 100 Wardour St, Soho
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A house party but at a bar
The Little Scarlet Door came about when five friends got together and decided to recreate the buzz of a house party inside a bar. This unique bar is inspired by New York’s loft apartments; think exposed brickwork and industrial fittings. You can slink into the night, sipping a range of drinks, before dancing like you would at a friend’s house party. The best bit? There’s no cleaning to do the next day.
- 12 Greek St, Soho
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Keeping the post-war spirit alive
When two people discovered a disused underground station in the heart of Soho, the first thing they thought was 'aha, let’s build a bar here', so they did just that. The station was formerly used as an air raid shelter throughout the war, and when it was discovered, it was filled with old toys, mismatched crockery, furniture and other trinkets, which are still present in the bar today. The rations and cocktails served here are a nod to the post-war spirit, as are the late-night parties they throw well into the night.
- 13 Kingly Ct, Soho
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A slice of Mexico in the heart of Soho
La Bodega Negra is one of London's authentic Mexican spots, right in the hustle and bustle of Soho behind what, in true Soho style, appears to be a sex shop. The restaurant menu has all of the street food favourites, like truffle and black mole quesadillas and sea bass ceviche. For drinks, you've got a range of cocktails, Mexican spirits, and various soft drinks, with DJs ensuring a party atmosphere late into the night.
- 9 Old Compton Street, Soho
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An ode to 1960s Italy
Located beneath the pasta spot Lina Stores on Brewer Street, Bar Lina is inspired by the lively spirit of Soho and Italy's bar culture. Illuminated by flickering candles, it transports guests to the nostalgia of 1960s Italy. Here, amidst the cosy vibes, guests can enjoy inventive renditions of beloved Italian cocktails like negronis and spritzes paired with a selection of fine Italian wines. There is also a range of snacks to line the stomach.
- 18 Brewer St, Soho
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To the Indian subcontinent and beyond
Soma is a contemporary take on the classic subterranean cocktail bar in Soho, drawing inspiration from the Indian subcontinent and beyond. Born from the creators of the acclaimed Kricket restaurant, it stands as the go-to destination for late-night tipples. You'll find a selection of creative cocktails, such as the chaat cocktail—a concoction of smoky mezcal Verde and Tapatio Blanco tequila infused with the zest of kumquat and the exotic spices of chaat masala.
- 14 Denman St, Soho
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A tribute to Bowie
Located in Soho, The Thin White Duke, named after the legendary David Bowie, is a dim sum restaurant, coffee shop, and recording studio run by mixologist extraordinaire Dav Eames. The cocktail menu features standout options, such as the Gin & Milk, featuring Pink Pepper gin, almond milk, and white tea syrup. Alongside its drinks, The Thin White Duke has recording studio suites kitted out for producers, musicians, podcasters, and artists.
- 22B Great Windmill Street, Soho
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A diverse wine selection
The Mulwray is a swish bar atop a regal Georgian building dating back to 1739. The Soho bar serves a range of wines emphasising sustainability and biodynamic principles. The wine list is extensive and diverse, from all your classics to more adventurous and daring selections.
- The Blue Posts, 28 Rupert Street, Soho/Covent Garden
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Secret jazz bar in Soho
Located beneath the esteemed whisky purveyors Milroy's of Soho, The Vault is Soho's best-kept secret, reachable through a bookcase. Originally a cellar used for storing sherry, it's rumoured to have been a meeting spot for various well-known figures. Today, it's an acclaimed candlelit speakeasy, garnering awards for its vibe and top-notch drinks. The menu boasts original short and long drinks, with options rotating seasonally. Live jazz is on regularly as well.
- 3 Greek Street, Soho
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One for the garlic lovers
Garlic & Shots, a gothic-themed Soho bar and restaurant, lives up to its name with a selection of 101 different shots and a kitchen abundant in garlic. Guests are encouraged to embrace the flavour by requesting extra garlic in their dishes, although god forbid you request less. The menu offers a variety of options, such as tacos, pasta, and steak, with a friendly reminder to freshen up post-meal. Their cocktail and shot lists are fruity, spicy, and naturally, garlicky.
- 14 Frith Street, Soho
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