The best cheap bars in Soho

Greek Street Live is a lively venue that combines energetic music, thrilling live performances, and refreshing drinks in an intimate setting. With live acts every night, the diverse line-up spans all sorts of genres, ensuring there's something for everyone. The well-stocked bar offers signature cocktails, global wines, and international beers, along with a tempting selection of small plates and heartier dishes. Happy hour deals are available every day, making this one of the best cheap bars in Soho once you factor in the live music.

The Roxy is a lively bar and nightclub that's popular with young student crowds thanks to its friendly drink offers and themed nights, but caters to older patrons with events like Saturday afternoon clubbing too. Patrons can choose from a wide range of drinks, and Asian-inspired snacks like dim sum and prawn crackers are served as well. Located just on the other side of Oxford Street, the basement bar has a neon-tinged aesthetic.

An independent favourite for decades now, Thirst Bar is spread across two floors, offering both a space where you can sit down and relax with a drink in hand, and a basement dance floor where you can things up a notch with DJs, shots, and bangers galore. Serious about ensuring everyone can quench their thirst here, this cheap Soho bar offers no one, but two happy hours – a regular happy hour, as well as a preceding “stupid hour” with even lower prices. With an extensive cocktail menu to choose from, it's a no-brainer.

The Soho basement outpost of the lively Barrio bars embraces a bold, no-rules approach to colour, creating a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere. Attracting a lively crowd, it serves up cleverly named cocktails inspired by musicians alongside Mexican street food favourites like tacos, burritos, and churros. The soundtrack is just as energetic, spanning reggaeton, soul, and disco, and the various changing offers make sure your night out won't break the bank.

Be At One bars across London are all about high-energy celebrations, with pulsating music, late-night revelry, and skilled bartenders shaking up drinks with flair. The extensive menu boasts over 100 cocktails, ranging from timeless favourites to imaginative creations, ensuring there's something for every taste. Guests can also take advantage of the daily happy hour, where drinks are served 2-for-1. There are several of these cheap bars in Soho.

An affordable bar group with locations across London, Simmons operates quite a few cheap bars in Soho and the surrounding area. They're famed for their signature blend of budget-friendly happy hours, neon lighting, late hours, and a soundtrack that's engineered to keep the good times rolling. All sorts of offers and discounts are regularly available here, including 2-for-1 cocktails, shareable cocktail teapots, and more.

Rupert Street Bar, a stylish Soho gay bar, invites everyone to enjoy its sleek setting, reasonably priced drinks, and vibrant entertainment. Open daily, this lively spot showcases some of London's most dazzling drag acts and queer DJs, creating an electric atmosphere. With generous happy hour deals to keep things budget-friendly, it's a great place for an inclusive night out.

Zebrano on Greek Street is a versatile spot combining a cocktail bar, restaurant, and club, perfect for any occasion. The venue boasts a lively atmosphere, a striking contemporary interior, and a playlist of great music to set the mood. A happy hour is available daily at this Soho bar, offering discounts on cocktails, beer, and wine.

The Cocktail Clubs offer a lively escape from the hustle and bustle of Soho, with relaxed interiors and expertly-mixed drinks. The extended 2-4-1 happy hour at these cheap Soho bars ensures a steady flow of drinks, making it an ideal spot to take a load off your feet – and your bank balance – after a shopping spree. Various events like bottomless brunches or karaoke are available at select location too.

Salsa is a lively South American-themed bar in Soho, bursting with colour and energy, perfect for cocktails and dancing. With a daily happy hour, a menu featuring tapas, burgers, and fajitas, and a wide selection of fruity cocktails, it's a great spot for a fun night out. The varied weekly programme add all sorts of entertainment to the mix as well.

Rumba is a well-established nightclub and affordable bar in Soho, known for its vibrant nightlife and resident DJs who keep the crowd moving with a blend of commercial tunes, R&B, hip-hop, and chart favourites. With an extended happy hour running daily, it's a hotspot for students and budget-conscious partygoers, while those looking for a more exclusive experience can opt for VIP packages to elevate their night.

Comptons, affectionately known as "The Grande Dame" of Old Compton Street, is one of London's most historic gay bars. A longstanding favourite for a lively drink, it offers a classic wood-panelled pub on the ground floor, a cosy upstairs lounge, and an outdoor seating area. The atmosphere is always buzzing, and on weekend nights, DJs take over with pop anthems that keep the crowd dancing. Various drinks offers keep the prices friendly.

O'Neill's is a well-loved chain of Irish pubs known for its warm atmosphere, budget-friendly food and drinks, and classic pub comforts like live sports and music. The Soho branch, housed in a historic building dating back to the 1930s, has deep roots in the area's rich musical heritage, having hosted legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Pink Floyd, and Eric Clapton. Keeping the tradition alive, the venue continues to feature live music every night of the week.