The best music bars in Soho

Ronnie Scott's is known around the globe as a legendary jazz club, having provided a stage for legendary performers for over 60 years. In the main club, guests can enjoy steaks and other British while enjoying world-class live music, while the 1950s speakeasy-style bar upstairs provides a more intimate setting. Though Ronnie Scott's is primarily known as a jazz club, a broad music policy is supported here, ranging from hip-hop and electronica to rock and classical music.

This music bar in Soho is all about good booze and brilliant blues bands – there's nowhere else quite like it in London. A blues band jams out on stage every night to a head-bopping crowd singing along to every word. Expect to hear all of the blues classics sung by both local and American acts, as well as regular jam sessions with dozens of musicians joining in. Plus, the drinks aren't overly expensive, which is a rarity somewhere like Soho.

Considering the general “Oktoberfest wunderland” of it all, you'd be forgiven for thinking music at Albert's Schloss revolves around oompah bands and schlager hits. However, there's actually quite a varied music policy here, including Back to Mein nights where special guest DJs play the tracks they'd spin at their house, and Baby Grand Slam, where pianists play songs on request. All that, plus wursts, steins, and lederhosen aplenty.

Jack Solomons Club, set in a former boxing gym, is a stylish, dimly-lit bar inspired by old-school Soho glamour, ideal for both cosy catch-ups and lively nights out. The drinks menu features house cocktails, classic options, and bottle service with a strong focus on whisky and gin, alongside a concise wine list. Regular DJ nights add to the vibrant atmosphere at this Soho bar.

This chic listening bar is hidden beneath the Soho branch of Turkish restaurant The Counter. In addition to hosting various music events, the bar is fitted with a state-of-the-art sound system. Explore Under The Counter's top-shelf selection of vinyl records as you enjoy expertly mixed cocktails and small plates off the upstairs grill.

Hidden within the Art Deco splendour of the famed Brasserie Zédel, The Crazy Coqs is an intimate venue hosting an eclectic mix of cabaret, concerts, comedy, magic, and literary events. Guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, fine wines, and other drinks delivered to their table, along with a selection of snacks, before and after the performances.

Savour expertly crafted cocktails and live performances in the cosy atmosphere of The Piano Bar in Soho. This acclaimed hidden gem, suffused in retro charm, hosts live piano music every evening it's open. A curated menu of timeless cocktails hits just the right notes as well. The bar is also available for private hire, accommodating events for up to 80 guests.

This renowned Soho restaurant and bar is a prime spot for live music, romantic dinners, and leisurely Saturday brunches. Vibrant and eye-catching, the venue is adorned with floral arrangements and neon accents, creating a lively backdrop. Throughout the week, guests can enjoy a diverse lineup of live performances, from vinyl-spinning DJs to soulful R&B performers.

This storied jazz haunt, tucked away behind an unassuming blue door and reached via a slightly sketchy staircase, has seen its fair share of old-school Soho debauchery over the years, and even famed figures like Anthony Bourdain and Jarvis Cocker have taken to its laidback atmosphere, non-plussed clientele, and intimate, unpretentious charm. The former gambling den regularly hosts live jazz music.

Nightjar Carnaby brings Prohibition-era elegance to the West End, with a cocktail list organised by historical periods and featuring recipes as far back as the 1600s. Adding to the immersive experience, live jazz, swing, blues, or funk performances fill the air each night, evoking a sense of stepping back in time as you enter this basement speakeasy.

This lively neighbourhood pub lies at the core of Soho's music culture, once neighbouring the iconic Marquee Club, where legends such as The Clash, Joy Division, and David Bowie used to perform. The bar offers a range of contemporary craft brews, traditional cask ales, and a well-curated assortment of wines and spirits, while the kitchen serves mouth-watering toasties. Live music is regularly featured here, as well as DJ nights covering pop, indie, rock, metal, and punk. You can also show off your record collection at the weekly Bring Your Own Vinyl events.

Waxy O'Connor's is one of the best-known Irish pubs in London. Spread across six maze-like floors, it's also one of the biggest, offering up bucketloads of atmosphere to go with an impressive drinks selection. There's also lots of fun stuff going on here throughout the week, from sports broadcasts to live music daily. Both rising talent and established stars can be found playing to an enthusiastic crowd here, and you won't want to be anywhere else when the whole pub joins in a singalong of “Hey Jude” or “Zombie”.

This cherished live music spot has been around for ages, hosting a nightly line-up spanning jazz, blues, funk, soul, and R&B. The bar crafts expertly mixed cocktails, while the menu offers tapas-style plates. By day, the family-run venue transforms into an art gallery, displaying striking celebrity portraits by resident artist Sam Shaker. Speaking of celebrities, the late Amy Winehouse is among jazz After Dark's most notable past guests. 

The Spice of Life in the heart of theatreland is a cornerstone of the city's live music scene, regularly showcasing diverse performances spanning blues, jazz, rock, acoustic sets, and beyond. Steeped in history, the pub has weathered both World Wars and retains the charm of a classic London tavern. In 2025, they also added boutique accommodation you can book, making it a very convenient option for a music-filled stay in Soho.

Tucked away inside the former Kingly Court Underground Station – used as an air raid shelter during the war – Cahoots offers a unique drinking experience, complete with preserved remnants from the past like tinned food, vintage lampshades, and mismatched crockery. Embracing the spirit of the post-war era, the venue hosts regular live music gigs, DJ nights, jazz piano evenings, and more.