Soho has been dubbed London’s “pleasure district,” and no two evenings appear to be the same because of its intrinsic bustle, distinct allure, and ever-changing audience. Everything from Marlboro cigarettes to the iconic Frith Street tattoo shop was created here, from its role as London’s homosexual hub to its celebrated eateries. What’s more, what’s even better? It’s one of the most excellent spots in London to have a drink.
So, why not try some of our favorite bars in Soho, whether they’re speakeasy hideaways or cocktail hotspots?
Top 10 Best Bars in Soho
1. The Spots
Walking down the steps at Brasserie Zedel near Piccadilly seems like you’ve landed in a 1930s Parisian bar, packed with framed antique photos and soft chairs all over the place. It’s fantastic.
The bartenders offer classics and will expertly mix your drink, and although you can get a better cocktail bar somewhere in Soho, the vibe here is hard to surpass.
2. Lab Bar
Lab bar is at the vanguard of fantastic cocktails, and it’s hard to beat in Soho for terrific variations on tried-and-true classics as well as the sparklingly fresh. The curved bar, brightly coloured walls, and retro-style furnishings give the pub a ’70s vibe.
While DJs play cutting-edge music to a fashionable and well-dressed clientele. There are plenty of beer options and unusual, fruity beverages to keep the celebration going.
3. The Blind Pig
Knock on the Pig’s head under the opticians’ sign, and you’ll be transported to a Xanadu of fire breathers, nude carnival dancers, and talking animals straight out of the worst acid trip ever.
Just joking, there’s just a cocktail bar here, but it’s one of the coziest, slickest in Soho. Blind Pig is part of the posh Social Eating House. Visit for a beverage with a few pals, but don’t expect to show up unannounced on the weekend – make a reservation.
4. Black’s
Black’s is one of the several private member’s clubs in Soho. The trendiest brands and performers will perform here.
It is frequented by the London cognoscenti, artists, journalists, musicians, and those with enough money to have membership inscribed in their blood.
5. Swift
It may be tough to find a spontaneous location in Soho to drink excellent cocktails (classics, not those with umbrellas) without having to endure a scene or having your face jammed into some stranger’s armpit in O Bar.
Swift is very much ideal in that regard, and it’s an oasis of decency amid Old Compton Street’s total dog’s meal, even on a Saturday night. The ground floor bar has an Art Deco air to it, and there is a lot of polished glass throughout the establishment. It’s ideal for early-evening martinis, and oysters are available. Downstairs is a whiskey lounge with comfortable leather seats for you and a few friends to spend the night in.
6. Purple Bar
If you like the color purple, you’ll like this location. This upmarket bar, located in Soho’s ultra-posh Sanderson Hotel, welcomes guests to meet at the end of the day to drink martinis and debate the day’s events or make plans for the night.
The bar, located just off the lobby, is lavishly adorned with tiny cafe tables, Queen Anne chairs, Venetian mirrors, and a color palette of purples, lavenders, and violets, as the name suggests. The billiard room has a floating staircase, an ancient pool table, and an outstanding stained-glass window made by John Piper. Non-members need to make a guest list reservation.
7. The French House
The French House has been around for a long time, and although certain things have changed since 1891, most of the experience here is entrenched in tradition, from only offering half pints to no TVs.
The French are all about consumption and discussion, and after you’ve crammed into the picture-frame-filled bar area, ordered a drink, and found a seat, you may not want to leave.
8. The Rising Sun
For 150 years, The Rising Sun has been housed in an imposing four-story tower famed for its Gothic architecture in Tottenham Court. The facade isn’t typical for a tavern, with massive pilasters enclosing second-story bay windows and a high parapet.
On the other hand, the inside is simply stunning due to the abundance of dark wood and the presence of John Smith’s and Scrumpy Jack on tap. In addition, old-fashioned seats are great for outside drinking. Burgers, sandwiches, beer-battered fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, and other pub classics are served till late, as are house specialties like mushroom, red pepper, and stilton casserole with a potato crust.
9. Experimental Cocktail Club
Years ago, Experimental Cocktail Club ECC was the hottest club in town, and it’s still a reasonably lovely location to enjoy a drink in Soho.
The drinks are fantastic (expensive, but well worth it), and it’s a perfect spot to spend a couple of hours being well-sloshed. It’s nearly always crowded, although you can typically get in without making a reservation earlier in the week.
10. The Lamb And Flag
This 300-year-old London institution maintains its original charms: wood beams, low ceilings, a distinct lack of sitting area, and a continual throng. However, the atmosphere is typically friendly and loud, and if the pub becomes too full.
You can always move upstairs to the Dryden Bar, named for the poet who was reputedly assaulted in an alley near outside. When the weather is beautiful, the bar ropes off a section of the sidewalk so that patrons can enjoy the sunlight with their beers, and it becomes packed on Thursdays and Fridays as local employees rush here at the end of the day.
Conclusion
Soho is a load of pleasure crammed into a short space, like a litter of puppies in a ball pond. When it comes to drinking, you could follow your nose and go whatever seems to be the loudest and most crowded, but if you know where to look, several places will assure you don’t wind yourself in a Belushi’s. Whether you’re out on the lash or looking for a pint while you wait for a table at Hoppers, these are our top bars in Soho to visit.
