The Windmill Soho
A far cry from your average boozer, The Windmill Soho is a restaurant and bar that hosts a variety of fantastic acts. Catch anything from burlesque dancers to comedy, all while you dig into top-quality grub and sip tasty drinks.
With a scandalous and salacious history, this lively pocket of London has always been a hotspot for the weird and wonderful. From high-concept venues and casual drinking dens to tiny speakeasies and themed cocktail spots, these cool and quirky Soho bars have something to suit every taste. We've rounded up our top picks for watering holes in the neighbourhood, so you know exactly where to head for a truly unique night out in W1.
Last updated on 16th March 2023
A far cry from your average boozer, The Windmill Soho is a restaurant and bar that hosts a variety of fantastic acts. Catch anything from burlesque dancers to comedy, all while you dig into top-quality grub and sip tasty drinks.
Looking for somewhere to celebrate in Soho? Midnight Lounge Bar & Restaurant is always a top choice. This slinky West End venue host some of the city's finest burlesque performers every night of the week, with the option to add VIP packages and free-flowing fizz to your evening.
If dim sum and cocktails sounds like your kind of night out, then a trip to quirky Soho spot Opium should definitely be on the cards. Hidden behind a nondescript door on Gerrard Street, this secret bar is serving up an ambitious set a menus inspired by everything from the zodiac calendar to feng shui.
With so much life to Soho, where do you find a bar that's truly singing about this gorgeous part of the city? SingEasy of course. Drink cocktails and sing along with live performers as you belt out beloved tunes with your friends in tow.
A pretty private members room in Central London, The Arts Theatre Club is a gorgeous spot for those in the know. Offering a splash of Prohibition-era glamour and some striking drinks to boot, it's one of the coolest bars in the area.
This quirky Soho bar is perfect for lovers of live entertainment while they sip cocktails. Greek Street's Louche is a late-night lounge with a packed roster of contemporary jazz musicians, alongside house DJ sets to get the party going on weekends.
When it comes to a great night out in London, it's hard to do better than this Soho karaoke bar. Located on Poland Street, Lucky Voice is getting you and the gang into your own private booth so you can belt out those classic bangers without the usual judgement from the neighbours.
When you're compelled for a trip to NYC? Dirty Bones is a great London alternative. Inspired by the gorgeous city and its charm, this luxe bar and restaurant is all about classic cocktails done right, chunky burgers and must-try bites.
For pirate-themed interiors and extravagant drinks, this Shaftesbury Avenue haunt is the place to hit. Head down into the subterranean bar and get to sipping on some of the quirkiest cocktails in Soho, complete with throwback tunes blasting through the speakers.
Inspired by the hard-partying history of its neighbourhood, Karma Sanctum Hotel is a quirky Soho bar keeping the spirit of rock'n'roll well and truly alive. Whether you're enjoying city sights from their rooftop terrace or knocking back bellinis at a bottomless brunch, this lavish location always makes for a raucous night out.
Fronting swanky interiors and sophisticated vibes, Archer Street Soho is sure to upgrade your boring ol' bar game in the city. Head in during the week for lip-smacking sips at the bar or, enjoy some fun-fuelled weekend antics, where live DJs bring the haunt to life.
As its name might suggest, you'll find Basement Sate below street level in a dimly lit space under Broadwick Street. The secret Soho bar is one of the coolest finds in the area, dishing out a mix of Parisian chic, quirky cocktails and a dessert-only menu.
An ideal location for chilled drinks in Soho, BrewDog is a casual craft beer bar with a whole lot going on. With over 20 brews on tap and innumerable bottles and cans stashed in the fridges, it's a magnet for beer-lovers from across London.
Once the go-to spot for the rich and famous during the 60s, Disrepute has cast off some of its former infamies and settled for being one of the most innovative cocktail bars in Soho. Each drink comes with a short story from the venue's heyday inspired by the faces that once frequented the area.
Offering modern British cuisine and some stunning cocktails, the slick Old Compton Brasserie is a one-stop shop if you're looking for a slice of spunky London charm. Expect sexy decor and a menu of vegan, veggie and meaty options paired with a cracking drinks list.
Is this the quirkiest bar in Soho? Most probably. Wizard Exploratorium is a magic-themed venue on Greek Street where you'll find all types of weird and wonderful things to do. A great spot for a date night in London, this beauty has everything from wand-making workshops and unicorn hot chocolates to fantastical afternoon teas.
If you can't decide where to head to tonight, 21Soho fronts plenty of different nooks and crannies to get stuck into. From its main bar, which serves draught beers to a lush cabaret and cocktail haunt, the venue is bursting with plenty to keep you well-watered.
One of the coolest bars in Soho, Beasy Bar is up there for a great night out with pals or date evenings alike. Step inside this Greek Street venue, where you'll be able to quaff delicious cocktails or tasty wines, all while dancing to live DJs on the decks 'til the early hours.
Taking cues from the iconic loft apartments of New York, The Little Scarlet Door is a gorgeous addition to Soho - and to this bar group's repertoire of seriously cool secret bars. Find the entrance on Greek Street (red marks the spot) and you'll be treated to DJs, an Andy Warhol-inspired vault, cocktails and more.
Fronting vibrant interiors, neon lights and retro arcade games, NQ64 Soho is a top-notch spot if you're after something a little quirky. So, what's on the drinks menu? A Dr Ro Bev Nik which is made up of Jack Daniels, cherry and Dr Pepper syrup.
One of the best affordable quirky bars in Soho, Simmons is a hotspot for after-work drinks and big nights out. From kitsch decor and retro games to teapot cocktails and a ludicrously long happy hour, the Bateman Street party spot certainly isn't lacking in character.
A fun Latin American bar in the heart of Soho, Barrio a great place if you're looking for affordable cocktails and a party atmosphere. Fill up on rum-laced cocktails and juicy burgers before the DJs bring out a mix of samba sounds and classic tunes.
Circus aren't here to bring you bog-standard experiences and been there, done that dining. With performance at the heart of this oh-so buzzing Central London spot, you can expect aerial performers and contortionists doing the rounds, all while you tuck in.
Naked Soho is a quirky restaurant bar that's the first sex-themed venue of its kind, offering up lots of cheeky-shaped dishes and boozy drinks. Whether you're heading in for a stag do or fun party, this place is sure to hit the spot.
If you're on the hunt for a quirky spot in the city, be sure to check out Swift Soho. Situated on Old Compton Street, this glorious venue is touting two floors, including a swanky upstairs bar that's ideal for Champagne catch-ups, alongside a ground floor space for those low-key bevvies.
Cahoots is the basement venue offering you a portal to the past. Inspired by the roaring 20s and 30s, guests will find themselves in a world of retro cocktails and tube carriage decor at this intimate underground watering hole.