Quirky Soho Bars

• Location: 66 Wardour Street, W1F 0TA
• Price: ££
• Summary: cocktails, cabaret and glamour under one roof
• What to order: Evita
• Why we recommend: whether you're sipping on a whisky and vanilla La La Land, or making the most of a gin-based Funny Girl, there's plenty to love about Freedom's film and musical-inspired drinks list 

Freedom can be found in all its glory on Wardour Street, offering fantastic vibes in a swish setting, full of velvet booths, sparkly lights and golden embellished mirrors on the wall. It's the ultimate destination if you're looking for a gay bar that hosts cabaret and drag shows.

Check out either the downstairs area for one of its dazzling events or head up to grab a tasty cocktail in the pretty lounge. On the menu, you'll find signature cocktails like a Bette Davis, made with lychee, ginger and lemon, or the rum-based Marlon Brando. 

• Location: 15-16 Gerrard Street, W1D 6JE
• Price: ££
• Summary: a sultry Asian-inspired cocktail spot
• What to order: Opium N°11
• Why we recommend: this a cool, slinky date den that feels like venturing into another world, thanks to its ambient lighting, inspired cocktails, and an air of intrigue

If dim sum and cocktails sound 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 ambitious food and drink menus inspired by Asia.

Our favourite cocktail is the Lunar Sour, made up of dark and white rum, strawberry liqueur, rose and lemon juice. Enjoy this in their sultry red interiors, paired with tasty bites like Cantonese barbecue pork buns and spicy duck dumplings.

• Location: 4 Kingly Court, W1B 5PW
• Price: ££
• Summary: a historic sixties-inspired bar serving innovative cocktails
• What to order: Starving, Hysterical, Naked
• Why we recommend: subterranean and sultury, Disrepute comes equipped to enhance any rendezvous with its retro tipples, and is open until 3am most nights

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. Each drink comes with a short story from the venue's heyday, inspired by the faces that once frequented the area.

The basement haunt is filled with opulent golden decor, alongside plush velvet seats and low lighting - perfect for date night. Our go-to drink? The Open Secret, which contains mezcal and a combination of mystery ingredients.

• Location: 12 Old Compton Street, W1D 4TQ
• Price: ££
• Summary: a sophisticated cocktail bar
• What to order: Irish Coffee
• Why we recommend: Swift Soho has a talent for serving exceptional cocktails without going too crazy on price, especially for such a central location and glamorous feel 

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 drinks.

Expect European aperitivo vibes upstairs, with comfy sofas and a more relaxed feel downstairs for longer visits. They have won multiple awards over the years, including the 30th Best Bar in the World at the World's 50 Best Bars 2022 awards, so you know you're in for a treat.

• Location: 20-24 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EU
• Price: ££
• Summary: a Bavarian-inspired party bar
• What to order: Apple Struddle
• Why we recommend: German drinking dens don't come any more lively and packed full of entertainment (seven nights a week) than Albert's Schloss

With all-wooden interiors, stacked up logs and rings of twinkling lights, you could mistake Albert's Schloss Soho for an Alpine lodge, except one that hosts live entertainment every night of the week and whips up moreish Bavarian grub.

Dazzling and vibrant, this bar always offers a good time, as well as an exceptional array of biers imported from Germany, Belgium and more. Tuck into the likes of gooey fondues with your friends and sip on signature cocktails,  such as coconut and raspberry martinis.

• Location: 51-53 Old Compton Street, W1D 6HN
• Price: £-££
• Summary: a buzzing gay bar and pub
• What to order: Espresso Martini 
• Why we recommend: this pub comes with a slice of history and a lot of fun, especially thanks to its big quizzes and Haus Down on Saturday nights

A lively pub and gay bar all in one, Compton's in Soho is a popular spot that's been filled with drinkers since 1986. You can count on them to always have a buzzing atmosphere, with a wide variety of wines, beers and spirits up for grabs.

That's not all, though, as they also offer a menu of delicious British fare. And be sure to visit on a Thursday, when they host their weekly pub quiz.

• Location: 8 Broadwick Street, W1F 8HN
• Price: ££
• Summary: cool basement cocktail bar
• What to order: After Sate
• Why we recommend: this underground bar in Soho is cool, slinky, and perfect for whisky enthusiasts, as it has an extensive line-up just waiting to be explored 

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.

Their signature cocktails start from as little as £12, using unique ingredients like cocoa-infused gin and coriander seed rum. As for the interiors, expect dark wooden furnishings and a relaxed atmosphere.

• Locations: 48 Newman Street, W1T 1QQ, 50 Dean Street, W1D 5BQ, and 1 New Row, WC2N 4EA
• Price: ££–£££
• Summary: a trio of theatrical, Victorian-inspired drinking dens in the heart of Soho
• What to order: The Upside-Down Martini (Pawnbrokers) or a classic G&T (Hat Tavern)
• Why we recommend: nowhere else in London blends storytelling, cocktails and sheer escapism quite like Mr Fogg's

On the hunt for the coolest bars in Soho? Enter the whimsical world of Mr Fogg. The Pawnbrokers, Hat Tavern and Gin Parlour each offer a different take on Victorian-era indulgence, united by theatrical flair, playful storytelling and seriously good drinks.

Look forward to gloriously eccentric spaces packed with curios, trinkets and 'borrowed' treasures from across the globe, and grab tickets to the likes of the Topsy Turvy Tea, a cocktail-led reimagining of afternoon tea where drinks masquerade as food and bites echo the flavours of cocktails. For something more low-key, Mr Fogg's Hat Tavern offers a comforting retreat. Inspired by a 19th-century public house, it's all dark wood, cosy corners and a welcoming buzz. 

• Location: 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN
• Price: ££-£££
• Summary: a jazz club and lounge bar
• What to order: IB
• Why we recommend: a date night den to win them over, The Bloomsbury Club is where sophisticated cocktails are drunk, and some brilliant live music is enjoyed 

The Bloomsbury Club Bar is a sleek cocktail and jazz bar in Soho, found inside the Bloomsbury Hotel, serving up 12 creative concoctions inspired by Ancient Egypt. The cosy space features comfy sofas, pretty fairy lights and lots of greenery, among exposed brick walls and tiled floors.

They also host free jazz nights here every Wednesday and Saturday, showcasing musicians from all over the city. Plus, they serve tasty bar snacks like marinated olives, truffle fries and beef sliders if you get hungry.

• Location: multiple sites
• Price: £
• Summary: affordable party bar with quirky cocktails
• What to order: Sex With A Teapot
• Why we recommend: you'll be in happy hour heaven at one of Simmon's venues throughout London, and what's more, there's even karaoke at its Soho outpost 

Simmons on Oxford Street, Bateman Street and Tottenham Court Road always delivers a cheap and cheerful time alongside cool and quirky decor. At the former location, it's party central with circus-themed decor in the form of waltzer booths and sparkling lights.

Neon-lit and packed with novelties, it hosts a lineup of DJs throughout the week as well as tempting happy hours where you can bag 2-4-1 on all cocktails on Saturdays and Sundays (even the cocktail teapots). Check out the Grapefruit Sour, Tina Colada, Tiki Mojito and more.  

• Location: 41 Great Windmill St, London W1D 7NB
• Price: ££
• Summary: a traditional speakeasy 
• What to order: Gate Keeper 
• Why we recommend: live jazz and entertainment collide at this cool, secret bar, and you can make the most of it by ordering the likes of an Earl Grey infused Sipsmith London dry gin-based The Yorkshire Lady, one of our favourites 

A trip to Jack Solomons Club is like stepping back to a prohibition party. We're talking low lighting, plush booths, grand columns and romantic speakeasy vibes.

To add to the elegance, there are sophisticated small plates, and all kinds of expertly crafted signature serves. When the band's in full swing, you can add the sounds of live jazz to your evening's entertainment.

• Location: 5 Greek Street, W1D 4DD
• Price: £-££
• Summary: an immersive dining experience
• What to order: Guilty As Charged
• Why we recommend: this immersive bar experience lets you dive headfirst into the world of musical theatre and truly get up on your feet 

The Room Where It Happens is where the magic of musical theatre and the joy of dining collide. Located in Soho, this immersive venue features an unforgettable dining experience with live performances from talented singing waiters.

From 5pm to 9pm, enjoy delicious food and drinks while the stage comes alive with show tunes. As the night progresses, the piano singalong begins at 9pm, inviting guests to join in the fun and belt out their favourite songs. Perfect for any celebration or night out with friends, this spot promises entertainment, food, and plenty of tunes.

• Location: 3-4 Archer Street, Soho, W1D 7AP
• Price: ££
• Summary: a sophisticated spot for drinks and live music
• What to order: Bat Out Of Hell
• Why we recommend: all drinks are named after famous musicals, which is a fun and welcome twist on the classic (though you'll be able to find those here, too)

Fronting swanky interiors and sophisticated vibes, Archer Street Soho is sure to upgrade your boring old 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. 

They're also famous for their singing bartenders, who may just break into song while preparing you a cocktail. Expect a welcoming but high-end atmosphere, without the members' club fees.

• Location: 30 Brewer Street, W1F 0SS
• Price: £-££
• Summary: a Japanese-inspired karaoke bar
• What to order: Shirakabegura Mio Sparkling Sake
• Why we recommend: neon-lit and well-versed in the world of singing, Karaoke Epoc is one of our top places to go with our friends in Soho when we're looking for a couple of affordable drinks and all the hits 

Looking for a unique night out in the city? Karaoke Epoc offers the perfect blend of fun and relaxation in this Japanese-style karaoke bar. Located behind Sushi Kyu, it's just minutes from Piccadilly Circus and Chinatown, making it a convenient spot for both locals and visitors.

With JOYSOUND and Multi-Language karaoke machines, you'll have access to an extensive song library in English, K-pop, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Korean. Enjoy private rooms for groups of up to 12 people, ideal for a memorable birthday, a night with friends, or even a special celebration. Sip on cocktails or Japanese drinks, and enjoy hot bar food or tasty cold snacks.

• Location: 6 Poland Street, W1F 8PS
• Price: ££
• Summary: a relaxed Latin American bar and restaurant 
• What to order: a margarita 
• Why we recommend: organise your next meet-up with your mate here, and be glad you did as you wolf down tacos and sip on tequila-based tipples

A unique drinking destination on Poland Street, La Familia is a two-storey venue bringing Latin American energy to London. Expect reclaimed textures, quirky neon signs and plush seating making up the interiors, with a killer cocktail menu to boot.

The basement bar features low lighting and DJ sets, while upstairs there's a tequila-focused taqueria. Here, you'll find tasty bites like cheesy quesadillas, cactus tacos and churros in caramel dip.

• Location: 20 Warwick Street, Soho, W1B 5NF
• Price: ££
• Summary: a versatile venue with a lot of history
• What to order: Lychee Martini 
• Why we recommend: this hotel is full of alternative decor and the bar feels especially glamorous to drink in, serving a range of classics with a twist all for £16 each 

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. There are multiple different spaces here, offering everything from modern Japanese dining to vintage glamour in the Cinema Bar downstairs.

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.

• Location: 224a Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8EB
• Price: ££
• Summary: a party atmosphere
• What to order: Bramley Apple Smash
• Why we recommend: a super fun place to drink, The Cocktail Club also provides masterclasses so you can learn to make your favourite drinks yourselves

For pirate-themed interiors and extravagant drinks, The Cocktail Club Shaftesbury Avenue 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.

Their cocktails are two for £14 during the daily happy hour, which runs from 4pm to 8pm on weekdays and 3pm until 7pm every Saturday. Expect all kinds of fun events too, including themed bottomless brunches.

• Location: 53 Greek Street, W1D 3DR
• Price: £-££
• Summary: affordable cocktails and DJs
• What to order: Blackbird
• Why we recommend: split over two floors, there's a brilliant selection of drinks here, including a 'stupid hour' where everything is ridiculously affordable, which sounds great to us

Thirst Soho is a buzzing bar that's been running for over twenty years and delivering on exceptional cocktails consistently. It's split over two floors, with an intimate, low-lit space on the ground floor and a downstairs open a little later, playing host to DJs and plenty of shots. Open all throughout the week until 3am (apart from Sundays), it's the ideal destination for a late-night drink in a cool space.

During 'stupid hour', cosmopolitans and Tom Collins' are all £7.50 each and £10 during happy hour, plus you can sip on signature tipples like The Business, made with vodka, elderflower and Sauvignon Blanc during that time too. 

• Location: 5 Greek Street, W1D 4DD
• Price: £-££
• Summary: a laid-back party bar
• What to order: Bad Habit
• Why we recommend: the live music here is so fun, and while you're enjoying that, you can bask in 2-4-1 cocktails from 7pm 'til 9pm, Sunday to Wednesday

Greek Street Live encapsulates the best of Soho nightlife: a stylish venue with a buzzing ambience. Tucked away on one of London's most iconic streets, it's a go-to spot for those who love craft cocktails, great music, and a cool, laid-back atmosphere.

Whether you're stopping by for drinks like the vodka-based Loverboy or planning a night out with friends, this venue promises a quintessential Soho experience. Plus, they often host bottomless brunches too.

• Location: 12-13 Greek Street, W1D 4DL
• Price: ££
• Summary: a house party-inspired drinking den
• What to order: Never Been Kissed
• Why we recommend: for drinks with your mates, we can't suggest this Soho bar enough, especially when it comes complete with house party-style interiors and £5 picante happy hours 

Taking cues from the iconic loft apartments of New York, The Little Scarlet Door is a gorgeous addition 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.

There's also a spacious outdoor area that's ideal for alfresco sips during the summer months. If you're looking for a more casual, flat share-inspired haunt, then The Little Violet Door, backing onto Carnaby, is the place for you.

• Location: 50 Frith Street, W1D 4SQ
• Price: ££
• Summary: a glamorous private member's club
• What to order: Fogcutter
• Why we recommend: there's always something to keep you entertained at this bar, including whisky tasting events, live music and themed disco nights

A pretty private member's 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.

They host everything from drinks tastings to live acoustic music sessions here, as well as regular DJ sets promising retro tunes. Membership for the year costs just £100, securing you all sorts of privileges.

• Location: 52 Poland Street, W1F 7NQ
• Price: ££
• Summary: quirky karaoke bar
• What to order: Drink In Love
• Why we recommend: here you can release your inner pop star, be it Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift, or Chappell Roan, and sing your favourite songs with your mates while sipping pop-themed drinks 

When it comes to a great night out in the capital, 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 judgment from the neighbours.

Their state-of-the-art machines come equipped with more than 13,000 songs across different genres. What's more, you can order food and drink straight to the room, so you don't need to miss a single second of fun.

• Location: 1 Upper James Street, W1F 9DF
• Price: ££-£££
• Summary: a 1920s-inspired bar with 'press for Champagne' buttons
• What to order: Champagne, of course 
• Why we recommend: it's pretty fun being able to press a button for Champagne, and have your waiter arrive within seconds, we'll be honest, but the grand interiors make this venue a treat for the eyes too 

A brilliant bar and restaurant on Upper James Street, Bob Bob Ricard's Soho outpost is a great spot for food and drink. This stylish space features comfy booth seating, 1920s-inspired decor and even buttons that you can press for a glass of Champagne.

The menu is equally unique, featuring a blend of Russian and British dishes. Think yellowfin tuna tartare, Stinking Bishop cheese soufflé or even truffle and Champagne pie, washed down with affordable fine wines.

• Location: 34-36 Old Compton Street, W1D 4TR
• Price: ££
• Summary: a cool restaurant bar inspired by Soho's celebrities
• What to order: Banana Honey Old Fashioned
• Why we recommend: combining restaurant charm with the buzz of a bar, this spot is a great shout if you're in the market for a bite to eat and some killer cocktails, which are all under £15 

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, vegetarian and meaty options paired with a cracking drinks list.

The cool space is decked out in pop paintings of local celebrities, from Twiggy to Kate Moss. Their cocktails are also named after famous Soho residents, on a menu curated by the award-winning mixologist The Talented Mr Fox.

• Location: Empire Casino, 5-6 Leicester Square, WC2H 7NA
• Price: ££
• Summary: a late-night cocktail spot
• What to order: The Appletini
• Why we recommend: the drinks here are playful reimaginings of classics, so while you're recognising their names and becoming familiar with them, they'll simultaneously offer something a little different and exciting 

Found within the iconic Empire Casino on Leicester Square, Dovetail Bar is a sleek space that's filled with dark furnishings, tiled walls and cosy leather booths. Plus, there's an outdoor rooftop terrace that provides amazing views of the bustling streets below.

You can enjoy a range of delicious cocktails here, and their talented bartenders even offer masterclasses, so you can try your hand at making them yourself. What's more, you'll find DJ sets here until 2am or 3am.

• Location: 12 Meard Street, W1F 0EQ
• Price: ££
• Summary: a cool activity bar
• What to order: a margarita 
• Why we recommend: Pitch in Soho is ideal for groups, as it allows you all to let your hair down over a few friendly games, before talking over the leader board with some nibbles and cocktails 

You'll find Pitch Soho on Meard Street, boasting stylish, modern interiors and a whole lot of golf-themed fun for all abilities. There are multiple huge, interactive screens to play quirky minigames on, including Bullseye, Party Putt and more.

Whether you're coming along for a few rounds of golf or partying with resident DJs, there are plenty of great drinks available from the bar. Plus, they're cooking up Asian-inspired treats like chicken karaage, spicy vegetable dumplings and grilled beef gyozas.

• Location: 53-54 Berwick Street, W1F 8SP
• Price: ££
• Summary: a nostalgic gaming bar
• What to order: GTA Spice City
• Why we recommend: not only are the games incredibly cool, but so are the cocktails - we love seeing how playfully they're presented, like the Jurassic Marg, which is a glorious shade of blue and red 

Fronting vibrant interiors, neon lights and retro arcade games, NQ64 Soho is a top-notch spot if you're after something a little quirky. These guys have got endless old-school machines and consoles, where you can play everything from Time Crisis to Pac-Man, Street Fighter and Guitar Hero.

So, what's on the drinks menu? All kinds of weird and wonderful themed cocktails such as the Dr Ro Bev Nik, which is made up of Jack Daniels, cherry and Dr Pepper syrup. 

• Location: 83 Wardour Street, W1D 6QE
• Price: ££
• Summary: a multi-storey cocktail bar
• What to order: Pear & Smoke
• Why we recommend: there's a space for every mood, whether you're wooing someone in the ground floor botanical bar, or people watching from the first floor cocktail lounge 

Soho Residence takes over three floors of a beautiful building in the West End, the first of which is a dedicated gin parlour with elegant interiors and tall windows, perfect for peering out over the streets below.

Head upstairs to frequent the botanical cocktail bar where you'll find hanging plants from the ceiling and drinks such as pornstar martinis and cosmopolitans. Signature tipples include the fruity Raspberry Fool and the Patron Silver-based Down In Mexico.

• Location: 14 Denman Street, W1D 7HJ
• Price: ££
• Summary: a modern twist on speakeasies
• What to order: Chaat
• Why we recommend: good bars in Soho? How about great, as SOMA takes things to the next level with their Indian-inspired cocktails and steely setting 

Seductive and sexy, SOMA is a minimalistic take on a speakeasy from the same team behind the modern Indian restaurant Kricket. It serves creative drinks inspired by the flavours of India, made to be enjoyed in its low-lit basement bar that features a 9-metre long hand-finished, stainless steel surface and intimate booths.

Ideal for date night, or simply a meet-up with a mate (with the intent of showing off your expert bar knowledge, of course), it serves the likes of the Leaf, made with Opihr Gin and Makrut Lime Leaf, or the Chaat, featuring Tapatio Blanco and Kumquat. 

• Location: 7th floor, 20 Broadwick Street, W1F 8TH
• Price: £££
• Summary: a maximalist rooftop bar serving cinematic cocktails above Soho
• What to order: The Good Liar
• Why we recommend: where else can you sip a film-inspired negroni on a wraparound terrace while Soho sparkles below?

Crowning the Broadwick Street hotel, Flute is a love letter to Soho's storied past and its after-dark glamour. Named after a 19th-century flute maker who once lived on this very street, the bar blends history with high drama, offering panoramic views across the neighbourhood that made London's nightlife legendary.

Inside, the look is unapologetically lavish. An onyx-topped central bar anchors the room, surrounded by mirrored ceilings, cork walls and flashes of animal-print upholstery, while outside, the landscaped wraparound terrace is one of Soho's most coveted spots for sunset drinks and late-night people-watching. The signature menu pays homage to iconic films shot in and around Soho, with drinks that are as theatrical as their names. The Good Liar is an elevated, date-laced negroni with serious depth, while The Phantom of Soho delivers a delicate, aromatic martini moment.

• Location: 61 Poland Street, London, W1F 7NU
• Price: ££
• Summary: house party vibes without the major cleanup 
• What to order: a G&T in a red party cup 
• Why we recommend: Stormzy's House Party is an incredibly well-thought-out venue with great attention to detail across its various floors, from the garage to the treehouse

Forget velvet ropes and velvet sofas - Soho's House Party throws all that out the window (figuratively, of course). Dreamed up by Stormzy and nightlife legends Cream Group, this multi-level madness on Poland Street is like stumbling into the wildest house party you've ever been to - if your mates lived in a seven-storey townhouse and had a karaoke room in their parents' bedroom.

Each floor offers its own brand of bedlam: DJs dropping beats in the kitchen, a basement bar that feels like your dad's man cave got a cocktail upgrade, sing-your-heart-out karaoke upstairs, and giant NYC-style pizzas to keep the party fueled. Add in roaming 'housemates,' surprise performances, and just the right amount of chaos, and you've got a night out that feels thrillingly unpredictable.

• Location: 13 Kingly Court, Carnaby, W1B 5PW
• Price: ££
• Summary: a speakeasy-style cocktail bar
• What to order: Farmhouse Carrot Cake
• Why we recommend: this themed den is, in our opinion, one of the best bars in Soho, namely because of its fantastic theatre, commitment to decor, and exciting cocktails 

Cahoots is the basement venue offering you a portal to the past. Inspired by the roaring 1940s, the bar will make you and your friends find yourselves in a world of retro cocktails and tube carriage decor at this intimate underground watering hole.

Sip spritzes, sours or classic cocktails in this unique space, paired with scrumptious bar snacks. Plus, you can expect a regular lineup of live music and other entertainment.

• Location: 3 Greek Street, W1D 4NX
• Price: £££
• Summary: an intimate, whisky-led speakeasy hidden beneath a legendary Soho institution
• What to order: a whisky-forward house cocktail (or let the bartender guide you)
• Why we recommend: it's one of Soho's best-kept secrets: cosy, characterful and built for dates

Tucked away beneath Milroy's Whisky Shop on Greek Street, The Vault is the kind of place you feel quietly smug for knowing about. Enter through the shop, slip past the bookcase and head downstairs, and suddenly Soho's chaos fades into candlelight, plush booths and polished wood.

Rooted in serious whisky heritage, The Vault carries the legacy of Milroy's, which first opened in 1964, and has been shaped into its current form by bartender Chris Tanner since 2014. The drinks reflect that pedigree: whisky takes centre stage, whether in thoughtfully constructed cocktails or impeccably poured classics, all delivered with relaxed confidence.

• Location: 18 Brewer Street, W1F 0SG
• Price: ££
• Summary: a chic, hidden aperitivo bar beneath an iconic Soho deli
• What to order: negroni (or the Italian Sunset Spritz)
• Why we recommend: it's one of the most fun bars in Soho, pairing serious Italian cocktail craft with sultry interiors and a buzzy, after-dark atmosphere

Hidden beneath the legendary Lina Stores deli on Brewer Street, Bar Lina is a sublime date spot. You enter through the deli itself, brushing past shelves of Italian pantry staples and fresh pasta, before slipping downstairs into a candlelit aperitivo den that feels worlds away from the lunchtime hustle above.
Inside, it's all red leather banquettes, low lighting and quiet confidence.

The cocktail list leans heavily into Italian spirits, with expertly balanced negronis, inventive spritzes and playful signatures that riff on classics without losing their soul. Start with the house Negroni if you're a purist, or go sunshine-soaked with the Italian Sunset, a bittersweet spritz built on Luxardo Aperitif, gin and floral hibiscus notes.

• Location: 13 Manette Street, W1D 4AP
• Price: ££-£££
• Summary: a refined yet playful cocktail bar from one of London's most respected bartending duos
• What to order: Pickled Mango Iced Tea
• Why we recommend: it's effortlessly cool, quietly inventive and nails that rare balance between serious cocktails and laid-back comfort

Three Sheets Soho is the West End glow-up of the much-loved Dalston original, brought to life by acclaimed bartender brothers Max and Noel Venning. Sitting right in the middle of London's cocktail heartland, this version trades East London minimalism for something warmer and more polished, without losing the creativity and charm that made the original a cult favourite.

The space feels grown-up but relaxed, with soft booths, dark wood and an intimate, low-lit atmosphere that's perfect for lingering. Cocktails here are all about clever reinvention. Familiar classics are quietly twisted into something special, from smoky palomas to a Pickled Mango Iced Tea that's far more elegant than it sounds.

• Location: 7 Denmark St, Soho, WC2H 8LZ
• Price: ££
• Summary: all concrete and neon lights, the decor is as cool as the cocktail menu
• What to order: the intriguingly delicious Apricot crams in Aberfeldy 12 Year and bee pollen
• Why we recommend: a must-visit for whisky lovers, Dram gives you all kinds of ways to enjoy the water of life

Dram packs a whole lot into its Grade II-listed home on Denmark Street. We're talking two bars, a tasting lab, private pool room with cocktail vending machine and boutique whisky shop across three action-packed floors. 

As you may have guessed, whisky leads the way here. You can enjoy it your way, whether that's a neat dram from one of over 350 available bottles or all mixed up in a house signature like the barrel-aged old fashioned.