Quirky Soho Bars

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 edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 30th July 2024




Soho Residence

Soho Residence takes over three floors of a beautiful building in the West End, the first of which is a dedicated gin parlor 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.

Simmons Oxford Street

Margarita Mondays! and 6 other offers

Simmons on Oxford 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.  

Albert's Schloss London

With tables fronting fire bits, stacked up logs and rings of twinkling lights, you could mistake Albert's Schloss London 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.

The Little Scarlet Door

£5 Picantes

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. 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. 

SOMA Soho

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. 

The Little Violet Door

Double Down and 1 other offer

The Little Violet Door draws inspiration from a make-believe apartment to create a fun-filled cocktail bar in the heart of Carnaby. With cute blush walls, cushy velvet couches, and a groovy vinyl bar, this unique spot also features whimsical artwork, bookshelves, and impromptu kitchen dance parties. Spanning two levels, downstairs boasts a playroom with various board games while DJs spin tunes from Wednesday to Saturday. Feelin' hungry? The menu offers tasty prawn tacos, popcorn, and sweetcorn fritters, along with signature cocktails like the tequila-based Sex and the City.

Salsa! Soho

🌮 Fajita Fridays 🌮 and 1 other offer

Get transported to South America as soon as you step foot through the doors of Salsa! Soho - the nightclub and bar brings heaps of colour, culture and delicious cocktails to the heart of London. You can expect to strap on your dancing shoes and get down to Latin music on a regular basis here, as well as revel in happy hours and six different types of mojitos (think lychee-flavoured or watermelon and prosecco). If you fancy something a little more wow-factor, how about getting your lips around the Solero, which features Smirnoff Mango and passion fruit purée.

London Cocktail Week 2024

@ Hundreds of London's Best Bars on Thu, 3rd Oct 2024 - Sun, 13th Oct 2024

With several bars in Soho and all over the city taking part in this 11-day festival, London Cocktail Week 2024 is just the thing for lovers of creative concoctions. Not only can you enjoy £8 signature cocktails at more than 200 destinations, but they're also offering curated drinks tours, immersive pop-up events, international takeovers and special menus - all included in your £20 wristband. Nab tickets today for the chance to discover all kinds of brilliant spots, supporting the hospitality industry while you're at it.

Freedom

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. 

Thirst Soho

Stupid Hour and 1 other offer

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 each and £9 during happy hour, plus you can sip on signature tipples like The Business, made with vodka, elderflower and Sauvignon Blanc for £9.50 during that time too.