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 that are inspired by the London Underground and casual drinking dens with live music to tiny speakeasies found behind hidden doors 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, spanning Chinatown to Greek Street, so you know exactly where to head for a truly unique night out in W1.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 15th December 2025
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 nit 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 2 or 3am.
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.
Found on the site of the former Marquee Club – an iconic venue where artists like David Bowie and the Rolling Stones strutted their stuff – 100 Wardour St pays homage to that history.
Expect a quirky cocktail list, live music dinners from Tuesday to Saturday, and Saturday jukebox brunches where the roaming band take requests for what to play next. Better yet, there's even cabaret too, alongside bottomless brunches every single weekend.
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.
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.
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.
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's 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.
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.
The Bloomsbury Club Bar is a sleek cocktail bar 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.
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.
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.
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 to 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.
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.
Looking for a unique night out in Soho? 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 souffle or even truffle and Champagne pie, washed down with affordable fine wines.
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.
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.
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.
Hidden behind a neon-lit façade that cheekily suggests anything but a cocktail haven, La Bodega Negra is Soho's best-kept secret - if you know, you know. This underground speakeasy, tucked beneath the buzz of Old Compton Street, is where tequila-fueled revelry meets moody, candlelit cool.
Push past the risqué exterior, weave your way down the stairs, and step into a world of low-lit mischief, where the bar hums with the sound of clinking margarita glasses and the air is thick with the scent of sizzling tortillas. The brainchild of Serge Becker (of NYC's La Esquina) and Will Ricker, this is the kind of place where Mexican cocktails flow, the frozen margaritas pack a punch, and the tequila creations will have you dancing between bites of fiery enchiladas.
