Best Bars In Soho

• Why we recommend: I think this is one of the best hidden bars in Soho, the space, the history and the cocktails all earn their place on this list.
• Best for: Cocktail lovers and those in the mood for a special date night experience.

Hidden beneath Kingly Court between Carnaby Street and Beak Street, Disrepute occupies a basement space that's been the scene of intrigue since the Sixties, as part of the Profumo Affair scandal. The bar takes its cues from an era of scandal and luxury, with jewel-toned velvet booths, brass fittings and a cocktail menu where every drink reads like a short story. It's one of those Soho bars you feel quietly smug for knowing about, and rightly so, it's a looker.

• Why we recommend: It's World's 50 Best Bars listed, which gives it credit, and their Irish coffee is a DesignMyNight team favourite.
• Best for: Post-theatre drinks and whisky fans.

On Old Compton Street since 2016, Swift has quietly become one of the most excellent cocktail bars in London and noted highly on all lists, not just those for Soho and surrounding areas. The two-floor setup does a lot of the work: upstairs is bright and European (very much giving a cafe feel), ideal for a Sgroppino and some of the best people-watching in Soho; downstairs is darker and built for moody chats in corners, with a whisky library, art deco booths and live piano on weekends. The cocktails are precise without being fussy, and the service is genuinely warm. 

For those after a swanky bar in Soho, look no further than Lucy Wong. Not only does this gorgeous cocktail bar boast speakeasy vibes and contemporary Chinese-style furnishings, but there's also a crackin' cocktail list curated by award-winning mixologist, Dré Masso. 

Soho is a hub of activity and Opium adds to this mix with its own twist and mystery. This secret bar is a chic getaway in the centre of Chinatown. Enjoy the eccentric, unique cocktails and taste the delicious dim sum at this heralded Oriental inspired haunt. The late night opening hours keep the party going and make for a big night out. 

Expect the same level of incredible cocktails and innovative food that the team give to the party vibe here, because anything goes at The Cocktail Club Oxford Circus.

This hidden gem, Soho's swankiest secret, is a late night lounge with the chilled out sophistication of a gentleman's club. With Parisian chic interior, including plush leather armchairs and polished wooden surfaces, this basement bar will have you relaxed and merry in minutes. Try a tasty tipple or some delicious dishes with top chefs and expert mixologists behind the wheel.

Hidden beneath the buzz of Soho, Jack Solomons Club is the kind of underground haunt that keeps London's nightlife legends alive. A sultry, speakeasy-style spot with velvet-draped corners and low-lit glamour, it's where cocktail lovers and jazz heads meet in perfect harmony.

Swing by from 6pm to ease into the evening with signature sips and small plates, before the room warms up with the sound of live music. Wednesdays bring intimate sessions in the Piano Bar, Red Room Studio (from 7.30pm to 9pm), while Thursdays kick off the full-blown Jack Solomons Jazz Club, rolling from 6.30pm until late.

Boasting kitsch flair, Simmons is easily one of the quirkiest bars in Soho and on Greek Street. Step inside to find a shabby-chic space that's decked out with an assortment of offbeat ornamentation. Naturally, the cocktails here are served in all sorts of vessels too - think jars and teapots.

Head to the Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel and, not only will you be treated to a selection of the quirkiest cocktails in the city, but also get to hangout in either their creative hangout Wild Heart, or enjoy their Roof Terrace for a more alfresco atmosphere.

Scarlett Green might best known for its food, offering up a fantastic range of Australian food from brunch through to dinner, but they are also masters at delivering delicious cocktails, craft beer, the largest Aussie wine list in London and live DJ sets.

Located on nearby Regent's Street, Aqua Kyoto is one of Soho's most exciting new venues. Head to the rooftop gem and you'll find a menu of sublime Japanese cuisine, including robata grilled goods, tempura and omakase sushi and sashimi, alongside carefully crafted cocktails.

Looking for the best bars in Soho? The Little Scarlet Door isn't a fair shout just because of its famous sister venues, but also due to its New York loft-style interiors and Andy Warhol-inspired vault. Better yet, there's a lineup of unique cocktails and DJs keeping you dancing.

Mele E Pere is an intimate basement hideaway and Italian restaurant, serving up all sorts of drinks from behind their gorgeous copper bar. They offer an extensive list of vermouth cocktails, as well as a huge array of spirits, beers and wines. 

The Little Violet Door in the heart of Carnaby is styled on a fictional flat share, with gorgeous baby pink walls, velvet sofas and a vinyl bar inside. Find quirky pictures scattered about, bookcases and discos thrown in the kitchen at this one-of-a-kind venue. Split over two floors, downstairs fronts a games room where you can play a mix of board games, and resident DJs hit the decks every Wednesday through 'til Saturday. On the menu? Prawn tacos, popcorn and sweetcorn fritters paired with signature cocktails like the tequila-based Sex and the City.

The Black Book in the heart of Soho is as stylish as it sounds, named after its actual black book of premium wines tucked away in the cellar. Once a members-only club, this refined spot is now open from Tuesday to Saturday, offering an inviting atmosphere for wine lovers. With a knowledgeable sommelier on hand, guests can easily pair their Mediterranean small plates with the perfect wine, or simply indulge in a glass or two. The real highlight? Their extensive 'by-the-glass' menu makes high-end bottles accessible at more affordable prices.

Looking for a cool spot to impress friends or a date? Then check out Bob Bob Ricard on Upper James Street, where you'll find 1920s-inspired decor, plush furnishings and even their signature 'press for Champagne' buttons.

They also offer a wide selection of affordable fine wines, as well as a unique Russian and British-fusion menu. Think Scottish salmon tartare, beef Wellington or beluga caviar.

If you're looking to spice up your next night out, then head to Lucky Voice on Poland Street. These guys have been bringing karaoke to London since 2007, with multiple private rooms and more than 12,000 songs to choose from. Expect colourful lighting, disco balls galore and touch screens in every room where you can order drinks to come straight to you. Sip quirky cocktails like the Ziggy Stardust or a Phil Raspberry Collins, alongside plenty of tasty pizzas. Even better? They host bottomless brunches here every Saturday as well.

An Amsterdam-born speakeasy hidden underneath a Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse, Zum Barbarossa can be found on Dean Street. The cool basement space is filled with plush velvet seating, exposed brick walls and foliage, all lit with a vibrant red lighting.

They've got a bespoke cocktail list to make the most of, as well as a seafood-heavy food menu. Think Jersey oysters, mixed grills, mussels and more.

Looking for a cool spot to enjoy some late-night drinks in? On Fridays and Saturdays, Under The Counter promises a wide variety of spirits and wines served in an intimate, relaxed setting - found underneath restaurant The Counter.

This is a listening bar created by mixology expert João Silva and chef Kemal Demirasal, promising an immersive soundscape throughout your visit. Hungry? There are tasty Turkish-inspired small plates up for grabs, from a pistachio and feta cigar to sirloin steak.

Step inside Experimental Cocktail Club and discover a speakeasy-style sanctuary where dim lighting, plush interiors and eclectic décor create an effortlessly chic vibe. Known for its boundary-pushing cocktails, the menu features unique blends of premium spirits, seasonal ingredients and global influences.

It's a haven for cocktail lovers seeking sophistication and surprise in the heart of Soho.

Promising great quality food, drink and entertainment under one roof, La Familia is a cool, two-storey venue on Poland Street. This is a Latin American-inspired bar, complete with low lighting, cool artwork and quirky neon signs.

Head up to the taqueria for cracking bites like beef birria tacos, Oaxaca cheese quesadillas and tortilla chips, as well as lots of tequila. Meanwhile, the basement bar promises live DJs and killer cocktails.

There are bars you go to once and bars you go back to forever. Bar Termini on Old Compton Street is firmly the latter. This tiny slice of Italy, brought to Soho by acclaimed mixologist Tony Conigliaro, has earned its place on the World's 50 Best Bars list and you'll understand why the moment your Negroni arrives. The concept is deceptively simple: exceptional coffee from early morning, and some of the most precisely made cocktails in London from aperitivo hour onwards. The space is barely bigger than your living room, which only adds to the feeling that you've stumbled on something special. Order the house Negroni, grab one of the few stools at the bar, and don't be in a hurry to leave.

If you're looking for a classy bar to impress your friends in Soho or merely going for a solo sip, then check out SOMA. From the people behind the Indian small-plate eatery Kricket, expect this cocktail menu to be full of high-quality, inventive drinks like a chaat margarita or a banana daiquiri.

The West End glow-up of the beloved Dalston original, Three Sheets Soho brings serious cocktail credentials to the heart of Old Compton Street. From the acclaimed Venning brothers, this moody, candlelit space trades in precisely made classics and creative twists, think smoky palomas and inventive house concoctions that never sacrifice balance for novelty. It's earned its spot on the World's 50 Best Bars list for good reason. Dark booths, low lighting and a drinks menu that rewards the adventurous make it one of the best bars in Soho, full stop.

Tucked away underneath Soho's iconic Lina Stores, Bar Lina is a stunning aperitivo bar that boasts chic, sultry decor. Take a seat on their plush red velvet booths, surrounded by mirrors, and admire the sleek black marble bar in the centre.

They offer a wide variety of negronis and spritzes, as well as plenty of signature cocktails. There are light bites on offer too, including focaccia, olives and more.

One of Soho's most talked-about nightlife spots, House Party is the brainchild of Stormzy and the Cream Group, and it's quickly earning a reputation as the ultimate destination for an unforgettable night out. Tucked away on Poland Street, this immersive, seven-floor townhouse reimagines the classic house party with a wild, theatrical twist.

Each floor offers a different experience: DJs spinning in the kitchen, drinks flowing at Dad's Bar in the basement, late-night karaoke sessions in the 'parents' bedroom,' and 18-inch NYC-style pizzas to keep you going. With live 'housemates' roaming the space and the occasional surprise set, no two nights are ever the same. Whether you're dancing, singing, or just soaking up the energy, House Party delivers the chaos and charm of a house party, without the cleanup.

Dram serves up style, sophistication and signature cocktails from a stunning Grade II-listed townhouse on Denmark Street. Unsurprisingly, whisky leads the way here, with over 350 bottles to make your way through. 

Whether you like to savour it on the rocks or pair it with bold flavours in creative cocktails, the exposed concrete interiors and neon lights are the perfect backdrop to every sip. Split across three floors, there's plenty here to keep you entertained, from a private pool room with cocktail vending machine to a tasting lab and boutique whisky shop.

Marjorie's brings a chic and sophisticated slice of Parisian vino culture to the outskirts of Oxford Circus. Spread across two floors, there's cosy booths for intimate get togethers and long, communal tables made for sharing.

Its all-French wine list is packed with standout bottles from some of the country's best regional producers. If you're feeling peckish while you're here, try the chicken liver rocher that riffs on the classic Ferrero Rocher chocolate.

For a bar that balances heritage with a contemporary edge, the Green Bar at Café Royal stands out. Set within Hotel Café Royal, it brings together a strong drinks programme, elegant interiors and a menu that ranges from light plates to expertly made cocktails.

Expect everything from a Glenfiddich Old Fashioned to seasonal pairings like Rum & Piña, alongside a drinks list that leans into rare spirits and thoughtful combinations.