Best Cocktail Bars In Soho

• Where: 77 Dean Street, W1D 3SH
• Best for: opulent speakeasy vibes 
• What to order: Hot Honey Highball 

Zum Barbarossa has quickly carved out its place among Soho's best cocktail bars, offering a late-night speakeasy experience with real European flair. Hidden beneath a Georgian townhouse, this dimly lit hideaway combines Art Nouveau charm with cutting-edge mixology - expect daring house cocktails like the Hot Honey Highball and the luxe Gold Rush, complete with gold leaf.

With deep house beats, vaulted arches, and a Paris-style bar, it's the perfect spot for sipping inventive cocktails and soaking in seriously seductive vibes.

• Where: 12-13 Greek Street, W1D 4DL
• Best for: house party-themed decor
• What To Order: La La Land

Every night at The Little Scarlet Door is a house party. Serving up kooky cocktails on Greek Street (and in Carnaby over at its sister site), this cool bar is fronting New York loft vibes and an Andy Warhol-inspired vault, where guests are immersed in a playful blend of kitchen discos, bathroom banter, and living room dance-offs.

Better yet? This secret spot has epic DJs keeping you on the dancefloor come the weekend. Cocktails here are inspired by the mysterious flat-owner's favourite movies and TV shows, such as The La La Land, made with 42 Below vodka, Martini Rose, Mozart White, raspberry, and vanilla. Feelin' peckish? Munch on charcuterie boards, fancy toasties, and mezze plates to keep the hunger at bay.

• Where: 83 Wardour Street, W1D 6QE
• Best for: cocktail trees
• What To Order: Berry Chambord Spritz

Sitting snug in the Roundhouse building, Soho Residence has a historic structure dating back to 1892. This Wardour Street spot specialises in botanical sips, swoon-worthy interiors and late-night parties aplenty. It's welcomed famous performers from all corners of the globe in the past, and today, it's home to top-notch mixologists, lavish décor, and world-class DJs.

Mixing old-time charm with modern flair, Soho Residence boasts a swanky lounge built for the most sophisticated palates, serving drinks like The Cherry Sherry Cobbler, Raspberry Fool, and Just Jack. 

• Where: 10 Berners Street, W1T 3NP
• Best for: fans of the punch bowl
• What To Order: EDITION Punch

Tucked away behind The London EDITION, Punch Room channels the refined charm of a nineteenth-century private club with a modern twist. Wrapped in rich fumed oak panels and styled like a manor house library, it's a moody, intimate hideaway made for slow sips and deep conversations. The heart of the experience? Punch - the centuries-old social drink, reimagined with cutting-edge technique and a touch of theatrical flair. 

Its menu, The Recipe Book, offers both house favourites like the floral, earthy EDITION Punch (with gin, jasmine tea, and oak moss) and inventive newcomers like A Sweet Treat, a decadent blend of whisky, cream cheese, matcha, sherry, and lemon. 

• Where: 2 Old Compton Street, W1D 4TQ
• Best for: Irish coffee
• What To Order: Sgroppino

Cool cocktail bars in Soho? It doesn't get better than this. Located on Old Compton Street, Swift Soho is bound to impress. Channelling the spirit of European bars where you can grab a quick drink to wind down or gear up for the night, this bar effortlessly blends sleek, monochrome decor with an air of Art Deco.

Head upstairs, where you'll be met with a fast-moving and elegant setting, making it ideal for those glamorous affairs or pop downstairs to enjoy some sultry sips in the laid-back space. Here, you can enjoy traditional serves with a modern twist. Standout cocktails include the Rockaway, featuring Jack Daniel's Bonded Whiskey, and the Petal, a delightful mix of sweet vermouth, raspberry, framboise, Campari, and prosecco.

• Where: 9-11 Kingly Street, W1B 5PH
• Best for: living your best flat-share life
• What To Order: Kill Bill Volume 2

Sister to The Little Scarlett Door, The Little Violet Door is Soho's most playful flatshare that's really a bar, restaurant, and house party all rolled into one. Spread across two colourfully curated floors, this vibrant venue is packed with quirky charm, from velvet sofas and fireplaces in the 'sitting room' to a retro games room and a kitchen-DJ-booth combo that turns into a full-blown kitchen disco by night. 

The cocktail menu is just as fun, with drinks inspired by cult films and pop culture moments. Sip on a Kill Bill Volume 2 (served in a teacup, naturally), go bold with the Sex and the City (in a chilli tin), or indulge your sweet side with Crimes of Passion, a fruity Pornstar Martini twist crowned with a toasted marshmallow. 

• Where: 50 Frith Street, W1D 4SQ
• Best for: Prohibition-themed delights 
• What To Order: Oscar Is Wild

Tucked away in the heart of Soho, The Arts Theatre Club is a cocktail bar and a swanky private members club that revels in Prohibition-era-esque surroundings. The candlelit lounge, adorned with private tables, plush sofas, and a vintage piano-turned-DJ booth, strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and lively.

Sip on their impressive cocktails, served in vintage China and Prohibition-style teapots, and nibble on delectable snacks to keep hunger at bay. Some of their standout drinks include The Communist (Playwright gin and pineapples) and the Fogcutter (pisco and almonds), each offering a unique twist on classic flavours.

• Where: 36-40 Rupert Street, W1D 6DW
• Best for: date night, friends 
• What to order: Black Tequila 

The drinks menu at Backstage Soho reads like a playbill of cocktail innovation: from the fiery Backstage Punch to the smoky Naked and Famous, each concoction is crafted by a world-class bar team.

Creative, bold, and exclusive to the venue, these drinks are accompanied by live entertainment and Michelin Guide-featured Thai bites from Long Chim. For a truly elevated cocktail night, take your seat Backstage.

• Where: 2 Bateman Street, W1D 4AE
• Best for: cocktails in teapots
• What To Order: Caramel Mocha-Tini

Simmons, which you can find on Bateman Street and Greek Street, has built its reputation on kitsch interiors and cute cocktails, but it sweetens the deal by being affordable as well. Step into a '90s throwback at this quirky spot, where a fireplace centre piece, funky wallpaper, and a delightfully random disco skull set the scene.

With two levels of fun, you'll feel right at home at this Simmons Bar in Soho. With their famous happy hour (3pm to 8pm Sunday to Friday) thrown into the mix, this is a must-visit for fun cocktails with friends and after-work antics. We'd recommend trying the Punch In The Head; an overproof rum concoction served in a Damien Hirst-esque crystal skull, or the My Tie, a clever twist on Trader Vic's rum classic.

• Where: 8 Broadwick Street, W1F 8HN
• Best for: dessert and cocktail lovers
• What To Order: Made In Ecuador

Basement Sate is a cocktail bar in the heart of London with a difference. Bringing a touch of Parisian elegance to the heart of Broadwick Street, this den is decked out in dark wood, cosy nooks and exposed brick interiors.

Enjoy innovative cocktails such as the Made In Ecuador featuring cocoa-infused Beefeater gin, banana, berry, and citrus, as well as Fluff made with Shizo Aluna rum, green chilli aquavit, coconut, lime, and egg white. Plus, they also serve a range of delicious desserts. So why not satisfy your curiosity (and sweet tooth) on a late-night escapade to this gorgeous haunt?

• Where: Empire Casino, 5-6 Leicester Square, WC2H 7NA
• Best for: drinks before games in the casino
• What To Order: espresso martini

Whether you're looking for a couple of cocktails before heading to the theatre, or a late-night drinking spot complete with live DJs, Dovetail Bar at Empire Casino is the perfect place for you. They even offer cocktail masterclasses with their talented bartenders, if you fancy whipping them up yourself.

There's a sunny rooftop terrace that's ideal for the summer months, with spritzes aplenty to enjoy. As for the interiors, expect tiled walls and sultry dark furnishings. All house cocktails are £13, which is an absolute steal for a bar this cool in the centre of the capital - you can look forward to sipping on The Cuba Libra, mimosas and more. 

• Where: 4 Great Portland Street, Oxford Street, W1W 8QJ
• Best for: quirky decor and inventive sips
• What To Order: Solero Sundae

The Cocktail Club Oxford Circus is a laid-back subterranean hideout that draws inspiration from Downtown LA. Tucked away in the heart of Soho, this underground spot embodies the nostalgic atmosphere of house parties with its artsy street-style decor and lumberjack furnishings.

As the night goes on, the rock and roll atmosphere kicks into high gear, with epic cocktails like the vodka-based, fizzy Roxxane, and the Jam Jar Daiquiri. Plus, don't miss their happy hour when you can bag two tipples for £14. 

• Where: 38 Leicester Square, WC2H7DX
• Best for: rooftop date night 
• What To Order: Storm Mochi

Step into a spirited celebration of flavour with 8 Tastes of Japan - an innovative cocktail experience where tradition meets mixology most deliciously. This bold menu explores eight iconic Japanese tastes through eight cleverly crafted cocktails, each designed to surprise your palate while staying true to its cultural roots.

Highlights include the Palom-pura, a zesty tribute to tempura that combines Cachaça, shiso shōchū, and an umami-packed ama ponzu cordial, perfect alongside crispy prawn clouds drizzled with truffled yuzu mayo. Or dive into decadence with The Wagyu, a luxe mix of Nikka whisky, house vermouth, and actual A5 Wagyu, paired with a gourmet Wagyu 'hot dog' like you've never seen. And for a sweet finish, the Storm Mochi blends adzuki bean, Cocchi Americano, and rice wine for a smooth sip that sings alongside the chef's hand-picked mochi. 

• Where: 33-34 Rathbone Place, W1T 1JN
• Best for: Asian-inspired cocktails 
• What To Order: Shi-So-Sour

One of Soho's coolest spots for late-night cocktails, Lucy Wong draws inspiration from the romantic tale A World of Suzie Wong and the vibrant 1950s Hong Kong backdrop, combining traditional Chinese elements with contemporary twists.

Here, you can kick back and enjoy an array of Asian-inspired drinks dreamed up by the award-winning mixologist Dré Masso. Grab yourself a table to guzzle a quirky selection of creative drinks, including the Cherry Blossom Manhattan, Yu Dynasty and Shi-so Sour, or simply dive into the drool-worthy Cantonese cuisine.

• Where: 4 Noel Street, W1F 8JB
• Best for: laid-back cocktails with your friends
• What To Order: Spicy Mandarin Sour

Scarlett Green isn't just one of the best brunch spots in town (though we'd definitely recommend checking them out on a weekend), they also have a fantastic range of delicious cocktails. Bringing Australian food and coffee culture to London, the bar, the staff, and the cuisine are all equally impressive at this buzzy venue.

Head down to this pretty joint spread out over two floors, serving up palm-print menus, cute dusty pink plates, and swanky marble-topped tables just begging to be Instagrammed. Sip on a selection of wine, craft beer and cocktails like espresso martinis, or signatures such as the Coral Coast Soda, made with gin and green tea.

• Where: 48 Margaret Street, Soho, W1W 8SE
• Best for: venue hire, date night, rum enthusiasts 
• What to order: The Sparrow 

Soho's cocktail scene has its share of slick bars, but Rhum Tavern is something else entirely. Explore the hull of a 17th-century pirate ship and discover a menu that blends classic craftsmanship with creativity. 

You can enjoy creamy, indulgent serves like Pieces of Eight or the fizzy, exotic Kun Jali - each one a perfect example of the bar's cinematic approach to cocktails.

• Where: 15-16 Gerrard Street, W1D 6JE
• Best for: speakeasy vibes and dim sum
• What To Order: Donatello

Tucked away in the heart of Chinatown London, Opium is a shabby-chic haven behind a jade-coloured door. Ascend the winding staircase to discover a multi-floor cocktail lounge and dim sum parlour, complete with three distinct bars, secret rooms, and cosy nooks perfect for a relaxing escape.

Spearheaded by seasoned bar moguls Dre Masso and Eric Yu, Opium combines East Asian-themed decor with modern twists. Decked out with quirky furniture, this haunt has signature sips such as the rum-infused Opium n°10, coconut negroni and the Heavenly Hibiscus - a heady mix of gin, hibiscus, honey, lychee and prosecco.

• Where: 50 Rupert Street, W1D 6DR
• Best for: party-throwing, LGBTQIA+ space 
• What To Order: Beverly Hills Iced Tea

Found in the centre of all the action, Rupert Street is one of the most popular Soho cocktail bars and the most fabulous LGBTQIA+ hangout going. Not only is it a fun and friendly space, but it also boasts seriously stylish interiors and a stellar lineup of sips, including a delish salted caramel old fashioned. 

As one of the city's oldest gay bars, it features an industrial chic interior, drenched in over-the-top design with big windows and a huge mirror that screams fabulous. Head down to indulge in tempting cocktails (Cosmo, anyone?) or kick back with some Champagne while you people-watch.

• Where: The Dilly Hotel, 21 Piccadilly, W1J 0BH
• Best for: live piano music, Friday to Saturday, from 7pm 'til midnight
• What To Order: Muse Of Dilly

The Dilly is one of London's finest hotels that was constructed back in 1901. Found beneath the hotel, their underground speakeasy-style piano bar aptly titled Downstairs At The Dilly offers a range of marvellous mixes, including a gimlet served with flavoured smoked bubbles.

The drinks menu is filled with London-inspired sips and locally sourced ingredients, featuring goodies like Chapel Down English sparkling wine from the vineyards in Kent. And if that wasn't enough, there's live jazz and soul music on regularly. Whether you're popping in for a cocktail before hitting the West End or a cosy night out, this delightful venue is the perfect backdrop for any and every occasion.

• Where: 4 Kingly Court, W1B 5PW
• Best for: 60s decor and retro vibes
• What To Order: Perfect Imperfections

Replacing the legendary Pinstripe Club from the Swinging Sixties, Disrepute, the cocktail bar in Soho, takes inspiration from its scandalous past and melds it with the vibrant cocktail scene of London today. The place to be for those that love delicious cocktails and fabulous interiors begging to be shared on Instagram, enter this lavish den and flick through their poetry-filled menu, with a night of sophisticated conversation guaranteed to occur. 

The menu is a narrative journey, where each cocktail is a chapter that pays homage to Soho's colourful history. From classic spirits to adventurous blends, the selection caters to both the traditionalist and the adventurous palate, featuring tipples like Science Fiction, made with Planteray cut and dry rum, miso butter, maple caramel, Pedro Ximénez and egg.

• Where: 17 Greek Street, W1D 4DR
• Best for: great happy hours 
• What To Order: Raspberry Beret

Nestled in a basement on Greek Street sits one of the most affordable cocktail bars in Soho, Be At One. Masters of mixing up magical potions, cocktail artistry, and throwing epic parties, they have earned their stripes as one of London's top cocktail joints.

These folks whip up creative, out-of-this-world drinks like nobody's business and provide the perfect backdrop to revel in unique sipping and dancefloor shenanigans. With a license until 3am and an extensive cocktail menu - including some ice cream infused delights - means you can spend all day partying and drinking cocktails in one place.

• Where: 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN
• Best for: those who suffer from 'Egyptomania'
• What To Order: Sa Shen

You'll find The Bloomsbury Club Bar inside the iconic Bloomsbury Hotel, flaunting gorgeous, interiors that create a cosy feel - think magical fairy lights, indoor trees and foliage, topped off by comfy sofas to relax in. They also host jazz nights every Wednesday and Saturday, which are totally free to attend.

Their Egyptian-themed cocktail menu features 12 carefully curated sips, like the golden Kheper or the powerful Anubis. Plus, you can snack on tasty bites like pea and gorgonzola arancini or truffle fries.

• Where: 30 Argyll Street, W1B 3BR
• Best for: sweeping rooftop views over London
• What To Order: Cantalunian Trip

Aqua Nueva is a stunning central London restaurant and bar, located just a stone's throw from Soho on nearby Regent Street. Head here for a Spanish-inspired feast complete with traditional surroundings, tapas-style dishes and hand-crafted cocktails. 

This spot exudes the vibrant essence of Spanish culture, boasting pretty white mosaic flooring and a copper-coloured vaulted ceiling. Whether you opt for an alfresco experience on their stunning rooftop terrace or an intimate evening indoors, it's sure to be a dining experience like no other. Elevate your evening by sipping on expertly crafted cocktails such as the tequila-based El Toro and Galician Vibes, featuring vodka and watermelon, while soaking in the iconic vistas of London.

• Where: 1-3 Denmark Street, Soho, WC2H 8LP
• Best for: bold flavours, small plates 
• What to order: Lady Stardust 

The award-winning Thirteen brings classic cocktail lounge bar vibes to Soho. Well known around these parts for its bespoke cocktail list, it packs in bold flavours and hand-crafted precision into every drink. 

The small plates here are just as special. Think crispy chicken inside out rolls, shrimp and snow crab rolls and glorious gyoza.

• Where: 3-4 Archer Street, W1D 7AP
• Best for: themed brunches
• What To Order: Cruel Summer

Archer Street Soho exudes the vibe of an exclusive members-only club; featuring two distinct floors, upstairs is a cosy cocktail lounge, while downstairs is a themed basement bar that offers a carefully curated wine list, as well as highly exclusive Billecart Salmon champagnes.

You'll also find spirits, refreshing beers, and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks to quench your thirst. Their policy is sophistication with a hint of playfulness, which is reflected in their fun cocktail menu with pop song-themed drinks like the vodka-based Texas Hold'em, or Take On Me, made using chocolate-infused Campari. Plus, their bar staff are also famous for singing the odd tune, if you fancy it.

Hidden behind an unmarked door in Chinatown, Experimental Cocktail Club is a sultry two-floor speakeasy blending Parisian chic with Soho edge, complete with plush interiors and eclectic design touches. Known for its adventurous mixology, the cocktail list features bold, inventive creations like Tea in Africa, Old Cuban and Havana, alongside refined classics with a twist.

With late-night vibes, live music and an intimate, exclusive feel, it's the go-to spot for those seeking a truly unique drinking experience in the heart of London.

• Where: 60-66 Wardour Steet, W1F 0TA
• Best for: late-night parties and performances 
• What To Order: Streetcar Named Desire
  

Prefer sipping your cocktails among extravagant chandeliers, zebra-print seating, and fancy Venetian mirrors? Freedom is an LGBTQ + cocktail joint and DJ hangout spread over two floors where you'll feel the lively energy of West End performers as a nod to the venue's rich connection to London's theatrical scene.

The club hosts top-notch DJ sets and features incredible performers and dance poles, all complemented by top-tier service from friendly staff. As for drinks, expect to sip on goodies like the gin-based Funny Girl, West Side Story made using tequila and mango syrup, and the Cowboy Casanova, featuring whisky.

• Where: 34-36 Old Compton Street, W1D 4TR
• Best for: cheap, inventive drinks and bar bites
• What To Order: Cos(melon)politan

Looking for cocktail bars in Soho, London? Old Compton Brasserie offers a sprawling bar and lounge where the inventive cocktails, curated by the Talented Mr Fox, steal the show. Bringing together all those classic Soho characteristics, this cocktail bar offers a stunning range of drinks named for the area's most famous residents.

Enjoy a sip of history with drinks like the Karl Marx, Regina Fong, and Muriel Belcher. Art lovers will also find happiness here, as the space is adorned with vibrant local artwork. From pop art of icons like Twiggy and Kate Moss to urban pieces celebrating Soho's storied past, the decor adds a splash of culture to your cocktail experience.

• Where: 7 Old Compton Street, W1D 5JE
• Best for: Italian cocktails
• What To Order: Terroir

Bar Termini is your one-way ticket to a little slice of Italy - no passport required. The brainchild of master mixologist Tony Conigliaro (who also happens to be behind Islington's ultra-cool 69 Colebrooke Row), this Soho cocktail bar delivers la dolce vita from dawn to dusk.

From 7.30am sharp, it transforms into a charming Italian café, serving up flawless espresso. But as the day stretches on, the mood shifts - and so does the menu as the bar becomes a haven for cocktail aficionados. The negroni takes centre stage, offered in four carefully curated variations, each one a love letter to Italian aperitivo culture. And if you're feeling adventurous? Ask for the Terroir - a mind-bending mix of flint, clay, and lichen distillates, crafted in their experimental Islington-based Drinks Factory. Yes, you read that right: clay and lichen. Somehow, it works.

• Where: 13 Manette Street, W1D 4AP
• Best for: a first date
• What To Order: Mezcal Sunset

Three Sheets Soho brings the signature creativity of the Dalston favourite to the heart of London's cocktail scene. Founded by brothers Max and Noel Venning, this sleek yet welcoming bar offers an elevated experience with a new take on their beloved drinks. While the original East London location has a cool, secretive vibe, the Soho outpost embraces its central location with a warmer atmosphere, featuring inviting booths, rich dark wood, and an elevated touch of sophistication.

Here, classic cocktails get a fresh twist: enjoy a delicious Mezcal Sunset, or a smooth White Russian - these are just a few of the expertly crafted drinks on offer. And it's not just about drinks; the food menu includes indulgent bites like lobster rolls or salt beef buns.

• Where: 47b Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7JP
• Best for: date night
• What To Order: El Viajero

Hidden beneath the Latin American restaurant of the same name on Carnaby Street, Downstairs At Sucre is a secret cocktail bar that specialises in all things agave. Inspired by Central and South America, this sultry spot features low lighting, exposed brickwork and checkered flooring.

There are all kinds of tequila and mezcal blends on their list, such as the Hennessy VS-infused El Viajero, topped off with spicy pineapple syrup, or a banana liqueur-based Lagrimas De Oro.

• Where: 136 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5EZ
• Best for: date night
• What To Order: Cuban Mule

Tucked beneath the historic Stone Nest - once a Welsh chapel, later the legendary Limelight nightclub, and now a buzzing hub for experimental arts - Below Stone Nest is Soho's best-kept secret. This underground sanctuary has been stylishly reimagined by Jermaine Gallacher, with hospitality heavyweights Jackson and Frank Boxer (of Brunswick House and Frank's in Peckham) curating the menus.

At the heart of the drinks list is a love letter to the highball - crisp, creative, and endlessly sippable. Standouts include the smoky-spicy Ranch Water, or the refreshingly sharp Peach Rickey. Enjoy your drink with a bold small plate - perhaps octopus with Nocellara olives, or tempt your sweet tooth with the White Russian soft serve.

• Where: 22B Great Windmill Street, W1D 7LD
• Best for: David Bowie fans and lovers of the eclectic 
• What To Order: '...Away'

Nestled on Great Windmill Street, The Thin White Duke draws inspiration from Bowie's iconic alter ego. Inside you'll find low-lighting and an intimate seating area at the bar, as well as cosy nooks scattered around. The interiors have an air of mystery around them and are a little Gothic too - think exposed brick walls and clever glasswork.

Here, Dav Eames' cocktails are nothing short of magic - each drink is crafted with bold flavours and a nod to the legendary Isolar Tour. Try out the likes of the Inglewood, made using popcorn-infused Four Roses Bourbon, or the Red Sails, featuring Azaline saffron liqueur and tequila, and pair your drink with some award-winning dim sum by MAI.

• Where: 7 Denmark St, Soho, WC2H 8LZ
• Best for: cocktail lovers and whisky afficionados 
• What to order: Apricot with Aberfeldy 12 year and bee pollen

All neon lights and exposed concrete in a Grade II-listed townhouse, Dram is both charming and achingly cool. A playground spread across three floors, it packs in several bars, a private pool room with cocktail vending machine, tasting lab and boutique whisky shop.

Wherever you choose to take your tipple, you can sip your way through over 350 bottles of the brown stuff, plus classic cocktails and signature serves like the barrel-aged old fashioned.

• Where: 15 Glasshouse Street,, W1B 4DY
• Best for: gin lovers, a sophisticated drink 
• What to order: Suave Mirror Margarita 

Tucked inside Hotel Café Royal, the Green Bar at Café Royal offers a polished take on Soho drinking, drawing inspiration from a 1937 cocktail book while keeping things firmly modern.

The menu moves between reworked classics and more inventive serves, with drinks like the Suave Mirror Margarita or the Courvoisier XO Champagne Cocktail showcasing a focus on premium spirits and precise flavour pairings. 

• Where: 14 Denman Street, W1D 7HJ
• Best for: date night 
• What To Order: Chaat

SOMA is an underground cocktail bar in Soho from the same brains behind the contemporary Indian restaurant Kricket. It's a modern, minimalist reimagining of the classic speakeasy, and swaps vintage kitsch for clean lines, moody lighting, and refined cocktails served late into the night. The centrepiece is a stunning 9-metre stainless steel bar where just 25 guests can perch and watch the mixologists at work, while a hidden lounge area with plush burnt orange sofas offers a more intimate space for groups or private bookings.

Expect to sip on familiar classics infused with Indian ingredients, like the tangy, spice-laced Chaat (mezcal, chaat masala, and kumquat) and the umami-rich Shallot martini with pickled shallot and bay leaf sake; every drink is a carefully balanced surprise. 

• Where: 13 Kingly Court, Carnaby, W1B 5PW
• Best for: tube fanatics and retro interior-lovers
• What To Order: Prohibition Lantern

Cahoots is a subterranean sanctuary in the heart of Soho, transporting guests to the 1940s with its quirky underground tube station vibe. Step back in time to an era when Londoners sought refuge underground during air raids, recreated here with bespoke cocktails, rationed snacks, and lively entertainment paying homage to 1940s stars.

Cocktails, rum, gin, and London ale are served in unconventional vessels like quirky mugs, hip flasks, vintage milk bottles, and tins featuring drinks like I Say Tomato (this one packs a punch thanks to the addition of mustard), Gone With The Waves and Sherry Cherry Lady.

• Where: 20 Broadwick Street, W1F 8HT
• Best for: opulent decor and movie lovers
• What To Order: Love Actually

Perched above the Broadwick Street Hotel, Flute is a rooftop gem that blends cinematic flair with Soho sophistication. Named after a 19th-century flute-maker who once lived on this very street, the bar pays homage to the past while embracing the bold and the glamorous. Inside, it's a maximalist haven - mirrored ceilings, animal print upholstery, an onyx-topped bar, and a dramatic palm-frond carpet create a setting as stylish as the cocktails themselves. Step outside onto the wraparound terrace and you'll find some of the best rooftop views, perfect for sipping under the stars.

The ever-evolving cocktail menu takes inspiration from films shot in and around Soho, turning every drink into a scene-stealing moment. From the sultry, sherry-kissed Love Is the Devil, to the bright and bittersweet Secrets of a Windmill Girl, each concoction is expertly crafted and served with a touch of theatricality.

• Where: 19 Kingly Street, W1B 5PY
• Best for: high-quality small plates and affordable margaritas
• What To Order: Margarita 

Bar Crispin is a chic and intimate spot known for its low-intervention wine list and inventive seasonal plates, as head chef Fabien Spagnolo brings finesse and flair to the table, with standout dishes like crumpets topped with aged beef tartare.

The drinks menu is just as considered, which is why it makes our top cocktail bars list. It offers elegant classics like negronis, vesper martinis, and margaritas for just £13 each.

• Where: 22 Sherwood Street, W1F 7ED
• Best for: gorgeous, Art Deco interiors
• What To Order: Hotel Nacional

Bar Américain is one of Soho's best-kept secrets - tucked beneath the grand Brasserie Zédel, just steps from the chaos of Piccadilly Circus. Step inside, and you're immediately transported to a different time: think 1920s glamour meets classic cocktail culture, all wrapped in golden Art Deco charm.

It nods to the golden age of hotel bars, where jazz filled the air, bartenders wore waistcoats, and cocktails were mixed with precision and flair. A standout from the Prohibition-era menu includes the Ward 8 - born in Boston in 1898 and named after the city's political battleground, this mix of Bulleit Rye, citrus, grenadine, and sugar is both bold and vibrant.