The best bars in Soho

What is it? An unpretentious, speakeasy-style member’s club that’s the real deal.

Why we love it: Sunk beneath Greek Street and accessed through a nondescript doorway and a scruffy staircase, the New Evaristo Club - fondly known as Trisha’s in homage to landlady/Queen of Soho Trisha Bergonzi - is an old-school drinking spot of the kind you’ll rarely find these days. With pictures of boxers, movie mafia types and Italian football teams adorning the worn walls, it’s the real McCoy. Unsurprisingly, their drinks selection is pretty standard - some bottled beers, a couple of wines and a quite random selection of spirits. But you don’t come here for trendy tipples. Instead, kick back on one of the poker tables or in their titchy courtyard and soak up the atmosphere of one of Soho’s greatest late night institutions. 

Time Out tip: The New Evaristo is a members club, so you'll need to go as the guest of an official member if you want in – but keep your eyes on their Instagram, as there are regular windows to apply and be part of the coolest club in town.

Address: 57 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 3DX.

Opening hours: Daily 5.30pm-1.30am.

What is it? Grown up drinks from the second iteration of the beloved cocktail bar.

Why we love it: Brothers Max and Noel Venning’s unassuming Dalston drinking den expanded to a second spot right by Soho Square in 2024 and we love it. Warmer and fancier than the Dalston original - all soft, inviting booths and dark wood - their team have devised a menu which takes drinks you know well to sexier, more modern places. There are clear white russians and mezcal sunsets (the grown-up older sister of a tequila sunrise – only more Ibiza than Benidorm), plus a range of champagnes by the glass. Knock it all back with a few Maldon oysters or a lobster roll to really amp up the decadence.

Time Out tip: The house dirty martini is worth a go even if you’re a purist. Done with Belvedere, a little olive oil, and some koseret tea to take the edge off, it’s a gentler take on the OG, and even those who like the drink blisteringly alcoholic will appreciate the riff.

Address: 13 Manette St, Soho, W1D 4AP.

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 3-11.30pm, Fri 3pm-midnight, Sat 12pm-midnight, Sun 3-10.30pm.

What is it? Multiple rooms of innovative drinking, with a bonus outside terrace.

Why we love it: A 17th century, Grade II-listed building that’s been converted into a Bauhaus by way of Blade Runner drinking cave, drenched in pink and orange neon, Dram Bar has an awful lot going for it. Across two bars, a pool room and a cute outside terrace, sup on tap cocktails pre-made on site, with their own ferments, cordials, and low ABV wines also concocted in a basement lab. There’s a vending machine packed with Dram’s homemade, pre-packaged cocktails, plus a specialist whisky menu with 350 kinds of the good stuff alongside your classic beers and wines.

Time Out tip: Though the snack selection is miniature, they serve fantastic pickles, which are the perfect accompaniment to Dram’s well thought-out tipples. 

Address: 7 Denmark Street, St. Giles, WC2H 8LZ.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-11.30pm.

What is it? A two-in-one destination spot with a casual upstairs and bookings only downstairs bar.

Why we love it: Split into two levels, Swift - voted for multiple years in the World’s 50 Best Bars - offers something for every cocktail lover. Upstairs, they take walk-ins for their brighter, more casual aperitivo and wine menu, with lighter cocktail mixes, Irish coffee and small bar snacks (nocarella olives, chilli crackers) also available. Downstairs, meanwhile, it’s a Don Draper-style mecca of low lighting, whiskies and headier mixes. Both serve cheese and meat boards, while their upstairs Aperetivo Hour runs Monday to Friday until 6pm and is a bona fide bargain. Plus, on Sundays, pop in for live jazz and ragtime between 7pm and 9pm for the old-school Soho experience.

Time Out tip: Though Soho is their OG drinking spot, Swift also have outposts in Borough and Shoreditch so you can drink your way around Zone 1.

Address: 12 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4TQ.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 3pm - 12am, Sun 3-10.30pm.

What is it? An art-deco enclave within the hallowed underground Zedel complex.

Why we love it: Equally wonderful whether you’re treating it as a way-station en route to dinner in Brasserie Zedel’s capacious dining room, a nightcap-dispensary before heading home, or an evening’s entertainment all in itself (with terrific bar snacks), Bar Américain is also one of the loveliest places to drink in London. With art deco fittings and widely spaced tables, little has changed inside during its decades of existence (it began life as Dick’s Bar, when Brasserie Zédel was the Atlantic Bar & Grill and the late, great Dick Bradsell was the man shaking up cocktails) and nor would we want it to. Also steeped in history is its prohibition-themed cocktail menu, featuring drinks such as the gin and vermouth-based Turf Club, which dates back to 1884 (pre-Prohibition), or the 1930’s Corpse Reviver - a calvados-centric hangover cure that’ll put the hairs back on your chest.

Time Out tip: Next door, Zedel remains one of central London’s best value treats, with a daily prix fixe menu starting at £16.95 for two courses.

Address: 20 Sherwood Street, Soho, W1F 7ED.

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri 4pm-midnight, Sat 3pm-midnight, Sun 4-11pm.

What is it? Chicken, caviar and champagne, with cocktails from a mastery of mixology.

Why we love it: The master mixologist otherwise known as Mr Lyan is at the helm of the drinks menu here at Soho’s silliest restaurant - where varying forms of rotisserie chicken and caviar are accompanied by an array of decadent tipples. As is his wont, the Willy Wonka of booze has incorporated all manner of ingredients that will make you think ‘oh, interesting!’ while perusing the menu. If you really want to embrace the theme, his Chicken Bone Negroni even adds a cluck to your cocktail. You can hang out at the bar and just drink and nibble – and you’ll have an extremely elegant time doing so. Caviar bump and ice cold vodka shots all round.

Time Out tip: If you decide to visit the seductive, shag-pad style restaurant, there’s a reasonably-priced express lunch every day before 5pm, which includes half a chicken and french fries.

Address: 37 Golden Square, Soho, W1F 9LB.

Opening hours: Mon 5.30-10.30pm, Tue-Wed 12-10.30pm, Thu-Sat 12-11.30pm, Sun 5.30-10.30pm.

What is it? A cosy, speakeasy-esque bar under Soho’s iconic Italian delicatessen, Lina Stores.

Why we love it: Head down into the basement beneath the pastel green hues of Lina Stores and you’ll find Bar Lina with its altogether plusher red velvet decor and cocktails with an Italian twist. The Bloody Martini (vodka, vermouth, crystal clear coffee-filtered tomato water) is a clever mash-up of the two favourites, while their intriguing speciality beverages are also supplemented by classics and spritzes. Soak it all up with a selection of taglieri (small snacking boards) and enjoy complimentary nibbles from the upstairs deli with your first drinks in the spirit of aperitivo.

Time Out tip: Bar Lina has also popped up in Shoreditch and Canary Wharf, at their Lina Stores resto outposts, with DJs on hand to soundtrack your revelry at the weekends.

Address: 18 Brewer Street, Soho, W1F 0SG.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 5-11.30pm, Sun 4-10.30pm.

What is it? An always-hip central London music venue with downstairs live room and 1970s-style upstairs booths.

Why we love it: Established by Heavenly Records at the end of the 1990s and having recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, this excellent bar and nightlife hub is a leftfield, artsy temple of fun, a mere stone’s throw from the bustle of Oxford Street. Upstairs is all stylish booths and booze, with an unfussy selection of beers, wines and classic cocktails, plus rotating art exhibitions. A cult classic.

Time Out tip: The clubby downstairs space hosts live music, literature events and screenings via hosts including Heavenly, Faber Social, Trojan, The Quietus and Rough Trade Books.

Address: 18 Brewer St, Fitzrovia, W1F 0SG.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 5-11.30pm, Sun 4-10.30pm.

What is it? Drinks and a show at this musical theatre sing-along joint.

Why we love it: Let’s not beat around the bush: The Room Where It Happens is not for everyone. But if you’re a West End devotee with an ear for showtunes and a fondness for liquor then you’ll be in jazz hand-waving heaven. Inspired by New York’s famous Marie’s Crisis Cafe and named after a track from Hamilton, head to TRWIH - nestled at the top of a townhouse once frequented by Oscar Wilde - where ‘resting’ musical theatre performers work as singer-servers, belting out ballads and bangers while you sip cocktails and chow down on a pretty decent menu selection (sirloin steak, salt and pepper squid and more). If you’ve ever felt like you belong on the stage, this one’s for you.

Time Out tip: From 5pm the singing servers are in charge, but after 9pm it’s time to gather round the piano and give it your best Liza.

Address: 5 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 4DD.

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 5pm-2am, Sat 12pm-midnight, Sun 5pm-12.30am.

What is it? A subterranean, late-night drinking spot on the outskirts of Chinatown.

Why we love it: Below Shaftesbury Avenue’s experimental arts venue Stone Nest, the Boxer brothers - Jackson of Brunswick House and Frank of Frank’s in Peckham - have crafted a menu full of highball cocktails and exciting, addictive small plates. In the former camp, enjoy the deceptively-titled Ranch Water with its tequila and mezcal combo; in the latter, flavours from the globe nestle up together, such as in their cheese and herb pie with kimchi mayo, or padron peppers with salted egg yolk. As for the vibe, the walls are concrete, the lights are low, and everyone here is gorgeous. 

Time Out tip: Their ‘Below Bikini’ is an unctuous delight: a toasted sandwich with Paris ham, Templegall cheese, boudin noir and Aleppo pepper honey.

Address: 136 Shaftesbury Avenue, Chinatown, W1D 5EZ. 

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 6pm-2am.

What is it? Exemplary cocktails, coffee, wine and small plates.

Why we love it: Small but perfectly formed, there’s room for just 25 here but walk-ins are welcome. When you’re safely ensconced inside, Bar Termini’s menu is equally succinct - around half a dozen options in each of their liquid categories, and a few cheese and charcuterie-based plates to help seal the deal - but each is perfection. Its leisurely day-to-night opening hours make it a perfect place to pop in for a morning brew, an Italian aperitivo or a classy nightcap, and it's an always impressive date spot. 

Time Out tip: In a rush? Their quartet of negronis are available by the bottle to takeaway from the shop, and they also run a full online cocktail delivery service at Untitled Drinks.

Address: 7 Old Compton St, Soho, W1D 5JE.

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 10am-11.30pm, Fri-Sat 10am-1am, Sun 11am-10.30pm.

What is it? A gothic, grungey basement bar where - unsurprisingly - garlic is king.

Why we love it: If you’re looking for a menu that will help you to fend off vampires and prospective partners alike, then look no further than Garlic & Shots. Upstairs, their sit-down restaurant features an extensive menu with the pongy bulb in every dish. Downstairs, their gothic den serves 101 different flavours of vodka, six of which also contain garlic. Full of skeleton figures, melted candles, and a crypt-like side room should you wish to conduct a seance during your night out, it’s a venue with a character as strong as your breath will be when you leave.

Time Out tip: Don’t go without trying their house special Blood Shot: a heavily garlic-laced vodka and tomato shooter that’s like a tiny, pungent Bloody Mary.

Address: 14 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4RD.

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5pm- 12am; Fri-Sat 2pm-1am, Sun 5-11.30pm.

What is it? A worthy foray into the bar world from Indian-inspired mini chain Kricket.

Why we love it: With four eateries dotted around the capital, Kricket gleefully branched into booze with Soma. It has a tasty 3am licence (which makes sense seeing as it’s named after the Hindu god of the moon), and also an epic, nine metre-long hand-finished stainless steel bar – perfect for either draping yourself over or getting your all important 2.55am last orders in. Drinks are inspired by the Indian subcontinent and neighbouring countries, meaning a cocktail menu that’s more than basic martinis and margs. Instead there are fun twists on the classics, including a gooseberry chaat margarita, a chana masala mai tai, and a rum-spiked pineapple lassi.

Time Out tip: With space for just 23 people, snap up one of their limited advance bookings and avoid the inevitable queues.

Address: 14 Denman Street, Soho, W1D 7HJ.

Opening hours: Mon-Tue 6pm-1am, Wed-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat 6pm-3am, Sun 5-10.30pm.

What is it? A history-steeped Soho bar, given a new life with old-school prices.

Why we love it: The original Colony Room Club opened in 1948 at 41 Dean Street and became a bohemian and LGBTQ+ enclave, attracting the likes of Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst before closing for good in 2008. The new take on the basement bar opened at the end of 2023 and features hundreds of original and recreated artworks, including a portrait of famed Soho dandy Sebastian Horsley by Maggi Hambling, and of Francis Bacon by Michael Clarke. As per their previous rules, no phones are allowed, and in equally before-times fashion, drinks have been kept at 2008 prices “in the hope that more stories of equal note will be created”. Debauchery at the Colony, then, is firmly encouraged.

Time Out tip: A single gin and tonic is a mere £4; a double, £6. Need we say more.

Address: 4 Heddon Street, Mayfair, W1B 4BS.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 3-11pm.

What is it? Smoking den (no smoking though, obviously) meets hipster hangout at this Chinatown gem.

Why we love it: OK yes, situated behind a jade-coloured door on Gerrard Street, close to Chinatown’s main gate, Opium isn’t quite in Soho but it’s most certainly worth the short hop over the border. With Chinese vases and burning incense mixed with deep funky beats and retro armchairs straight from granny’s sitting room, it’s all very shabby chic and theatrical - but that’s nothing compared to the drinks. Try their signature Opium Cocktail No.1, which comes poured into a crimson dry ice-based vessel at the table for maximum effect, and snack away on steamed dumplings and bbq pork buns until the wee small hours: gloriously, their kitchen is open until 2am on weekends.

Time Out tip: For an early evening tipple, head down for Aperitivo hour between 5pm and 7pm, where drinks are £7.

Address: 15-16 Gerrard Street, Chinatown, W1D 6JE.

Opening hours: Mon-Tue 5pm-1am, Wed-Thu 5pm-2am, Fri-Sat 5pm-3am, Sun 5pm-midnight.

What is it? A cocktail bar, dim sum restaurant and recording studio, named after David Bowie.

Why we love it: During his period as The Thin White Duke, David Bowie famously lived off a diet of milk, cocaine and red peppers. Thankfully, at this namesake bar, the menu is substantially more extensive, with a cocktail list inspired by dates on Bowie's 1976 and ‘78 Isolar Tour, meaning you can order a Berlin - May 16th (gin, Cynar and Underberg) or a Glasgow - June 19th (mezcal, scotch and Punt e Mes). Mai Dim Sum are on culinary duties, serving up classics as well as more experimental dumpling fillings, like duck and butternut squash. And, if you fancy yourself as a successor to the man himself, TTWD also has an in-house recording studio for hire.

Time Out tip: Their cocktail list is currently on Volume III and is periodically given a revamp, so keep your eyes peeled for the next era.

Address: 22B Great Windmill Street, Soho, W1D 7LD.

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 5-11.30pm, Thu 4-11.30pm, Fri 4pm-12.30am, Sat 1pm-12.30am, Sun 1-10.30pm.

What is it? A sharply turned-out wine lounge above The Blue Posts.

Why we love it: Head upstairs at The Blue Posts on Rupert Street, a revamped pub from the The Palomar and The Barbary restaurant team, and find this gorgeous spot for cosseted drinking. The drinks list is seriously on trend, with a raft of natural, bio-dynamic wines, which start at around £9 a glass or £40 for a bottle. Check out the short sake menu, too. 

Time Out tip: Go down instead of up when you reach The Blue Posts, and you’ll find Evelyn’s Table, a tiny Michelin star tasting menu spot for 12 people. 

Address: First Floor, The Blue Posts, 28 Rupert St, London W1D 6DJ. 

Opening hours: Tue-Wed 5-10.30pm, Thu 5-11pm, Fri 5-11.30pm, Sat 3-11.30pm.  

What is it? A quirky tube-themed cocktail bar.

Why we love it: Cahoots is always hot with tourists. It’s a little confused about which era it’s portraying, but you’re not really looking for historical accuracy – Cahoots sure isn’t taking itself seriously. You’re allotted two hours of drinking time, so book in advance.

Time Out tip: Ask for a seat in the carriage, the best spot in house, and save a trip for when friends visit from out of town. 

Address: 13 Kingly Court, Carnaby, W1B 5PW.

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 5pm-1am, Thu 5pm-2am, Fri 4pm-2am, Sat 1pm-2am, Sun 4pm-midnight.

What is it? A secret whiskey bar that isn’t really a secret, but we like it anyway.

Why we love it: There is a rather splendid touch in the entrance to this basement bar under Milroy’s whisky specialist – you enter via a hidden door in a fake bookcase. The main cocktail list is heavy on experimentation, and the bartenders’ evident expertise might make it worthwhile dipping in there. Soho’s not short of cocktail bars, but Milroy’s has a bright spark in its underground cavern.

Time Out tip: The Vault’s mezcal-topped Old Fashioned is worth its weight in gold.

Address: 3 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 4NX.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 5pm-midnight. 

What is it? A glam but subtly sleazy cocktail boudoir.

Why we love it: Book a table here for date night and things are sure to smoulder (request a space in one of the plush pink booths for extra blushes). The basement bar has a slightly convoluted cocktail menu - currently inspired by the word oxymoron - but stick with classic martinis to feel classy as hell in what is mostly a pretty glamorous setting.

Time Out tip: This is one of Soho’s true late night spots, open until 3am on weekends. Use this info wisely. 

Address: 4 Kingly Court, Carnaby, W1F 9RS.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-3am, Sat 4pm-3am, Sun 4pm-1am.