25 Best Soho Bars for a Night Out 2024

Written by
Olly Keell
August 26, 2024

0

min read

What’s not to love about Soho’s bar scene? Whether you’re into dimly-lit cocktail bars with jazz playing in the background or vibrant dance floors that keep you moving till dawn, Soho’s got it all.

We’ve rounded up the best spots for you to choose from. So, let’s dive in and discover the hottest bars Soho has to offer.

1. Sparrow Italia

£££
European, Italian
⭐️
4.6/5

Sparrow Italia boasts a sophisticated drinks menu that complements its delicious Italian cuisine. With adventurous mixology engrained in traditional Italian flavours, this bar is one of the finest places to visit in Soho. Expect to find perfectly balanced concoctions of premium Italian spirits and fresh flavours. From aperitivo-style drinks to crafted cocktails, such as the Sardinia with nitrogen infused honeydew pisco, there’s something for every palate.

2. Hakkasan Hanway Place

£££
Asian, Chinese
⭐️
4.3/5

Hakkasan Hanway Place is the London hotspot where modern Cantonese cuisine meets world-class mixology. The moment you walk in, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of pure luxury and sophistication. Sip on the finest sake, Japanese whiskies, and expertly crafted cocktails while you indulge in show-stopping dishes like Peking duck with caviar pancakes and an irresistible array of dim sum. It’s where elegance meets exceptional taste, making it a must-visit for anyone who truly knows how to indulge in style.

3. Bar Jackie

£
European, Italian
⭐️

Bar Jackie is one of the best bars in Soho for a more casual and relaxed atmosphere. With its stylish decor, inviting terrace, and all-day dining menu, it's the perfect spot for drinks with a leisurely brunch, or a light dinner to accompany your cocktails.

The cocktail menu is divine, spotlighting Italian classics like Negronis and Aperol Spritz that perfectly complement the sparkling chandeliers. And let’s not forget the food—think delightful Italian-inspired dishes, from crispy arancini to hearty pinsa romana.It’s the perfect spot to unwind and bask in a touch of elegance.

4. Flute

£££
Australian/European
⭐️
4.3/5

Perched atop Broadwick Street, Flute is a rooftop oasis that seamlessly blends indoor opulence with outdoor escape. Inspired by the area's flute-making history, the bar boasts a striking interior adorned with animal prints, cork walls, and mirrored ceilings.

Paying homage to Soho’s vibrant history, the cocktail menu is a cinematic journey through the district’s iconic films.   From The Dark Knight to Last Night in Soho, each cocktail is a nod to the glamour and allure of the silver screen, making every sip a story to remember.

5. Bar Kroketa

£
European, Spanish/Tapas
⭐️
4.3/5

Bar Kroketa is your vibrant slice of Spain right in the heart of Soho. This buzzing bar and restaurant specialises in the art of the croquette, and offers a mouthwatering selection of flavours to choose from.

Bar Kroketa is a sensory fiesta with their bold rum concoctions, masterfully mixed with Spanish ingredients like peach, fig, and nutmeg. These fiery drinks are the perfect match for the menu’s highlight—classic Spanish tapas and small plates that are ideal for sharing. It’s a taste of Spain that’s both lively and irresistible.

6. Chotto Matte

£££
Japanese/Sushi, Peruvian
⭐️
4.3/5

Chotto Matte, just off Old Compton Street in Soho, is a chic bar and restaurant that fuses Japanese and Peruvian cuisines in a truly unique way. With its energetic atmosphere, stylish velvet booths, and open kitchen, it offers a thrilling experience.

The Lima cocktail collection is a journey in itself, exploring new and unexpected flavour combinations  that can only be tasted, not described. These drinks are as much a star of the show as the food. From the moment you step inside, you're immersed in a world of innovative chef techniques. The menu showcases the best of both Japanese and Peruvian culinary worlds, with dishes ranging from the theatrics of the robata grill to the precision of the sushi counter.

7. Oxo Tower Bar

£££
British, Brasserie
⭐️
4.4/5

OXO Tower Bar has been part of the Soho furniture for over two decades.Their expert mixologists have been shaking, stirring, and perfecting classic, limited edition and tiki style cocktails for years. You can enjoy your drink of choice on a garden terrace with stunning panoramic views of the city.

Whether you’re unwinding after work or toasting to something special, OXO Tower Bar is your go-to for a fabulous afternoon tipple. It’s timeless, chic, and always on point.

8. Hovarda

£££
Greek, Turkish
⭐️
3.9/5

Hovarda’s cocktail menu is your ticket to the Aegean Sea. Think of it as a passport to paradise, where Greece meets Turkey and the waters are as stunningly turquoise as your favourite poolside getaway. Picture sipping on a strawberry margarita or a dirty maria, each one a divine mix of Mediterranean spirits and the freshest ingredients, whisking you away to sun-drenched shores. And why stop there? Pair your cocktail with one of their irresistible sharing plates and you’ve got yourself the ultimate Mediterranean escape. Cheers to that!

9. Jurema Terrace

£££
Japanese/Sushi, South American
⭐️
3.8/5

Jurema Terrace is your slice of paradise right in the middle of London. This open-air haven is the perfect escape from the city’s hustle. Surrounded by lush greenery and with a South American flair, it exudes a laid-back, bohemian vibe. On their drinks menu, you’ll find tea, sage, and berry infusions, paired with rums and gins from across the globe. It's like a mini-vacation without leaving the city.

10. Yauatcha

££
Asian, Chinese
⭐️
4.2/5

Yauatcha is your go-to for a Michelin-starred experience that’s all about exceptional cocktails and dim sum. Their drinks menu is a true work of art, mixing classic and modern concoctions with top-notch Asian spirits, plus an impressive array of sake and Chinese wines. Each sip is designed to perfectly match the subtle, exquisite flavours of their dim sum.

11. Arros Qd

£££
European, Spanish/Tapas
⭐️
4.4/5

Arros QD is a bar and restaurant that offers a wide range of both red and white wines, highlighting the diversity of Spanish vineyards. This vibrant restaurant brings a contemporary twist to classic flavours.

With its floor-to-ceiling windows and an open kitchen, it offers a lively, immersive experience. At the core is a wood-fired grill where chefs work their magic on meats, fish, and vegetables. From their signature paella to inventive tapas, Arros QD brings a fresh twist to classic Spanish flavours.

12. Aqua Nueva

£££
European, Spanish/Tapas
⭐️
4.3/5

Nestled in the heart of London, Aqua Nueva offers breathtaking city views from its rooftop bar and terrace. The menu is a celebration of Northern Spanish tapas, featuring highlights like Iberico ham, fresh Catalan cheese, calamari, and crab dishes.

Dive into a bottomless brunch extravaganza at Aqua Nueva, where Saturdays and Bank Holidays become a fiesta of flavour. Enjoy unlimited sangria paired with a main course and a never-ending array of tapas. From savoury bites to sweet glazed churros, it's a feast designed to satisfy every craving.

13. Manzi's

££
British
⭐️
4.3/5

Manzi's is a vibrant Soho hotspot that effortlessly blends seaside charm with contemporary flair. With its mermaid decor and marble counter, it's the perfect place for a fun and sociable time out drinking.

The bar menu is packed with cocktails that take inspiration from the sea with spiced daiquiris and casablancas and wines sourced from an array of global coastal regions, with plenty of sparkling available by the glass. And if you get peckish after sipping on your drinks, you can enjoy the delicious seafood sharing plates on offer.

14. Humble Grape

££
European, French
⭐️
4.6/5

Humble Grape Fleet Street is a staple wine venue at only ten minute’s walk from Soho. This quirky and cosy wine bar and restaurant stores an impressive selection of over 400 sustainable wines, making it a retreat for wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers.

The ever-changing menu features a delicious range of simple yet wholesome dishes that perfectly complement the extensive wine list. Think flat-ironed steak and pan seared hake.

Each month the Humble Grape takes you on a journey to a new wine region in the world where they feature unique sustainable wines and food that make the region special.

15. Thirteen

£
Asian, Japanese/Sushi
⭐️
4.6/5

Thirteen at Chateau Denmark is an eclectic Soho bar that effortlessly combines bold cocktails with Japanese-inspired small plates.

With its baroque and gothic charm, Thirteen offers a unique cabaret atmosphere akin to Moulin Rouge. The food menu is packed with poke bowls and signature uramaki (inside-out sushi rolls). The cocktail menu is a testament to creativity, featuring unique twists on a bloody mary and cosmopolitan.

16. Louie

££££
European, French/Seafood
⭐️
4.3/5

Located in a historic 19th-century townhouse, Louie is a cosy yet sophisticated French restaurant and bar with a New Orleans interior serving international plates, oysters and a raw seafood bar.

It hosts liberated live music performances with Jazz on Tuesdays and Soul on Wednesdays and has a second bar called the Alligator Bar which serves the best Louisiana-influenced signature cocktails like Louisiana’s gold, lazy-afternoon and pineapple-planter.

17. Bob Bob Ricard Soho

££££
European, French
⭐️
4.5/5

Bob Bob Ricard Soho is the epitome of London chic. With its lavish Art Deco interiors and a menu that’s a perfect blend of French and Modern British cuisine, it’s no wonder this place is the talk of the town.

And let’s not forget the legendary "Press for Champagne" button at your table—because who doesn’t love a little luxury at the push of a button? Impeccable service, stylish ambiance, and endless bubbles make Bob Bob Ricard the ultimate Soho hotspot for those who know how to live it up.

18. Beasy Soho

£
American/ Burgers
⭐️
4.6/5

Beasy is one of Soho’s coolest bars, channelling that New York vibe right into the heart of London. Neon lights, graffiti-chic decor, and a menu full of old-school cocktails and gourmet hot dogs make this spot feel like a flashback to the 1980s—in the best way. Perfect for a quick bite or a night out with friends, Beasy’s got that fun, funky atmosphere that’ll keep you coming back.

Top tip from me: you have to try the old-fashioned coffee cocktail—you can thank me later.

19. Blind Spot London

£££
Speakeasy
⭐️
4.5/5

Blind Spot is the ultimate hidden gem, perfectly living up to its name. Tucked away in the chic St Martin’s Lane Hotel, this secretive cocktail bar offers a little escape from London’s hustle and bustle. With its dim lighting, mouth-watering bar snacks, and resident mixologists, Blind Spot is a must-visit for the serious cocktail lover. The cocktail menu is a passport to global adventure, with each drink inspired by a different city, whisking you away to exotic locales with every sip. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Find and make all of your bookings with Ambl

Forget the fuss of planning a night out. Ambl is your go-to app for discovering London's best bars and booking instantly. Whether you're craving a hidden gem or a buzzing hotspot, we've got you covered. 

From classic cocktails to innovative concoctions, let Ambl be your guide to the perfect night. Download now and spend less time searching, more time sipping.

Soho bars FAQs

Is Soho good for drinking?

Soho is a sanctuary for night owls, offering a jam-packed diverse drinking scene. From classic pubs to trendy cocktail bars, hidden speakeasies to lively music venues, there's something for everyone. With its late-night hours and electric atmosphere, Soho promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking a drink.

Are there dress code rules for Soho bars?

The dress code for most bars in Soho is smart. Be sure to ditch those trainers and wear your smart shoes as Soho is one of the more chic parts of London. However, check with the specific venue if in doubt—you can find this information on Ambl.

What time do bars in Soho London close?

Bar closing times in Soho typically range from midnight to 2am.