The Best Bars in Soho

Bar Lina oozes sexy, old-school Hollywood glamour the moment you walk in — think dim lighting, burgundy interiors, and marble counters. Basically the furthest thing from your usual sticky-floored, overly loud joints (sorry Simmons, we are coming for you).

Unlike most cocktail spots with menus that read like novels, Bar Lina keeps it short and sharp — which we loved. It means every drink on there is done really well. The menu is split into Negronis (yes, a whole section), spritzes, signature cocktails, and wines. You know it’s legit when you’re not seeing a Woo Woo or Sex on the Beach listed under “signature.”

Naturally, we had to try something from the Negroni section. We went for the Piccante — made with spicy agave liqueur and orange liqueur — and it delivered the perfect combo of slow burn and sweetness.

And don’t skip the focaccia. It’s soft, salty, and the perfect thing to soak up the drinks so you can keep the cocktails flowing. Bad for your bank account. Great for the vibes.

Have to try: Piccante cocktail (negroni with spicy agave liqueur and orange liqueur)
Perfect for: Formal drinks
Approx price for 2: £30+

With a name like Below Stone Nest, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect – and honestly, that mystery kind of stuck with us walking in. Somehow, they’ve managed to blend a rustic, old-timey vibe with sleek modern touches so effortlessly. Its got candlelit tables, stone walls, and a setting that feels like a very chic, very bougie cave.

We came by on a Tuesday and, unknowingly, stumbled into their live jazz night – turns out they host this every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9pm. Highly recommend going then if you can. It gives full-on speakeasy, old-Hollywood energy, and the musicians were seriously impressive.

We kept it classic with a Tommy’s margarita (because why mess with perfection), and since it turned into drinks and dinner with a show, we had to order a few bites. We got the garlic bread with pizza sauce (because if that’s ever on a menu, it’s happening), and the grilled padron peppers with crispy potato – both solid orders to nibble on while soaking in the vibes.

Have to try: Live jazz night
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £30+

Swift is another dark, sexy, elegant cocktail bar where, conveniently, the brightest thing in the room is the glowing white bar – so at least you’ll never lose it.

If you’re after a more social night, the upstairs bar is ideal. It’s walk-ins only, buzzing, and perfect for chatting to strangers post-dinner. But if you’re planning something a bit more lowkey or special, the downstairs bar is reservations-only and much calmer.

We tried the Draper – a vodka-based cocktail with blueberry, almond, vanilla, sherry, and lemon. Basically an alcoholic muffin, and honestly, unreal. Their cocktail list is huge, with tons of drinks you’ve never heard of (in a good way). A welcome break from yet another pornstar martini.

Have to try: The Laban cocktail (rum, Ancho Reyes, mango, lime, Chuncho Peruvian bitters- spicy and fruity!)
Perfect for: Special Occasions
Approx price for 2:  £35–£45

The Little Scarlet Door has been making its rounds on social media lately — and honestly, for very good reason. The concept and interior totally stand out from your usual cocktail bar. While it’s still got that touch of sophistication, it leans way more into that casual, house-party vibe with lounge-style seating, sofas, and those little soft stools you can’t sit on properly but still somehow love.

Obviously, we had to go for their signature cocktail: The Little Scarlet Door’s House Punch — spiced rum, banana rum, guava and fruit juices. For the amount of alcohol packed in, it tasted scarily smooth. Could’ve fooled us for juice… though the state of us the next day proved otherwise.

They’ve kept that homey vibe with the food too. Think toasties — even better, mini toasties. Perfect if you’re just a bit peckish or want to try everything. We went for the mini truffle cheese steak one and honestly, it was heaven in bite-sized form.

Have to try: Toasties and the house cocktail
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £40–£50

Dram Bar is definitely one of the more casual spots in Soho – they’ve literally got a pool table plonked right in there and honestly, we’re not mad about it. Sometimes those overly sophisticated, uptight bars just don’t hit the same vibe as the more relaxed ones. From how we’re describing it, you’d think it was a shack, but no. If anything is sophisticated here, it’s 100% the bar itself: beautifully stocked and displayed. It’s just the lighting and the overall energy that makes it feel way more laid-back.

They’ve got five different spaces spread across two (and a half?) floors, so don’t underestimate it. There’s an upstairs bar, a downstairs bar, a pool room, an outdoor terrace, and even a private room if you’re feeling fancy or want something more intimate.

Each room has its own unique menu, but don’t worry – they all come packed with exciting options. Food-wise, it’s a smaller selection, but solid. We went for the burrata with basil oil and sourdough and it was the perfect light bite to pair with drinks.

Have to try: Burrata and sourdough with any of the cocktails
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2:  £40–£60

True to its name, The Social gives you exactly what you want  a spacious, laid-back spot that works perfectly whether you’re standing, chatting, and drinking, or settling into one of their comfy seats to do just that. The layout really caters to all moods, whether you’re looking for a lively buzz or a chilled-out hang.

One of the standout features here is their live performances. They regularly host up-and-coming musicians, making it a brilliant place to discover new talent while sipping on your drink and nibbling on some snacks. What’s great is that they don’t just bring in anyone — the artists here are genuinely skilled, so you’re guaranteed quality tunes as your evening soundtrack.

When it comes to drinks, the cocktail menu is solid and well thought out. Honestly, any choice will do the trick, whether you’re after something classic or fancy something a bit more adventurous. The bartenders clearly know their stuff, mixing cocktails that taste as good as they look.

All in all, The Social nails that perfect balance of great atmosphere, quality drinks, and live music – making it a go-to spot whether you’re out with friends or just want to soak up some vibes after work.

Have to try: Mojito
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £30+

This place really stands out as a cocktail bar that brings energy, fun chaos, and good vibes all around. The waiters sing, there’s live music, and you can even join in on sing-alongs. Don’t worry if you’re shy when you walk in – a few drinks in, and you’ll feel like the stage is yours.

It’s super interactive. Just tell your waiter your favourite songs or musicals, and they’ll make the night all about you and what you love. We had to go with Wicked – because honestly, who doesn’t have that soundtrack on repeat since the movie came out? And let me tell you, it definitely “defied” all expectations. The performers are genuinely talented, so you never feel second-hand embarrassment when they’re singing to you.

For drinks, we went for a cocktail from their musical mainstay section called The Judy. It’s Bourbon, lemon, apple juice, cinnamon roll syrup, orange bitters and comes with a cinnamon stick. Basically dessert in a cup. Plus, they do 2-for-1 from 5-7pm on all your classic cocktail favourites, making it a perfect spot for after-work fun.

Have to try: A cocktail off their “Musical Mainstay” list
Perfect for: Special occasions
Approx price for 2: £30+

Bar Americain is seriously giving major gentleman’s club vibes – and we mean that with all the pros and none of the negatives. Think rich mahogany wood, classic chill energy, and a breathtaking bar display that instantly sets the tone for a sophisticated night.

We ordered from their limited edition conceptual cocktail menu called The Golden Age of Hollywood. We went for The Goddess, which had tequila, jasmine liqueur, plum sake, ginger syrup, chipotle chilli and so much more. At first, it seemed like way too many flavours to work, but somehow it was pure magic. Every single ingredient came through perfectly, creating a cocktail that was complex but incredibly smooth.

They also have a Prohibition Menu that really nails that old American vibe, so if you’re into classic cocktails with a twist and a bit of history, this place is a must-visit.

Have to try: One of the ‘conceptual cocktails’
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £30+

Soma is hands down the eeriest bar we’ve ever been to — but also one of the coolest. You really have to experience it to get it. The interiors are near pitch black but lit just enough so you don’t end up banging into walls. It’s giving serious abandoned space shuttle vibes.

The cocktails are Indian-inspired and unlike anything you’ve seen before, which made choosing a challenge. We went for the Pineapple Lassi — a blend of rum, pineapple, yogurt, and cardamom. It was like a tropical hug for your soul, soothing yet spiced, a flavour combo we’d never tried before.

Early in the evening, your ears get treated to a smooth jazz mix, but that’s just the warm-up. Later on, they switch it up with hip hop, and the whole place transforms into a real vibe.

Have to try: Pineapple lassi
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £30+

Trisha’s somehow manages to hit that sweet spot between fun, chaotic, colourful and sophisticated, all at once. There’s neon lighting that sets the mood without being too much, and the overall vibe feels effortlessly cool rather than try-hard.

It’s a jazz bar, so expect to be fully transported. Convos will pause. Not because of the noise, but because you’ll be too busy being completely in it. From smooth and soothing to upbeat and funky, the music covers the full jazz spectrum and we were hooked from the jump.

They’ve got all your classic drinks, and the best part? Nothing about it feels pretentious. It’s just good drinks, good music, and a space that encourages you to let go and enjoy it all.

Have to try: Whiskey with the jazz music
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £30+