Introduction
Ahh man I don’t even know where to start with my post on fun bars in Soho. There are just sooooo many!
Soho is my number one favourite drinking spot in the London and you are likely to find me there most weekends. It just has everything you could need for a day/night out! Whatever you are into Soho really does have it all! No doubt I will be making many posts about Soho because of its fun vibe, seedy undertone and colourful history.
So let’s start with a few of my favourite and most fun bars in Soho to kick us off.
Simmons Bar
Simmons is fast becoming a popular chain of bars in London and its easy to see why. No wonder its made the list of fun bars in Soho!
Its retro, neon theme is the perfect place to either start or finish your night. With pink mood lighting and funky wallpaper you know you are going to have fun the minute you walk through the door.
It plays a whole host of music but be prepared to flock to the dance floor and dance the night away to chart hits, club classics and a bit of cheese thrown in for good measure!
If you really want to ramp up the fun why not hire out one of the waltzer booths. That’s right, I said waltzer! Straight out of a fun fair these booths are great for getting you in the mood to party!
The drinks choices are varied and affordable for London prices.
It also has some retro games if you’re feeling competitive!
Of course when I come to Simmons I always order the espresso martini (you may have guessed by now this is one of my favourites!) or just as good is the porn star martini. Both have a kick to them and they don’t scrimp on the alcohol so be prepared!
Cahoots
Cahoots has to make the list of fun bars in Soho for its theme alone!
Step back in time in this hidden venue that takes you back to the 40’s.
Set in an abandoned train station Cahoots really is a playground for all things vintage, so if that’s your style you are going to love it!
There are 3 destinations inside Cahoots, the ticket hall, which is (of course) themed like an old train station ticket hall, the control room which is covered in wires, levers, buttons and lights, and the underground – yes you’ve guessed it, it is themed around an underground train!
Cahoots has live music and entertainment regularly.
You can also opt for a ‘squiffy picnic’ which is a picnic laced with alcohol. They even have an escape room called Bootlegger Breakout which is an immersive blend of puzzle-solving and cocktail-making.
Cahoots is great for celebration a special occasion or having a day out with friends! Just make sure you pre-book as it is really popular and gets booked up quickly.
Waxy O’Connors
14-16 Rupert St, London W1D 6DD
This is a regular drinking spot of mine and a great place to come on a Saturday afternoon. So I cant leave this out of the list of fun bars in soho!
It is a big venue and centred in the middle is a giant tree!
It is like a rabbit hole with many different seating areas but even with its size it is still super popular and can be hard to find a table. This says it all about how fun this bar is!
Its an Irish bar that is known for its love of Rugby. You will often find games being shown on the big screens and you will come cross Rugby memorabilia too.
It also have a grungy vibe and plays emo hits and rock classics.
I always drink beer when I am here just because its that kind of bar. Its a proper traditional pub with a difference.
Don’t be surprised if you come out with sticky feet because it can get lively in here and that’s one of the reason I love it and why is on the list of fun bars in Soho.
The Arts theatre Club
Another firm favourite of mine, and is by far one of the best fun bars in soho,this small intimate venue is great when the night is warming up and you’re ready for a dance!
The only way to identify this bar is to look for the red door, here you will be guided down the stairs into a small, yet beautiful venue.
Think red velvet curtains and all the glamour of the theatre but micro style. There isn’t much of a seating area so if you want a base to put your drinks, arrive early!
The cocktails here are amazing! They used to do an apple strudel cocktail that came in a tea pot and this was my favourite but last time I went it was off the menu (please bring it back!) They have a great choice of unique flavors and they put a spin on some classics too!
This is such a fun bar and I always have the best time here. Its just a great place to let your hair down and dance.
I also love it as its not as well know as some of the other bars in Soho, so you get a different clientele which I like.
This really is one of the fun bars in Soho!
Opium Cocktail Bar and Dim Sum Parlour
Another secret bar but this time in China Town.
Again look for the door as that is the only give away to where the bar is located.
Its actually a big venue once you find it! and boasts 3 cocktail bars under one roof!
Opium is a is a 1920’s Shanghai themed Cocktail Bar and Dim Sum Parlour.
you can choose from:
the Academy Bar which has a lounge feel and also a bar tenders table. This a table surrounding a bar where you can watch the mixoligists do their finest work.
The Apothecary Bar. This bar has a more clinical theme with medicine bottles displayed and also a tea parlour
And the Peony Bar. A secret bar located on the 2nd floor behind the red velvet curtain.
Drinks here are great and very inventive. I like to have the cocktails that represent the animal on the year of my birth and comes in a glass to reflect this. It also has the ever popular steaming cocktails too. Easy to see why it’s on the list of fun bars in Soho.
Opium also has a sister bar that I have reviewed in my post Best Bars in Bath if you fancy checking that out too!
Karaoke Box
Ahhh I couldn’t leave out good old Karaoke box now could I!
I always find I end up here somehow.
Its a bar that has private Karaoke rooms for all group sizes.
They do waiter service and bring your drinks to your room meaning you will never miss your chance to perform and be a star for the night among friends.
This place is ALWAYS fun! Even my friends who are not fans of karaoke have managed to get involved. I think this is because of the fact that its private rooms and not the traditional idea of karaoke where you pressured to sing infront of a pub full of people, so after a few drinks everyone gets in the mood,
The staff here have a VERY high tolerance to noise too and put up with a lot. Always friendly and accommodating.
Its normally fairly easy to book but I would book in advance as I don’t think I have ever been lucky enough to just turn up and get a room at the weekend, but if you book an hour or two before you might be ok.
And another bonus….its right opposite the Arts Theatre Club too!
FAQ
Does Soho Have Good Nightlife?
Soho is famous for its nightlife and has some of the best bars and clubs in London. It is also located in the West End which means its a great location for a night out!
Is Soho Good For Drinking?
Soho is one of the best spots in London for both day drinks and evening drinks. It is so versatile and offers something for all tastes! You are guaranteed to find a drinking spot that is right up your street in Soho.
Do You Have To Book Bars In Soho?
A few months ago if you had asked me this question I would have 100% said you need to book due to social distancing but now things have become a lot more relaxed again. That being said, if you are looking to go to a popular bar on a Saturday afternoon it would be wise to pre plan. On the other hand, if you just want to go out and se where you end up, you will be fine without booking.
What Is Soho Known For?
Soho is known for being the fun/quirky part of town.It was once the capitals centre for risqué, red light late night activities and was famous for its adult clubs. It also has a thriving LGBT scene and you will find lots of good bars, clubs and cabarets here. You will still find glimpses of Soho’s sexy side too.
There are so many other funs bars in soho that I could add to the list but some of them are secret drinking spots and I wouldn’t want to ruin their exclusivity. If you do want to know what they are and where they are then do send me a message and I can give you the names privately. I will also be doing many future posts about the nightlife in Soho so stay tuned!
If you liked this post, please check out some of my other posts under My Adventures
I hope you enjoyed this post and it gave you some great places to try out.
Pleas feel free to comment below with any comments, questions or suggestions and I will be sure to get back to you.
Enjoy fabulous Soho! And if you see me around, come say hi!
Emma x