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Best Pubs in Soho: Top Picks for Your Next Bar Crawl

Published on: 25 Nov 2015
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best bars in soho london

Heading to London for a long-awaited night out? If you’re down in the big smoke, the question isn’t if you’ll have a good night, but where to go – or where to start? There are so many cool bars and clubs on offer that you’ll literally be spoiled for choice.

And when it comes to cool London hang outs, there are few better places to be seen than in Soho – and thankfully it’s about as central as you’re going to get in London. Diverse and colourful, it’s also a popular destination for locals and tourists – and with everything from swanky cocktail bars to laidback pubs and clubs on offer, you’ll have no trouble finding somewhere that’s right up your street.

To help you, we’ve picked out our favourite Soho haunts to save you the legwork – or the obligatory pre-night-out Google search. Read on…

1 - French House

A favourite of Soho barflies, the French House serves house lager in halves – and there’s everything from strawberry to pear and plum varieties on offer. But you’ll also find a 30-strong wine list and according to its website ‘a warm welcome to friends and newcomers’. If you fancy a glass of Champagne, you’ll find it here too, and you can get a tasty meal at the bar or upstairs from 4pm Monday to Friday. Head here and you’ll find a mix of people; from writers to royalty, this iconic Soho watering hole is the place to be – and guess what? There’s a no music, no machines and a no television rule too. Great!

2 - Kettner’s

Love all things vintage? You’ll definitely want to check out Kettner’s, which is an absolute retro wonderland for anyone looking for an after work drink or big night out. A great place to dine, it’s known for its ability to put on a great show; there are cabaret shows here and a host of hand-crafted dishes you just won’t be able to get out of your head. If you want to indulge your vintage whims, you’ll definitely want to check this place out – don’t miss it if you’re planning a night out in trendy Soho.

3 - ECC

There’s something quite mysterious about the ECC; it’s behind an unmarked door for one. Head up the stairs, though, and you’ll discover this bar is set over two storeys, in a beautiful townhouse. Once inside you’ll find a stylishly sexy Parisian cocktail bar, offering gorgeous décor and a cool atmosphere. The French owners of ECC run three of Paris’ best bars – so it can’t be bad. And with cocktails at around £10 each, it won’t break the bank either. Watch out for the more expensive vintage drinks, though – these cocktail wizards will set you back about £120. Wowzers!

So(ho) there you have it! If you’re planning to hit London, you’ll definitely want to check out Soho and its many bars as your first port of call. From vintage cocktails to fruity beers and deliciously hand-crafted meals, you’ll find it all in this happening London borough.