Soho pub and bar guide

Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Soho - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.

De Hems, Soho

picture of De Hems, Soho

Address: 11 Macclesfield Street, London, W1D 5BW [map]
Phone: 0871 917 0007 (ext 745) (Calls cost 10p/min)
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Nearest tube stations: Leicester Square (0.2 miles), Piccadilly Circus (0.2 miles), Covent Garden (0.3 miles)


Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.4 miles), London Waterloo (1.1 miles), London Waterloo East (1.1 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Drunken_Duck - don't know if you'll ever bother to come back to re-read these comments, but I can't let your pseudo beer-snobbery pass without comment. This site is NOT offered solely as a real-ale lover's site and should not be touted or treated as such. I am a CAMRA member of more than 20 years and a minor contributor to printed pub guides and cannot see one reason why I shouldn't visit this marvellous pub to enjoy foreign beers served in the continental way. I defy any real devotee of world beer not to enjoy the Maredsous Blonde on tap or any of the bottled range. Your narrow-mindedness only helps to reinforce the oft-spouted negative views of ale disciples as trainspotter-ish nerds who believe all lagers to be the devil's spawn.
It's your loss...
29 Jul 2008 23:59
It's been absolutely ages since I've been to De Hems, but if memeory serves me correctly they had quite an extensive range of bottled ALES. I'll grant you that there are probably no cask ales on, but surely the point of a pub is to enjoy decent beer, regardless of whether it's top or bottom fermented? I would hope that most real ale lovers (I would count myself as one), are open-minded enough to enjoy a lager if it's been decently brewed and tastes good. Just a thought.
11 Jul 2008 12:53
Visited this pub yesterday Afternoon as part of "THE THEATRELAND" Dick Whittington Beer Trail. What a waste of time! This pub was included as part of a Cask Conditioned Beer Trail, and did not have any!!! Agreed it had a VERY good selection of Lagers from around the world (and Guinness), but for a non LAger drinker like me it was no good. I got my Stamp towards my Tee Shirt by having a Bacardi & Coke. Nice enough Pup and staff and I must say it was very busy and the food looked good, but sorry this is a Real Ale lovers site, so will NOT be going Back, I urge all Real Ale Lovers not to bother. Service was good and with a smile but I am marking Low because of the lack of Real Ale.
11 Jul 2008 12:39

The Angel, Soho

picture of The Angel, Soho

Address: 61, St. Giles High Street, Soho, London, WC2H 8LE [map]
Phone: 020 7240 2876
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Nearest tube stations: Tottenham Court Road (0.2 miles), Covent Garden (0.2 miles), Leicester Square (0.3 miles)


Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.5 miles), Farringdon (1.1 miles), City Thameslink (1.1 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

It has to be in St Giles ! I worked oposite and slightly to the right of the pub in St Giles House and went to the odd lunch time music in St Giles church to the pub's left ! This pub is also in St Giles High St ! Who is lost ? It sure as hell aint chopin or me !!!!!! ps, one of the best boozers in this (pricey) part of town.
20 Jun 2008 13:09
Soho it aint. Neither is it Covent Garden or Holborn, or Bloomsbury or Fitzrovia.
It's St Giles
19 Jun 2008 14:26
Ohsusyq is a fine barmaid and brightens the place. The depressing beer zombie is still there, despite a leave of absence (maybe it was to do with his Scrabble obsession). But Mike the landlord is still the star of the place, bringing his lovely smile and Northern wit and charm to warm the hearts of the punters.

I love The Angel, I just wish that other people didn't know about it. Weekends can be rather busy in the evening.
19 Jun 2008 14:13

The Ship, Soho

picture of The Ship, Soho

Address: 116 Wardour Street, London, W1F 0TT [map]
Phone: 020 7437 8446
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Nearest tube stations: Tottenham Court Road (0.2 miles), Piccadilly Circus (0.3 miles), Oxford Circus (0.3 miles)


Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.6 miles), London Euston (1.2 miles), London Waterloo (1.3 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Excellent pint of Bud (The real stuff not the American fizz). Ordered a burger after seeing other great looking plates of food coming out of the kitchen. It arrived quickly and tasted really good and at £6 was brilliant value. I'll be going back each time I'm in London.
1 Oct 2008 12:19
Comments are spot on. I had London Pride, not bad but I've had better - mind you it was Friday afterwork so take that with a pinch of salt. Place was packed but was still able to get a pint without too much effort. Would like to go back. The Cote, resturant next door was amazing. We needed to eat after many pints and wanted a good meal. This and the Ship is not a bad afterwork combo.
30 Sep 2008 21:42
A Fuller’s pub with the usual range of ales – no guests. Pride was OK. There is a pretty interesting looking bar back, but don’t know how old it is or whether it’s an original feature.

Now a single bar pub, like almost all pubs these days. I remember when there was a small public bar at the front of the pub, where you could have a quiet drink during a Marquee pass-out while the main act and their entourage would be partying in the Saloon Bar. But some of the top names of the time would occasionally opt for the quiet drink in the public bar! Now it’s a fairly ordinary pub – but that’s good for this part of the world and OK for a pint if you happen to find yourself in Wardour St.
22 Sep 2008 19:59

The Pillars of Hercules, Soho

picture of The Pillars of Hercules, Soho

Address: 7, Greek St, London, W1D 4DJ [map]
Phone: 020 7437 1179
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Nearest tube stations: Tottenham Court Road (0.2 miles), Leicester Square (0.3 miles), Covent Garden (0.3 miles)


Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.5 miles), London Waterloo (1.2 miles), London Euston (1.2 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Fantastic little pub, nice atmosphere and friendly bar staff. What is more great selection of real ales (6 of them, always on and in good condition, well done!)Highly recommended.
17 May 2008 22:04
Charming little pub on Greek Street with clean interior and a welcoming atmosphere. Great selection of real ales and tasty food menu.
8 May 2008 11:55
A better visit to the Pillars. 9pm saturday evening, My partner wanted a coffee and we were told the coffee was now finished. After a little persuasion and maybe the thought we would go elsewhere the bartender made a fresh brew. I had a Theakstons which was very nice. They also had Adnams Oyster on which you do not normally seem so we just had to try a pint. Can recommend it if you like your ales dark.
13 Apr 2008 16:44

The Clachan, Soho

picture of The Clachan, Soho

Address: 34, Kingly St, London, W1B 5QH [map]
Phone: 020 7494 0834
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Nearest tube stations: Oxford Circus (0.1 miles), Piccadilly Circus (0.4 miles), Bond Street (0.4 miles)


Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.8 miles), London Marylebone (1.3 miles), London Euston (1.3 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Place was heaving last Friday afterwork, as you could imagine, and not in a good way. Another other day it would have been fine I bet. Got a pint of Bombardier and it was not very good - had much better elsewhere. Was going to go to Argyl Arms but couldn't even get in. Guess I shouldn't be surprised the one place I could get in to get a beer wasn't the best and for a Friday afterwork I shouldn't be surprised. Made our way over to the Ship and it was nicer there and the beer was pretty good too.
30 Sep 2008 21:28
Several real ales on – nothing out of the ordinary though; TT Landlord, Bombardier Pride, OSH and maybe one other. The Landlord was OK.

This is a large corner pub, with a typical Victorian gin palace layout – ornate pillars, high ceiling, tall windows, island bar, and some original mosaic floors. But it looks as if some of the original windows might have been lost over the years. I believe that it was owned by Liberty’s at some stage.

It gets busy with tourists due to its proximity to Oxford Circus and Carnaby Street. In fact it looks as if its main business is as a restaurant for tourists. But it’s a decent enough pub and I would recommend it.
21 Sep 2008 21:21
As mentioned this place has a large real ale and lager selection. The barman was friendly, but my pint of Stella was the first of the day and he hadn’t pulled one through. I was going to get it changed, but he disappeared out the back.

The music was at a nice level and the layout of the pub is very good.

I’m not sure if I would go back if in the area – I certainly wouldn’t go out of my way.
15 Sep 2008 13:44

The Nellie Dean, Soho

picture of The Nellie Dean, Soho

Address: 89 Dean Street, London, W1D 3SU [map]
Phone: 020 7734 2572
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Nearest tube stations: Tottenham Court Road (0.2 miles), Leicester Square (0.4 miles), Oxford Circus (0.4 miles)


Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.6 miles), London Euston (1.2 miles), London St Pancras (1.2 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Average Soho pub with average pint of 6X. Also had GK IPA and Courage. Would not rush back.
3 Jun 2008 22:27
This pub is nothing great but it's not bad either.

Good bar staff, okay selection of beers and a good place to meet up for a couple.

Not a place to spend the whole evening/afternoon but worth having a few beers and trying to get down to the toilet (definitely not for those with vertigo).
9 Apr 2008 22:28
Been here the second time last night

It's a lovely little Soho boozer just off of Oxford Street, so convenient from the hustle and bustle of all the shoppers, yet busy enough to have life in it. Good old fashioned lighting create a mood of tranqulity, and reminds you of what boozers should look like.

Reasonable Wadsworth 6X (neither a great lover or hater) while listening to rock. Amazed that the Ship down the road is considered rock comapred to this place - it had Rainbow (oh dear) and Deep Purple playing when we were in there!

Darts board and pool table upstairs, busy all the time we were there but looked inviting.

All in all, another nice pub to choose after some time with the missus burning a hole in your current account on Oxford Street. Will return soon, and recommend to anyone
25 Jan 2008 13:47

The Three Greyhounds, Soho

picture of The Three Greyhounds, Soho

Address: 25, Greek St, London, W1D 5DD [map]
Phone: 020 7494 0902
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Nearest tube stations: Leicester Square (0.2 miles), Tottenham Court Road (0.2 miles), Covent Garden (0.3 miles)


Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.5 miles), London Waterloo (1.1 miles), London Waterloo East (1.1 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

I've always enjoyed this great little pub. The ale choice is farly uninspiring, but is always good quality. And despite other comments i have always found the staff pretty good. For a West End pub its a good find, especially in summer.
20 Apr 2008 18:43
Good Soho boozer in a great location. Good beers, and very reasonably priced wine (especially considering the location). Small interior, but tables on the street for summer al-fresco drinking and Soho people watching. Staff can be a bit surly, but that's not unusual in this part of town.
30 Jan 2008 21:31
Went on sunday evening , got seats ok , she had wine , I had lager , both ok , no real complants
5 min walk from home so we will prob use it again
31 Dec 2007 14:03

The John Snow, Soho

picture of The John Snow, Soho

Address: 39, Broadwick St, London, W1F 9QP [map]
Phone: 0871 917 0007 (ref 3096) (Calls cost 10p/min)
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Nearest tube stations: Oxford Circus (0.3 miles), Piccadilly Circus (0.3 miles), Tottenham Court Road (0.4 miles)


Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.7 miles), London Euston (1.3 miles), London Waterloo (1.3 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

The pub stands on a famous site. Check out this parliament link for the history.

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=36104&SESSION=891

Fascinating.
19 Jun 2008 11:42
No hand pumps, but this is a well kept, cheap and friendly pub. Good to drop into when heading elsewhere.
17 Jun 2008 14:59
Great place, cheap, friendly, decent grub, nice OTT furnishings upstairs.
23 Feb 2008 17:38

The Blue Posts, Soho

picture of The Blue Posts, Soho

Address: 22, Berwick St, London, W1F 0QA [map]
Phone: 020 7437 5008
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Nearest tube stations: Tottenham Court Road (0.3 miles), Piccadilly Circus (0.3 miles), Oxford Circus (0.3 miles)


Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.6 miles), London Euston (1.2 miles), London Waterloo (1.3 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Oh and by the way, I concur with past comments. The picture shown is the Kingly St. Blue Posts. Not a bad pub but the wrong one. There seem to be at least 3 Blue Posts in the area. Wonder if there's a reason for this or is it just to confuse the postman?
15 May 2008 14:35
Love this pub. Back to the 50's (English frumpy, not American shiny) Grumpy landlord, miserable staff but very efficient and well kept beer. I like the way the sign on the door to the toilets changes each time you visit - 'Private' one day 'Toilet' the next - depending on the mood of the landlord. To pee or not to pee?
15 May 2008 14:26
Er, that photo... I don't think it shows the correct Blue Posts, does it? Isn't this page for the one on the corner of Berwick and Broadwick streets? Anyway, fantastic place. I hope it never changes.
20 Nov 2007 19:34

The Dog and Duck, Soho

picture of The Dog and Duck, Soho

Address: 18, Bateman St, London, W1D 3AJ [map]
Phone: 020 7494 0697
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Nearest tube stations: Tottenham Court Road (0.2 miles), Leicester Square (0.3 miles), Piccadilly Circus (0.3 miles)


Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.5 miles), London Waterloo (1.2 miles), London Euston (1.2 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Turned up 5.45pm Sunday (25/05/08) to find them out of the beers that make the places reputation, just left immedialtily, couldn't even console myself after a bad day at the football. Gonna hope that tyhe review below and my experience was a bad weekend and it will be back to normal soon!!
26 May 2008 08:22
Yesterday (Saturday 24th May) I took friends to see this, one of my favourite pubs in London, only to wish I hadn't because of the lazy slob that was manning the bar.

No smile, no greeting, moving around like we were being done a favour, the barmaid made no effort to make us feel welcome and every effort to make us feel unwelcome.

None of us could believe how obnoxious this individual was being. Though we had ordered drinks, because of her attitude, we cancelled them before she had a chance to start pouring an left.

Could the manager/owners please do something so that no one has to suffer this again!
25 May 2008 11:09
Cracking little Soho pub thats oozing charm and glorious old fashioned bar decor. It is tiny so getting a seat is nigh on impossible, but its worth it for the ale. Al fresco drinking in the summer, if we ever get one,also good for spotting the luvvies, Brendan Gleeson was in on my last visit,mean spirited sod didn't buy me a drink though ! If you are around Soho its a must
30 Apr 2008 17:29

The Tottenham, Soho

picture of The Tottenham, Soho

Address: 6 Oxford Street, London, W1N 9FL [map]
Phone: 0871 917 0007 (ext 146)
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Nearest tube stations: Tottenham Court Road (0 miles), Goodge Street (0.3 miles), Leicester Square (0.4 miles)


Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.7 miles), London Euston (1 mile), London St Pancras (1.1 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Victorian Nicholsons pub. Only 2 beers on out of about 5 pumps, Landlord and Doom Bar. I had a pint of Erdinger. Separate downstairs bar/dining area. Conssidering this is on Oxford Street it's not bad, would have got an extra mark with a full beer range.
25 Jun 2008 14:26
good pint of Fullers London Pride.....excellent meal from their "Pies" menu.....bit crowded in the bar but plenty of space in the downstairs bar and dining room
3 Jun 2008 12:12
Very busy wide selection of guest ales real shortage of seating staff helpfull and easy to talk too
good to catch up with friends before a big nite out
7 May 2008 20:05

The Toucan, Soho

picture of The Toucan, Soho

Address: 19 Carlisle Street, off Soho Square, London, W1V 5RJ [map]
Phone: 020 7437 4123
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Nearest tube stations: Tottenham Court Road (0.1 miles), Leicester Square (0.4 miles), Oxford Circus (0.4 miles)


Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.6 miles), London Euston (1.1 miles), London St Pancras (1.2 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Somewhat mystified by the comment about a French ‘owner’, as it’s still Colin who has direct lineage back to Buzz. Been going for years from first days when the licence situation was chaotic, and it was effectively a secret shebeen hiding under the sandwich shop.

First time for a little while – and downstairs, as ever.

Yes: scruffy and could well do with refreshing.
Yes: the toilets are long overdue for refurbishment.
Yes: it can get a bit touristy.
Yes: it’s no fun when packed.
Yes: mid-afternoon is best.

But it does have an indefinable charm that makes it the obvious, and only, choice as somewhere to hide from the rigours when in north Soho.
19 Jun 2008 09:45
The Toucan is an institution not just a pub so allowances should be made. OBVIOUSLY the Guinness here is good, but good Guinness is no longer a rarity in London.
It's true it can get cosy at peak times, and don't go expecting a bargain either.
The Toucan is a great pleasure though, for a mid afternoon pint and a whisky chaser. Or two. Then move on and let the tourists enjoy their Guinness without you boring them about clean pipes.
15 Mar 2008 16:51
Lovely pub, an oasis in the middle of busy Soho. Good atmosphere and lovely pint of Guinness. Downstairs is a small, broken in amd comfy. Upstairs is as small but worth it for the best Guinness in London.
23 Feb 2008 13:55

The Star and Garter, Soho

picture of The Star and Garter, Soho

Address: 62 Poland Street, London, W1F 7NX [map]
Phone: 020 7437 1208
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Nearest tube stations: Oxford Circus (0.2 miles), Piccadilly Circus (0.3 miles), Tottenham Court Road (0.3 miles)


Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.7 miles), London Euston (1.2 miles), London Waterloo (1.3 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Trying to find out if this place opens on Saturdays but the phone number is dead. Anyone know?
12 Feb 2008 14:30
Following our Exodus from the Comedy and our win over Stoke, watched in here, this will now be the London Blades regular haunt for TV matches.
20 Nov 2007 10:54
Fancy £3.30 for a pint of Fosters? Terrible red wine? Utterly foul-smelling loos? (Think a litter tray that hasn't been cleaned in two weeks and you're nearly there.) Irritatingly persistent beer flies? If you're after any of the above, the Star and Garter is the place for you. I've only given it 4 stars as it's cosy and they play blues music at a reasonable volume.
23 Oct 2007 12:09

The Red Lion, Soho

picture of The Red Lion, Soho

Address: 14, Kingly St, London, W1B 5PP [map]
Phone: 020 7734 4985
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Nearest tube stations: Oxford Circus (0.2 miles), Piccadilly Circus (0.3 miles), Green Park (0.5 miles)


Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.7 miles), London Victoria (1.3 miles), London Euston (1.3 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

This used to be my local ten years ago, and i was stunned to find recently that it no longer sells draught ales, only the nitro variety. For a Sam Smiths pub this is incredible.
20 Apr 2008 18:47
This pub is very cheap... and there's a good reason why. Dark, dingy and the beer is flat and flavourless, plus more than two pints of the Alpine and all but the strongest stomachs will be feeling sick. (Trust me, I know!) If you feel like a quiet game of darts, avoid on a Thursday when it has become inexplicably busy in the evenings, and stick to the traditional lemonades.
16 Feb 2008 18:53
many fond memories of drinking in here with john dryden (not the dead poet). front bar has an open fire, and beer is cheap. back bar much bigger and there's an upstairs dining area, too.

a decent little pub.
20 Dec 2007 17:18

The Admiral Duncan, Soho

picture of The Admiral Duncan, Soho

Address: 54, Old Compton St, London, W1D 4UB [map]
Phone: 020 7437 5300
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Nearest tube stations: Leicester Square (0.2 miles), Piccadilly Circus (0.3 miles), Tottenham Court Road (0.3 miles)


Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.5 miles), London Waterloo (1.1 miles), London Waterloo East (1.2 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Went there on Easter Saturday with my girlfriend. We had a laugh and was made to feel very welcome by the staff. Would I go again? Definite YES!
25 Mar 2008 18:20
had a brill laugh my cousin and i both went there (we are totally straight)but had a good laugh watching men dance together felt very welcome even though we said were straight they still made sure we had a laugh
9 Mar 2008 23:01
Made (in)famous after the 1999 nail bombings been very dull every time i've visited
18 Feb 2008 17:05

More information

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