Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Soho, London, United Kingdom

The Roxy - Pricier than the metro by lenalouise

lenalouise — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:57:28 +0000

Review by lenalouise

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7255 1098

Website: http://www.theroxy.co.uk

I've only been here on a Friday night and it's very similar to the Metro bar around the corner on Oxford Street. The same kind of music, the same crowd. The Roxy is a bit nicer than the metro but you end up paying for it with the more expensive drinks. I think I paid Â£7 to get in at about 11 o' clock. It's a fun night if you can afford it.I've only been here on a Friday night and it's very similar to the Metro bar around the corner on Oxford Street. The same kind of music, the same crowd. The Roxy is a bit nicer than the metro but you end up paying for it with the more expensive drinks. I think I paid Â£7 to get in at about 11 o' clock. It's a fun night if you can afford it.

Zilli Bar - Gino's back and he's bad (no I mean very good!) by mr_skarratt

mr_skarratt — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:58:59 +0000

Review by mr_skarratt

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7734 5853

Website: http://www.zillialdo.com

Tags: italian, friendly, relaxed

It's tough to find a balance between good food, service, surroundings and cost - but Zilli Bar does a grand job of all. I've eaten here on and off for over 5 years and it's only ever once been less than good one and that's when Gino wasn't at the helm - but he's back now!

You can expect a solid Italian themed menu with some very good daily specials, a good selection of wine, beer and cocktails and an atmosphere that has a fine mix of Italian cafe, French bistro and Soho meeting den. Don't expect a quiet corner or a romantic dinner (go to Andrew Edmunds for that), this is a place you go to enjoy conversation, the company of the table next to you and the old chap at the bar who is a: always there and b: always looking grumpy - he's the only one mind you, looking grumpy that is.

I mentioned Gino wasn't running the gaff for a while, and the place was like a ghost town - he was brought back pretty quickly and a good job too. I love it here, a top all-rounder that hasn't let me down yet.It's tough to find a balance between good food, service, surroundings and cost - but Zilli Bar does a grand job of all. I've eaten here on and off for over 5 years and it's only ever once been less than good one and that's when Gino wasn't at the helm - but he's back now!

You can expect a solid Italian themed menu with some very good daily specials, a good selection of wine, beer and cocktails and an atmosphere that has a fine mix of Italian cafe, French bistro and Soho meeting den. Don't expect a quiet corner or a romantic dinner (go to Andrew Edmunds for that), this is a place you go to enjoy conversation, the company of the table next to you and the old chap at the bar who is a: always there and b: always looking grumpy - he's the only one mind you, looking grumpy that is.

I mentioned Gino wasn't running the gaff for a while, and the place was like a ghost town - he was brought back pretty quickly and a good job too. I love it here, a top all-rounder that hasn't let me down yet.

Thirst - Great cocktails, cold interior by tedford

tedford — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:05:25 +0000

Review by tedford

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 1977

Website: http://www.thirstbar.co.uk

Tags: free to get in, cool, posh

And the quality is just as good if you manage to get there for the happy hour too. It's an odd place upstairs-very cold, grey and sparse, but it's the cocktails that you should come here for. Other places in the area charge the same and do them terribly but this spot is the real deal. I can recommend the Polish Martini-Zubrowka bison vodka, Krupka honey liquer and fresh apple juice-yumAnd the quality is just as good if you manage to get there for the happy hour too. It's an odd place upstairs-very cold, grey and sparse, but it's the cocktails that you should come here for. Other places in the area charge the same and do them terribly but this spot is the real deal. I can recommend the Polish Martini-Zubrowka bison vodka, Krupka honey liquer and fresh apple juice-yum

Waxy's Little Sister - Be careful when handing over money for your drinks by ASMITH

ASMITH — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:25:51 +0000

Review by ASMITH

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7287 8987

Website: http://www.waxyoconnors.co.uk/london/littlesister/index.asp

Tags: food, pub chain, irish

I called in to this pub on my way to a meal. I bought half an carling and a large white wine. I gave the bar maid Â£20:00. She gave me change of Â£10:00. Despite two other patrons who I didn't know supporting me as they had seen me hand over Â£20:00, I couldn't get any help from the bar staff and in the end the manager came out and asked us to leave the pub as we had been barred.
I am not saying you should'nt go to this bar, although it is noisy and expensive.Just pay for drinks with small notes or coins, tell the bar staff how much your are giving them, and check your changeI called in to this pub on my way to a meal. I bought half an carling and a large white wine. I gave the bar maid Â£20:00. She gave me change of Â£10:00. Despite two other patrons who I didn't know supporting me as they had seen me hand over Â£20:00, I couldn't get any help from the bar staff and in the end the manager came out and asked us to leave the pub as we had been barred.
I am not saying you should'nt go to this bar, although it is noisy and expensive.Just pay for drinks with small notes or coins, tell the bar staff how much your are giving them, and check your change

Lab Bar - Good for a drink or two, then it's time to mosy by nip_and_nosh

nip_and_nosh — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:22:43 +0000

Review by nip_and_nosh

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 7820

Website: http://www.lab-townhouse.com/

Tags: trendy, cool, cool & smart

As others have said, the cocktails here are tops. I highly recommend the PORNSTAR... it's a fabulous passion fruity martini with a side shot of champagne.

The place is quite buzzy and trendy as well - so it's a nice stop-off in the night. However, as it can be very very crowded, and there is little space for standing or sitting in the venue, and it's very loud, I think the Lab Bar is good for 1-2 drinks early in the evening before you head off to whatever place you'd like to spend the rest of your night in.

Go for the drinks, see and be seen, then get outta there and go somewhere where you can actually chat or at least move!!As others have said, the cocktails here are tops. I highly recommend the PORNSTAR... it's a fabulous passion fruity martini with a side shot of champagne.

The place is quite buzzy and trendy as well - so it's a nice stop-off in the night. However, as it can be very very crowded, and there is little space for standing or sitting in the venue, and it's very loud, I think the Lab Bar is good for 1-2 drinks early in the evening before you head off to whatever place you'd like to spend the rest of your night in.

Go for the drinks, see and be seen, then get outta there and go somewhere where you can actually chat or at least move!!

Orchid - relaxed bar by beckyx

beckyx — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:23:52 +0000

Review by beckyx

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7297 3200

Website: http://www.orchidlondon.com

Tags: cool, trendy, relaxed

Orchid has a lovely relaxed feel to it, great for a girls night out or socialising. The interior is gorgeous! very sophis, and was defo worth dressing up for! The location is great as we didnt have to walk far in our heels! Would def go back.Orchid has a lovely relaxed feel to it, great for a girls night out or socialising. The interior is gorgeous! very sophis, and was defo worth dressing up for! The location is great as we didnt have to walk far in our heels! Would def go back.

The Escape - Crap! by sarahtron

sarahtron — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:26:58 +0000

Review by sarahtron

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7734 2626

Website: http://www.kudosgroup.com

Tags: traditional english

Took my shoes off to dance and was dragged out the arm by a bouncer who gave me a lot of aggro. Very unimpressed and went home straight after. Terrible night and would definitely not go back!Took my shoes off to dance and was dragged out the arm by a bouncer who gave me a lot of aggro. Very unimpressed and went home straight after. Terrible night and would definitely not go back!

The O Bar - The O Bar Soho W1 - not recommended, sorry! by petrapuskas

petrapuskas — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:40:31 +0000

Review by petrapuskas

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7437 3490

Tags: food, pop, dj

We had drinks in this place a couple of months ago over a 2 weeks period as it was easy to meet with friends living there at the time. It was passable, though very scruffy and dirty but a reasonable place to have a drink with a few mates. The furniture is awful, it was very dirty - it looks like they took the chairs off a rubbish tip - and cocktails dreadful (did they put any alcohol in them?), so I would give it 2 out of 5. I've been to so many places in Soho, most of them are great, but this is distinctly average. The O Bar I would tend to recommend to tourists who don't know any better - not regular Soho dwellers!We had drinks in this place a couple of months ago over a 2 weeks period as it was easy to meet with friends living there at the time. It was passable, though very scruffy and dirty but a reasonable place to have a drink with a few mates. The furniture is awful, it was very dirty - it looks like they took the chairs off a rubbish tip - and cocktails dreadful (did they put any alcohol in them?), so I would give it 2 out of 5. I've been to so many places in Soho, most of them are great, but this is distinctly average. The O Bar I would tend to recommend to tourists who don't know any better - not regular Soho dwellers!

Milk And Honey - The land of Milk and Honey by chrisp

chrisp — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:16:17 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7565 1620

Website: http://www.mlkhny.com/london

Tags: dark, cocktails, jazz

A gorgeous, exclusive and romantic spot that stands head and shoulders above every other drinking spot in this part of town. I'd be the first to admit it's probably not for everyone - it can be expensive, it's very dark (seriously, I had to use a torch to read the drinks menu) and depending on your point of view it sails dangerously close to pretension. But you'd have to have a heart of stone not to be impressed by the cocktails and the levels of service, and how incredible to find a place open until 1am in the center of London that is quiet enough for a normal conversation and doesn't charge Â£20 to get in.

Oh, there is that small matter of the membership of course. But if it's not too busy they won't chuck you out at 11pm, and booking ahead is a tiny price to pay for a reward so sweet.A gorgeous, exclusive and romantic spot that stands head and shoulders above every other drinking spot in this part of town. I'd be the first to admit it's probably not for everyone - it can be expensive, it's very dark (seriously, I had to use a torch to read the drinks menu) and depending on your point of view it sails dangerously close to pretension. But you'd have to have a heart of stone not to be impressed by the cocktails and the levels of service, and how incredible to find a place open until 1am in the center of London that is quiet enough for a normal conversation and doesn't charge Â£20 to get in.

Oh, there is that small matter of the membership of course. But if it's not too busy they won't chuck you out at 11pm, and booking ahead is a tiny price to pay for a reward so sweet.

Lucky Voice Private Karaoke - I wouldn't go back by CristinaA

CristinaA — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:18:43 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7439 3660

Website: http://www.luckyvoice.co.uk

Tags: relaxed, food, bar

The place is great and you'll have a good time except when it's time to go. We got into our room 10 minutes late but there they were bang on time with an attitude to chuck us out. Completely unecessary. It put a downer on the night and made me really angry.

Plus it's an over priced novelty and I'd suggest you spend the money on a machine and do it at home instead.The place is great and you'll have a good time except when it's time to go. We got into our room 10 minutes late but there they were bang on time with an attitude to chuck us out. Completely unecessary. It put a downer on the night and made me really angry.

Plus it's an over priced novelty and I'd suggest you spend the money on a machine and do it at home instead.

Graphic Bar - Unpretentious & friendly by CristinaA

CristinaA — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:14:20 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7287 9241

Website: http://www.graphicbar.co.uk/

Tags: bar, dj, food

I always come here for cocktails after exhibition previews hosted at the Saatchi HQ and find it compliments my evening well. The large round tables accommodate large groups and the music can just be heard above the murmuring of voices.

Thereâ¬"s an unpretentious atmosphere and the staff are polite and friendly.

I always come here for cocktails after exhibition previews hosted at the Saatchi HQ and find it compliments my evening well. The large round tables accommodate large groups and the music can just be heard above the murmuring of voices.

Thereâ¬"s an unpretentious atmosphere and the staff are polite and friendly.

Alphabet Bar - by lightlines

lightlines — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:14:18 +0000

Review by lightlines

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7439 2190

Website: http://www.alphabetbar.com

Tags: food, stylish, friendly

Music a bit too loud, which was unexpected, but DJ played great tunes. Had I come to dance it would've been the perfect place downstairs. Other downside is minimum spend is Â£10 to use a card - forgive us non-cash carrying women!

Great atmosphere though. Would go back.Music a bit too loud, which was unexpected, but DJ played great tunes. Had I come to dance it would've been the perfect place downstairs. Other downside is minimum spend is Â£10 to use a card - forgive us non-cash carrying women!

Great atmosphere though. Would go back.

The Endurance - Duke box heaven by CristinaA

CristinaA — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:13:10 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 2944

Tags: jazz, relaxed, cool

Centrally located in the heart of Soho it's one of many pubs what makes it different from the rest is their quirky interpretation of traditional. Tasteful textured wall paper and stuffed animals ( don't worry the bear isn't real), and for those of you who'd rather make the pub listen to your favourite songs stick a coin in the duke box filled with old classics and new wave beats.

People rush over from work, so come early though you'll be hard pushed to find a seat after 6pm .
Centrally located in the heart of Soho it's one of many pubs what makes it different from the rest is their quirky interpretation of traditional. Tasteful textured wall paper and stuffed animals ( don't worry the bear isn't real), and for those of you who'd rather make the pub listen to your favourite songs stick a coin in the duke box filled with old classics and new wave beats.

People rush over from work, so come early though you'll be hard pushed to find a seat after 6pm .

De Hems - Bitterballen me up! by Siam

Siam — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:04:51 +0000

Review by Siam

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7437 2494

Tags: crowded, friendly, beer

Fantastic dutch pub with fantastic internal beers and the best bitterballen ever! If you've never tried Bitterballen, a dutch snack then you must- although not if you;re a vegetarian!Fantastic dutch pub with fantastic internal beers and the best bitterballen ever! If you've never tried Bitterballen, a dutch snack then you must- although not if you;re a vegetarian!

Village Soho Cafe Bar - niiiice! by peterpan79

peterpan79 — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:58:11 +0000

Review by peterpan79

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7434 2124

Tags: trendy, pop, live music

Hi guys!

I'm so surprised to see that Village is keeping up with the times. It looks really cool now, new decoration, different style of music, nice staff. I was very pleased
and had a lot of fun. Definitly one of soho's better places to hang out and meet new people.Hi guys!

I'm so surprised to see that Village is keeping up with the times. It looks really cool now, new decoration, different style of music, nice staff. I was very pleased
and had a lot of fun. Definitly one of soho's better places to hang out and meet new people.

Comptons Of Soho - Best Gay Bar in Soho by Simplybelieve

Simplybelieve — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:17:21 +0000

Review by Simplybelieve

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7479 7961

Tags: posh, friendly, relaxed

Without doubt the best gay bar in Central London. Large bar downstairs with live DJ and quiet bar upstairs with seats and tables. Upstairs is particularly nice in the Summer with the windows open and cozy in the Winter.
Good mix of men and bar staff are friendly. Great drinks promotion on a Monday from 19.00-23.00 ALL drinks are Â£1.50!! Can be packed out on a Monday night and at weekends which gives it a great atmosphere. This is the bar every other bar in Soho wishes it owned!Without doubt the best gay bar in Central London. Large bar downstairs with live DJ and quiet bar upstairs with seats and tables. Upstairs is particularly nice in the Summer with the windows open and cozy in the Winter.
Good mix of men and bar staff are friendly. Great drinks promotion on a Monday from 19.00-23.00 ALL drinks are Â£1.50!! Can be packed out on a Monday night and at weekends which gives it a great atmosphere. This is the bar every other bar in Soho wishes it owned!

Admiral Duncan - ADMIRAL by Simplybelieve

Simplybelieve — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:07:30 +0000

Review by Simplybelieve

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 5300

Tags: friendly, live music, relaxed

Not a bad bar sadly more famous as the bar that a lunatic blew up killing and maiming people some years ago. Beautiful central light pays tribute.

The Dun is a strange place and probably the friendliest gay bar in Compton Street. Good jukebox, mixed crowd but somehow the place never really comes "alive" for me. Still if you are on your own or with a mixed group of friends you could do worse. Bar staff are very friendly and prices not too bad!Not a bad bar sadly more famous as the bar that a lunatic blew up killing and maiming people some years ago. Beautiful central light pays tribute.

The Dun is a strange place and probably the friendliest gay bar in Compton Street. Good jukebox, mixed crowd but somehow the place never really comes "alive" for me. Still if you are on your own or with a mixed group of friends you could do worse. Bar staff are very friendly and prices not too bad!

Jrink - by RAZUK2

RAZUK2 — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:16:10 +0000

Review by RAZUK2

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7494 9798

Website: www.jrinksoho.com

Great Fun, Great Crowd!

Was there last Friday and the Music was a good mix and the people were not too showy.

Ideal Location to get drunk without strings in Soho. Good mixed crowd!Great Fun, Great Crowd!

Was there last Friday and the Music was a good mix and the people were not too showy.

Ideal Location to get drunk without strings in Soho. Good mixed crowd!

Freedom Cafe-Bar - Freedom to dance by Jamesarama001

Jamesarama001 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:04:16 +0000

Review by Jamesarama001

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7734 0071

Tags: live music, food, relaxed

Freedom is a great little bar and night club with a great atmosphere. The bar isn't big and therefore can get busy and packed quite quickly. You can book and reserve areas and tables mainly for birthdays and special occasions.

The drinks menu is extensive and the cocktails are always good, especially the mojito! There are bar snacks and foods, although these are only available at certain times.

The main thing going for freedom is the atmosphere and the night club downstairs. The music is mainly funky house but it can sometimes suprise you. However the atmosphere can sometimes get a little pretenious, but this depends on who's out on the night. The only other downside is that the drinks can be a little pricey and that you can only beer in half pints. Apart from that Freedom is worth a go.Freedom is a great little bar and night club with a great atmosphere. The bar isn't big and therefore can get busy and packed quite quickly. You can book and reserve areas and tables mainly for birthdays and special occasions.

The drinks menu is extensive and the cocktails are always good, especially the mojito! There are bar snacks and foods, although these are only available at certain times.

The main thing going for freedom is the atmosphere and the night club downstairs. The music is mainly funky house but it can sometimes suprise you. However the atmosphere can sometimes get a little pretenious, but this depends on who's out on the night. The only other downside is that the drinks can be a little pricey and that you can only beer in half pints. Apart from that Freedom is worth a go.

The Friendly Society - by emmanx

emmanx — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:14:50 +0000

Review by emmanx

Rating: 5.00This is by far my favourite gay bar in London. Tucked away in a basement at the heart of Soho, Friendly Society delivers on all levels - friendly and sociable crowd, wicked retro on shrooms decor and funky music makes this place a fab hangout spot.

It can get a little too busy on weekends which isn't always a downside, but it can go from buzzing to migrane. Also, be warned that no matter what day of the week it is, Friendly Society shuts down at 11 sharp, probably due to some council restrictions.This is by far my favourite gay bar in London. Tucked away in a basement at the heart of Soho, Friendly Society delivers on all levels - friendly and sociable crowd, wicked retro on shrooms decor and funky music makes this place a fab hangout spot.

It can get a little too busy on weekends which isn't always a downside, but it can go from buzzing to migrane. Also, be warned that no matter what day of the week it is, Friendly Society shuts down at 11 sharp, probably due to some council restrictions.