SOMA

Soma is a mysterious intoxicant in Sanskrit poetry, and that same magic shrouds this hip bar on Denman Street. The cocktails are inspired by the diverse flavours found across the Indian subcontinent and beyond. Favourite drinks include a martini-style ‘Mooli’ made with Haku vodka, homemade curry leaf vermouth and garnished with a slice of pickled mooli, and the Old Fashioned-inspired ‘Jaggery’, which is a mix of knob creek bourbon, toasted coconut, mace and jaggery cane.

Basement Sate

Created by two friends who love well-made drinks, decadent desserts and meaningful music, Basement Sate brings an ever-so-chic Parisian vibe to Soho’s Broadwick Street. The bouji bar takes guests on an indulgent journey into the history of the West End, set to the wood panelling and dark leather interiors. Look out for their interactive cocktail masterclasses too, for anyone interesting in getting behind the scenes to learn the tricks of the trade. 

El Camion

El Camion brings a taste of Baja Californian glamour to Soho’s Brewer Street, serving late night tacos, huge burritos and tequila cocktails. It’s famously Soho’s original Mexican cantineria, but this doesn’t stop it being one of the best.  Work your way through mescal cocktails in the fun-loving basement bar ‘The Pink Chihuahua', with good vibes and dancing until the early hours.

The Blue Posts 

Two doors down from the much-loved Palomar, the same team have brought a dramatic revamp to The Blue Posts pub on Rupert Street. The pub is almost 300 years old, and yet the design-focused addition of new leather barstools, dark green walls, and brushed metal fittings works perfectly. Start with cocktails, before moving on to some light bites at Evelyn’s Table, an intimate kitchen counter setting within the bar. 

Hovarda

Pitching itself as an “Aegean-inspired bar and restaurant,” the team at Hovarda transport guests to the sunnier climes of the Greek and Turkish coastline. Regional twists on cocktails incorporate the sweet mastiha liqueur native to Greece, and Turkey’s beloved raki spirit. They’re big on cultural events, too, with Aegean and international DJs playing live most weekends.  

My Place

Equally loved by lifelong Soho-goers and hip young travellers, My Place strikes that rare balance of intimate Old Soho charm and trendy new credentials. It’s essentially a cosy all-day brasserie, drifting from morning coffees and lunches to pre or post-theatre dining and cocktails. Look out for artwork displayed by local makers on the walls, some of which is available to buy and take home. 

Rita's Dining

This place is about so much more than sarnies. A winning cocktail menu takes inspiration from Mexico and North America, with a selection of sodas including Mexican cola, house made lychee cola, and Japanese iced tea. On top of this, interesting beers, low-intervention wines, and Bodega Rita’s famous margaritas also go down a treat.  

Heritage

Bottomless brunch, cheese fondue and free flowing cocktails bring the carefree fun to Soho with this stylish and moody spot on Rupert Street. Heritage takes inspiration from the Alps, but not in a checked tablecloth, reindeer-hide sort of way. Rather, it’s modern mountain vibes, and a banging line-up of creative, experimental cocktails that are perfect for wintery London.