Soho is the vibrant, bohemian heart of London. Famed for its music, arts and LGBTQ+ culture. Once pulsing with neon lights and a notorious nightlife, Soho's past was as colourful as it was provocative. If its streets could talk, even the boldest among us might blush. But we're not here to talk about revue bars, we're here to talk about cocktail bars.
Make sure you buy your London Cocktail Week wristband because I'm going to talk about four very different bars you should visit during London Cocktail Week in Soho.
BAR AMERICÁIN
Let’s start classy.
Bar Américain is an elegant cocktail bar located beneath Brasserie Zédel, just moments from Piccadilly Circus. The bar is famous for its authentic Art Deco interiors, which feature rosewood tables and vibrant murals inspired by Josephine Baker, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of 1920s Paris or New York.
The bar specialises in both classic and house cocktails. While the cocktail list is concise, it offers a selection that includes signature creations as well as traditional favourites.
🍸 What to try during London Cocktail Week:
L’ÉCLAT - £9
Monkey 47 Gin, orange spiced cordial, cacao nibs, passionfruit, lime and vegan yoghurt.
L’ÉCLAT SEC - £6 (NON-ALC)
Tanqueray 0%, cacao nibs, Everleaf Forest, fresh passionfruit, orange spiced cordial and lime juice.
Bar Américain - 20 Sherwood Street, London, W1F 7ED
Website
https://www.brasseriezedel.com/bar-americain
EL CAMION
And now for something completely different
El Camión gives a fresh take on traditional Mexican cuisine, offering a range of classic dishes along with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Signature items include tacos al pastor and hearty burritos. The cocktail menu boasts a selection of tequila-based drinks and mezcals, making it an ideal spot for both dinner and nightlife.
The basement bar, The Pink Chihuahua, is a true hidden hotspot. It serves exclusive cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere and attracts a late-night crowd, staying open from Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 3am.
🍸 What to try during London Cocktail Week:
THE GREAT CORNHOLIO - £9
Ocho Reposado Tequila 40, ixta Corn Liqueur & toasted corn syrup.
8 BALL - £9
Ocho Plata Tequila, blackcurrant liqueur, blueberry cordial, lime juice, and Schweppes Pink Soda.
El Camión - 25-27 Brewer Street, London, W1F 0RR
Website
SWIFT SOHO
Soho is home to many theatres that host world-famous shows, and if you're looking for a quick cocktail before curtain-up, there's really only one place to go: Swift. Swift is named both after the bird and the phrase "a swift half," reflecting its speedy service that ensures you'll never miss the opening act.
In a rush? The ground-floor bar is perfect for a fast, expertly crafted drink.
Want to linger longer? Head downstairs to the reservation-only bar, a haven for whisky lovers.
With a collection of over 300 bottles and a whisky menu that spans 68 pages, it's also the ultimate spot for a dram, or two.
🍸 What to try during London Cocktail Week:
ST MARTINS MARTINI - £9
Grey Goose Vodka, peach vermouth and aquavit.
TOSCA - £6 (NON-ALC)
Martini Vibrante, sandalwood and sparkling darjeeling tea
SGROPPINO ROYALE - £12
St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lemon sorbet and Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Champagne.
Swift Soho - 12 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4TQ
Website
OPIUM
No trip to Soho is complete without a visit to Chinatown. Look for a jade door along Gerrard Street, and you'll discover a 1920s Shanghai-themed bar spread across multiple floors. Opium houses three distinct bars: The Apothecary, The Academy, and The Peony, each featuring its own cocktail menu and unique character.
Open daily from 5pm until late, the venue offers more than just drinks; its dim sum menu makes it as much a dining spot as a drinking destination. Equal parts speakeasy and supper club, Opium truly is an all-rounder.
🍸 What to try during London Cocktail Week:
SILKY ROSE PALOMA - £9
Ocho Plata Tequila, bitter honey aperitif, Supasawa, simple syrup and Three Cents Pink Grapefruit Soda.
OPIUM - 15-16 Gerrard Street, London, W1D 6JE
Website
There's no better time to explore Soho's cocktail culture than during London Cocktail Week.
This post was written by Rob Ellison, co-founder of drinks magazine TONIC.
