25 April 2024
25 April 2024
©Disrepute
Disrepute is a members’ bar, with non-member walk-ins subject to availability. This luxurious basement bar is brought to you from the founder of Barrio Bars Group (we also recommend you visit ‘Barrio Soho’–it is an underground Latin bar which is perfect for those wanting to go somewhere to dance). At Disrepute, guests can choose their cocktail based on a selection of short stories… if you’re feeling less adventurous, there is a cheat sheet at the back which lists the ingredients in the cocktails.
©TheVault
You will not see people standing around a bar here as this is a seated ‘table service only’ venue. The establishment is filled with candlelit tables, making it a perfectly cosy venue for a date. Access to the bar is through a secret bookcase at the back of Milroy’s of Soho (London’s oldest whisky specialist). Starting October 2nd, The Vault now offers Monday evening music nights where they focus on partnering the music with brands/drinks that work well together and creating an intimate atmosphere for people to heighten the experience of both.
©PaulTarode/Opium
Located down a narrow doorway in the centre of Chinatown is Opium. Make your way upstairs, (as you transport back to 1920’s Shanghai) where the host will work out the best possible seat for you. Opium is a truly high-end bar, guests can’t spill out and stand around–every space is specifically allocated within the seated bar. The venue is split into three different spaces; on the top floor, one side is a Chinese living room filled with the owner’s old family photos, and the other side has guests sitting around a square bar watching their cocktails being made. The second area is the Apothecary Bar, lined with medicinal bottles and lastly, Peony–a cosy area at the back of the bar.
©AnnabelElston/BlindPig
The Bling Pig, is part of The Social Company (Jason Atherton’s restaurant group) which includes venues such as the Michelin-starred Pollen Street Social and City Social. Most people visit as they are already fans, but also for the cocktail menu inspired by children’s literature. One cocktail, for example, (inspired by A.A.Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh) is the ‘Hunny Pot’, which blends Havana 7 rum, salted butter, brandy, honey and lemon! Advanced booking recommended as the bar is very popular.
©Swift
From the couple who brought us cult faves, Nightjar and Oriole comes–‘Swift', an art-deco inspired venue which sits effortlessly between the local pub and a reservation only bar. Swift is split into two levels; the upper level is perfect for those wanting a quick drink after work or pre-dinner drink. Downstairs, however, is more suited to those wanting to spend an entire evening there as it has a more relaxed vibe, with sofas, table service and a drinks menu inclined towards darker spirits. There is also a live pianist on the lower level at the weekend.
©BlackSheep/AquaSpirit
Aqua spirit incorporates elegant Japanese design set on the fifth floor of the former Dickens and Jones department store. Due to its location (just off Oxford Street) and its beautiful interior, it has become an extremely popular spot for those wanting a late-evening cocktail. However, if you would like to visit post-shopping and escape the busy crowds, please note that the dress code is smart casual, so you won’t be allowed in wearing trainers.
©BasementSate
Cool little basement bar created by two friends who love well-made drinks, decadent desserts and meaningful music in equal parts. This bar has a DJ on weekends and only serves drinks and desserts, making it perfect to visit if you are looking for something sweet after dinner nearby.
Bars also worth visiting in Soho: the members club 'Century' which has a beautiful rooftop, the quirky 1940’s style bar ‘Cahoots’, or the speakeasy ‘Experimental Cocktail Club' located in the heart of Chinatown. Agree or disagree with anything we have said; would like to see more articles like this or suggest a new topic? Please do let us know at info@observelondon.com