One of the things I love most about London is the city’s pub culture. From contemporary gastropubs to centuries-old taverns, the watering holes are the UK capital’s communal living rooms. I’ve spent time with friends in a lot of the top ones over the years, and now I want to share my guide to the best pubs in Soho with you. This buzzing area in London’s West End has more than its fair share of good spots to eat and drink. Read on for a list of my go-to places. I’ve included an interactive map, too.
Soho Pubs
I’ve been frequenting this part of central London since moving to the city. In doing so I’ve ended up in no shortage of local pubs. They’re some of the best places in Soho, and the good ones are worth a special trip (or ten!).
Whether I’ve come to the area to spend a summer afternoon at an outdoor table, a winter evening holed up in a warren of wood-paneled rooms, or a Sunday tucking into a roast, I’ve always enjoyed spending time in the pubs here. I’ve even played a game of One Giant Chicken in Soho (if you haven’t done it, it’s a lot of fun!).
Which is to say that I’ve come to have a good knowledge of Soho pubs since I moved to London. Today I want to share my discoveries with you.
Whether you’re aiming to eat classic British food or sip traditional English drinks, go to Soho pubs that are steeped in history or ones with international flair, this neighborhood has something for you.
All the pubs on my list are worth a trip in their own right, but you can find several in one shot on my free self-guided Soho walk. It’s an easy way to see the area and stop for food and drink as you go. If you’re more interested in taking a guided tour, this one is perfect.
And if you want to take it slow and have time to give each pub its due, there’s plenty of accommodation in the area. My top pick is Hazlitt’s. This boutique bolthole is in a central location near Soho Square, and it’s one of my favorite quirky hotels in London. You can book a room here.
You can find a variety of other options for places to stay and book one here as well. And if you want to stick to the theme of this blog post, you can check out my guide to the best pubs with rooms in London.
1. The Devonshire
I’ll start my list of the best pubs in Soho with The Devonshire. Located just off Piccadilly Circus on Denman Street, this famous watering hole is known for having the best Guinness in London.
It’s also beloved for serving the best pub food in Soho. That’s partly owing to the fact that one of the owners is Ashley Palmer-Watts, formerly of the Fat Duck in Bray. He’s created a top-notch menu and assembled a great team of chefs.
Another reason I love The Devonshire is its warren of rooms that spans floor after floor of the building. Navigating the labyrinth to get to a table is part of the fun of eating here.
2. The Three Greyhounds
Next on my list of the best Soho pubs is The Three Greyhounds. Situated on the famous Greek Street in the heart of the action, its eye-catching half-timbered facade offers guests an exciting welcome.
Dating back to 1847, The Three Greyhounds was named after dogs who once hunted hares in the area. Today it’s known for having featured in a scene from the movie Bend It Like Beckham and for being the venue where Mike Posner recorded the acoustic rendition of the song “I Took a Pill in Ibiza” for Billboard Magazine.
Inside, this traditional British pub is all dark wood and cask ales. It features an array of wooden tables and chairs and an old-world atmosphere. It’s a fun place to channel your inner pub lover.
3. The Blue Posts
The Blue Posts is another of my favorite pubs in Soho. Right in the middle of Berwick Street, this place is famous for its stunning gingerbread-house facade and characterful interior.
When you step inside, you’ll find yourself leaving the bustle of Soho and entering a classic historic pub. With carpet on the floor and a banquette lining the wall, this place is steeped in tradition.
The Blue Posts is also known for entertainment. On various days of the week, you can enjoy live music, karaoke, and open mic nights.
4. The Spice of Life
The Spice of Life is another of the best pubs in Soho. Located just off Cambridge Circus, this spot is beloved for everything from its craft beers to its small plates and live music. It also does a good breakfast.
The pub not only has one of the most attractive facades of any watering hole in the area, but also a great interior. There’s even an iconic Backstage Cellar Bar that’s famous for hosting events and gigs.
Better yet, you can stay at The Spice of Life. If you want to call this pub home-away-from-home while you’re in the area, book a room here. Each one is individually decorated and they all have loads of character and style.
5. The French House
Next on my list is The French House. Located on Dean Street near Shaftesbury Avenue, this is one of my favorite international pubs in London (another being De Hems, which is right nearby in Chinatown).
As the name implies, this pub has a French angle. It offers 30 champagnes and wines by the glass, and it calls itself a place where “actors, writers, artists, and wits rub shoulders with royalty, bohemians, and the film world.”
Uniquely, The French House also has a “no music, no machines, no television, and no mobile phones” rule. If you’re looking for somewhere quiet where you can have an uninterrupted conversation, this is it.
6. The Lyric
Right on Great Windmill Street, The Lyric is another famous pub in Soho. The oldest independent free house in the area, it’s a Victorian number with loads of charm and character.
When you step inside The Lyric, you’ll find yourself in a world of wood paneling and etched glass. There’s a fireplace, too. It’s a great spot to cozy up in winter or spill outside in summer.
The pub is also known for a wide range of beers from independent breweries, pub food classics like fish and chips and Sunday roasts, and live sports on TV.
7. The Coach & Horses
Next on my list is The Coach & Horses in Soho. With its curved red-and-white facade, this corner spot on Greek Street is famous for once being favorite of journalists.
A Grade II-listed public house, The Coach & Horses dates back to the early 19th century. Former landlord Norman Balon had a reputation for being “London’s rudest landlord,” but today the pub is known for giving regulars and visitors a warm welcome.
The Coach & Horses has been visited by everyone from Private Eye writer Jeffrey Bernard to The Beatles. It’s a great place to come for food and drink if you want to visit a Soho institution.
8. The Clachan
On Kingly Street between Regent Street and Carnaby Street, The Clachan is another of the best Soho pubs. This Victorian number is eye-catching both inside and out. With a whimsical exterior and a carved ceiling, it will have you reaching for your camera throughout your visit.
Built in 1898, the pub still retains original Victorian features like wood carvings and structural ironwork. As soon as you walk in, you’ll notice the central wooden bar. From there your eyes will be drawn to the memorabilia on the walls.
You’ll want to stay for the food and drink. This place serves a range of real ales and classic pub dishes in a great atmosphere. There’s outdoor seating for warm days, too.
9. The Argyll Arms
Right near Oxford Circus, The Argyll Arms is another of the area’s most popular pubs. This Grade II-listed beauty from the 19th century has historic interiors with stunning etched-glass “snob screens”.
The Argyll Arms is a great place to soak up the Victorian scene and enjoy food and drinks. It offers everything from cask ales to craft gins and hearty pub classics.
This place is also one of my favorite Christmas pubs in London. It goes all-out for the festive season with garlands, lights, and special menus.
Map of Pubs in Soho
As promised, I’ve created a map of all the pubs I mentioned on my list. You can see it here. It can help you see where they are in relation to one another so you can find the ones that are convenient to you.
Best Pubs in Soho
I hope you’ve enjoyed this look at my favorite Soho pubs. This area is a fun place to eat and drink in the West End, and I’m sure you’ll love these places as much as I do when you’re in the neighborhood.
There are lots more, too. From the Old Coffee House to the Admiral Duncan, Marquis Of Granby, The Ship, and The Crown and Two Chairmen, Soho has no shortage of watering holes to get excited about. And if you like jazz clubs and blues bars, don’t miss Ronnie Scott’s and Ain’t Nothin’ But.
If you want to see more, I’ve written a lot about pubs in London. You can take a look at my pub itinerary and my guide to the best pubs in London to get started.
Find this post helpful? Buy me a coffee!
New here? Join thousands of others and subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email.
Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support the A Lady in London blog.
Pin it!