Soho comes alive after dark. While the rest of London winds down, this small area transforms into the city’s nightlife hub. You’ll find everything from old pubs that have been here for decades to new cocktail bars pushing boundaries.
If you’re a local looking for new places or visiting from out of town, this guide covers the best late-night spots if you want to experience real London nightlife.
I’ll cover 13 Soho bars that stay open late, what makes each one worth visiting, and practical tips for getting around safely. From how to get in to where to grab food afterward, you’ll know what to expect.
Top 13 Late Night Bars in Soho
These are the Top 13 late-night bars in Soho, ranked based on their closing time, drink varieties, atmosphere and crowd:
1. Trisha’s (New Evaristo Club)
Opening and Closing Hours | Daily 5:30 PM–1:30 AM |
Music and Entertainment | Occasional live jazz and jukebox sing-alongs. No dance floor, energy builds around intimate tables. |
Drinks & Food | Classic spirits, house pours, bottled beers. No food served. |
Entry | Member required or £10 cover during special events. |
Trisha’s basement bar feels like old Soho with dim lighting and worn furniture. You need a member to get you in, or pay £10 during special events. They play jazz and have a jukebox for sing-alongs. It’s just drinks, no food.
The worn interiors give it that old Soho vibe. The crowd ranges from 25 to 60, including writers, creative types, and curious visitors who discovered this place through word of mouth.
Bookings: +44 20 7437 9536
2. Bar Italia
Opening and Closing Hours | Daily 7:00 AM–4:00 AM |
Music and Entertainment | Italian pop plays while people chat. Entertainment is watching Soho’s diverse crowd mix all night. |
Drinks & Food | Famous espresso, continental beers, Campari sodas, Italian snacks, and pastries. |
Entry | Always walk-in, no cover charge. Gets packed after other places close. |
Open practically all day (7 AM to 4 AM), this Italian café is where everyone ends up after other places close. They serve legendary espresso, continental beers, and Italian snacks.
No cover charge or membership needed. You’ll find students, musicians, tourists, and locals aged 21-50 mixing together. It’s bright, fast-paced, and always buzzing with conversation.
Bookings: Bar Italia
3. The Vault Soho
Opening and Closing Hours | Monday–Saturday 5:00 PM–12:00 AM (Closed Sundays) |
Music and Entertainment | Live jazz and blues on Mondays, ambient music on other nights. Built for conversation, not dancing. |
Drinks & Food | Craft cocktails, especially whisky-based ones. Bar snacks are available, but no full kitchen. |
Entry | Book through OpenTable. Walk-ins possible for small groups, no cover charge. |
Hidden under Milroy’s Whisky Shop, behind a bookcase, is a romantic spot that has soft lighting and feels exclusive. The Vault cocktail bar opens Monday-Saturday, 5 PM to midnight. They specialize in whisky cocktails and have live jazz on Mondays.
The Vault’s history attracts most of the crowd. Book through OpenTable since it’s small. The crowd is couples and spirits enthusiasts aged 23-45 who appreciate the romantic, sophisticated atmosphere and quality drinks.
Bookings: THE VAULT SOHO
4. Bar Lina Soho
Opening and Closing Hours | Daily 5:00 PM–11:30 PM |
Music and Entertainment | Italian music mixed with 80s disco creates a relaxed aperitivo atmosphere. |
Drinks & Food | Negronis and Aperol spritzes with antipasti, cured meats, and cheese boards. |
Entry | Walk-ins welcome, reservations help for groups wanting to share plates. |
Open daily 5-11:30 PM, this Italian aperitivo bar serves Negronis and Aperol spritzes with antipasti and cheese boards. They play Italian music mixed with 80s disco.
The candlelit, velvet booth setting attracts professionals, foodies, and Italian expats aged 21-40 for authentic European drinking culture. Walk-ins welcome, but reservations help for groups.
Bookings: Bar Lina
5. Ain’t Nothin’ But… The Blues Bar
Opening and Closing Hours | Mon-Thu 5:00 PM–1:00 AM, Fri-Sat 5:00 PM–2:00 AM, Sun 1:00 PM–11:30 PM |
Music and Entertainment | Live blues and jazz every night, plus open jam sessions where musicians can join in. |
Drinks & Food | Solid beer and cider selection, classic cocktails, and bar food for longer sessions. |
Entry | Queues on weekends, £10+ cover for main events. |
Live blues and jazz every night in this small, authentic venue. Open Monday-Thursday 5 PM-1 AM, weekends until 2 AM, Sundays 1-11:30 PM. Expect queues and £10+ cover charges on weekends.
They have open jam sessions and serve beer, cider, and bar food. Music lovers, working musicians, and blues regulars aged 21-60 create the community.
Bookings: Ain’t Nothin’ But…
6. Cahoots
Opening and Closing Hours | Mon-Wed 5 PM-1 AM, Thu-Sat 5 PM–2:00 AM, Sunday 4 PM- 12 AM |
Music and Entertainment | 1940s jazz and swing DJs, themed events, weekend dancing in a vintage atmosphere. |
Drinks & Food | “Ration book” cocktails like signature “Cahooch,” British pub classics with wartime theming. |
Entry | Book ahead recommended, cover charges for special events with costumed staff. |
Cahoots is a 1940s-themed speakeasy in a fake tube station that opens from 5 PM until 1 AM from Monday to Wednesday and until 2 AM on Thursday to Saturday. Sundays have different timings from 4 PM to 12 AM.
The staff wear period costumes and serve “ration book” cocktails, and it is one of the best bars in Soho. They play vintage jazz and swing with weekend dancing. Pre-booking is recommended. Young professionals, vintage enthusiasts, and couples aged 21-45 love the immersive time-travel experience and theatrical atmosphere.
Bookings: Cahoots London
7. Experimental Cocktail Club
Opening and Closing Hours | Sun-Mon 6 PM-12 AM, Tue–Wed 6 PM-2PM, Thu–Sat 6 PM-3 PM |
Music and Entertainment | Background music and occasional DJ sets, the focus remains on cocktails and conversation. |
Drinks & Food | Creative cocktails with rare spirits and innovative techniques. Drinks only, no food. |
Entry | Book through website; strict door policy rarely accommodates walk-ins. |
A Parisian-style cocktail bar open 6 PM-2 AM Monday-Wednesday/Sunday, until 3 AM Thursday-Saturday. A £5 cover charge is payable at the door after 11 PM. They serve innovative cocktails using rare spirits across multiple intimate rooms.
Pre-booking is essential as they rarely take walk-ins. The dark wood and vintage décor attract cocktail connoisseurs, creative professionals, and industry workers aged 25-45 who appreciate serious mixology.
Bookings: Experimental Cocktail Club Chinatown | London Cocktail Creativity
8. 100 Wardour Street
Opening and Closing Hours | Tue–Thu 5 PM–1 AM, Fri 4 PM-3 AM, Sat 12 PM- 3 AM (Closed Sun/Mon) |
Music and Entertainment | Live bands and DJs nightly, dance areas, themed party nights with regular entertainment program. |
Drinks & Food | Classic and signature cocktails, premium wines, and champagne. Modern British food and late-night service. |
Entry | Guestlist or reservations advised, smart dress code, £10-20 cover after late hours. |
Two floors of party atmosphere open Tuesday-Saturday between 5 PM and 3 AM. Live bands and DJs perform nightly with dedicated dance areas. They serve cocktails, champagne, and modern British food.
Guestlist recommended with smart dress code and £10-20 cover charges. Fashion industry workers, corporate groups, and West End performers aged 23-40 come for high-energy celebrations.
Bookings: 100 Wardour Street
9. Disrepute
Opening and Closing Hours | Mon-Fri 5 PM–3 AM, Sat 4 PM- 3 AM, Sun 4 PM- 1 AM |
Music and Entertainment | DJ sets and themed events, carefully curated music support an intimate atmosphere. |
Drinks & Food | Premium artisanal cocktails utilizing top-shelf spirits with carefully selected bar snacks. |
Entry | Book ahead for Thu-Sat, smart dress expected, possible door charges on busy nights. |
A mysterious 1960s glamour cocktail den with secluded booths. Open from 5 PM to 3 AM, Monday to Friday, and Saturday until 3 AM. They focus on artisanal cocktails and DJ sets rather than live music.
Pre-booking is essential for weekends with smart dress expectations. Couples, professionals, and style-conscious drinkers aged 25-45 return for the intimate, seductive atmosphere.
Bookings: Disrepute
10. Opium
Opening and Closing Hours | Mon-Tue 5 PM–1 AM, Wed-Thu 5 PM-2 AM, Fri-Sat 5 PM–3 AM, Sun 5 PM-12 AM |
Music and Entertainment | DJ sets and lounge music are designed for conversation and dining rather than dancing. |
Drinks & Food | Award-winning Asian-inspired cocktails with innovative flavors, dim sum platters, and sharing plates. |
Entry | Book ahead for late-night service; walk-ins possible earlier, depending on capacity. |
Asian-inspired cocktails and dim sum in multiple themed rooms with orientalist décor. Open till 1 AM on Monday and Tuesday, from Wednesday to Thursday until 2 AM, and until 3 AM on Friday and Saturday. They play relaxed electro and lounge music.
Pre-booking is recommended for late-night service. Chic professionals, foodies, and tourists aged 25-40 appreciate the exotic atmosphere and innovative menu combinations.
Bookings: Opium Cocktail Bar
11. Jack Solomons Club
Opening and Closing Hours | Wednesday-Friday 4 PM-1 AM, Saturday 12 PM-1 AM, Closes on 11 PM on Wednesday |
Music and Entertainment | DJ sets featuring soul and funk, occasional live acts, and dedicated dance floor space. |
Drinks & Food | Classic cocktails and premium spirits selection with light bites and snacks. |
Entry | Guestlist recommended, walk-ins possible early, weekend door charges apply. |
A converted boxing gym speakeasy with red-leather booths and boxing memorabilia. Open from Wednesday to Friday, 1 PM to 1 AM, and Saturday, 12 PM to 1 AM. DJ sets feature soul and funk with a dedicated dancefloor.
Closed from Sunday to Tuesday. Guestlist is recommended with weekend door charges. Late-night regulars, music fans, and stylish crowds aged 23-45 enjoy the authentic atmosphere.
Bookings: Jack Solomons
12. Jazz After Dark
Opening and Closing Hours | Tuesday–Saturday 4 PM–2/3 AM (Closed Sun/Mon) |
Music and Entertainment | Live jazz and blues nightly, sometimes pop and soul. Built for listening, not dancing. |
Drinks & Food | Cocktails, premium spirits, and table snacks that complement the live music experience. |
Entry | Reservations essential for guaranteed seating, £10-20 cover charge for live entertainment. |
Small, intimate jazz club with nightly live performances. Open from 4 PM until 2 AM on Tuesday to Thursday and till 3 AM on Friday and Saturday. Art-filled walls and candlelit tables create a classic jazz club atmosphere.
Reservations essential with £10-20 cover charges. They serve cocktails and table snacks but focus on the music. Jazz aficionados, couples, and music lovers aged 30+ appreciate the authentic commitment to live entertainment.
Bookings: Jazz After Dark – London
13. Soho Residence
Opening and Closing Hours | Sun-Thu 4 PM, Fri 3 PM, and Sat 2 PM to 3 AM (Closes at 10.30 PM on Sunday) |
Music and Entertainment | DJ sets and weekend dancing, themed parties create a high-energy celebration atmosphere. |
Drinks & Food | Classic and creative cocktails, craft beer selection, bar bites, and pizza. |
Entry | Walk-ins welcome, reservations for large groups, door charges after 10 PM. |
Three floors of party space in Victorian architecture with a botanical terrace. Open all week until 3 AM(except Sunday), Sunday to Thursday from 4 PM, Friday from 3 PM, and Saturday from 2 PM. Resident DJs and weekend dancing with themed parties.
Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are needed for groups, with door charges after 10 PM. Birthday parties, young professionals, and celebration groups aged 21-40 gather in these Instagram-worthy surroundings.
Bookings: Soho Residence
What Makes a Bar “Late Night” in Soho?
In Soho, “late night” means staying open past midnight when top Soho bars have closed. True late-night venues have licenses until 2 AM, 3 AM, or even 6 AM, especially on weekends.
For most Londoners, anything past 1 AM counts as late night. Soho regulars say the real action starts around 2 AM when casual drinkers have gone home. Places like Bar Italia run on different schedules entirely, serving coffee and conversation until 4 AM.
UK licensing laws require special permits to serve alcohol after 11 PM. Westminster Council, which governs Soho, has strict standards because of how dense the area is and how close residents live. About 121 venues currently have late-night licenses in Soho.
Private members’ clubs often stay open the latest, sometimes until 6 AM, under different licensing rules that require membership and extra security.
Insider Tips for a Great Night Out
These are some unwritten rules and timing to navigate Soho’s nightlife like a local:
1. Best Nights to Go Out In Soho
- Friday and Saturday have the most energy and full entertainment, but Thursday offers similar excitement with smaller crowds.
- Wednesday and Thursday often have special DJ sets and themed events that draw industry people. Midweek happy hours usually run 5-7 PM.
2. Getting Into Late Night Bars In Soho
- Most premium places want bookings, especially for groups of four or more.
- Guestlist access often gets you cover charge discounts and guaranteed entry during busy times.
- Dress codes are smart casual throughout Soho. No sportswear or baseball caps unless it’s a themed event.
3. Safety Tips
- Soho’s busy streets, regular police patrols, and CCTV make it relatively safe, but stay aware. Keep belongings secure and don’t flash expensive items.
- Unlicensed cabs and street scammers target drunk people, so plan transport using official ride-sharing apps or Night Tube.
- Avoid street vendors offering club deals; stick to researched venues. Real venues don’t require street payment or pressure immediate decisions.
4. Local Customs In Soho
- Tipping is optional but appreciated, round up bills or add £1-2 per round. Bar staff remember good customers and give better service on return visits.
- Last orders happen 15-30 minutes before closing time. Order quickly when they’re called so you don’t get left out.
- Many places have happy hour until 7 PM or special deals on certain nights. Two-for-one deals help stretch budgets, especially early when you’re exploring multiple venues.
Practical Information For Late Night Bars
Planning your perfect Soho night requires considering practical details that can make or break your experience. Here’s everything you need to know:
Accessibility Considerations
- Modern bars offer wheelchair access via ground-floor entrances and accessible toilets
- Historic buildings may have architectural limitations; call ahead to confirm access
- Staff can prepare suitable seating arrangements with advance notice
- Step-free access is available at several venues
- Group bookings allow requests for specific accessibility arrangements
Transportation After Midnight
- Night Tube runs Friday/Saturday on Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria lines
- Direct access via Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus, and Piccadilly Circus stations
- Extensive night bus networks operate throughout the week
- All buses require contactless payment or Oyster cards
- Licensed taxi ranks are available, but expect 1-3 AM peak demand
- Ride-sharing apps offer faster service with transparent pricing
Late-Night Food Alternatives
- Bar Italia: Italian snacks and espresso until 4 AM
- Balans and VQ: Full restaurant service until early morning
- Chinatown restaurants: Many open until 3-4 AM on weekends
- Street food vendors cluster around major intersections
- Choose busy locations with high turnover for better food safety
Safety Measures and Emergency Information
- Licensed venues feature CCTV, professional security, and capacity controls
- Trained door staff handle conflict de-escalation and emergencies
- Regular police patrols maintain a visible security presence
- Emergency services provide quick response capabilities
- Plan your journey home in advance to avoid impaired decision-making
- Share location with friends and keep phones charged
Conclusion: Soho’s Nightlife Never Disappoints
Soho’s late-night bars offer London’s most diverse after-hours experiences. These 13 venues represent the incredible range available from jazz basements to cutting-edge cocktail labs, romantic hideaways to energetic dance floors.
Each venue has its own personality while contributing to what makes Soho special, and you can experience completely different atmospheres within a few blocks. Don’t just read about these places, experience them.
Start with one that matches your mood, then let Soho guide you to unexpected discoveries.
FAQs
Soho is London’s nightlife center with an incredible variety from historic pubs to modern cocktail lounges, all within walking distance for easy bar-hopping.
Most bars close around midnight, but 121 venues have late licenses until 1-6 AM weekends. Bar Italia operates until 4 AM daily, some clubs until 6 AM.
With heavy foot traffic, extensive CCTV, and regular police patrols, Soho is safe. Stay on main streets, avoid dark alleys, travel in groups, and use official transport.
Soho is London’s cultural melting pot where creative industries meet diverse communities in venues from century-old institutions to cutting-edge innovations within compact, walkable blocks.
The Vault Soho for whisky cocktails, Experimental Cocktail Club for rare spirits, Disrepute for 1960s glamour, and Cahoots for 1940s-themed drinks with theatrical presentation.
I started my career as a chef at The Vault Soho, where I learned the art of creating amazing dishes and paying attention to detail. Over time, I discovered my love for writing and decided to share my knowledge and ideas with a wider audience. I often explore topics like gaming tips and trends in the casino industry. When I’m not writing, I love trying out the latest tech, spending time outdoors, and experiencing different cultures.