A Nightlife Guide to Soho, London

Situated in the heart of Soho, where Wardour Street meets Brewer Street, is the iconic building that hosts The O Bar. Indulge in some delicious cocktails or enjoy a glass of wine in the upstairs lounge area, before heading down to the basement and letting loose on the dance floor at this great spot.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFHC7lkyKZG/?taken-by=obarsoho

If a classy evening enjoying some classic blues in a sophisticated London jazz bar sounds like the perfect night, then Ronnie Scott’s is the place to go. First opened in 1959, the Frith Street club entertains its patrons until 3am, with acts which in the past have included Sarah Vaughn, Miles Davis and Kurt Elling.

Experience the edgy side of London’s nightlife with some cabaret – and a range of other outlandish acts – in The Box, located on Walker’s Court, between Brewer Street and Peter Street. This den of decadence is a stomping ground of the rich and famous, having welcomed celebrities including Kendall Jenner, Cara Delevingne and Rihanna.

Freedom Bar is a location of liberation on Wardour Street, where cocktails and chandeliers meet cabaret and the crowd’s cheers in a venue adorned with magnificent mirrored walls and hundreds of disco balls. Accompanied by stunning visuals and decorated with fresh flowers, Freedom Bar guarantees a great night.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTCKrFahGiq/?taken-by=freedombarsoho

The clue is very much in the name here, so there are no prizes for guessing what kind of nights go on at this fabulously flamboyant bar. Open until 3am every night of the week, G-A-Y can be found in Goslett Yard, just off the Charing Cross Road.

One of the first nightclubs in London, the Bag O’Nails opened its doors in the 1920s and has seen Jimi Hendrix grace its stage, just a year before it became the meeting place of The Beatles’ Paul McCartney and his first wife, Linda. This luxurious venue is a private members’ club, so membership or some good connections are essential.

Themed like a circus and attracting people who are preened with purpose, Cirque le Soir plays host to incredible nights with breathtaking acts that often include audacious fire-eaters and burlesque snake charmers. Brush shoulders with high profile guests who in the past have included Drake, Miley Cyrus and Nicole Scherzinger.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVpmllnBlSj/?taken-by=cirquelesoir

Paying tribute to the city that endured the brutal blitz of the Second World War, Cahoots serves exquisite cocktails in a variety of vessels, including vintage milk bottles, old mugs, hip flasks and tins. Step into a recreated Underground setting and experience 1940s London in this homage to history.

Celebrate in style with champagne and cocktails at this elaborate bar, complete with an open rooftop to gaze across the glory of London. While the rooftop views are impressive, the bar indoors is fairly striking too. This great spot encompasses two restaurants – one Japanese, the other Spanish – so it’s a great place to start the evening before moving on elsewhere for a wild night.