Soho's pubs cluster on and around Old Compton Street, all walkable from Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road; Vauxhall's late-night venues sit south of the river by Vauxhall station.
Admiral Duncan
Soho, Old Compton Street · 54 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4UD
A small, friendly pub where the crowd is mixed and the music runs to pop classics, with drag and cabaret on many nights. Good for an early drink before the street gets busy.
Soho, Old Compton Street · 51-53 Old Compton Street, London W1D 6HN
A traditional corner pub in the middle of Old Compton Street. The ground floor is busy and sociable, and upstairs is a calmer lounge. A good place to meet people after work.
A three-floor pub with a beer-drinking, blokey crowd and window seats for people-watching. There's a bear night on Thursdays, plus bingo and quiz nights during the week. In summer the crowd spills out onto the street.
West End, Lisle Street (Leicester Square) · 30 Lisle Street, London WC2H 7BA
A big bar on several floors that plays music videos and has one of the area's largest outdoor terraces. The basement club stays open late with DJs and karaoke. Easy to find if you've just arrived in the West End.
A Victorian pub with a horseshoe bar and a small stage, home to cabaret, drag and queer performance for decades. Check the listings and book for weekend shows; Friday and Saturday club nights run late.
A no-frills bar and club with a leather-friendly crowd that welcomes everyone. Its Sunday Horse Meat Disco night has run for years. Late on weekends, closed Monday to Wednesday.
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