Dining

The 5 Best Pubs in Soho

Crooked corners, proper pints and centuries of history: the best pubs in Soho.

In short: our top picks are The French House, The Coach and Horses and The Blue Posts. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.

Soho’s pubs are part of its soul: crooked little rooms with centuries of stories, where writers and rogues have propped up the bar for generations. The best are still gloriously themselves. These are the Soho pubs worth ducking into, for a proper pint and the company.

Place Area Price
The French House Soho ££
The Coach and Horses Soho ££
The Blue Posts Soho ££
The Dog and Duck Soho ££
Argyll Arms Soho ££
  1. Editor’s choice

    The French House

    • Soho
    • ££

    Why we pick itA bohemian Soho legend; no pints, no phones, just stories and a glass of something.

  2. The Coach and Horses

    • Soho
    • ££

    Why we pick itThe raffish old Soho institution of Jeffrey Bernard fame; gloriously, defiantly itself.

  3. The Blue Posts

    • Soho
    • ££

    Why we pick itA handsome corner pub on a Soho crossroads; proper pints and a room worth lingering in.

  4. The Dog and Duck

    • Soho
    • ££

    Why we pick itA jewel-box Victorian pub of tile and mirror; tiny, beautiful and always busy.

  5. Argyll Arms

    • Soho
    • ££

    Why we pick itA grand Victorian pub by Oxford Circus; ornate snugs and a surprising calm off the chaos.

Before you book

Soho pubs get packed and spill onto the pavement by early evening, so go early for a seat or embrace the street. Ask what is on cask. And treat them as the start of a night rather than the whole of it; the best Soho evenings move from pub to bar to table.

Common questions

What are the top picks in this guide?

The French House is our editor's choice: A bohemian Soho legend; no pints, no phones, just stories and a glass of something. The French House, The Coach and Horses and The Blue Posts lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.

How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?

Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.