A welcoming crowd for both locals and visitors alike, Bar Soho continues to be a lively and popular choice with a party atmosphere and an eclectic range of music being piped through the airy building throughout the day and night.

The Venue
Bar Soho is situated on one of the busiest streets in the West End, just opposite G.A.Y, at the Charring Cross Road end of Old Compton Street.

There's an outside area where a selection of tables nestle on the pavement. These tables are much-coveted spots, particularly if the sun is shining as they're perfect for a spot of people watching on a street that never almost never sleeps.

Overall, the venue is quite dark and feels much more like a club, with high ceilings and huge globular lights hanging down over the bar, illuminating the vast range of spirits available. There are a number of high tables around the door as well as some more lounge-style seating around the edge of the room. The fact that the large patio windows, which adorn the front of the bar, are continuously open, makes it feel much more airy and bigger than it actually is.

The Atmosphere
The bar feels lively as soon as you walk through the doors and the music is loud but not overly so, although this could very much depend on the time you visit. They are, after all, open until 3am on a Friday and Saturday, when the clientele are probably more interested in partying than having a quiet chat. The music is very chart focused, whether current or past.

Bar Soho still attracts the West End media crowd as well as passing tourists hoping to quench their thirst after hitting the shops at nearby Oxford Circus. Of course, being in the heart of Soho, this bar is very much on the gay circuit but is not overly camp, so whatever your preferences, you can guarantee a warm welcome at this bustling and fun establishment.

The Food
This is definitely more of a watering hole than a foodie's paradise; however, if what you're looking for is a few nibbles to line your stomach before a night on the tiles, then Bar Soho comes up trumps. The menu is more varied than most bars and with a recent overhaul of their branding, it’s hard not to pick one up for a browse. The platters include small breaded chicken fillets, potato wedges and mini sausages with whole grain mustard, sliced carrots and rocket (for a much needed addition of greenery). A platter will cost you anything between around £8-£15 and other menu options such as burgers, sandwiches, nachos and pizzas start at around £6. The lunch menu offers a little more variety with classics such as chilli con carne, green Thai chicken curry and sausage and mash making an appearance, with a price bracket of between £5-£13.

The Drink
Unlike some bars and pubs in London, who cash in on the tourist trade, the prices at Bar Soho are reasonable and the options are varied. A decent bottle of wine will set you back between £16 and £30. With a good selection of low-to-mid-price range wines, cocktails, beers and spirits, you're unlikely to walk away from this bar feeling short-changed. If you feel like really splashing the cash, they also have a good range of champagnes to whet your appetite. If however, a pint is more your thing, don’t expect to be able to get a good ale on draft, as this is most definitely a party bar and cocktails are their currency.

The Last Word
With its excellent location, lively atmosphere and drinks that are not going to break the bank, Bar Soho is definitely worth a visit and continues to pull in the crowds.

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