Another friendly venue from the popular Irish chain. O’Neills Soho sits comfortably amongst the hustle and bustle of the West End and is a reliable pub promising service with a smile and a fairly priced pint.

The Venue
A few minutes away from the chaos of Oxford Circus, O’Neills Soho takes up the hefty corner of Great Marlborough Street and Carnaby Street with pride, with the likes of Liberty as its neighbours. With classic pub seating surrounding the front of the building, it’s the ideal place to sit and watch the world of frantic shoppers go by whilst catching up after work, or even to drop your bags and grab a bite to eat to prepare for the next bout of shopping.

Stepping away from the busy streets outside, you’ll find an easygoing pub with ample seating and a well-stocked bar. Wooden floors throughout add to the authentic feel and local workers prop themselves up against the long bar or at a tall table in the front area for a wind-down at the end of the day. Past the length of the bar, O’Neills opens up into a large dining area of two levels satisfyingly filled with tables and yet not in a way that’s cramped; booths and dark wood tables spread out under low lighting, which adds a little intimacy, whilst the high roof adds an airy feel. Creamy yellow and brick-red walls display handwritten chunks of the menu and intriguing sayings, and slightly unappealing green patterned wallpaper is reflected in mirrors. With disabled access and plenty of room to sit unlike many other post-work boozers, this pub caters for everyone.

The Atmosphere
O’Neills Soho attracts all sorts of customers from the local media bunch to hungry tourists, groups of friends having a quiet tipple and couples enjoying a light evening meal. While a TV provides entertainment for those at the back of the room, a soft lull of music plays in the background, often with golden oldies that won’t offend even the fussiest of music tastes. The pub can get a little rowdy as one drink turns into a few, but the spacious seating and friendly nature of the staff mean it’s always comfortable. There are enough bartenders to keep the alcohol flowing and a laid-back atmosphere that could keep you settled in your seat for the whole evening.

The Food
Expect plates of traditional pub food with an Irish touch. Choose from meaty mains such as grilled steaks, burgers or ribs all in the region of £8, or for a lighter choice sandwiches start at just £4.50. If good pub grub is your thing, try the 8oz Irish sirloin steak for £9.50, served with a bowl of chips, a grilled tomato, mushroom and a sprinkling of peas for a classic that never grows old. The steak is grilled evenly and to preference, and although less attention is paid to its accompaniments, together they form a good dinner. Although you won’t find anything fanciful on your food to arouse the senses, peppercorn sauce is optional, and relishes and failsafe tomato ketchup are readily available.

This Irish pub has also got the nation’s seaside favourite on its menu - Guinness battered fish and chips. A deliciously generous fillet of battered cod is served atop a huge helping of thick cut chips along with a small pot of creamy yet tangy tartar sauce and a dollop of mushy peas, which seem more of an afterthought than a part of the meal. The beer is unnoticeable in the crispy batter, which may please some and annoy others, but the fish is fluffy and light and complemented well by the sharper effect of the sauce. It’s not the greatest fish and chips but for only £7.45 you can’t go far wrong, especially if you wash it down with a crisp white wine.

For some Irish charm, O’Neills Soho has a menu of signature dishes all at only £4.85, such as the Limerick ham and Irish cheddar quiche, chicken and mushroom crock pot or Irish sausages and colcannon. These hearty meals and the Sunday Roasts are great for when you’re in no hurry, but the best pub food comes in the form of variety. At just £2.75 a pop, you can enjoy a small bite to yourself or mix and match with friends with a selection of four dishes for £9.50; choose from grilled king prawn skewers, potato wedges with bacon and Irish cheddar, nachos with chilli beef and other tasty titbits that go well with a cold pint.

The Drink
As you’d expect from a pub, the wine list is short and sweet but has enough to please. The Australian Long Shadow Chardonnay comes in at just £2.55 a glass and is full and dry, or Jacob’s Creek fans can enjoy a bottle for £9.75 for a fresher, lighter white. A worldly selection of Rose is available from Californian Blossom Hill to Italian Sunset Bay Merlot Rose. For a juicy red, the Penfolds Private Release Shiraz Cabernet at £3.35 a glass is thin with hints of strawberry that gel well with a rich steak.

Guinness, of course, is the beer of the day every day here but they also serve up an international range of cider and beer alternatives, including Magners, Smithwicks, Caffreys, Peroni and Heineken. If it’s a little early in the day for alcohol, soft drinks, tea and coffee start at £1 to quench a thirst. You can even make your coffee Irish with a liqueur coffee for just £2.95.

The Last Word
A sizeable and comfortable pub, O’Neills Soho brings an atmosphere of familiarity and ease to the buzzing streets of the shopping district. With a vast menu and top service, this popular drinking spot is a sound example of what-you-see-is-what-you-get; and what you get is more than good enough.

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