The Soho Theatre has a reputation for bold, contemporary theatre and the biggest names in comedy, but its bar offers good food, sharp cocktails and a lively atmosphere making it an attractive proposition in its own right.

The Venue
Located on Dean Street, the bar is right in the middle of Soho’s buzzing nightlife. Low sofas give the bar a relaxed feel and there is more seating hidden away behind the bar for those wanting a more intimate ambience. Downstairs, the basement bar with low-lighting and felt-topped tables gives the impression of a speakeasy and it can be hired for private parties. The theatre itself offers a varied programme of theatre and comedy, with two shows each evening ensuring that there is plenty on offer should you decide to sample more than the menu; ticket buyers get 10% off food and drink in the bar.

The Atmosphere
The tiled flooring gives the bar a lively clamour, expect it to be busy before and after the shows next door, but there is always plenty of space in the basement bar. As this is an entertainment venue, the atmosphere tends to be friendly and upbeat and the staff are no exception.

The Food
Don’t be fooled by the brief menu; the choice may be limited, but the food is great. Fritto misto (deep fried seafood, asparagus and courgette with aioli, £5.95) is lightly battered, tempura-style, with meaty king prawns and tender squid rings served with skinny fries.

The funghi ripieni (£5.95) is a light-bite of two bruschettas: one topped with mushroom, spinach, goat’s cheese and pine nuts, the other with tomato, garlic and basil. The bread is crisp and the toppings are a rich mix of Mediterranean flavours. With such reasonable prices, you can afford to indulge in a few side-orders. The chorizo and sautéed potatoes complement the bruschettas very nicely and the rocket and parmesan salad has plenty of peppery leaves and a sweet balsamic glaze.

The Drink
Beers on tap are limited to Bittburger and Guinness but there is a selection of bottled beers available as well as Aspalls cider on draught. The house wines are very drinkable with a light and zesty house white.

Cocktails (£6.50) are well-crafted: the Sweet Little Something is nicely balanced with sweet apricot brandy and dark rum; The Strawberry Bite has fresh strawberries muddled with cachaca, coconut syrup and cream to create an alcoholic strawberry milkshake; or if you’re feeling brave then try the Sazerac, with bourbon angostura bitters, Peychaud’s bitters and absinthe. This potent concoction is the perfect fuel for a night of Soho hedonism.

The Last Word
The food is great and the cocktails are excellent in the bar. Add to this top-class theatre and comedy, and its location on the doorstep of Soho’s rich vein of nightlife, and it's clear that the Soho Theatre is one of London’s top entertainment venues.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (2) image gallery (5)