Village Soho
London's iconic multi-level gay bar where vibrant nightlife, exceptional cocktails, and community spirit converge.
Village Soho is one of London's most iconic LGBTQ+ venues, operating since 1991 on Wardour Street in the heart of Soho. This multi-level gay bar features a vibrant dance floor with go-go dancers, a basement club, cocktail lounge, and café bar. Known for its energetic atmosphere, exceptional cocktails, and inclusive community spirit, Village Soho remains a cornerstone of London's queer nightlife scene, offering something for everyone from casual drinks to late-night dancing.
A brief summary to Village Soho
- 81 Wardour St, London, W1D 6QD, GB
- +442074780530
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 4 pm-2 am
- Tuesday 4 pm-2 am
- Wednesday 4 pm-2 am
- Thursday 4 pm-3 am
- Friday 4 pm-3 am
- Saturday 4 pm-3 am
- Sunday 4 pm-2 am
Local tips
- Visit between 4 PM and 9 PM for happy hour discounts on cocktails, making it an affordable entry point to experience the venue before the evening crowd arrives.
- Arrive Thursday through Saturday to experience the go-go dancers performing on the bar and podium—this is when the venue's energy peaks and the entertainment is at its most vibrant.
- Try the signature Porn Star Martini, which has become renowned among cocktail enthusiasts for its quality preparation and distinctive flavour profile.
- Join the Wednesday karaoke nights hosted by Luna Cortez and Martin Petersson for a more participatory entertainment experience and a chance to connect with other patrons.
- Make a reservation on Friday and Saturday nights to secure entry and avoid potential queues, particularly if visiting with a larger group.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Getting There
-
London Underground
Take the Piccadilly Line or Central Line to Tottenham Court Road station, approximately 5–7 minutes walk from Village Soho. Exit onto Oxford Street, head south towards Soho Square, then navigate to Wardour Street. Alternatively, use the Northern Line to Leicester Square station, approximately 8–10 minutes walk via Charing Cross Road and Greek Street. Single fares cost £1.75–£2.80 depending on zones; contactless payment is accepted.
-
Bus
Multiple bus routes serve central Soho, including routes 14, 19, 38, and 159 which stop near Wardour Street or Oxford Street. Journey times vary from 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Single fares cost £1.75 with contactless payment or Oyster card. Buses run 24 hours on many routes, making this a viable option for late-night travel.
-
Taxi or Ride-Share
Black cabs and ride-share services (Uber, Bolt) operate throughout London. From central locations, journey times typically range from 5–20 minutes depending on traffic. Costs vary significantly by time and demand; expect £8–£25 for most central London locations. Late-night surcharges apply after midnight. Ride-share services often have surge pricing on Friday and Saturday nights.
-
Walking
If staying in central London (West End, Covent Garden, Leicester Square area), Village Soho is accessible on foot within 10–20 minutes. Wardour Street is well-lit and pedestrian-friendly, with clear signage. The surrounding streets are busy and safe, particularly in the evening when Soho's nightlife is active.
Village Soho location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Village Soho
A Landmark in London's Queer Legacy
Village Soho stands as one of the most enduring symbols of London's LGBTQ+ community. Opening in 1991, it arrived during a pivotal moment in Soho's queer history, when the neighbourhood was reasserting itself as a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ people after decades of underground culture and police persecution. The venue emerged from a lineage of groundbreaking establishments—from the Cave of the Golden Calf in 1913 to Madame Jojo's in 1968—that had challenged social norms and provided sanctuary for queer Londoners. Today, Village Soho carries forward that legacy of resilience and celebration, having witnessed the evolution of gay nightlife from clandestine gatherings to openly thriving cultural spaces.A Multi-Sensory Experience Across Four Floors
The venue's design reflects its commitment to offering diverse experiences under one roof. The ground floor pulses with energy, featuring a dedicated dance floor where DJs spin chart hits, commercial dance, and pop music, accompanied by go-go dancers performing on the bar and podium Thursday through Saturday. The basement club provides an alternative atmosphere for those seeking a different vibe, while the cocktail lounge and café bar offer spaces for conversation and connection. The al fresco area extends the experience into Wardour Street itself, allowing patrons to enjoy the vibrant street life of Soho. This architectural variety means that whether you're seeking high-energy dancing, intimate conversation, or something in between, Village Soho accommodates all moods and preferences.Cocktails, Entertainment, and Community Connection
Village Soho has earned particular acclaim for its cocktail programme, with the Porn Star Martini becoming a signature drink. The venue's bartenders are recognised for their skill and creativity, crafting drinks ranging from affordable options to premium selections. Entertainment is woven into the weekly fabric: karaoke hosted by Luna Cortez and Martin Petersson on Wednesdays draws crowds eager to perform, while the go-go dancers provide visual spectacle throughout the week. Happy hour runs from 4 PM to 9 PM, offering discounted cocktails that make the venue accessible to a broader audience. This combination of quality hospitality, live entertainment, and social programming has established Village Soho as more than just a bar—it functions as a community gathering space where friendships deepen and memories form.Soho's Queer Heart in the Modern Era
Soho's transformation into London's gay capital was neither inevitable nor swift. The neighbourhood's queer history stretches back to the 1600s, but it was only in the 1980s and 1990s that openly gay venues began to flourish on streets like Old Compton Street and Wardour Street. The 1999 bombing of the Admiral Duncan, a nearby gay pub, became a watershed moment that galvanised the community and cemented Soho's identity as a place of resilience and solidarity. Village Soho emerged during this period of consolidation, becoming one of several venues—including Comptons, the Yard, and Halfway II Heaven—that transformed Soho into a destination for LGBTQ+ nightlife. The venue's longevity through changing social attitudes, economic pressures, and the closure of neighbouring establishments underscores its significance to London's queer culture.A Living, Evolving Space
What distinguishes Village Soho is its ability to remain relevant across generations. The venue continues to adapt its programming and atmosphere to reflect the interests and needs of London's diverse LGBTQ+ community. Its position on Wardour Street places it within walking distance of other cultural landmarks, restaurants, and shops that have made Soho a destination for visitors and locals alike. The venue's commitment to inclusivity—reflected in its diverse DJ roster, varied entertainment offerings, and welcoming door policy—ensures that it serves not only gay men but the broader spectrum of LGBTQ+ people seeking community, celebration, and connection.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Soho
0.3 km
London's pulsating heart of nightlife, cuisine, and cultural reinvention where bohemian heritage meets contemporary glamour.
Swiss Glockenspiel
0.3 km
A 10-metre Swiss timepiece performing mechanical magic in London's West End, where Alpine tradition meets modern precision.
Leicester Square
0.3 km
London's glittering entertainment epicentre where cinema, theatre, and street culture converge in the heart of the West End.
Golden Square
0.3 km
Discover the tranquility of Golden Square, a charming park in the heart of London, perfect for relaxation, picnics, and cultural experiences.
Harry Potter Statue
0.3 km
Where the boy wizard takes flight in London's cinematic heart—a bronze tribute to magic and movie history.
Shaftesbury Ave
0.3 km
Discover London’s vibrant Shaftesbury Avenue, the epicenter of the West End's theatre scene, offering a myriad of shows, dining, and nightlife options.
Mary Poppins Statue
0.3 km
Where cinema's most elegant nanny takes flight in the heart of London's film district.
Mr Bean Statue
0.3 km
Explore the whimsical Mr. Bean Statue in Leicester Square, a must-see landmark that captures the charm and humor of British culture in the heart of London.
Eros (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)
0.3 km
Iconic London landmark honoring Victorian philanthropy with the world’s first aluminium statue, set amidst Piccadilly Circus’s vibrant theatre district.
Piccadilly Circus
0.3 km
Piccadilly Circus pulses with iconic neon lights, historic monuments, and vibrant street life at the heart of London’s West End.
225 Piccadilly Circus
0.3 km
At the luminous heart of London’s West End, 225 Piccadilly Circus dazzles with history, iconic lights, and vibrant urban energy.
#O hello sunshine Public Art Sculpture
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant O Hello Sunshine sculpture in London, a historical landmark that embodies creativity and community spirit amidst the city's artistic landscape.
Piccadilly & Piccadilly Circus
0.3 km
London's dazzling heart: iconic neon lights, legendary Eros statue, and the pulsing epicentre of West End entertainment.
Soho Square Gardens
0.3 km
Explore the calming beauty of Soho Square Gardens, a lush park in the heart of London, perfect for relaxation and socializing.
Soho Square
0.3 km
Historic Georgian square where aristocrats, scientists, and artists shaped London's cultural legacy
Unmissable attractions to see
Duke Of Wellington
0.0 km
Victorian heritage meets Soho nightlife at this Grade II listed pub on iconic Wardour Street.
London Self-Guided Walking Tour
0.0 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the vibrant heart of Soho, London’s cultural melting pot.
Las Vegas Arcade Soho
0.0 km
A lively Soho basement arcade offering classic and rhythm games, pool, and air hockey in a vibrant, social setting.
St Anne's Churchyard
0.1 km
A serene historic garden in Soho, resting on centuries of rich cultural and social heritage beneath its raised grounds.
Sondheim Theatre
0.1 km
Historic West End theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, home to Les Misérables and named for Stephen Sondheim after a stunning 2019 restoration.
Berwick Street Market
0.1 km
Historic Soho market blending fresh produce, global street food, and iconic vinyl culture in the heart of London.
The Admiral Duncan - Soho
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere at The Admiral Duncan, Soho's iconic bar and pub, celebrating inclusivity and entertainment in the heart of London.
Gielgud Theatre
0.1 km
Experience world-class theatre in the intimate, historic Gielgud Theatre nestled in London’s vibrant West End.
The Smallest Gallery in Soho
0.1 km
Discover London’s tiniest gallery on Dean Street, where big ideas shine through a small window, open 24/7 to inspire and engage all who pass by.
Apollo Theatre
0.1 km
Experience intimate West End theatre magic in the historic Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, a Renaissance-style gem with superb views and rich heritage.
Lyric Theatre
0.1 km
London’s oldest surviving theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, blending historic charm with world-class musicals and drama in the heart of the West End.
Self-Guided Audio Tour - London's Soho, Theatreland and Chinatown
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant soul of London’s West End with an immersive self-guided tour through Soho, Theatreland, and Chinatown’s cultural and culinary gems.
The Blue Posts
0.2 km
A historic Soho pub blending classic charm with sleek modernity, offering lively drinks and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of London’s West End.
Nose sculpture
0.2 km
Explore the Nose Sculpture in London, a quirky landmark that embodies creativity and invites playful interaction in the heart of the city.
Ronnie Scott's
0.2 km
Experience world-class live jazz nightly at Ronnie Scott’s, London’s legendary Soho club since 1959, where music history and vibrant atmosphere meet.
Essential places to dine
Blacklock Soho
0.1 km
A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
Gauthier Soho
0.1 km
Innovative vegan French fine dining in a stylish Soho townhouse, blending tradition with plant-based creativity.
Bantof
0.1 km
Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Meet Fresh
0.1 km
Authentic Taiwanese desserts in lively Soho, offering generous portions of mochi, taro balls, and refreshing fruit teas in a bustling urban setting.
Evelyn's Table
0.2 km
Discover Evelyn's Table, a Michelin-starred, intimate dining counter in Soho offering inventive British cuisine with French and Japanese flair.
Hoppers Soho
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and signature hoppers in a lively, intimate Soho setting bursting with authentic flavors and culture.
Mele e Pere
0.2 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors and a rich vermouth selection in the cozy, candlelit basement of Soho’s Mele e Pere.
Quo Vadis
0.2 km
An iconic Soho dining destination blending refined modern British cuisine with elegant historical charm and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
New Loon Fung Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience authentic Cantonese dim sum and classic Chinese dishes in one of Chinatown’s largest, long-standing restaurants on bustling Gerrard Street.
Andrew Edmunds Restaurant
0.2 km
A romantic Soho townhouse serving refined Franco-Mediterranean dishes with an acclaimed wine list in an intimate, candlelit setting.
Kricket Soho
0.2 km
Discover bold, modern Indian small plates in a lively Soho setting with an open kitchen and vibrant basement dining.
Sussex Bar & Restaurant
0.2 km
A vibrant Soho bistro blending Sussex countryside flavors with London’s energy, featuring seasonal British dishes and curated wines.
Inamo
0.2 km
Experience futuristic Asian fusion dining with interactive tables and vibrant sharing plates in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
La Bodega Negra Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience daring Mexican cuisine and vibrant nightlife in Soho’s provocative La Bodega Negra, where edgy ambiance meets inventive flavors.
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
0.3 km
Experience glamorous British & French dining in Soho with iconic booths and a unique ‘Press for Champagne’ button at every table.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
JW Anderson London Soho
0.0 km
Soho's avant-garde flagship: minimalist Shaker-inspired space brimming with gender-fluid luxury fashion, artisanal homewares, and exclusive collaborations.
Machine-A
0.1 km
Small but influential Soho boutique showcasing curated avant‑garde and emerging fashion with gallery‑like presentation.
La Boutik
0.1 km
Soho's chic haven for European designer imports on buzzing Dean Street—unique fashion finds in London's creative epicenter.
Glassworks London - Soho
0.1 km
Discover limited-edition London fashion at Glassworks Soho: quality designs, weekly drops, and timeless style on vibrant Berwick Street.
CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
0.2 km
Discover avant-garde menswear from global designers in Soho's vibrant heart – unique finds for the bold dresser at Closet Case.
Pop Up 38
0.2 km
A compact, curated boutique on Broadwick Street offering rotating seasonal pieces and design-led accessories in the heart of Soho.
Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
0.2 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Glorious London Gift & Souvenir, a must-visit shopping destination.
Cool Britania
0.3 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories at Cool Britannia, Leicester Square’s premier gift and photography shop.
Berwick St
0.3 km
London's legendary market where 18th-century tradition meets contemporary street food culture and vinyl heritage.
The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
0.3 km
Explore the world’s largest LEGO® Store in Leicester Square, London—two floors of interactive fun, iconic models, and endless creativity.
House of Spells
0.3 km
Step into a world of magic and fandom at House of Spells, London’s enchanting emporium for Harry Potter and fantasy collectibles.
Foyles
0.3 km
London's legendary independent bookshop where literary heritage meets contemporary retail excellence.
Charing Cross Rd
0.3 km
Charing Cross Road: London’s iconic street for book lovers, theatres, and vibrant urban culture in the heart of the West End.
Henry Pordes Books Ltd
0.3 km
London's legendary independent rare bookshop preserving literary treasures on historic Charing Cross Road.
Lillywhites
0.3 km
London's iconic sports megastore at Piccadilly Circus—where athletic excellence meets retail tradition.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Duke of Argyll
0.1 km
Step into the Duke of Argyll for authentic Victorian pub charm, affordable ales, and a warm Soho atmosphere in central London.
The Thin White Duke
0.1 km
Discover Soho’s intimate cocktail bar inspired by David Bowie, blending bespoke drinks, award-winning dim sum, and creative recording studios.
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
0.1 km
Discover a hidden Soho speakeasy blending 1920s Shanghai charm with inventive cocktails and exquisite dim sum in London’s Chinatown.
The Black Book
0.2 km
Soho's clandestine basement wine bar, pouring rare vintages by the glass alongside Mediterranean bites in a former members' club hideout—perfect for late-night indulgence.
Henson's Bar and Social
0.2 km
Soho's oak-panelled cocktail sanctuary: precise classics, inventive signatures, and fireside intimacy amid Frith Street's electric vibe.
Basement Sate
0.2 km
Discover Soho’s chic basement bar where decadent desserts meet expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, stylish setting.
Simmons Bar | Soho
0.2 km
Soho's kitsch cocktail den with epic happy hours, retro karaoke vibes, and two floors of nostalgic nightlife fun.
Thirst Bar Soho
0.3 km
Compact Soho cocktail bar by day, pulsing DJ‑led club by night—cheap cocktails, leather booths and a lively basement scene.
Ku Bar
0.3 km
Soho's legendary gay bar icon: three levels of inclusive vibes, cocktails, and basement beats in Chinatown's electric heart.
The Little Scarlet Door
0.3 km
Step through the scarlet door to a playful Soho loft bar alive with inventive cocktails, secret rooms, and a lively house party vibe.
The Spice Of Life
0.3 km
Historic Soho pub and live music venue blending traditional charm with vibrant nightlife and boutique hotel comforts.
The Nellie Dean
0.3 km
A classic Soho pub blending traditional charm with lively local spirit and renowned for hearty pies and well-kept ales.
Swift Soho
0.3 km
Soho's split-level cocktail gem: aperitivo elegance upstairs, whisky-laced intimacy below, with live jazz and legendary mixes drawing night owls to Old Compton Street.
Bar Termini
0.3 km
An intimate Soho gem blending Italian cocktail artistry with a cozy, elegant atmosphere in London’s vibrant West End.
The Blind Pig at Social Eating House
0.3 km
Soho's hidden speakeasy gem: storybook cocktails and Michelin bites in Prohibition-style elegance.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Sophisticats Soho
0.0 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.0 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
The Box Soho
0.1 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
0.1 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
La Capannina Club
0.2 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
St Moritz Club
0.3 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
The Penthouse London
0.3 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Sunset night club
0.3 km
Dive into Soho's electric nightlife at Sunset Night Club, where thumping beats, craft cocktails, and dawn-chasing energy define unforgettable nights in London's vibrant core.
Luxe Club
0.3 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
Tiger Tiger London
0.3 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.3 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
The Ivy Club
0.4 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Bordello London
0.4 km
Dive into Soho's seductive basement beats at Bordello London, where Wardour Street's nightlife legacy ignites late-night frenzy on weekends.
101 Nightclub London
0.4 km
Soho's raw Saturday night pulse: intimate beats, crowded floors, and unfiltered London club energy on Wardour Street.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.4 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- LGBT Friendly
- Adult Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Group Friendly
