Swift Soho: London’s Iconic Two-Level Cocktail Bar
Discover the dual charm of Swift Soho, where elegant aperitivos meet cozy whiskey cocktails in London’s vibrant nightlife heart.
Swift Soho is a celebrated cocktail bar located at 12 Old Compton Street in London’s vibrant Soho district. Known for its stylish art deco setting and expert mixologists, it offers a unique dual experience with a bright, elegant upstairs bar serving aperitivos and a cozy, atmospheric downstairs bar specializing in whiskey and complex cocktails. Open daily from mid-afternoon until midnight, Swift Soho is a hotspot for expertly crafted drinks, live jazz music on weekends, and a welcoming yet sophisticated atmosphere.
A brief summary to Swift Soho
- 12 Old Compton St, London, W1D 4TQ, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 3 pm-12 am
- Tuesday 3 pm-12 am
- Wednesday 3 pm-12 am
- Thursday 3 pm-12 am
- Friday 3 pm-12 am
- Saturday 3 pm-12 am
- Sunday 3 pm-10:30 pm
Local tips
- Book in advance, especially for the downstairs bar, as it is often fully booked and walk-ins can be limited.
- Try the ‘Legends’ cocktail menu downstairs for a unique experience inspired by cultural icons.
- Visit on weekends to enjoy live jazz or ragtime music that complements the intimate downstairs atmosphere.
- Upstairs is ideal for a lighter, casual drink and people-watching, while downstairs offers a richer, immersive experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Swift Soho location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Swift Soho
A Tale of Two Bars in the Heart of Soho
Swift Soho is a distinctive venue split into two contrasting yet complementary spaces. Upstairs is a light-filled, pastel-blue room inspired by European aperitivo bars, featuring marble counters, mirrors, and enamel bartops. This area caters to guests seeking a casual drink with a view of bustling Old Compton Street, perfect for pre-dinner or post-work cocktails. Downstairs, the ambiance shifts dramatically to a dimly lit, rich interior lined with dark wood paneling, deep blues, and cozy leather booths. This intimate setting is ideal for savoring complex, spirit-forward cocktails and enjoying live jazz or ragtime music on weekends.Exceptional Craftsmanship and Inventive Menus
Swift Soho prides itself on its expertly crafted cocktails, blending classic techniques with creative flair. The upstairs menu leans towards lighter, approachable flavors with seasonal rotations and an aperitivo section, while the downstairs menu showcases darker, more complex drinks, including an extensive selection of over 300 whiskies from around the world. A standout feature is the "Legends" menu, which celebrates cultural icons like Hemingway and Nigella Lawson through immersive cocktail experiences that tell stories beyond just flavor.Atmosphere and Service That Feels Like Home
The bar’s atmosphere balances sophistication with warmth, creating a welcoming environment where guests often feel at home. The staff are known for their attentive, knowledgeable service, guiding patrons to drinks that suit their tastes with genuine enthusiasm. The downstairs space, with its relaxed yet vibrant vibe, is especially popular for dates and intimate gatherings, while the upstairs offers a more transient, people-watching experience. Live music weekends add a lively cultural layer to the venue’s charm.Location and Cultural Significance in Soho
Situated on Old Compton Street, Swift Soho occupies a prime spot in one of London’s most dynamic neighborhoods, known for its nightlife, theatres, and cultural diversity. The bar’s proximity to landmarks like Leicester Square and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club enhances its appeal as a central hub for nightlife and socializing. Its reputation as one of London’s best bars and a regular on global best bar lists underscores its importance within the city’s cocktail scene.Design and Visual Appeal
The design of Swift Soho is a study in contrasts that work harmoniously. Upstairs’s minimalist, pastel, and marble aesthetic contrasts with the downstairs’s vintage, dark wood, and leather décor, creating two distinct moods under one roof. Both levels emphasize clean, elegant presentation in their cocktails, with hand-cut clear ice and minimal garnishes, reflecting the bar’s ethos that simplicity and quality go hand in hand.Experience Beyond the Drink
Beyond its drinks, Swift Soho offers an immersive experience through its music, ambiance, and storytelling cocktails. The live jazz and ragtime sessions complement the bar’s old-school glamour, making it a cultural destination as well as a drinking spot. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick aperitivo or settling in for a night of cocktails and music, Swift Soho delivers a memorable blend of tradition, innovation, and conviviality.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Shaftesbury Ave
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Discover London’s vibrant Shaftesbury Avenue, the epicenter of the West End's theatre scene, offering a myriad of shows, dining, and nightlife options.
Plaque: Tin Pan Alley & La Giaconda cafe
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Discover the legendary Tin Pan Alley and La Giaconda Cafe at 9 Denmark Street, the historic heart of London’s music scene and creative spirit.
Denmark St
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Britain's legendary Tin Pan Alley where rock and roll history was written in every studio, café, and guitar shop.
Historic Seven Dials
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Discover Seven Dials, a historic London quarter where seven streets meet at a unique sundial pillar, blending rich heritage with vibrant culture.
Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
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Discover Neal’s Yard, a colorful hidden courtyard in Covent Garden transformed from dereliction into a thriving hub of community, sustainability, and alternative culture.
Agatha Christie memorial
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A captivating bronze tribute to Agatha Christie, celebrating her literary genius and theatrical legacy in London's vibrant theatre district.
Mercer Walk
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Experience the enchanting Mercer Walk in London, a charming alley brimming with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and artistic flair that captures the city's spirit.
Slingsby Place
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Explore Slingsby Place, a serene scenic point in London, offering lush greenery and stunning architecture perfect for relaxation and memorable photographs.
Chinatown Gate
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Experience the vibrant spirit of London's Chinatown at the iconic Chinatown Gate, a cultural gem filled with culinary delights and rich heritage.
covent Garden ,
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Explore Covent Garden's vibrant atmosphere filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment in the heart of London.
Hasdan
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Discover the vibrant heart of London at Hasdan, where shopping, culture, and history meet on Tottenham Court Road.
Leicester Square
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London's glittering entertainment epicentre where cinema, theatre, and street culture converge in the heart of the West End.
Harry Potter Statue
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Where the boy wizard takes flight in London's cinematic heart—a bronze tribute to magic and movie history.
Mr Bean Statue
0.4 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.
Mary Poppins Statue
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Where cinema's most elegant nanny takes flight in the heart of London's film district.
Unmissable attractions to see
Prince Edward Theatre
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Experience the magic of live theatre at Prince Edward Theatre, a historic venue in London’s vibrant West End, showcasing spectacular performances.
Foyles
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Explore Foyles, London's legendary bookshop, where literature, coffee, and culture blend seamlessly in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Coach & Horses, Soho
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Discover the historic charm and vibrant atmosphere of The Coach & Horses, a celebrated pub in the heart of Soho, London.
Club49Soho
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Discover the vibrant nightlife at Club49 Soho, a premier bar and live music venue in the heart of London's iconic Soho district.
Phoenix Arts Club
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West End's best-kept secret: intimate cabaret, burlesque, and theatre in a deliberately seductive speakeasy.
Palace Theatre
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A grand West End theatre since 1891, now home to the magical Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the heart of London’s theatreland.
Phoenix Theatre
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Experience timeless West End theatre in the elegant, Italian-inspired Phoenix Theatre on Charing Cross Road, home to iconic productions since 1930.
Shaftesbury Ave
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Shaftesbury Avenue pulses with theatre lights, historic charm, and vibrant culture at the heart of London’s West End entertainment district.
Bar Soho
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Discover the vibrant atmosphere and innovative cocktails at Bar Soho, a quintessential cocktail bar in London’s lively Soho district.
London Pub Crawl
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Unleash your night in London with the ultimate pub crawl, exploring iconic bars, great deals, and a vibrant social scene.
Ronnie Scott's
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Experience world-class live jazz nightly at Ronnie Scott’s, London’s legendary Soho club since 1959, where music history and vibrant atmosphere meet.
Self-Guided Audio Tour - London's Soho, Theatreland and Chinatown
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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.
Curzon Soho
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Discover independent cinema culture in the heart of Soho with stylish screenings, cozy cafés, and a vibrant social scene at Curzon Soho.
ODEON Covent Garden
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Historic West End theatre turned iconic cinema, now poised for a vibrant new chapter in live arts and hospitality on Shaftesbury Avenue.
The Phoenix Garden
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A vibrant community garden and wildlife haven offering a peaceful green escape in London’s bustling West End.
Essential places to dine
La Bodega Negra Restaurant
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Experience daring Mexican cuisine and vibrant nightlife in Soho’s provocative La Bodega Negra, where edgy ambiance meets inventive flavors.
Hoppers Soho
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Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and signature hoppers in a lively, intimate Soho setting bursting with authentic flavors and culture.
Noble Rot Soho
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A Soho gem blending historic charm with modern European cuisine and an exceptional, accessible wine list in a cozy, clubby setting.
Gauthier Soho
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Innovative vegan French fine dining in a stylish Soho townhouse, blending tradition with plant-based creativity.
Sussex Bar & Restaurant
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A vibrant Soho bistro blending Sussex countryside flavors with London’s energy, featuring seasonal British dishes and curated wines.
Quo Vadis
0.2 km
An iconic Soho dining destination blending refined modern British cuisine with elegant historical charm and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Meet Fresh
0.2 km
Authentic Taiwanese desserts in lively Soho, offering generous portions of mochi, taro balls, and refreshing fruit teas in a bustling urban setting.
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.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
0.3 km
Savor expertly grilled British steaks and vibrant seafood in a historic Covent Garden brewery setting with atmospheric charm and refined cocktails.
Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
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Lively Japanese izakaya in Covent Garden famed for its signature bao buns, vibrant atmosphere, and innovative pan-Asian small plates.
Inamo
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Experience futuristic Asian fusion dining with interactive tables and vibrant sharing plates in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
Evelyn's Table
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Discover Evelyn's Table, a Michelin-starred, intimate dining counter in Soho offering inventive British cuisine with French and Japanese flair.
J Sheekey
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Classic British seafood excellence in Covent Garden’s elegant, theatre-adjacent dining gem.
Circus
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Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
Blacklock Soho
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A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Goldsmith Vintage
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Iconic Soho vintage shop since 1990: two floors of handpicked retro dresses, blazers, bags & accessories from decades past, with sales from £10.95.
La Boutik
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Soho's chic haven for European designer imports on buzzing Dean Street—unique fashion finds in London's creative epicenter.
JW Anderson London Soho
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Soho's avant-garde flagship: minimalist Shaker-inspired space brimming with gender-fluid luxury fashion, artisanal homewares, and exclusive collaborations.
St Martin's Courtyard
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Experience the vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and relaxation at St Martin's Courtyard in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Radha's Boutique
0.3 km
A small, curated Soho boutique offering tactile womenswear and accessories with friendly, personalised service in the heart of central London.
Oxford Street Gift Shop
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A lively and colorful gift shop on Oxford Street offering quintessential London souvenirs with a vibrant atmosphere and a hint of retail adventure.
Good
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Discover sustainable style with curated preloved vintage and designer fashion at Good London’s Seven Dials shop.
Unique Britain
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Discover authentic British souvenirs and artistic keepsakes in the heart of London’s lively West End on historic Cranbourn Street.
Primark
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Discover unbeatable fashion and homeware bargains across multiple floors at Primark Oxford Street, London’s premier budget shopping destination.
Paul A Young Fine Chocolates
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Artisan chocolate craftsmanship in the heart of Soho, where award-winning sea salted caramels and inventive flavours await.
Machine-A
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Discover London’s premier boutique for avant-garde and emerging designer fashion in the heart of Soho.
Sounds of the Universe
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Discover a world of diverse vinyl and music culture at Soho’s iconic Sounds of the Universe record store.
Pop Boutique
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Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
Urban Outfitters
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Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
Glassworks London - Soho
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Swift Soho
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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
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An intimate Soho gem blending Italian cocktail artistry with a cozy, elegant atmosphere in London’s vibrant West End.
The Little Scarlet Door
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Simmons Bar | Soho
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Soho's kitsch cocktail den with epic happy hours, retro karaoke vibes, and two floors of nostalgic nightlife fun.
The Black Book
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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.
Thirst Bar Soho
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Compact Soho cocktail bar by day, pulsing DJ‑led club by night—cheap cocktails, leather booths and a lively basement scene.
Henson's Bar and Social
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Soho's oak-panelled cocktail sanctuary: precise classics, inventive signatures, and fireside intimacy amid Frith Street's electric vibe.
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
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The Escapologist Bar
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Step into a Victorian-inspired underground bar in Covent Garden where theatrical cocktails and lively entertainment create unforgettable nights.
Covent Garden Social Club
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Dive into Covent Garden's dual-world party den: prohibition cocktails below, live piano magic above—West End's ultimate nightlife hideaway for cocktails, cabaret, and endless sing-alongs. (162 characters)
Village Soho
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A lively, inclusive gay bar in Soho with energetic dance floors, go-go dancers, karaoke nights, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ atmosphere.
Prelude by Oriole
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A refined Covent Garden cocktail bar blending innovative drinks, Latin American fusion cuisine, and live music in a stylish Asian-inspired setting.
Oriole
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Oriole invites you on a captivating global cocktail journey in Covent Garden, blending exotic flavours, elegant ambiance, and live music.
Basement Sate
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Discover Soho’s chic basement bar where decadent desserts meet expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, stylish setting.
The Alchemist St Martin's Lane
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Experience theatrical cocktails and vibrant dining in the heart of Covent Garden’s iconic theatre district.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Lively
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
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
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adults Only
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Business Friendly
