Looking for your next pint or cocktail near Piccadilly Circus? You’re in luck – this iconic West End hub is brimming with brilliant bars and cosy pubs. Whether you fancy a stylish spot for a creative cocktail, a laid‑back traditional boozer, or a buzzing party atmosphere, there’s something perfect for every mood. Local favourites include The Queen’s Head and St James Tavern for classic pub charm, The Thin White Duke and Simmons for inventive drinks and atmosphere, and Waxy O’Connors or Be At One if you’re in the mood to party. And don’t miss Swans Bar at Maison Assouline – it’s bookshop‑meets‑luxury‑lounge for when you want something a bit posh.
The Queen’s Head
Address: 15 Denman Street, Soho, W1D 7HN
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled off Piccadilly Circus in the heart of Soho, The Queen’s Head sits just steps from the bustle of the West End and the Piccadilly Theatre.
- What’s the Vibe? A cosy independent pub with a character-rich, wooden‑panelled interior, ornate chandeliers and a friendly, vibrant buzz. Downstairs tends to be lively at lunchtimes and evenings, while the upstairs area offers a more intimate space.
What’s On Offer
- Quality Real Ales & Spirits: A well‑curated selection of local real ales, international beers, wines and spirits, including rotating guest ales rarely found in tied pubs.
- Upstairs Private Hire & Events: A wood-panelled first-floor room is available for private hire – suitable for book clubs, birthdays, comedy nights, launches and small weddings.
- Sunday Live Music: Hosts jazz or live music sessions on Sunday evenings in the downstairs bar, adding to the venue’s charm.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 – 23:30
- Friday & Saturday: 11:00 – 00:00
- Sunday: 12:00 – 22:00
St James Tavern
Address: 45 Great Windmill Street, Soho, W1D 7NE
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled in the heart of Soho, just off Piccadilly Circus and close to China Town, the St James Tavern is perfectly positioned for theatre-goers, shoppers and visitors enjoying the West End.
- What’s the Vibe? A lively, traditional pub with historic charm: ornate red‑brick exteriors and rich interiors adorned with etched glass and Doulton tiled panels (including Shakespearean scenes). Internally it’s bustling – ideal for a vibrant pint or casual catch‑up; it quietens a little at dinnertime.
What’s On Offer
- Classic Pub Grub & Drinks: Serving hearty British fare like hand‑battered fish & chips, steak and ale pie, Gloucester old spot sausages and mash. A range of cask ales, lagers, cocktails and spirits available, including artisan gin selections.
- Seasonal & Sharing Promotions: In summer, the tavern runs a “Summer of Sharing” deal: three small plates plus two drinks for £22.50 (or five plates + two drinks for £32.50), with a Wimbledon-themed Pimm’s Royale Spritz package in June/July.
- Events & Celebrations: Hosts after‑work gatherings, private functions (birthdays, office parties), New Year’s Eve celebrations, live sports and even smartphone pub quizzes on Sundays.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Mon–Thu: 11:00–23:00
- Fri–Sat: 11:00–Midnight
- Sun: 12:00–22:30
- Food Served: Daily 11:00–21:00 (lunch 12:00–17:00; dinner 17:00–21:00)
The Thin White Duke
Address: 22B Great Windmill Street, Soho, W1D 7LD
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Tucked just off Shaftesbury Avenue in vibrant Soho, the venue sits a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Circus station, surrounded by theatres, restaurants, and eclectic bars.
- What’s the Vibe? A dimly lit, moody yet stylish space, the bar exudes a creative energy. Exposed brick walls, intimate seating and Bowie-inspired stained-glass accents give it an avant‑garde, artistic feel.
What’s On Offer
- Signature Bowie‑themed cocktails: A menu curated by Dav Eames pays homage to Bowie’s travels with inventive cocktails like ‘New York City – May 7th’ and ‘Osaka – December 6th’, alongside creative concoctions in the Encore list such as “China Girl” and “Four Walls Black”.
- Mai dim sum menu: Served by Mai Dim Sum, the venue offers a curated selection of dumplings – char siu bao, duck & butternut squash – and even custard bao, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
- Members’ recording studios: Downstairs lies a professional recording studio available by membership, ideal for musicians, podcasters and creative sessions in a beautifully designed space.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday–Wednesday: 17:00–23:30
- Thursday: 16:00–23:30
- Friday: 16:00–00:00
- Saturday: 14:00–00:00
- Sunday: 14:00–22:30
SOMA
Address: 14 Denman Street, Soho, W1D 7HJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Tucked just off Piccadilly Circus in the heart of Soho, SOMA lies behind an unmarked door on Denman Street, leading down to a sophisticated basement cocktail bar.
- What’s the Vibe? Expect a modern speakeasy ambience: dark, intimate, curtained walls, a 9‑metre stainless‑steel bar, smooth jazz early on, shifting to Golden Age hip‑hop late into the night – distinguished yet relaxed
What’s On Offer
- Innovative Indian‑inspired cocktails: The “In Search of the Divine” menu puts a contemporary twist on classics: try the Chaat Margarita with chaat masala, gooseberry, kumquat, or the Coconut Ramos Fizz featuring coconut yoghurt and pink grapefruit soda.
- Low‑waste snacks from Kricket: Sustainably minded bites include crackers made from leftover rice from the Kricket kitchen upstairs and roasted, curry‑leaf‑scented nuts to complement the drinks.
- Reservations: Reservations are limited – best efforts for groups of six or more; otherwise, walk‑ins first come, first served.
- Private hire: A semi‑private lounge (up to 25) or full venue (up to 50) is available, with deposit and minimum‑spend terms
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday–Tuesday: 18:00–01:00
- Wednesday–Thursday: 18:00–02:00
- Friday–Saturday: 18:00–03:00
- Sunday: 17:00–22:30
The Three Crowns
Address: 19 Babmaes Street, Piccadilly, SW1Y 6HD
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Tucked just off Jermyn Street in the heart of Piccadilly and under a five-minute stroll from Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross, this cosy Greene King pub offers a peaceful retreat amid central London’s bustle.
- What’s the Vibe? With a low ceiling, wooden floors, and high and low tables, it’s warm and inviting. A restored latticed and stained‑glass feature above the bar adds a vintage charm from the original 1932 pub.
What’s On Offer
- Real Ale Selection & Pub Grub: Serving Greene King Abbot and IPA on handpump, plus a rotating guest ale selection. The kitchen offers classic pub dishes, a no‑gluten menu, Sunday roasts, and a kids’ menu.
- Live Sports & Events: Equipped with Sky and TNT Sports screens, it’s a go‑to venue for watching Premier League football, rugby, motorsport and more.
- Facilities: Accessible to families, dog‑friendly, Wi‑Fi available, disabled access, garden area, and support for cyclists.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday–Thursday: 11:00 – 23:00 (food served from 11:30)
- Friday–Saturday: 11:00 – 00:00 (food until 22:00)
- Sunday: 12:00 – 22:30 (food until 21:00)
Ready to Visit?
Piccadilly Circus is more than just neon lights and theatre queues – it’s a proper playground for pub lovers and cocktail seekers alike. Whether you’re after a classic pint in The Queen’s Head or St James Tavern, fancy inventive cocktails at The Thin White Duke or SOMA, or want a quiet pint near Jermyn Street at The Three Crowns, there’s no shortage of choice. This buzzing pocket of central London combines culture, nightlife and old-school charm all within a few minutes’ walk.
Share the Love
Tried one of these brilliant bars or pubs near Piccadilly? Share this guide with your mates, leave a review after your visit, and help others discover their new favourite West End watering hole!
