Fancy a tipple in Chinatown? You’re in luck! This vibrant area isn’t just about delicious dim sum; it’s also home to some cracking bars and pubs. From hidden cocktail dens to lively traditional pubs, there’s a spot for every kind of night owl. Let’s dive into the best watering holes Chinatown has to offer.
The Little Scarlet Door
Address: 12-13 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DL
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Situated in the vibrant heart of Soho, The Little Scarlet Door is nestled on Greek Street, a lively area renowned for its eclectic mix of dining and entertainment venues.
- What’s the Vibe? Designed to emulate a New York loft-style apartment, the venue offers a homely and relaxed atmosphere. Guests can enjoy exposed brickwork, comfortable sofas, and a welcoming kitchen bar, all adorned with curated artwork from the Soho Revue Gallery.
What’s On Offer
- House Parties & DJ Nights: The Little Scarlet Door is famed for its lively house parties, featuring resident DJs who play nostalgic classics from Wednesday to Saturday nights, creating an energetic and dance-friendly environment.
- Innovative Cocktails & Comfort Food: The venue boasts a creative cocktail menu inspired by the flatmates’ DVD collection, complemented by a selection of comfort foods like mezze and toasties, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday & Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Thursday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Friday & Saturday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Opium
Address: The Jade Door, 15-16 Gerrard Street, W1D 6JE
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Opium is discreetly located in the heart of London’s Chinatown, Soho, concealed behind an unassuming jade-coloured door between the Lotus Garden and Dumplings’ Legend restaurants. Its central position places it within easy reach of Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road tube stations.
- What’s the Vibe? Upon entering, guests are transported to a 1920s Shanghai-themed speakeasy spread across two floors. The venue houses three distinct bars – the Apothecary Bar, Peony Bar, and Attic & Academy Bar – each exuding its own unique charm. The décor seamlessly blends vintage Chinese elements with modern sophistication, creating an intimate and immersive atmosphere.
What’s On Offer
- Signature Cocktails: Opium boasts an eclectic range of experimental and creative cocktails. Highlights include the ‘Opium No.10’, crafted with Doorly’s 3-year rum, Velvet Falernum liqueur, Fortunella Golden Orange liqueur, Moroccan Mint Green Tea, lime juice, and elderflower syrup. Each bar offers its own unique cocktail menu, ensuring a diverse selection for patrons.
- Dim Sum Delicacies: Complementing the cocktails is a menu of traditional dim sum, served in authentic bamboo baskets. Options range from King Prawn Dumplings to Cantonese BBQ Pork Buns, providing a delectable pairing to the drink offerings.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday & Tuesday: 5:00 pm – 1:00 am
- Wednesday & Thursday: 5:00 pm – 2:00 am
- Friday & Saturday: 5:00 pm – 3:00 am
- Sunday: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Below Stone Nest
Address: 136 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 5EZ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Below Stone Nest is situated beneath the historic Stone Nest arts venue on Shaftesbury Avenue, in the heart of London’s West End.
- What’s the Vibe? The bar exudes a moody, candlelit atmosphere with distressed walls and low lighting, creating an intimate and effortlessly cool environment. The space has been reimagined by designer Jermaine Gallacher, contributing to its unique aesthetic.
What’s On Offer
- Highball-Focused Cocktails & Plant-Forward Plates: Below Stone Nest offers a concise menu of highball cocktails, such as the ‘Ting Wray’ (rum and grapefruit soda) and ‘Calimocho’ (red wine and cola). The food menu features bold, vegetable-forward dishes, including devilled eggs and a take on the bikini sandwich.
- Live Music & Late-Night Hours: The venue hosts live music performances, often leaning towards jazz, adding to its vibrant nightlife appeal. It’s open until 2 am from Tuesday to Saturday, making it a go-to spot for late-night drinks and entertainment.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Below Stone Nest operates from Tuesday to Saturday, 6 pm to 2 am. The bar maintains a walk-in only policy, so reservations aren’t necessary.
Experimental Cocktail Club
Address: 13a Gerrard Street, London, W1D 5PS
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled in the heart of London’s Chinatown, the Experimental Cocktail Club occupies an unassuming townhouse on Gerrard Street. Its discreet entrance, marked only by a modest black door between two Chinese restaurants, adds to its speakeasy allure.
- What’s the Vibe? Upon entering, you’re transported to a setting that blends 1920s charm with bohemian Parisian influences. The interior features exposed brick walls, mirrored ceilings, and eclectic furnishings, creating an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere. Dim lighting and curated music enhance the clandestine feel, making it an ideal spot for both romantic evenings and gatherings with friends.
What’s On Offer
- Innovative Cocktails: The Experimental Cocktail Club is renowned for its inventive cocktail menu, offering both reimagined classics and unique creations. Signature drinks like the ‘Old Cuban’ – a harmonious blend of rum, ginger, and champagne – and the ‘St Germain des Pres,’ combining gin, cucumber, and spiced tincture, showcase the bar’s commitment to quality and creativity. For those seeking a rare experience, the menu also features vintage spirits from the 1950s to the 1980s.
- Exclusive Events & Private Hire: The venue regularly hosts themed nights and is available for private events, accommodating up to 100 guests. Whether it’s a special celebration or an intimate gathering, the Experimental Cocktail Club offers tailored experiences to suit various occasions.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Sunday – Monday: 6pm – Midnight
- Tuesday – Wednesday: 6pm – 2am
- Thursday – Saturday: 6pm – 3am
- A £5 cover charge applies after 11pm.
The Lyric
Address: 37 Great Windmill Street, Soho, W1D 7LT
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Lyric is situated in the heart of Soho, just a short walk from Piccadilly Circus. Its central location places it amidst London’s vibrant theatre district and bustling nightlife.
- What’s the Vibe? This Victorian-era pub exudes a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. With its vintage décor, including glazed tiling and original etched glass windows, The Lyric offers a traditional British pub experience. The intimate setting is complemented by open fires and a friendly crowd, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a relaxed environment.
What’s On Offer
- Craft Beers & Real Ales: The Lyric boasts an impressive selection of craft beers and real cask ales. With 33 taps featuring both cask and keg beers from London’s leading independent breweries and beyond, beer enthusiasts are spoilt for choice. The pub also offers fine wines and small-batch spirits.
- Home-Cooked Food & Sunday Roasts: The pub serves a range of home-made British pub classics, including renowned Sunday roasts. The seasonal menu reflects the best of British cooking, prepared with quality ingredients and care.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 – 23:30
- Friday and Saturday: 11:00 – 00:00
- Sunday: 12:00 – 22:30
- Kitchen Opening Hours:
Ready to Visit?
Chinatown and the surrounding Soho area are a treasure trove for anyone seeking a unique night out. Whether you’re after moody jazz vibes, elegant speakeasies, or traditional pubs with a proper pint, this buzzing district delivers. Bars like The Little Scarlet Door, with its house party atmosphere, and Opium, a dim sum-fuelled cocktail haven, showcase the area’s brilliant blend of creativity and culture. From vintage interiors to inventive menus, there’s something for every taste just a stone’s throw from Leicester Square.
Share the Love
Why not grab your mates and try out Opium or The Little Scarlet Door next time you’re in town? If you love what you find, don’t keep it to yourself – share this guide with your friends and drop a review to let others in on the secret!
