Unveiling Soho‘s Best Kept Secrets: Hidden Gem Bars with Great Small Plates
Soho, London, is a vibrant tapestry of culture, entertainment, and culinary delights. While its main thoroughfares buzz with activity, it’s in the quiet side streets and tucked-away corners that the true magic often happens. For the discerning diner and cocktail connoisseur, the quest for a spot that perfectly marries an intimate bar atmosphere with exceptional small plates is a rewarding one. Forget the usual suspects and crowded hotspots; this guide is your key to unlocking Soho’s hidden gems – bars where the drinks are expertly crafted, and the small plates are far more than just an afterthought, offering an authentic taste of innovation and quality.
We’ve scoured the labyrinthine streets of Soho to bring you a curated list of six extraordinary establishments. These aren’t just bars; they are culinary havens, each with its unique charm, exquisite menu, and a vibe that feels like a personal discovery. Whether you’re seeking a clandestine date night spot, an inventive post-work wind-down, or a memorable evening with friends, prepare to be delighted by venues that truly encapsulate the essence of a ‘hidden gem’. From sophisticated wine bars with gourmet bites to inventive cocktail speakeasies serving up unexpected culinary surprises, get ready to explore the lesser-known, yet utterly captivating, side of Soho’s food and drink scene.
Ember Yard – Tapas & Cocktail Bar
* Location: 60 Berwick St, London W1F 8RY
* Website: Visit Website
* Price: £££ – Pricey
* Booking: Highly recommended, especially for evening dining.
Ember Yard stands out as a sophisticated culinary haven in Soho, celebrated for its unique blend of Spanish and Italian-inspired tapas cooked over a charcoal grill. While it’s known for its full dining experience, its bar area and small plates truly shine, offering an elevated bar snack experience that’s far beyond the ordinary. The smoky flavours infused into every dish, from grilled meats to charred vegetables, create a distinctive profile that pairs exceptionally well with their extensive cocktail and wine list. Think tender Iberico pork presa with mojo verde or perfectly grilled octopus, each bite bursting with flavour and a hint of the embers. The ambiance is warm, inviting, and effortlessly chic, making it an ideal spot for a pre-theatre bite or a relaxed evening where food and drink are equally important. It’s a hidden gem because, despite its popularity, many still see it as a restaurant, overlooking its fantastic bar offering. Ember Yard is perfect for those who appreciate robust, flavour-packed dishes and a lively yet intimate atmosphere.
Bar Crispin
* Location: 19 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PY
* Website: Visit Website
* Price: ££ – Mid-range
* Booking: Recommended for dining, walk-ins often available for bar seating.
Tucked away on Kingly Street, Bar Crispin offers a delightful respite from the Soho bustle, presenting itself as a chic wine bar with an impressive selection of natural wines and a seasonally changing menu of exquisite small plates. This spot embodies the ‘hidden gem’ ethos with its understated elegance and focus on quality ingredients. Their small plates are designed to complement the wine list, featuring creative dishes that are both comforting and refined. Expect items like burrata with seasonal fruit, artisanal charcuterie, or innovative vegetable dishes that highlight fresh produce. The interior is minimalist yet warm, with exposed brickwork and a relaxed, European café vibe that encourages lingering. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time, savouring each sip and bite. Bar Crispin is perfect for an intimate catch-up, a casual yet sophisticated date, or simply unwinding with a glass of something interesting and some truly delicious food.
The Black Book
* Location: 23 Frith St, London W1D 4RR
* Website: Visit Website
* Price: ££££ – Luxury
* Booking: Essential, especially for prime dining slots.
The Black Book is Soho’s answer to a sophisticated, members-club-style wine bar, open to all but maintaining an air of exclusivity that makes it feel like a true discovery. Located in a discreet basement, it offers an incredibly extensive wine list, with an emphasis on rare and fine bottles, alongside a meticulously curated selection of small plates designed to elevate the wine experience. These aren’t just bar snacks; they are gourmet creations, ranging from indulgent cheese and charcuterie boards featuring artisanal selections to more elaborate hot dishes that showcase culinary precision. The atmosphere is undeniably intimate and luxurious, with plush seating, dim lighting, and a hushed, knowledgeable buzz. It’s the perfect setting for a special occasion, an impressive business meeting, or simply a deep dive into the world of fine wine paired with perfectly matched bites. For those who appreciate the finer things in life, The Black Book is a truly magnificent hidden gem that promises an unforgettable evening.
Three Sheets Soho
* Location: 13-14 Archer St, London W1D 7EF
* Website: Visit Website
* Price: ££ – Mid-range
* Booking: Recommended for seating, but walk-ins often accommodated.
Three Sheets Soho is the younger, more refined sibling to the original Dalston outpost, bringing its minimalist aesthetic and brilliantly inventive cocktails to the heart of Soho. While primarily known for its innovative drinks menu, featuring deceptively simple yet complex concoctions, its small plates menu is a delightful surprise that truly sets it apart as a hidden gem for foodies. The food offering is concise but incredibly thoughtful, designed to complement the intricate flavours of the cocktails. Expect dishes that are both playful and delicious, often with a subtle Asian influence or a modern twist on classic bar bites. The atmosphere is cool, sleek, and understated, with a focus on quality and precision in every aspect. It’s a bar for those who appreciate genuine craftsmanship in both their drinks and their bites. Three Sheets Soho is ideal for a sophisticated evening out, a pre-dinner aperitif, or simply exploring the cutting edge of London’s cocktail and small plate scene in a relaxed, stylish environment.
The Thin White Duke
* Location: 19 Walker’s Ct, London W1F 0BT
* Website: Visit Website
* Price: £££ – Pricey
* Booking: Recommended, especially for larger groups or weekend evenings.
Nestled on the charming Walker’s Court, The Thin White Duke pays homage to David Bowie with its stylish, rock-and-roll inspired interiors, creating a vibrant and unique atmosphere that sets it apart from Soho’s more traditional bars. While the cocktails are certainly a highlight, offering creative twists on classics and signature serves, it’s their selection of small plates that makes this spot a true hidden culinary gem. The food menu is as eclectic and artistic as its namesake, featuring modern British and European influences with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Dishes are designed to be shared and enjoyed alongside the lively buzz, from elevated sliders to inventive seafood bites and vegetarian options that pack a punch. The vibe is sophisticated yet unpretentious, making it a fantastic choice for a lively evening with friends, a unique date night, or anyone looking for a bar experience with personality and substance beyond just drinks.
58B (Beasy Soho basement)
* Location: 58 Frith St, London W1D 3QX
* Website: Visit Website
* Price: £££ – Pricey
* Booking: Recommended for guaranteed entry, particularly on weekends.
Hidden beneath the bustling streets of Soho on Frith Street, 58B is the clandestine basement bar of Beasy, offering an intimate and exclusive escape that truly qualifies it as a hidden gem. This speakeasy-style venue is designed for those seeking a sophisticated night out away from the crowds. While its primary focus is on meticulously crafted cocktails, often with an innovative twist and a focus on unique spirits, their small plates menu is equally impressive. The food offerings are carefully curated to complement the drinks, featuring elevated bar snacks and more substantial bites that reflect a modern, often Asian-inspired, culinary approach. Think delicate dumplings, flavourful skewers, or inventive sharing platters that are a cut above typical pub grub. The ambiance is low-lit, plush, and perfect for hushed conversations, making it an ideal spot for a romantic rendezvous or a discreet catch-up. 58B offers a luxurious and private experience, where both the drinks and the food are crafted with precision and passion.
Your Next Soho Adventure: Uncovering Culinary Excellence in Hidden Bars
Soho’s allure isn’t just in its bright lights and famous landmarks; it’s deeply embedded in the quiet corners and unassuming doorways that lead to truly exceptional experiences. Our curated journey through “Hidden Gem Bars with Great Small Plates in Soho” has hopefully illuminated a path to discovering these lesser-known, yet immensely rewarding, establishments. Each venue on this list offers a unique blend of atmosphere, innovative drinks, and, crucially, a small plates menu that transforms a simple night out into a memorable culinary adventure.
From the smoky Spanish influences of Ember Yard to the refined natural wines at Bar Crispin, the exclusive feel of The Black Book, the inventive cocktails at Three Sheets Soho, the artistic flair of The Thin White Duke, and the clandestine charm of 58B, these bars redefine what it means to enjoy a drink and a bite in one of London’s most dynamic districts. They prove that you don’t always need a full-fledged restaurant to experience gourmet food, and that the best discoveries often lie just off the beaten path. So, next time you find yourself in Soho, dare to venture beyond the obvious. Use this guide as your starting point, and prepare to be delighted by the hidden culinary treasures that await. Cheers to your next extraordinary Soho evening!
