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Bright modern bar interior with checkered floor and lighted ceiling
Best Cocktails Guide - Discover the world's finest cocktails and the bars that craft them
8.8
cocktail bar$$

Swift Soho

Gallery

Bright modern bar interior with checkered floor and lighted ceiling in London
Elegant cocktail with foam garnish on a marble surface in London
Two cocktails on a bar with bottles in the background at Swift in London
Luxurious interior with round booths and warm lighting in a cocktail bar in London
Cocktail glasses with dark drinks and creamy tops on bar table at Swift in London
Close-up of a cocktail with orange peel garnish on a dark table in London
Well-lit bar with bottles displayed and bartenders preparing drinks in London
Two cocktails on a marble table in front of a window at a bar in London
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Essential Information
Today15:00 - 00:00
Address
12 Old Compton St, London, W1D 4TQ
Reservations
Walk-ins

Reservations recommended, especially for ground floor seating which gets busy quickly. Table service throughout the venue.

Price Range
$$
About

Swift Soho is one of London's premier cocktail destinations, nestled in the vibrant heart of Soho on Old Compton Street. This intimate, stylish bar has earned its reputation as a must-visit spot for cocktail enthusiasts, offering expertly crafted drinks in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The venue features two distinct levels: a bustling ground floor perfect for people-watching and a sophisticated downstairs area with comfortable booths ideal for more relaxed gatherings. Swift is renowned for its exceptional espresso martini and creative seasonal cocktails, with prices ranging from £9 to £16. The bar's professional bartenders demonstrate impressive technique and craft, creating well-balanced, flavorful drinks with interesting ingredient combinations. Their famous Irish coffee is considered among the best in London. With table service throughout, Swift strikes the perfect balance between stylish sophistication and relaxed comfort, making it suitable for dates, gatherings with friends, or solo visits. The venue's fair pricing, impeccable service, and consistently excellent cocktails have made it a beloved Soho institution, attracting both locals and visitors seeking a premium cocktail experience in an intimate setting.

Ambiance & Features

Intimate and stylish with warm, welcoming vibes. The ground floor offers a lively, energetic atmosphere perfect for people-watching, while the downstairs area features bigger booths with a more relaxed vibe. The venue strikes a cozy balance between stylish sophistication and relaxed comfort.

Atmosphere

Intimate
Stylish
Warm
Welcoming
Lively
Energetic
Cozy
Sophisticated
Relaxed

Noise Level

moderate to lively

Lighting

ambient

Features

table_service
two_levels
booth_seating
seasonal_cocktail_menu
expert_bartenders
espresso_martini_specialty
irish_coffee_specialty
Our Ratings
8.8
/10

Overall Score

Our BCG weighted scoring system

Score Breakdown

Cocktail Quality

9.0

Service

9.2

Ambiance

8.8

Value

8.5

Accessibility

7.0

✗ Not confirmed accessible

Awards & Recognition
World's 50 Best Bars
World's 50 Best Bars(#30) 2022
Top 50 Cocktail Bars UK
Top 50 Cocktail Bars UK(#6) 2025, (#7) 2024, (#5) 2023, (#2) 2022
Good to Know

Food & Menu

✓ Food menu available

light_snacks

Renowned for exceptional espresso martini and Irish coffee. Creative seasonal cocktails with well-balanced, flavorful combinations. Extensive cocktail menu with interesting ingredient pairings.

What People Say

Overall Sentiment:

very positive

Guests Love

Delicious
Creative
Excellent
Impeccable
Well-Balanced
Flavourful
Warm
Welcoming
Friendly
Knowledgeable
Intimate
Stylish
Cozy
Perfect
  • Exceptional cocktail quality and creativity
  • Professional and friendly bartenders
  • Warm and welcoming atmosphere
  • Famous espresso martini and Irish coffee
  • Fair pricing for quality
  • Perfect for various occasions
  • Impressive bartending technique

Other Considerations

  • Ground floor gets busy quickly
  • Can be difficult to get a table without booking

Location

12 Old Compton St, London, undefined undefined, GB

Directions

51.513734, -0.129997