The 12 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Soho
There's something magical about Soho at Christmas. The neighbourhood's narrow streets glow with legendary light installations, jazz spills out of basement bars, and every corner seems to promise the perfect festive moment.
Whether you're after champagne-soaked decadence or a proper Sunday roast with all the trimmings, Soho's got you covered.
Here's where to eat, drink and be merry this December.
The Big Festive Dinners
L'Escargot Restaurant
48 Greek St, W1D 4EF | 020 7439 7474
lescargot.co.uk
For timeless French elegance, you can't beat L'Escargot. This Soho dining institution has been serving impeccable food since 1927, and Christmas here feels properly special – think burgundy banquettes, gleaming chandeliers, and the kind of refined seasonal menu that makes you want to linger over every course. The Salon Vert upstairs is perfect for festive gatherings, offering that rare combination of intimacy and occasion. It's where you bring people you actually want to spend Christmas with.
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
1 Upper James St, W1F 9DF | 020 3145 1000
bobbobricard.com/soho
Yes, the "press for Champagne" button is a gimmick. Yes, you'll absolutely press it. Bob Bob Ricard's gleaming art deco interiors and indulgent seasonal menus make it one of Soho's most joyously over-the-top Christmas dining experiences. The champagne-paired courses are excellent, the people-watching is superb, and the whole place radiates the kind of festive glamour that makes you feel like you're in a particularly decadent Christmas film.
The Ivy Soho Brasserie
26-28 Broadwick St, W1F 8JB | 020 3301 1166
ivycollection.com
The Ivy does classic British Christmas dining with all the polish you'd expect – seasonal specials, elegant décor, and that distinctive buzz that comes from being right in the thick of things. Perfect for everything from festive lunches to Boxing Day feasts, though you'll want to book well ahead.
Blacklock Soho
24 Great Windmill St, W1D 7LG | 020 3441 6996
theblacklock.com
Sometimes you just want meat, fire, and good company. Blacklock delivers exactly that – legendary chops, proper Sunday roasts, and a convivial atmosphere that suits casual Christmas lunches or rowdy group bookings. It's unpretentious, delicious, and exactly the kind of place where Christmas feels like an excellent excuse to eat extremely well.
The Cosy Neighbourhood Spots
Old Compton Brasserie
36-38 Old Compton St, W1D 4TT | 020 7434 2214
oldcomptonbrasserie.co.uk
A Soho institution since the '80s, this brasserie is all about bustling festive energy and classic French-inspired fare. Ideal for lunch before hitting the Christmas lights or catching a show – it's got that neighbourhood warmth that makes you want to settle in for the afternoon.
Sussex British Bistro
63-64 Frith St, W1D 3JW | 020 3923 7770
sussex-restaurant.com
For proper British comfort food in cosy surroundings, Sussex hits the spot. Think warming seasonal dishes, friendly vibes, and the kind of Sunday lunch that makes December feel manageable. Great for family dinners or intimate gatherings before heading out into the festive chaos.
The Cocktail Escapes
100 Wardour Street
100 Wardour St, W1F 0TL | 020 7314 4000
100wardourst.com
If your ideal Christmas involves dancing until late with a cocktail in hand, 100 Wardour Street's got you. Their "Sleigh the Night" events blend bespoke drinks, live music, and serious festive glamour – it's dinner, dancing and late-night celebration all rolled into one very Soho package.
The Little Scarlet Door
12-13 Greek St, W1D 4DL | 020 4513 2429
thelittlescarletdoor.co.uk
This speakeasy-style gem on Greek Street offers the antidote to Christmas chaos – cosy booths, creative seasonal cocktails, and an atmosphere that feels like slipping into a hidden holiday retreat. Perfect for date night or when you need festive cheer without the crowds.
Simmons Bar
2 Bateman St, W1D 4AE | 020 3879 9244
simmonsbar.co.uk/venues/soho
Relaxed, buzzing, and ideal for after-work Christmas drinks with mates. Simmons delivers classic cocktails and plenty of seasonal cheer without any pretension – exactly what you want when you're warming up before dinner or just fancy a festive pint.
Thirst Bar Soho
53 Greek St, W1D 3DR | 020 7437 1977
thirstbar.com/soho-home
Excellent cocktails, lively atmosphere, fun crowd. Whether you're meeting colleagues or kicking off a proper night out, Thirst Bar reliably delivers that perfect pre-dinner energy.
The Party Spots
Bar Soho
23-25 Old Compton St, W1D 5JL | 020 7439 0439
barsoho.co.uk
A Soho staple for anyone who takes their Christmas partying seriously. Themed nights, free welcome shots, festive pub crawls – Bar Soho knows exactly what it's doing when December rolls around. Come in your terrible Christmas jumper, stay for the high-spirited chaos.
Don't Miss
The Carnaby Street Lights
While you're wandering between venues, make time for Carnaby's legendary Christmas lights. This year's "All Is Bright" installation transforms the neighbourhood into a glowing playground, especially during Soho Nights – weekly events mixing late-night shopping, live music, and special offers. Grab a mulled wine, take the obligatory photos, soak it all in.
The Practical Bit
Book ahead. Seriously. London's festive dining scene gets rammed, and Soho's compact geography means the good spots fill up fast. Mad Friday (the last Friday before Christmas) is particularly bonkers if you're into that sort of thing – but also particularly impossible if you haven't planned ahead.
The beauty of Soho at Christmas is that you can hop between intimate French dining and raucous late-night parties within a five-minute walk. It's loud, it's festive, it's occasionally overcrowded, and it's absolutely where you want to be when December hits London.
