Swift

Tucked into Old Compton Street in Soho, Swift Soho has been an anchor of London’s cocktail renaissance since opening in 2016—a hallmark of elegance helmed by industry veterans Mia Johansson and Bobby Hiddleston, supported by the minds behind Nightjar and Oriole. This two-story bar effortlessly merges vintage charm with contemporary flair. On the ground floor, expect overheated glamour with plush booths, mirrored accents, and a welcoming menu of spritzes, aperitivos, and iconic house cocktails like the Sgroppino and Tidal Wave. Venture downstairs into a darker, more intimate lounge—here the cocktail complexity deepens, the whisky collection spans over 250 expressions, and blues or jazz softly fills the air on weekends, making time feel suspended. Swift consistently garners awards and reverence: named #30 on The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2022, with other high placements in global rankings. Time Out praises it as “classy cocktails and jazz,” maintaining its status as a top Soho destination. Reviews highlight the duality of the venue—a relaxed, well-lit ground floor ideal for casual dates, paired with a seductive basement for lingering on refined drinks and whisky exploration. With exceptional hospitality, theatrical design influences—especially from theatreland—and a menu inspired by artistic storytelling, Swift Soho is as much an experience as a bar.