Cheers to That! Top 10 Pubs and Cafés in Soho and the West End

After a busy day of sightseeing or before heading to a show, finding a welcoming spot for a drink or a bite to eat is essential. Soho and the West End are brimming with historic pubs, charming cafés, and traditional tea rooms. While some pubs maintain a very adult atmosphere, many are perfectly fine for families to enjoy a meal, especially during the day or early evening. Cafés, of course, are generally great for all ages, offering a chance to refuel with coffee, cake, or a light lunch.

Dog and Duck

The Dog and Duck, situated on the corner of Bateman Street and Frith Street, is a tiny pub that offers a wonderful slice of Victorian London. This Grade II listed building, dating from 1897, boasts an elaborate mosaic depicting dogs and ducks, mahogany panelling, tiled walls, and ornate advertising mirrors, creating a beautifully preserved period interior. It has been licensed since 1734.  

The pub is known to have been frequented by notable figures such as George Orwell, who celebrated the success of his novel Animal Farm here; the upstairs dining room is now named in his honour. More recently, it received a visit from the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2023. As a Nicholson’s pub, it serves a range of real ales and traditional British pub classics, including pies.  

Due to its small size and popularity, especially with media professionals, the Dog and Duck can get very crowded, with patrons often spilling outside. There are few seats downstairs. For families, this might mean a daytime visit is more manageable, or perhaps enjoying a meal in the upstairs Orwell Bar if it’s not privately hired. The historical charm and the stories associated with the pub could be interesting for older children.

• Address: 18 Bateman Street, Soho, London, W1D 3AJ.
• Opening Hours: Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but typical pub hours would apply. Nicholson’s pubs generally open from around noon until 11 pm.
• Menu: Real ales, traditional British pub food (pies mentioned generally for Nicholson’s pubs).
• Prices: Not specified.
• Family-Friendliness: The crowded nature and limited seating downstairs might be challenging for families with young children. A daytime visit or booking the upstairs Orwell Bar (if available for dining) could be options. The historical aspect is an appeal.
• Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square.

Maison Bertaux

Nestled in the heart of Soho on Greek Street, Maison Bertaux is London’s oldest patisserie, having delighted customers with its exquisite baked goods and artisan treats since 1871. This charming establishment offers a little corner of Paris in London, attracting a faithful clientele with its delicious coffee and heavenly cakes.  

The patisserie is renowned for its fresh-baked scones, cream cakes, a tempting array of pastries, and particularly its light and fluffy cheesecakes, available in varieties like mixed fruit, strawberry, and chocolate. All items are made fresh on the premises daily. Other specialties include handmade eclairs, fruit tarts, marzipan figs, and croissants. They also create birthday and wedding cakes.  

Maison Bertaux provides a wonderfully authentic and charming atmosphere, often described as eccentric and a survivor of “old Soho”. It’s a perfect spot for families to indulge in a sweet treat or enjoy a traditional cream tea. The delightful window displays and the array of beautiful cakes are sure to captivate children. While it can get busy, the experience of enjoying a pastry in such a historic setting is well worth it.

• Address: 28 Greek Street, Soho, London, W1D 5DQ.
• Opening Hours: Not explicitly stated in the snippets, but patisseries typically open from morning until late afternoon/early evening.
• Menu: Freshly baked scones, cream cakes, cheesecakes, pastries (eclairs, fruit tarts), croissants, marzipan figs, celebration cakes, artisan coffee.
• Prices: Described as “£16” for a “three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT” in one review , which seems to be a general restaurant price guide rather than specific to cakes and coffee. Individual pastries and coffees would be much less.
• Family-Friendliness: Very family-friendly due to the nature of its offerings (cakes, pastries). A delightful treat for all ages.
• Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square.  

French House

The French House on Dean Street is a small, characterful one-bar establishment with a significant history. Once known as the York Minster (dating back to 1891), it was renamed The French House in 1984. It famously served as a meeting place for General de Gaulle and the French Resistance during World War II, earning its current name. It has also been a haunt for artists and writers like Francis Bacon, Brendan Behan, and Dylan Thomas.  

The pub is known for its strict “no music, no machines, no television, and no mobile phones” rule, fostering an atmosphere where conversation flows freely among strangers. It offers a choice of thirty superb champagnes and wines by the glass, and is also known for its Breton cider. The small upstairs dining room, opened in 1992 by Fergus and Margot Henderson (before they founded St John), serves a daily changing menu of rustic French country cooking, with Neil Borthwick currently as head chef.  

Given its reputation as “the best known pub in the world’s naughtiest square mile” and its adult-oriented conversational atmosphere, The French House is likely not the first choice for families with young children, especially in the evenings. However, the upstairs restaurant, which requires reservations and has limited seating (largest group of 6), could potentially be an option for a special lunch with older, well-behaved children who appreciate French cuisine, but it’s best to inquire directly. The historical connections might be of interest.

• Address: 49 Dean Street, Soho, London, W1D 5BG.
• Opening Hours:
  • Bar: Monday to Friday 11:30 am – 11:00 pm; Sunday 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm.
  • Restaurant: Lunch Mon-Sat Midday – 3:00 pm; Dinner Mon-Sat 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm.
• Menu: Bar: Champagnes, wines by the glass, Breton cider. Restaurant: Daily changing rustic French menu (e.g., foie gras parfait, confit duck leg, chocolate mousse).
• Prices: Restaurant: A typical cost per person for a three-course meal with a modest bottle of wine might be around £85.
• Family-Friendliness: Primarily an adult environment due to its atmosphere and rules. The restaurant might be considered for older children for lunch, but best to check.
• Booking: No reservations for drinks in the bar. Restaurant reservations are required and can be made online or by email.
• Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square.

Bar Italia

Bar Italia, located on Frith Street, is an iconic Soho establishment that has been serving classic Italian coffee and maintaining an old-school Soho vibe since it first opened as a restaurant and coffee bar in 1949 under the Polledri family. It’s a small place, often with patrons sitting at the bar or out on the pavement tables.  

The café is famous for its strong Italian coffee and also serves pastries, panini, and other snacks. A dominant feature is the giant television at the far end, which screens important Italian football matches, attracting a passionate crowd. The walls are adorned with Italian flags and memorabilia, including a pair of Rocky Marciano’s boxing gloves. The building itself has historical significance, as John Logie Baird demonstrated the first television transmissions from 22 Frith Street in 1926.  

Bar Italia is known for its very late (or very early!) opening hours, often cited as 7 am to 5 am daily, and until midnight on Sundays. This makes it a popular spot for night owls and early risers. For families, a daytime visit for an authentic Italian coffee and a pastry could be a fun experience, soaking in the vibrant Soho atmosphere from one of its pavement tables. The late-night hours and the football match screenings would likely create a more boisterous, adult-oriented environment.

• Address: 22 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D 4RF.
• Opening Hours: Traditionally very long hours, e.g., 7 am – 5 am daily, and until midnight on Sundays.
• Menu: Classic Italian coffee, pastries, panini, snacks. Pizza and cannoli have also been mentioned in reviews.
• Prices: Not specified, but typically café prices.
• Family-Friendliness: Suitable for a daytime coffee and snack. Late nights are likely more adult-focused.
• Nearest Tube: Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road.

My Place Soho

My Place Soho, located on Berwick Street, is described as an all-day coffee and dining spot frequented by locals and appreciated by lifestyle bloggers and travellers. It is known for its “brilliant coffee,” a well-regarded breakfast and brunch menu, vibrant evenings, and expertly made espresso martinis.  

The atmosphere is intended to be cozy, eclectic, and reminiscent of old Soho charm, with an environmentally friendly spirit reflected in recycled design details and walls featuring artworks by local artists. It aims to be a place where the barista knows customers’ names and preferences, fostering a welcoming, home-like feel.  

The menu offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, made from scratch in their kitchen, with an emphasis on locally and seasonally sourced ingredients where possible. This suggests a diverse offering that could appeal to various tastes. For families, My Place Soho could be a good option for breakfast, brunch, or a relaxed lunch, given its welcoming description and diverse menu. The “old Soho charm” and local art might also add a pleasant cultural touch to the dining experience. Evening visits might see a shift towards a more cocktail-focused crowd, but the all-day dining nature suggests flexibility.

• Address: 21 Berwick Street, Soho, London, W1F 0PT.
• Opening Hours: The PDF states it’s open from “8 in the morning until late every day”.
• Menu: Coffee, pastries, breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner (modern brasserie style), cocktails (including espresso martinis).
• Prices: Not specified.
• Family-Friendliness: Likely suitable for families, especially for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, due to its welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu.
• Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus.

The Admiral Duncan

The Admiral Duncan, located on Old Compton Street, is an iconic pub and a significant venue within Soho’s LGBTQ+ scene. It is described as a friendly pub with a “Local” vibe, where the vibrant bar staff and eclectic clientele ensure a welcoming and lively experience for everyone. The pub dates back to the 18th century and is known for hosting cabaret, karaoke, and show-stopping drag performances nightly, accompanied by a soundtrack of feel-good ’80s and ’90s hits.  

The pub offers a range of drinks, with selected drinks priced at £3.50 during its Monday Karaoke Showdown. Images also suggest cocktails are available.  

The Admiral Duncan has a strict “Over 18’s venue” policy, and ID may be requested upon entry or at the bar. Acceptable forms of ID include a Passport, Driver’s Licence with a photograph, or any ID bearing the PASS hologram. This clearly indicates that the pub is an adult-focused establishment and not suitable for families with children under 18.

• Address: 54 Old Compton Street, Westminster, London, W1D 4UD.
• Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 1:00 PM – 11:30 PM; Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM.
• Menu: Drinks, including cocktails. Selected drinks offers available on certain nights.
• Prices: Not fully specified, selected drinks £3.50 on Mondays.
• Family-Friendliness: Strictly an Over 18’s venue; not suitable for families with children.
• Nearest Tube: Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus.

The Breakfast Club (D’Arblay Street)

The Breakfast Club on D’Arblay Street is the original branch of this popular caf chain, which opened in 2005. It’s a small but mighty spot, known for its all-day breakfast and brunch offerings, served in a cheerful and quirky environment. They aim to provide “warm fuzzy feeling in the pit of your stomach food”.  

The menu is packed with comfort food classics, including fry-ups, American-style pancakes, burritos, and bacon butties. The D’Arblay Street location is noted for often having a queue, a testament to its popularity, whatever the day of the week. They also have other Soho branches on Berwick Street and Old Compton Street.  

The Breakfast Club is explicitly welcoming to everyone: “Me, your mum, my grandad, your uncle Albert, little Jonnie and all our best pals. Everyone is welcome”. This makes it an excellent choice for families looking for a hearty and satisfying meal at any time of day. The menu, with its focus on breakfast and brunch staples, is generally very child-friendly. The chorizo hash browns are a recommended item.  

• Address: 33 D’Arblay Street, Soho, London, W1F 8EU.
• Opening Hours (D’Arblay St): Monday to Friday: 7:30 am – 3 pm; Saturday to Sunday: 7:30 am – 4 pm. (Note: Old Compton St branch has different, later hours ).
• Menu: All-day breakfast and brunch (fry-ups, pancakes, burritos, etc.), coffee, cocktails.
• Prices: Not specified, but generally considered good value.
• Family-Friendliness: Very family-friendly, with a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that appeals to all ages.
• Booking: The D’Arblay Street caf takes a handful of bookings on weekdays and on weekends before 10 am.
• Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road.

John Snow

The John Snow pub on Broadwick Street is a historic Victorian pub, delightfully atmospheric with cosy drinking compartments. It is named after Dr. John Snow, the famous physician who, in 1854, traced a local cholera outbreak to a contaminated water pump that was located near the site of the pub. The pub was renamed in his honour in 1955 (though one source says 1954).  

The pub’s interior reflects its Victorian charm, with wooden floors, ornate ceilings, vintage furnishings, and historic photographs and memorabilia related to Dr. Snow and the area’s history. It serves a range of Sam Smith’s beers and traditional pub fare, including bar snacks like crisps, and potentially pies (as is typical for Sam Smith’s pubs).  

The John Snow pub offers a traditional pub experience. While not explicitly detailed for family amenities, well-behaved older children interested in history might appreciate the story of Dr. John Snow and the pub’s historic ambiance. As with many traditional pubs, daytime or early evening visits are generally more suitable for families. It’s always a good idea to check if they have a specific policy regarding children.

• Address: 39 Broadwick Street, Carnaby, London, W1F 9QJ.
• Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Friday-Sunday: 1:00 PM – 11:30 PM.
• Menu: Sam Smith’s beers, traditional pub food (pies are often a Sam Smith’s staple), bar snacks.
• Prices: Sam Smith’s pubs are generally known for being reasonably priced.
• Family-Friendliness: Potentially suitable for families for a daytime meal, especially those with an interest in history. The cosy snugs could be appealing.
• Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus.

The Cork and Bottle

The Cork and Bottle, located in a basement on Cranbourn Street near Leicester Square, is a well-established wine bar that has been a favourite with connoisseurs for many years. It is known for its exceptional and “iconoclastic” wine list and an excellent, if eclectic, food menu.  

The atmosphere is described as charming, cosy, and intimate, though it can be lively. It’s considered a “hidden gem” in a busy tourist area. The food offerings include small plates, sharing platters, a renowned ham and cheese pie (a long-standing favourite), and an impressive cheese display with up to 16 varieties [ (menu link), ].  

Given its nature as a basement wine bar with a focus on an extensive wine list, The Cork and Bottle is primarily an adult-oriented venue. While the food menu sounds appealing, the ambiance and primary offering of wine make it less suitable for families with young children, especially in the evenings. It could be an option for parents seeking a sophisticated spot for themselves.  

• Address: 44-46 Cranbourn Street, London, WC2H 7AN.
• Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM.
• Menu: Extensive wine list, contemporary European food including small plates, sharing platters, ham and cheese pie, cheese boards.
• Prices: Wine list described as “on the pricey side” by one reviewer, though house wine is drinkable and around £20 a bottle. Food prices generally £25 and under for a meal.
• Family-Friendliness: Likely adult-focused due to being a wine bar.
• Nearest Tube: Leicester Square.

The Coach and Horses (Greek Street)

The Coach and Horses on Greek Street is a historic Soho pub, long associated with writers and journalists, and considered a true Soho institution. It’s a charming 19th-century pub offering a warm and inviting retreat in one of London’s most dynamic areas. In 2012, it notably became the first vegetarian and vegan pub in London.  

The pub has a well-stocked bar featuring modern craft beers and cask classics, including Fuller’s traditional ales like London Pride. While a specific food menu isn’t detailed in the snippets beyond its vegetarian/vegan status, as a Fuller’s pub, it likely offers a range of pub fare in line with this ethos.  

The Coach and Horses explicitly states “Families Welcome”. This, combined with its historic charm and unique vegetarian/vegan offering, makes it a potentially good option for families looking for a pub meal in Soho. It also features outside seating and free WiFi.  

• Address: 29 Greek Street, Soho, London, W1D 5DH.
• Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
• Menu: Vegetarian and vegan pub food, modern craft beers, cask ales.
• Prices: Not specified.
• Family-Friendliness: Explicitly states “Families Welcome”.
• Booking: Does not take table bookings due to limited capacity; walk-ins welcome.
• Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square.