Reviews of The Social. (Pub) in London (London).

The Social

549 Reviews

228 Comments

Pub

Live music bar

5 Little Portland St, London W1W 7JD, United Kingdom

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Description Map Open Hours Reviews Contact Photos

Description

Information of The Social, Pub in London (London)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of The Social

Sunday

Closed

Monday

4:30pm–12am

Tuesday

4:30pm–12am

Wednesday

4:30pm–12am

Thursday

4:30pm–1am

Friday

4:30pm–1am

Saturday

6pm–1am

Popular times

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Friday

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Reviews of The Social

C. S.

We went to see the Gabriel's yesterday and this was our first visit to The Social. We had a friend who had an op on her back and has trouble standing for long periods and Graham was beyond amazing and got us a brilliant table and just went above beyond to make us comfortable **THANK YOU AGAIN**. The night was fantastic thanks to the table and seating. The bar upstairs is cracking with cool tunes and nice burgers/cocktails. I would 110% go back the team were really nice and the venue was perfect for live music or just a beer after work. Hope to go back very soon 👌if I could give more than 5 stars ⭐️ I would.

C. M.

Legendary place. Some great times had and to be had here . The music is tip top quality.

C. W. (.

This place is great. The layout is really unique and intimate. Came to see Josie Man and felt so connected with the performance and with the other attendees. We were down stairs where there's a bar at the back, a large and clean restroom, a handful of tables and then a large stage and standing room/dance floor. Will gladly return for more live music :)

A. M.

Great bijou live music venue with a good bar. Refreshing after the march of the mega venues. All the excitement and intimacy of discovering new music

L. H.

Another secret location in London that you don't know exists until you arrive. Drinks are a little pricey, but the atmosphere is friendly and going to see a performance is a great way to experience it.

J. R.

Tiny; my youth in a building, atmospheric and friendly. Brill x

B. G.

The Social really lives up to its name. Carnival After Party listening to Ska, Rocksteady and the golden oldies from the 60’s. Great atmosphere and nice people. The Social opened in the summer of 1999. A two floor bar right at the heart of London evolved out of the legendary Heavenly Sunday Social club nights that ran in various venues between ’94 and ’99. Rather than act as a bricks and mortar extension of those nights, the Social quickly developed a reputation as a free-thinking, boundary pushing destination for open minded drinkers, keen listeners and late night thinkers. The Social is a stone’s throw from Oxford Circus. For the last two decades, it has been one of central London’s most loved getaways – somewhere between a modern day speakeasy and a home-from-home local. Originally designed by renowned architects David Adjaye and Will Russell and now being re-imagined two decades on by the original team that built it, the two floors offer their own unique takes on the perfect night out. Upstairs is an intimate, music-led wooden room while downstairs is a newly redesigned event space that’s just as likely to host frenetic live shows as literary events or packed out DJ gigs. Over the years, The Social has played host to everyone from the Chemical Brothers to Edna O’Brien, Wolf Alice to Adele, Horace Andy, Bon Iver, Young Fathers, Caitlin Moran, Four Tet, Kae Tempest, Cold War Steve, Jack White, Black Country New Road, Black Midi, Irvine Welsh, Jeremy Deller, Flying Lotus, Fat Boy Slim, Fat White Family, Laura Marling, Beck, the Avalanches, Andrew Weatherall, Michael Kiwanuka, Kevin Rowland, Super Furry Animals, the Charlatans, Aphex Twin and Lily Allen (to name a few). A 2019 campaign to Save The Social saw huge support from the public and bands, artists, promoters and DJs and eventually led to a new partnership with Venue Group. One of the last venues left in the West End, The Social remains – two decades in – one of the very best spaces to lose a night in the U.K. 2020 saw the beginning of the coronavius pandemic and the venue shut it’s doors in March. The venue quickly turned into an online magazine / blog featuring friends, family and more writing for us as we all featuring daily afterwork drinks DJ sets through twitter and facebook.

D. H.

This is without doubt my favourite pub/bar/club in London. Brilliant vibe, real soulful lovely folks who work there that by no coincidence makes for a great crowd. Less like walking into London club, more like stepping into a cool party. Ever opened by Heavenly Records, that ethos of championing an eclectic mix of great music is ever prevalent -from both the best of new to long forgotten classics. Accordingly they often put on a great variation of club nights, performances, quality DJs and top notch live acts. This place has converted many a night into a real blinder on too many occasions to remember (been enjoying The Social for almost 20 years -and just keep on coming back).

M. A.

Smashing cocktails upstairs and live venue downstairs…

C. P.

Independent music venue that's importance can't be understated. Vibe is fantastic

Went to see a electro music show and really enjoyed the overall venue.

Visited for some live music downstairs which was very cramped/cosy. Strange layout which isn't really ideal for bands with a tiny stage. Sound is average and lighting is very poor. I particularly had difficulty hearing lyrics. Beer was £6.50 for a pint. So, one was enough!

E. W.

Great, intimate venue with drinks that aren’t too expensive (which is crazy for its location). Will definitely go back to watch more gigs!

W. G.

Went to The Social for the England match Vs Sweden, so I may be a little bias because of the result, but it is a great, hidden gem of a place. Great space downstairs with its own bar, and only a 3 minute walk from Oxford Street.

A. M.

Lovely little venue for live music, very intimate

C. G. D.

The Social, Dennis Bovell and Soho Radio - what a dream team and such a great night out.

T. C. S.

Great little venue for live music. Can get crowded but where doesn't? Live music room, and both upstairs and downstairs bar.

N. V.

cool place nice environment , helpful staff

J. P.

Brilliant cocktails for members, free to.sign up and really good hip hop karaoke!!

A. F.

Great live music at a great wee venue.

I. A.

It was a very nice pub. The ambient of the place was interesting. Everything was quite dark and we had one lamp hanging over us for each table. The place is a bit small -it gets packed with easily less than 30 people-, but that is definitely part of its charm.

F. E.

Went here on a Friday night wasn't that busy which was good because we got to sit on a nice booth table for a while. The bouncers both seemed pretty nice too. There is a long corridor and an upstairs and downstairs both have bars and the downstairs is actually nice not all smelly and sweaty and gross like the trendy places in Brighton. I would go again although no beers I like on tap oh well lol !!!

R. P.

Went here for a music event and found this venue to be rather nice. The music room is downstairs which has its own bar though it is not as comprehensive as upstairs, the sound is very good. The main bar is good and there is a food offering too but I cannot comment on how good it is. Loos upstairs only and steep stairs to the music area so disabled patrons will have problems.

D. S.

Went to visit the Cold War Steve exhibition. It’s the perfect setting. 👍👍

L. D.

Popped in for a quick drink a few weeks ago. Really enjoyed myself. My partner was happy with the beer selection and the atmosphere was good fun. Staff were great and bouncers were lovely too!

A lovely cocktail bar and live music venue tucked away down a side street. The narrow bars give it an exclusive and intimate feel. Great for drinks with friends or a date night. Plenty of free live music events on and a great choice of cocktails.

D. M.

I have only visited at lunchtimes, and have only been in the upstairs bar. Its only a small room with limited seating, you could probably squeeze six people around each of the four or five tables. Each time I have been the food has been excellent. Its a shame that they don't do burgers any more, because they were particularly good. There is plenty of choice of draught and bottled beer, and the bar staff are very friendly. Its a nice little spot for a casual lunch.

C. D.

This place has a very East London vibe. The upper floor is quite small, but if you get one of the tables you’ll be extremely comfortable. Also, music is great and bartenders were super nice.

S. B.

Tiny hot and sweaty...but full of atmosphere!

E. P.

Only been here a couple of times, but I constantly rave about it and recommend it to others looking for a great night out. Friday nights seem to be best with old school hip hop and funk providing the perfect dancing atmosphere. Drinks prices are very reasonable and it's generally pretty easy to get to the bar. So get some drinks in you, be sure to wear comfy shoes and dance the night away!

L. P.

Soooooo depressed to have been seeing bands in London for 30 odd years and only just discovered the Social. Fantastic little venue, great sound, lovely friendly staff and an honourable mention for the sweet potato fries. Saw two amazing bands close up for 9 quid!!! Alternatively you could spend £75 seeing the killers at the Emirate Stadium.. 🤔 Only thing I would change is the house cider (bulmers...yes really). 👍👍👍

I. W.

Went in on Saturday about 7pm & it was empty. I don't think I've ever sat down in the upstairs room after visiting many times. Nice craft can & bottle selection but it seems to revel in the £££ prices. A unique place though, almost like a working men's club backbar.

A. J.

The Social has some absolutely brilliant nights, including (but not limited to) Hot Wuk Wednesdays and Hip-Hop Karaoke. Staff are friendly, drinks are reasonably priced, and the clientele are generally nice people. However, the service is terribly slow even when relatively quiet. Be prepared to wait a good ten minutes for a drink, which really lets the place down. However, the nights here are so good I'll keep coming back.

J. A.

2019 Went back in here forgetting it was where hip hop karaoke was! There was good music being played on the decks upstairs and a good atmosphere. Again the staff let it down a bit - a barwoman in a beret looked a bit miserable and gave our drinks to the wrong person and said nothing when I took them. Beer is also very expensive (even by London standards) - £6.50 a pint or £5+ for a can/bottle. 2016 Attended my first hip hop karaoke night last night which was fun. A bit overcrowded but kind of expected - also £5 entry (for karaoke!) but supply and demand I guess. Cloakroom was £1 which was reasonable. Only letdown was the bar staff - got given £10.10 change from a £20 note for one pint of Murphy's by one guy. Told the girl working, wearing a 'Socialist' t-shirt, who didn't care and told me to speak to him (even though he'd disappeared out the back). Thankfully she did call him back and he gave me the £5 back without squabble. The bar staff seemed really miserable last night and it was a mission to get served later on that evening. Good night though - everyone having a good laugh, no racial tension, some good rappers and some terrible. Will go again.

M. F.

During the week Social seems to be more of a cocktail bar, with a quieter clientele and perky but softer music. Over the weekend however things really liven up and things get very busy. We’ve visited during the week and enjoyed Friday nights out here and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the club to anyone. The drinks aren’t cheap yet aren’t overpriced and the staff are great.

S. D.

Interesting concept: hip pop karaoke! Unfortunately the place is not big enough and it gets packed. There's also a 5 pounds entry and I am not sure it's worth it. Beer served in cheap plastic glasses, the cheap kind that will make you spill one third of it on the floor. It's still the only hip hop karaoke venue I know, so it's ok, but don't have very high expectations on the venue itself!

T. E.

Been in the top bar this evening early on so nice and quiet. Hadn't been for a least 10 years and it hasn't changed a bit. Brilliant place with a really cool downstairs. Many happy nights spent in there. Love it!

A. H.

The Social is a great place for drinks with friends but it can become a bit crowded as the room is very long and narrow. There are nice comfy semi circular booths for sitting in, but not many! So on busier nights you will have to get here early to grab one!

B. B.

Love this place, upstairs is the long bar with nice 7-8 person booths you can book, good and quiet in the day and slowly ramps up as the night goes on. Downstairs is the live music and its a great little venue!

D. E.

I love that 70s style, reminds me of a trendy bar in Berlin. Band downstairs was good, too loud, so we had a few cocktails upstairs. Nice atmosphere, fun bar staff

A. M.

Tiny upstairs bar with small downstairs live venue and smaller bar. I went on a Wednesday recently to see live band. Upstairs bar was packed and service was slow. Just one person behind bar. Still, whilst every live music venue is shutting down , you have to give props to this place for giving live bands a chance to be heard

Z. S.

A very chilled out and cool venue! Cool events happening downstairs and a more chilled out vibe upstairs. Cheap drinks, fun staff and a casual laid back atmosphere located right in the centre of the cetre! Also on thursday evening they have a unique event, well known throughout the city, Hip Hop Karaoke. If you are looking for a fun & different night out - THIS IS IT!

W. W.

Cool venue, where the cool folks hang out, cosy and intimate but certainly not cheap...but it is London...would go again, though...saw the band Insides there, who were fantastic, lush, delightful and scintillating, bringing the beautiful noise to the cool people...

S. W.

Great venue and nice bar upstairs 👍

T. S. L.

When looking for a place to go out ‘out’ during the week The Social comes highly recommended. The nicely furnished upstairs bar serves great cocktails thanks to an expert mixologist and contrasts nicely with the downstairs ‘nuclear bunker’ that hosts a great mix of live acts from indie to bass, Hip Hop Karaoke and monthly literary nights... To read more on The Social and other unique independent businesses across London visit the Twenty Something London website

j. c.

The Social is the best bar/club on London if you have a varied music taste. Always worth checking their mailing list for what's on..Always a few great surprises...like launch party for world tours etc.

P. H.

Great place for a drink and a natter. Booths to sit and drink in and very enjoyable burger and chips. Not a rip off and good celection of beers, wines and spirits.

A. K.

There are two floors here, and I'm principally talking about the upper floor. This is a cosy little place that does some lovely food, reasonable beer + wine but is really defined by it being out of the way. The most unusual characteristic of the place, unlike a lot of other places in London, is that you are *expected* to be social and share your table. This is great if, say, you are on a date - not only can you display your nous at having find a fairly cool place but you can also demonstrate social skills too.

M. A.

Had a fun Friday night sitting at the Social.Bartenders were friendly with great service. Nice bar, wish it had a better beer selection but the music was awesome.Really cool place.

C. M.

Good little venue but WAAAAY to loud for live bands. Should be almost illegal to have sound this loud - bring ear protection if you value the ability to hear. Also, why close the food kitchen at 9.00pm when bands hardly start before 10pm

S. S.

Very cool little bar hidden away from the hell that is Oxford street. American style booths and interesting design crowd. It's small so don't come from afar to visit, it's just for if you are in the area and need a drink.

m. l.

5 stars music cocktail venue!

J. P. J.

Cool venue. Went last night for a Greensleeves label dub night. Good crowd, no heavy security staff. Free entry which compensated for drinx prices. Even then, less than excessive for a W.E venue.

a. F.

Lovely little club with a friendly vibe and character. Reminds a bit of the old london of the 80s and 90s. Nice bar upstairs away from the noise. I highly recommend it!

T. B.

My favourite venue in central London

S. D.

Vibey night on Sunday - awesome

M. V.

Cool place and great vibes. Staff and bouncers are also super cool ;) downstairs there’s another room for DJs and live gigs. Super cool :)

B. A.

Hip hop karaoke event is awesome. Great American themed bar upstairs and small club downstairs. Only possible downside is it gets pretty busy

A. H.

S. S.

B. A.

Hip hop karaoke event is awesome. Great American themed bar upstairs and small club downstairs. Only possible downside is it gets pretty busy

A. K.

There are two floors here, and I'm principally talking about the upper floor. This is a cosy little place that does some lovely food, reasonable beer + wine …

S. H.

Odd shaped nice place which sometimes features radio 6 DJs. Good fun.

Great bar Legendary small music venue, great upcoming bands play here on Huw Stephens presents (first Tuesday of every month)

J. P. J.

Cool venue. Went last night for a Greensleeves label dub night. Good crowd, no heavy security staff. Free entry which compensated for drinx prices. Even then, less than excessive for a W.E venue.

Can be good sometimes depends on what music's on and what mood your in. Worth checking out

D. V.

I went for hip hop karaoke. Was so much fun and good to see some people brave the stage and some regulars kill it. Great vibe!

M. E.

Still the best bar / gig venue / club in Central London.

B. W.

A very quirky little underground venue, it's a shame I think not many people know about it. Only flaw is toilet behind the band stage area means awkwardly shuffling past a drummer to take a whizz

T. C.

It's packed in here but my new favourite in London, wood paneled, soft strip lights, long bar, intriguing monochromatic portraits, leather booths. This is a place I could relax!

S. R.

This review relates to the Social being a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street on a weekday afternoon. Great coffee and snacks, and fast wifi. Don't tell anyone!

T. P.

Hadn't been for years and, happily, largely as I remember it. Great spot for a bit of music and beer

T. M.

Great nights out, pretty unique bar. Well worth the trip from Oxford Street, particularly if you like music!

T. K.

Great music, great atmosphere, great place. Much cooler than most West End venues

T. G.

If you like a real bar and not an English pub, you'll love this place. Bonus: nice music selection.

Nice place,good music, sometimes DJ is on.. Great outside,small&cozy inside. Clean/classy/hipsters&trashy you choose..

D. V.

I went for hip hop karaoke. Was so much fun and good to see some people brave the stage and some regulars kill it. Great vibe!

P. R.

Fantastic nite out great venue we all went to see and hear Shanghai blues the band was absolutely fantastic.. 2 bars, great hosts,

M. S.

My new favourite place! The atmosphere, the music...why did i just find out about this place. Central London regained some coolness thanks to you.

M. B.

Amazing small wood panelled bar.

T. W.

Really nice live music venue. Great happy hour deals!

R. s.

Amazing music venue, great selection of craft beer and draft, nice summer cocktails.

M. M.

Great selection, relaxed atmosphere. Perfectly casual unlike all the pretentious cocktail places in London nowadays.

S. H.

Odd shaped nice place which sometimes features radio 6 DJs. Good fun.

J. C.

Great live music and fun atmosphere.. upstairs and downstairs

J. H.

No bad

G. U.

best night ever. People were so gentle and Open minded, they we're mindng their own Business but still felt familiar. Maitai 4life

T. Q.

Excellent cocktails. Love the vibe. Fun night as always

I. C.

A great little venue with nights playing all sorts of music. Decent!

Can be good sometimes depends on what music's on and what mood your in. Worth checking out

J. D.

Bring a group, find a space downstairs and enjoy the music. Simple place with good vibes depending on which day you go.

C. Q.

Queued too long for a hiphop karaoke night. Queued too little for a free charity event. Great basement. Really narrow.

M. E.

Still the best bar / gig venue / club in Central London.

V. N.

Saw Liz Lawrence and Kid Smoke at this place and they were ace!!! Fun, intimate venue.

A. F.

Excellent venue, with a fine Pale Ale and very cheerful staff :)

M. T.

Great place at a stones throw away from Oxford circus. Really good atmosphere on both levels of the venue.

K. K.

Achingly trendy good choice of drinks, great to have upstairs & downstairs with two music choices

J. H.

A bit overpriced drinks, no snacks on the bar and there is only one air condition - all these facts make this rating a 4⭐ Otherwise great nigh club for smaller parties!

K. B.

Very cool, too small, hard to go there with your friends without booking a table.

J. F.

Graeme is very handsome

J. K.

I remember when this place opened.... I've been here maybe once a year for the past 18 years..... Yes, it's that good of a place, to keep on wanting to go back.

A. T.

Small but lovely, good price concerts. Could use a bathroom downstairs.

J. E.

Good on 3rd March. Saw an artist 'Awate' incredible talent & personality

w. z.

Great place for drinks and live music. Very friendly staff

M. M.

Best bar I've found in London. Staff were great, beers and food delicious.

P. B. O.

Didn't buy the barman's schtick but loved the traditional fayre

Went on a Thursday - hip hop karaoke. So much fun. And great vibes

A. R.

Loads of amazing musical history here. Cosy place for a friendly pint.

P. D.

Good cheap place for fun nights in centre of town. An increasingly rare occurrence

D. W.

Cheap drinks , great bar staff , good music , friendly doormen ... what's not to love ?

G. H. P.

Punk rock youth club did a great night last night. Lovely venue

j. r.

Was good

G. O.

Very busy, long time to get a drink... Crap lager... But hip hop karaoke was awesome!

M. A. M.

Always a great night out, great music and great mix of hapoy people

B. E.

Lovely little venue with great bar would love to come back.

T. C.

Very nice atmosphere and friendly people. I will surely come again when back in London.

G. C.

Funky little place in Soho! Nice crowd and good music!!

D. L.

Can be difficult to see the stage for live gigs as is quite a pokey venue dowstairs

N. I.

Nice Place not far from oxford circus tube station very socialise and nice crowd.

B. R.

Cosy indie bar and bustling club downstairs. Enjoyed the time we spent here.

L. B.

Free entrance most nights, cheap drinks good old R&B.

J. W.

A great place to meet friends, new and old, listen to great music and relax.

l. m.

Great little dive, with a decent music venue downstairs.

E. P.

Me and my friend had such a nice time in here! People were amazing!

A. M.

Good music!

M. G.

Awesome little hang out. Great atmosphere and always great events on...

Brilliant venue with fab staff! This place must be saved!

S. T.

By far and away my favourite concrete bunker for a pint and a band

J. M.

Nice, good selection of rooms with varied genres/vibes

M. S.

Good venue! Tiny and cramped but a good night out

C. F.

A good place to chill out after a long day at work friendly service and good crowd of people

S. A.

Cozy bar for an afternoon/evening to meet some friends and chat until late.

A. C.

Nice and cool music!!! Definitely would go again

M. C.

Not much choice on the menu but a great selection of beers.

K. R.

Nice mix of clientele, good music.

D. T.

Casual bar - fun hip hop karaoke night

V. 1.

Lovely club, great reggae djs played

J. G.

Quiet pricey.

P. F.

Well worth a drop in to avoid the overspilled pubs.

Great vibe, and great live music

H. M.

Good bar Great music

O. B.

Cool space mediocre cocktails but too tight

A. A.

Old school interior . Nice atmosphere

O. F.

Nice atmosphere, setting and music

D. M.

Nice bar great music

D. E.

Really great staff and nice door people

I. C.

A legendary venue that deserves to be saved 😎

G. K.

Home of most wonderful evenings out!

S. J.

Good beer selection, hidden away.

L. M.

This is an absolute must stop off for anyone who feels a bit disenfranchised by our government

M. S.

Lovely venue.cant wait to return

M. H.

Great little live venue.

G. G.

Love this venue small and cosy

I. W.

Cosy cool and 70s vibe. Clad in wood.

F. M. (.

My favourite club in town

D. R.

Hip hop karaoke on Thursday is a must

J. C.

Great experience!

J. M.

Cold War Steve exhibition was tip top 👌

K. S.

Nice bar.

i. m.

nice small place with loud music!!

R. L.

Bit pretentious with no sign but fun once inside

S. G.

Top friendly place good value as well

great drinks deals and great DJ

L. p.

super lovly place 5 starrrrrrr

J. R.

Cocktails have gone down hill

N. R.

Great night + lineup

S. P.

Great place for an intimate gig

T. D.

A great little find on a little street.

S. N.

Love this bar ❤️✨

P. W.

Warm place with good beats

G. R.

Great little bar.

E. H.

Always lovely and welcoming!

D. M.

Really nice local pub

A. B.

Nice music, quaint crowd....

J. B.

Good bar

R. R.

Fav bar in London.

S. N.

Cracking west end music bar

J. A. J.

Very crowded and a bit cramped

M. C.

Busy bar.

K. S.

Small intimate and delightful!

D. F.

Brilliant little bar

W. S.

Good beats and drinks!

T. H.

Great place, friendly atmosphere,

S. D.

Hip Hop karaoke...

N. S.

Great!

J. L. K.

Friendly staff and atmosphere

C. S.

Real good vibes

G. O.

Nice club / bar

A. H.

Intimate music venue

P. M.

Love Trojan Nights

N. K.

A gem in heart of the city

J. E.

Siiick

o. w.

Fun and retro.....

R. M.

Amazing

D. B.

I love this place !

長.

good

Good mojitos

K. F.

It was actually closed.

E. O. T. T. R.

Rock and roll x

D. P.

Students place

t. o.

Good entertainment

Chilled vibes

C. L.

good spot!

J. T.

An epic institution

L. D.

Love this place

E. D.

Nice hangout

O. E.

Nice place

Love love love!

E. t. v.

Save the social

R. H.

Spotless and classic. Great vibes for an evening tipple or a chill pint with friends.

K. P.

(Translated) We look at the end of football. Loved the place is the beers and food. (Original) Olhamos o final do futebol americano. Adorei o lugar é as cervejas e comidas.

A. R.

(Translated) A place without pretensions but where you can listen to the best music. (Original) Un lugar sin pretensiones pero en el que podrás escuchar la mejor música.