Best Pubs in Soho London: Historic Spots and Hidden Gems

The best pubs in Soho for an authentic London experience are The French House for its historic 'no-tech' atmosphere, The Coach & Horses for its legendary local vibe, and The Dog and Duck for its beautiful Victorian heritage and literary history. Whether you are after a quiet half-pint or a lively night out, these spots offer a genuine slice of Soho life that modern bars simply cannot replicate.

Soho: The Heart of London's Drinking Culture

For Aussies and Kiwis landing in London, Soho is often the first port of call. It’s the square mile of mayhem that somehow feels like home, yet remains completely unique. Nestled between the shopping chaos of Oxford Street and the tourist traps of Leicester Square, Soho is a labyrinth of narrow streets, neon signs, and, most importantly, some of the world's most iconic pubs.

But before you start your pub crawl, let's talk about the one thing that can ruin a trip faster than a warm pint: roaming charges. If you’re still planning to use your Telstra International Day Pass or Optus roaming daily charges, you’re essentially paying for a round of drinks you’ll never get to taste. Those $10-a-day fees add up fast. Instead, savvy travelers are switching to eSIMs. You can install your AussieRoam eSIM at the airport in Sydney or Auckland, and by the time you land at Heathrow, you’re already connected to the local EE or 3 networks. No more hunting for dodgy pub Wi-Fi just to find your way back to your hotel.

The Must-Visit Pubs in Soho

The French House

If you want to feel like a proper Londoner, head straight to 45 Dean Street. The French House is legendary. During WWII, it was a meeting spot for the French Resistance, and General Charles de Gaulle is said to have written his 'A tous les Francais' speech here.

What makes it unique today is its strict 'no-tech' rule. No music, no televisions, and definitely no mobile phones. It’s a place for conversation. They also famously only serve beer in half-pints, except on April 1st when they serve full pints. It’s small, it’s crowded, and it’s arguably the best atmosphere in London.

The Coach & Horses

Located on Greek Street, this pub was once home to the 'rudest landlord in London,' Norman Balon. While Norman is gone, the spirit of the place remains. It’s a classic London 'boozer' that has resisted the urge to become a gastropub. It’s famous for its links to Private Eye magazine and was the haunt of legendary journalist Jeffrey Bernard. If you want a pub that feels like it hasn't changed since the 1970s, this is it.

The Dog and Duck

This Bateman Street gem is a masterpiece of Victorian design. With its exquisite tiling and cozy interiors, it’s no wonder George Orwell used to drink here. It’s often packed to the rafters, but that’s part of the charm. It’s the kind of place where you squeeze in, make friends with the person next to you, and soak in the history.

The Ship

For the music lovers, The Ship on Wardour Street is a must. Soho was the epicenter of the British rock scene in the 60s and 70s, and The Ship was the local for everyone from the Marquee Club nearby. It’s a bit more 'rock and roll' than the other historic spots, with a great selection of ales and a vibe that’s always high-energy.

The Toucan

If you’re craving a Guinness, The Toucan in Carlisle Street is your spot. This tiny, Guinness-themed pub is a Soho institution. It’s spread over two floors, with a basement that feels like a hidden cave. It’s unpretentious, loud, and serves one of the best pints of the black stuff outside of Dublin.

Staying Connected Without the Bill Shock

Navigating the winding streets of Soho requires a reliable data connection. Google Maps is your best friend when you're trying to find a hidden alleyway pub like the John Snow (famous for its connection to the 1854 cholera outbreak).

In the UK, the network landscape is dominated by EE and 3. EE offers extensive 5G coverage across London, while 3 provides solid 4G and 5G backup. AussieRoam eSIMs hook directly into these local carriers, giving you the same speeds and coverage as a local.

Why AussieRoam Beats Home Roaming

Feature	AussieRoam eSIM	Aussie/Kiwi Roaming (Telstra/Optus)
Network	Local EE (5G) / 3 (4G)	Roaming Partner (often throttled)
Daily Cost	No daily fees	$5 - $10 per day
Data Limit	Large fixed plans	Often 1GB per day cap
Activation	Instant via QR Code	Automatic (Bill Shock risk)

You can see plans for the UK that range from 1GB for a quick stopover to 50GB for those planning a longer stay or working remotely. Because these are data-only plans, you don't get a local phone number, but you can keep your home SIM active for receiving those important bank 2FA texts while using AussieRoam for all your data needs, including WhatsApp calls to mates back home.

Connectivity Advice for the UK Traveler

Coverage Realities

In London, you’ll rarely see anything less than a full 5G signal on the EE network. However, once you head out into the countryside—perhaps to visit the Cotswolds or the Scottish Highlands—coverage can vary. Having an eSIM that can switch between networks is a huge advantage.

Airport Arrival

The best strategy is to install your eSIM before you leave. Whether you're at Sydney (SYD) or Auckland (AKL), use the airport Wi-Fi to scan your QR code. By the time you land at Heathrow and clear immigration, your phone will have already pinged the local towers. You can immediately check the Elizabeth Line schedule or book an Uber without having to hunt for a SIM card kiosk in the arrivals hall.

How Much Data Do You Need?

• Light User: If you're just using Google Maps and checking emails, 3GB to 5GB for a two-week trip is usually plenty.
• Social Media Buff: If you’re posting Reels of your Soho pub crawl, look at the 10GB or 20GB plans.
• Power User/Remote Work: If you’re tethering your laptop, the 50GB plans offer the best value.

How to Install Your eSIM

Setting up your connection is straightforward. First, check your device's compatibility to make sure your iPhone or Android is unlocked and eSIM-capable. Most phones from the last 3-4 years are good to go.

For iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap 'Add eSIM'.
3. Scan the QR code provided by AussieRoam.
4. Label the new plan 'Travel' and set it as your primary data source.

For Android:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
2. Tap 'Add eSIM'.
3. Scan the QR code.
4. Ensure the new eSIM is selected for 'Mobile data'.

For more detailed steps, you can read about how it all works on our setup guide.

Beyond Soho: Exploring More of Europe

If London is just your first stop, you might be planning to head across the Channel. If you're doing a grand tour, check out our 2-Week Europe Itinerary: The Classic First-Timer Route. And if Paris is on your list after London, you’ll definitely want to read our guide on Navigating the Paris Metro: A Tourist's Guide to Success to avoid getting lost in the underground.

Many of our plans also offer regional coverage, so you can see plans that work across the UK and the EU, making your transition from a Soho pub to a Parisian cafe seamless.

The bottom line

Soho’s pubs are the soul of London, offering a mix of history, grit, and great beer. To enjoy them properly, you need to be connected without worrying about the cost. Skip the expensive roaming fees from home and grab an AussieRoam eSIM. You’ll land with data, stay connected on the best local networks like EE and 3, and have more money left over for that extra round at The French House. Cheers to that!