The Black Book
Soho, London
Bar in London, United Kingdom
Book with PearlWhy go
Book The Black Book when the night calls for a wine-led Soho bar rather than a full restaurant plan. It is strongest for pairs or small groups who want flexibility, later hours, a central London location, with Star Wine List recognition giving it more credibility than a generic drinks stop.
About The Black Book
The Black Book is a London venue with evening and late-night opening from Wednesday to Saturday. It is closed Monday, Tuesday, Sunday; opens at 5 PM on operating days; closes at 1 AM on Wednesday and 3 AM from Thursday through Saturday; and lists a smart casual dress code.
For a broader sweep of options, use Our full London bars guide alongside Our full London restaurants guide.
A London choice to compare with other dining and evening options
For planning, compare The Black Book with Barshu Restaurant, Ducksoup, or Lina Stores Soho - Italian Restaurant if the priority is a different London restaurant plan. LAB and Swift are also London comparison points to consider when shortlisting an evening out.
The practical move is to use the confirmed schedule first. The Black Book is available Wednesday through Saturday from 5 PM, with the latest closing times on Thursday, Friday, Saturday. That makes it more useful for an evening or late-night London plan than for Monday, Tuesday, or Sunday, when it is closed.
Go later in the week if the night may run long
The strongest timing play is Wednesday for an earlier-week visit, or Thursday through Saturday if the group wants the option to stay out later. Closed early-week and Sunday scheduling makes this less useful for a spontaneous start-of-week plan, but stronger for a London night that may stretch.
Black Book is listed by Star Wine List for 2026, which is a confirmed recognition to note when shortlisting London venues. If the night needs hotels, activities, or a wider London plan around it, cross-check Our full London hotels guide, Our full London experiences guide, Our full London wineries guide.
Planning details
- Location
- 23 Frith St, London W1D 4RR, United Kingdom
- Reservations
- Book on SevenRooms
- Website
- blackbooksoho.co.uk
- Phone
- +44 20 7434 1724
The take
The Take
The Vibe
The Black Book occupies Soho's quieter side, trading cocktail theatre for a restrained, wine-focused sensibility. It feels like a room for repeat custom: understated, attentive and centred on the bottle rather than spectacle. The Star Wine List recognition frames the bar as a serious wine destination, attracting guests who arrive to linger over a list and conversation. Housed among Soho's Georgian facades, the bar reads as measured and refined—sophisticated rather than flashy—where the program and the cellar set the tone and the service supports thoughtful, unrushed drinking.
Best For
This is a place for people who prioritise wine over showmanship: regulars dropping in midweek, couples on a low-key date, and guests who enjoy exploring producers and vintages. The Black Book suits after-work visits and relaxed evening drinking when the aim is conversation and discovery rather than late-night revelry. Its Star Wine List status means diners who appreciate provenance and depth in a list make the most of the room; it rewards repeat visits and curiosity about bottles rather than one-off theatrics.
Ordering Tips
Let the wine list lead. The bar attracts guests who 'read lists before they read menus' and who 'ask about producer rather than appellation,' so arrive ready to engage with the list and the staff. With a 'well-managed cellar' at the heart of the program, ask the team for recommendations based on producer or style rather than chasing buzzwords. Expect a focused, wine-forward experience rather than cocktail theatre—trust the cellar and the house expertise when choosing bottles by the glass or the bottle.
Venue details
Ambiance
Dark, inviting basement with cozy booths, mood lighting, and warm welcoming atmosphere.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
Format
At the Bar
- Bar Category
- Wine Bar
- Late Night
- Closes by Midnight
- Music
- Great Tunes
Planning details
Location
23 Frith St, London W1D 4RR, United Kingdom · Directions
Recognition and awards
Also consider
Also Consider
- Barshu Restaurant, Notable alternative
- Ducksoup, Notable alternative
- Lina Stores Soho - Italian Restaurant, Notable alternative
- LAB, Notable alternative
- Swift, Notable alternative
Bar context
How it compares in Soho
Barshu Restaurant, Ducksoup, Lina Stores Soho - Italian Restaurant make more sense when food is the centre of the booking. The Black Book is the stronger choice when the group wants wine, flexibility, a later Soho stop rather than a full meal commitment.
Against LAB and Swift, the decision is wine versus cocktails. Choose The Black Book for a wine-focused night; choose LAB or Swift when the group wants a cocktail-led room and a more classic bar decision.
Booking difficulty is listed as easy, which gives it an advantage for first-timers and small groups trying to plan around Soho without locking the whole evening too tightly. For value, it works best as a drinks-first stop; for a full dinner, cross-shop the restaurant peers before deciding.
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full The Black Book guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare The Black Book
| Venue | Location | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| The Black Book | London | Star Wine Lists 2026 |
| Barshu Restaurant | London | No published awards |
| Ducksoup | London | No published awards |
| Lina Stores Soho - Italian Restaurant | London | No published awards |
| LAB | London | No published awards |
| Swift | London | Top 50 Cocktail Bars UK 2026 · #15Top 500 Bars 2026 · #1332026 Pinnacle Guide2023 World's 50 Best Bars · #762020 World's 50 Best Bars · #332019 World's 50 Best Bars · #412018 World's 50 Best Bars · #46 |
How The Black Book London compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the crowd like at The Black Book?
The crowd is not specified. The Black Book opens at 5 PM from Wednesday to Saturday, closes at 1 AM on Wednesday, closes at 3 AM from Thursday to Saturday.
Is the food good at The Black Book?
Menu and food details are not available here, so it is not possible to judge the food from the information provided. Check directly with The Black Book before planning around a specific meal.
Is The Black Book good for groups?
Group capacity and seating details are not available here. For groups, the safest move is to check directly with The Black Book and plan around its opening days and hours.
What's the best time to go to The Black Book?
Go on Wednesday if a 1 AM closing works for your plan, or Thursday to Saturday if you want the latest hours, since it stays open until 3 AM on those days. Avoid Monday, Tuesday, Sunday because it is closed.
Is The Black Book good for a date?
It can work for a date if the schedule and smart casual dress code fit your plan. If atmosphere, menu, or service format matter, check directly.
