The words ‘fancy a swift drink?’ have never been better chosen – though we’re sure you’ll want to linger over cocktails at this classy little bar. Not just another Soho watering hole, Swift has some serious pedigree. In a previous life it was the legendary LAB, a late-noughties hotspot that launched many of today’s big bar names and also gave the world the Pornstar Martini.
Today it’s run by Mia Johansson and Bobby Hiddleston (stars in their own right, thanks to stints at Milk & Honey, Callooh Callay and The Dead Rabbit in NYC), in partnership with Edmund Weil and Rosie Stimpson, owners of bird-themed Nightjar and Oriole.
Walk-ins favour the smart-but-casual ground floor space, where wines, beers and cider are offered alongside a short list of signature cocktails – try the house Sgroppino made with lemon sorbet and Prosecco or Tidal Wave (Chivas Regal 12, matcha and coconut water).
Those drinking with more serious intent should book a spot in the seductive lounge bar downstairs, with its 250-strong whisky list and live music at the weekends (mostly blues and jazz). Sophisticated sips include the spicy Santa Fe (Smokey Monkey Scotch, vermouth, tonka, chocolate bitters and chilli), while nibbles run to oysters, charcuterie and cheese.