Duke of Wellington

Very disappointing experience overall. We had a table supposedly booked in advance, but upon arrival there was no record of our reservation, which immediately set the tone. To make matters worse, a large section of the venue was closed, further limiting seating. Service was particularly poor. When we ordered two beers, they were presented in a way that felt almost condescending, as if we were being done a favour rather than being served as paying customers. The staff were unfriendly and impersonal throughout, absolutely no eye contact, no acknowledgment, and no effort to create even a basic level of hospitality. Cleanliness was an issue. Tables were not cleared or cleaned, menus were sticky, and the overall environment felt neglected and unhygienic. It gave the impression that customer experience is not a priority and that guests are simply taken for granted. It’s genuinely disappointing to encounter this level of service and upkeep in London. Definitely not a place I would recommend.

The Duke of Wellington is a famous meeting place an d well known to Soho visitors. I love this hotel and has been a part of me for many years. Right in the beating heart of Soho, this spot is basically impossible to miss. It’s like the slightly cheeky living room of Old Compton Street — people watching heaven. If Soho had a town square, this pub would be it. Think of it as Soho’s unofficial catwalk. You’ll get a mix of after-work suits loosening their ties, glitter-sprinkled party starters, and locals who’ve been here since before “trendy” was even a word. It’s friendly, it’s eclectic. Classic pub arsenal with just enough options to keep you buzzing. Expect your crisp pints, a solid G&T, and maybe a cheeky cocktail if you’re in the mood. Not the fanciest mixology den in Soho, but it does the job — plus the vibe makes that pint taste twice as good. This isn’t your “quiet pint and sudoku” kind of place. The entertainment here is the crowd itself. Camp banter, pop tracks spilling from the speakers, and the occasional spontaneous singalong that feels like you’ve stepped into a sitcom episode. During big nights (Pride, Eurovision, random Tuesdays), it transforms into a full-blown stage without even trying. "The Duke of Wellington is like Soho in a pint glass — loud, sparkly, cheeky, and never dull. Come for the drinks, stay for the people-watching, leave with a story"

One of my favourite LGBT+ venues when it says it’s welcoming of everyone it really means it. Fun and friendly staff. Great DJs and entertainment. A full roster of fun events and activities for everyone to join in. Always a pleasure and above all a safe space!

I previously left a review and lower score due to a notice we saw during our visit, but I’ve since learned (and deleted it) that this was posted in error and the team addressed it quickly and professionally—thank you for that! The Welly has always been our favourite pub in Soho. It’s consistently vibrant, with a great atmosphere and friendly, attentive staff. We didn’t stay as long as we would have liked this time, but we’ll definitely be back soon for a few great pints and plenty of laughs.

It's more active than other pubs in Soho. Louder music in the ground floor, warmer atmosphere in the upper decks. The bartenders are honestly great and friendly. If you're a lonely gay heart, this is a good place for you.

A smaller and more low key bar compared to others that we've been too. The crowd seemed to be mellow when we walked in. It wasn't that big in the main area...

Duke of Wellington is a fun place and the bartenders know everything to do in the area. I would actually say to start here with your evening and make your...

The nice thing about the Welly is that they have the lower and upper part: the lower is certainly where all the action is happening: loud music, folks...