Soho's most famous and best loved Cocktail Bar and Show Venue
Average Reviews
About
Freedom Bar in London's vibrant Soho is a beacon of style and sophistication in the LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. This popular destination, nestled on Wardour Street, is not just a bar but an experience, blending the charm of a cocktail lounge with the energy of a nightclub.
Upon descending into the club area, visitors are greeted with a ruby-red baroque setting, complete with VIP booths, flock velvet seating, and a lively atmosphere perfect for late-night dancing. Known for its sophisticated crowd, Freedom Bar offers an inclusive and flirtatious vibe, making it ideal for both group outings and intimate dates. The venue frequently hosts live cabaret and burlesque events, adding a unique flair to the nightlife experience.
Freedom Bar stands out for its extensive cocktail menu, featuring signature drinks like the Grace Kelly and the Bette Davis, which contribute to the venue's theatrical ambiance. The state-of-the-art sound system in the basement club, complemented by poles on the dance floor, ensures a vibrant party atmosphere that goes on until the early hours.
With its convenient location near Leicester Square and its status as a late-night haunt (open until 3:00 AM most days), Freedom Bar is easily accessible and a top choice for anyone looking to experience the best of Soho's gay nightlife. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Freedom Bar promises an unforgettable night with its mix of stylish decor, exciting entertainment, and expertly crafted drinks.
Lots of online mixed reviews hypedso let's start at beginning tried to enter various nights well-dressed and heeled seems that's not what they are seeking very scruffy crowd seemed like they are enticing students it appearsEspecially Mondays don't quite get itFree to enter, but didn't see any of the scruffy mob buying drinksQueue to get downstairs Mondays excessive then forced to use cloakroom, another QueueWell that's unless you're known to staff, then they blatantly ignore itThe venue is attractive but very poorly planned, and or thought out.To get to toilets is pass by in very overcrowded bar areathough toilets were clean and maintainedhowever, to retreat to main lounge was a struggle to impossible as the evening progressesThe heavy numbers of staff push everyone towards the overcrowded bar so that the tier booking reserved area can view the show not sure why no extra feesif you go get a drink, expect to lose half or more of your expensive drink before you can move a meterstaff are pushy and oversensitive Dress code is Naffhowever, drinks are fairly pricedphotos online don't display the fact you're going to be Kettled once show startsshow was not anything special but as it's free so not going to complain, more camp though if the expression is permittedlots of peeps in there, obviously well known to staff who do not get moved about nor questioned re wearing overcoats scarves etcwouldn't bother visiting again, detrimental design faultshappy clubbing students you'll love it Free is good
I'll settle on 3 stars for this place. Weird interior queue for the downstairs club which they don't tell you about before you pay the entry charge (downstairs is the club, where you want to be). Staff are surly. The club suffers from lighting that's too bright, not enough strobe, repeated songs and unpleasant remixes of pop/club songs that don't hit nearly as much as the originals do. Apart from that, a decent place to have a dance, with a pretty nice crowd.
Rules, rules,rules you can't place bags on the floor, in the bar . You can't go down stairs to even look at the place, with some random asking you to put your coats in the cloakroom.Hardly freedom, more like colditz .
We, party of 6,went there for few drinks to freedom on -1 on a Thursday evening for our corporate Christmas drinks.8 or 9 tables all have sign reserved at 9.30pm are empty and in all that section there are only 2 people. Ok, all those reserved signs are bad marketing, we asked the guy at what time people are coming he said they have no time for that... #omg #lol #lameWe took a table... And an Asian appearance lady comes with a horrible attitude saying she will not serve us if we will not out our coats in a clock room... Well few girls said they are cold they want to keep it on...and then she is saying - you need to put your bags to clock rooms... We had 2 laptops and girls had 2 pursues.... Girls said noooo. . We said it's laptops, thank you we keep them with us .. she said she is not going to talk to us she is calling a bouncer and we can talk to him.... Omg... Are you for real???!!!! You have an empty night bar in Soho on Thursday night... We came to spend money and that's how you treat us... No offense but go learn some manners and customer service.... So we just left to next bar....PS there are almost 400 bars in Soho... Owners get people to attract people and paying a lot for that .. and you send people away... Never ever any of us will come back to freedom... It's a disaster now.... 3 years with previous owners it was amazing... Now it's a total crap...And I appreciate a new refurbishment, but who was the designer.....?!!!🙈🙈🙈 Do you know what Soho is and stands for? Do you know how trendy places look like .. yeah... It was a complete waste of money .. good luck and I'll never be back .. and Asian looking lady needs to go. . ..
Very impressed with Freedom’s Monday night! Great vibe, music and friendly crowd!Very talented host and drag queens! Shoutout to the bar staff who are very fast and efficient and the manager Danielle who was very welcoming to me and my group! 😊
Great night out and lovely people we had an amazing night there! The staff were also excellent, as can sometimes happens on a night out there was someone else there being rude and overly drunk however the staff handled things so well, took the wrongun out and reviewed footage to make sure they were being fair and even gave us free drinks as an apology. That kind of treatment is so rare from bouncers and management these days it was so refreshing and prevented one drunk guy from ruining a whole night. If I could give ten stars I would!
Had been coming for literally 10 years, then took my friends on Saturday and was told the club was full whilst simultaneously allowing about 20 to waltz past the queue and straight in!Chris (the head doorman) had a foul attitude, clearly thinks he is doing the door for Soho house these days!Such a shame!
I’ve been coming to Freedom for 10 years (or longer) 🥳Always have the best time.Great drinks! Great vibes.Bouncers are always lovely and I’ve felt super safe over the years.Can’t wait for Freedom to open up again after this facelift. This will be the 3rd era of Freedom for me and my mates. 💖✨🍸
Guy serving try to charge us twice for drinks my girlfriend paid for the drink then went outside to get us a table and then he tried to charge me agin for the same drinks. When I told him that she payed for then and got her to come in side to show him the transaction he was trying to tell me that’s not the price even tho it was the price he tried to charge me the second time. Had a pointless argument that resulted with him saying that’s not how it work but we can just take them, honestly ruined the whole vibe. Would not recommend
While the bar staff may not always be the friendliest lot, fear not, for the rest of the crew more than make up for it. The door team? Simply excellent. And those floor staff? Attentive and oh-so-friendly.And let's talk about the music—typically exciting, getting you in the groove after a few sips.What's not to love? With plenty of weekly entertainment downstairs, it's a lively scene indeed.Here's to many more spirited evenings in this vibrant spot in Soho.
I was gonna go here when I visit London soon, but after reading reviews I think I’ll give it a miss. Been to Soho many times never been treat badly,. Don’t fancy it ruining my trip. I’m a singer as well and I’ve performed in London many times including the iconic Candy Bar before it closed. Would have need a great place to perform as well. What a shame.
RACIST business, avoid at all costs.Came with a group of 7 for a friend's birthday and they refused entry on the basis of we're not on the Guestlist eventhough the premises wasn't busy and there were others being let in who weren't in the queue!!!We have a very DIVERSE group of friends most of which are darker skinned. We saw they were letting other people in without reservations which weren't ethnic. If you read other reviews you will see there are MANY other visitors who have been DISCRIMINATED against.I used to go here years ago and it was fab but clearly something has changed.Shame on you guys calling yourself a GAY bar, you are part of the RACISM and DISCRIMINATION problem in this country.
My visit to Freedom left me disappointed and frustrated. Despite the nice atmosphere, my experience was marred by the rude behavior of clients. I was shocked to be told I couldn't sit at a small table in the corner because it was reserved, only to see an empty area with tables that were off-limits. It was a baffling and unpleasant experience that left me feeling unwelcome.
One of my favorite spots in London ✨ Eliza & staff - thank you for always being so welcoming, friendly, kind, and attentive. You all work so hard to ensure we all have a fun & safe time. We appreciate you!!
I had an appalling experience at Freedom Bar Soho due to their abysmal customer service. The bouncers were rude, dismissive, and completely unprofessional....
Dreadful experience with Freedom club. Some friends and I were going out for my birthday and we had booked an area at the club. The club staff didn’t let us in because according to them, we were 5 minutes late and we “hadn’t called to let them know”. The time of arrival was made clear when we booked and we weren’t late at all. The door staff was disgusting and the club manager was just outrageous.
If you wanna wait in a line for over an hour and still not get in this is the vibe for you. Constantly wrist-banding people over the road who had not come out of the venue. A lot Looked like tourists with hats scarves and bag packs so guess dress code is non existent. Go to the off license grab a bottle and find somewhere cozy
3 stars because while the performers were amazing, I’m pissed I paid 12£ ($15) for a Caipirinha that was 95% ice with little alcohol in it. It’s like i didn’t even pay for a Caipirinha at all and i feel robbed, and the drink was not even strong it’s like they only added ice and lime juice and forgot to include the alcohol and a real Caipirinha fills the glass. But the performers Monday night were so amazing and the emcee was fantastic
Literally the worst place in the world. My girlfriend got assaulted and they have to do the draft for a while ago and it is not available on the phone with you to get a new phone and email address
The first thing I would definitely highlight is the customer service, 5 stars! Drink amazing but the food too which I wasn’t expecting!! Definitely worth it!
I went here with a group of people on a Friday night and had a nice time. However, I notice that they add 10-12.5% onto every purchase of drink.This was mentioned in the Guardian/Telegraph as a sneaky way pubs/bars are getting extra money from customers. Yes this is 'discretionary' but this is unethical as never was anyone charged this on solely drinks purchases where there is no table service nor allocated seating.There is also no guarantee than any of this goes to the bar staff and many businesses just keep it. It means you are paying £13 for a £11 drink (as someone complained to me) or random amounts like £5.72 for a pint (which is cheap for London so like me, I wasn't too bothered).I would recommend people ask to have this charge taken off as it seems like cheating. This is not a restaurant at that time with seating downstairs to eat but simply a bar/club. There is nothing special the bar staff are doing except giving your drink. This is not the USA where you pay to even speak to the staff. Will be more careful next time here...
Stylish bar, good cocktail and friendly staffSmall club with show stage down stairs.Everyone seems welcome here, from young to old, flashy and colorful, with a suit or jeansNo matter what you are, you're in good hands here!It's a great place to spend your time!
Calling all cocktail enthusiasts in London! 🍹 If you're looking for a spot to enjoy some amazing cocktails, look no further than Freedom Bar. This hidden gem is known for its exceptional cocktail menu that will leave you craving for more.And guess what? It's not just me saying this! Well-known personalities like Tom Daley have given a thumbs up to this venue, making it a must-visit spot.*Thomas Robert Daley OBE (born 21 May 1994) is a British diver and television personality. Specialising in multiple events, he is an Olympic gold medallist!But it's not just the cocktails that make Freedom Bar shine. Their staff is simply outstanding, providing top-notch service with a smile. You'll feel like a VIP from the moment you step foot through the door.Cheers to amazing cocktails and professional staff! 🥂 Head over to Freedom Bar and indulge in an unforgettable experience.
Lovely and stylish gay bar, with a remarkable little club in the basement. Great pop music, relaxed crowd, nice boys (and girls), a few drag shows, fair drink prices, clean. We had a blast there!!
Been there on the 9/9/23 to celebrate my birthday. What ever I say it won’t be enough. We were a party of 20+, from the minute that we arrive Chris, John, Teddy and all the guys on the floor and the bar they went beyond and above to deliver us an excellent service. Never disappointed and definitely we will go back many many times. Thank you all for an amazing night!!!!!Harris
A one-star rating because there was a very negative experience, where I were treated unfairly, made to feel uncomfortable, and not listened to. I felt that disappointment and dissatisfaction with their treatment. I left to leave the venue and wait nearby and whilst I waited for the bus. The staff came out with a bottle of water and asked me to come inside which was such a lack of integerety considering they didn't let me in to begin with. One moment I was not allowed in and one minute later I was! I don't get it!
Visited on Saturday evening and it was half empty. No consistency in the drinks prices, depends which member of staff serves !A bit boring, no one seemed to hang around but just moved on to somewhere better. Which is what did too.
Don’t get fooled by the name. This is the only freedom you’ll get. I went last night for a birthday party and picked the wrong choice of outfit as it was very damn hot inside, I took my jacket off but didn’t have a shirt underneath resulting in being scolded many times by a random annoying women and at the end I had to leave because the heat was unbearable and they wanted me to keep my jacket on (this is a gay bar hello?) Ambience was good but definitely not coming back.
Not recommend, Totally racist specially the security guards, after long wait in queue with my friends the security gurds told us to leave because you are not in queue, after explanation they were rude to us. They broke our hearts 💔 we don't expected this behaviour in London, in Rainbow area.
Great place with great music, good to meet people. Bouncers very nice as well which one can only appreciate. However, staff/waiters very rude. I’ve been to Freedom several times and it’s not the first time the waiter acts inappropriately towards me. As I was ordering my drinks the barman told me to take my hands off the counter in a very rude way, I suggested that he talks to me with more respect and he answered “if you’re unhappy the exit is over there”.
Racist club.I came from work, just to have a couple drinks, and they’ve asked me where I’m from, first question. My girlfriend could go in, she’s from Peru, and our British friend as well. What a coincidence that they didn’t like me, the Romanian guy. 5 people from security were communicating in their own language amd they were rude and acting all Alfa looking at me trying to be intimidating.They were paying more attention to the ladies than the costumers.
Love this club and staff here. The security is lovely, I left my bag outside in the and Daniel was kind enough to come all the way in side to find me to give it back! He remembers me every time I go also, highly recommend !!
My friend and I had stuff stolen from our bags and the establishment said they wouldn't compensate us even for smaller value items. Would never go back, ever.
Stumbled in with a group on a recommendation from a friend. Upper floor is more lounge-y, basement is wild, packed, and very fun. Drinks are slow and pricey but tbh you’re there to slide down a pole so gotta give a little. Staff were more than accommodating to an issue we had and were all hands on deck. Def go. Everyone is very friendly. Visited 12/8/22
Celebrated my birthday at Freedom Bar. My group was 20 people. Staff were great especially Rebecca & Lewis. Would recommend this venue for a good night out.
Initially found both the front of house and security extremely fair and welcoming. However as the night progressed I witnessed liberties being taken by both when it came to staff (in particular cloak room staff.) I think at this stage it goes beyond saying grabbing or slapping members of staff backsides is in accep. Whether they think it or not as someone who’s worked over 10 years in service it’s intimidating.
I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. A friend and I joined the queue to get inside. After a while, I noticed that the bouncers were letting in individuals who werent from the queue. In fact,I observed the club losing many patrons who were standing patiently in the queue because the bouncers were letting other persons in while ignoring the queue. I asked one of the bouncers what was happening. The bouncer stared at me and said nothing. When I asked if he could understand me, he told me that if I didn't want to wait I could get out of the line. My friend and I left and found another club that had great music and a lit dance floor.The management needs to do something about the bouncers. While I respect bouncers, this one was rude . I will never go back to that place.
Literally called up the number understanding that it was a Friday night and the person behind this number said we could enter for three guys. When we got there the security/bouncers literally had a very bad attitude not sure why said we need to have a reservation (understandable because it’s a Friday then why would the person tell us it okay to enter ) we came all the way from heathrow to have a good time. Complete downer and annoying. We were Asians, not sure if that could be the reason ! Thank you. Don’t pass on the wrong message if you can’t coordinate with your team. Thank you.
Brilliant atmosphere. Clean-cut cocktail bar on the ground floor and amazing cabaret space downstairs. Went on a Monday night where many West End performers come in and sing a song or two until around 11PM or so where they move chairs and establish a dance floor. Intimate and great vibe.
Visited on Thursday night with a party of 7 including my daughter in a wheelchair. The staff at the door were excellent. We were treated like royalty. A ramp was placed on the steps for my daughter. We were ushered down to a table beside the dance floor and had table service.The floor show was incredible. Something for all our party, Old, young, gay and straight. Would highly recommend for a great night out. Special thanks to Nicole in the security team. Service above and beyond. Thanks for a brilliant night.x
Great clubbing space! I know at least on Friday they have someone in drag do a quick show which is fun. I always come early for the reduced entry fee. A bottle of wine is well priced.
This place did, for me, exactly what i needed it to do. Went to see the Kinky Kabaret and it did not disappoint. Talented people, a great vibe and to top...
Had the pleasure to be served by Elisa tonight, she was the best waitress we could’ve asked for. Extremely friendly and approachable, made us feel very welcome. Wish you could get this level of service everywhere!
Great selection of drinks.Reduced prices on cocktails at happy hours.Staff are very friendly and the service is excellent.The quality of the food (we tried the snacks) wasn't great.Highly recommended if you are a cocktails fan and would like to try different types of cocktails are reduced prices.
Positive: Drag performance was good. Drinks service at the bar downstairs was quick which is great because no one likes slow service when it’s busy.Negatives: The staff attitude seriously needs some major improvement. The lady collecting entry fees did not look at customers, didn’t say hello, let alone have a smile on her face. Didn’t mention the price. Literally just shoved the payment device into your face and then rudely handed over the wristband. Maybe due to covid she was asked not to put it on for guests. I’m not sure. But that first impression was already so bad!!!! She either needs to take on another role or just move on to another place because a bad first impression is hard to make up for eventually.And it didn’t stop there. When waiting in line to store our belongings at the cloak room, security rudely said “store your bags or get out”. That was uncalled for.Oh and it certainly didn’t end there. The lady working at the cloak room had such an attitude. She didn’t smile. Simply asked for initials and shoved the device in your face and gave you the ticket and told you not to lose it. While I can understand That it is not the most exciting job in the world, at least give a fake smile and a simple thank you and not bring that silly attitude and negative vibes to a place where people just want to have fun and de-stress.I am always polite and friendly to anyone in customer service because there is nothing worse than a sh*T customer who is rude. I say my please and thank you. But to be on the receiving end of receiving sh*T customer service , that’s not right. Would I tell people of the bad experience at Freedom? Of course. Because I don’t want others to experience the lousy attitude and service from the handful of employees who bring the business bad reviews when majority of the other employees are probably amazing.
Yeah we didn’t go for the clubbing vibes that I have read lol. We came for a quick drink in the afternoon and took advantage of the happy hour. There were lots of choices of wines and the staff were friendly.It’s a cosy place upstairs but like I said, we didn’t check out the club downstairs.
As a preface, I work in service industry so have no issue paying service charge for good work.I actually like the vibe there, however, without solicitation charging 12.5% service for BAR service is outrageous.When I queried this the rude N. American lady said that's just how it is.Well, the law requires you mention it and that it is optional. Effectively, the menu is incorrect pricing.
I find Freedom as one of the decent clubs in Soho. It’s great fun, has a bar area (upstairs) and a club area (downstairs). Great music and friendly people. However it is definitely not a cheap night out and sometimes getting in could take ages- but that’s pretty much everywhere in Soho lol
I came here for the first time just before Christmas, a real lovely place full of friendly people and staff! Amazing cocktails and entertainment too. A staff member from my first visit that worked in the cloakroom named Saffron I think, was an absolute angel to me. Super polite and enthusiastic and assured me my belongings would be safe with her in the cloakroom. Since my first visit Saffron has sadly left, she was such a gem
Never a dull night, especially when they open downstairs. This place epitomises Soho... easy going, fun crowd with a great vibe. Great place to start or end the night.
Been to this place a few times before but hadn't been for several years, so some work colleagues of mine decided to go for a Christmas drink last month. I went up alone and I asked the door man what we needed to get in and he said just the COVID pass thing which we all had. I called my colleagues over (only 2 of them) and once he saw them he was like, have you booked? I said no because we never needed to be before. Then he was like, no you can't get in. It was after 10pm and there was absolutely no one inside. Through the window you could see the place was completely empty. I'm thinking he saw my colleagues were slightly older and decided not to let them in. And ageist place that will not see anymore of my money.
Never a due night, especially when they open. downstairs. This place epitomises Soho... easy going, fun crowd with a great vibe. Great place to start or end the night.
Freedom Bar in SOHO is an amazing place to go clubbing. The music is lovely and the ambience is great. There are poles at the center of the club where people can pole dance. I also love the vibe of the people that go there - everyone is just so wild and down to party! Most importantly, the bouncers/door staff are very kind. This was a shock to me as I have experienced being refused entry for no reason, bullying, verbal abuse and manhandling from several bouncers at popular nightclubs! At Freedom they treat you with respect. One of the door staff even told his colleagues to take care of me every time I was there because he said I was a "lovely person." I'm glad I found a nightclub with an amazing vibe, that treats customers with equality, inclusion and respect. In fact, after I discovered Freedom I ended up going 4 more times the same week! Definitely a must-visit if you are in London.
I was a regular to this club and had a lot of good and amasing night. Recently I find it very unfriendly and the door men doesn’t really care anymore with their valued(regular) customers. Sorry to say that it’s really disappointing and utterly how this club become very unfriendly. If they don’t change they keep loosing their regulars .
Try to come in with a friend at 5 on a Saturday night but was pushed back by the bouncers. The first one asked if we had any bookings, unfortunately we didn’t. Then the other one said it had a private event. I went up to the website and it’s clearly said that they’re unable to host private functions on Friday and Saturday eves. Definitely wont come back here again and also let my friends know about the rudeness of their staff!!!
Always a good time!Great vibes, cocktails and EXCELLENT staff.A special thank you to Shefra (hope that’s the right spelling) and Mitch for being absolute gems 🙏🏻
It was my first time here with neice and her friends and we had an amazing night. The drinks were a little pricy but the drag show we watched was phenomenal and that made up for it. It was a great experience that night and had so many laughs. 10/10 from me. Thank you.
I was a regular for this club and had a lot of good and amasing night. Recently I find it very unfriendly and the door men doesn’t really care anymore with their valued(regular) customers. Sorry to say that it’s really disappointing and utterly how this club become very u friendly.
Fun venue. Great music. Sadly the new manager is absolutely useless, rude and more interested in flirting with teen boys rather than taking care of paying customers.
First time at Freedom bar, it was a great experience. Was served by George for most of the night who was incredibly friendly and a great barman. Will be going again.
Hope last night was a one off but what was going on with the music - it was so straight and bloody awful! White wine was warm too 🙁 doorman was really friendly when we arrived! Oh and service charge of £2 when we had to order drinks at the bar ourselves…. sorry no thanks…
What a wonderful night! Super accommodating, really friendly staff. Was there for my birthday to watch Kinky Kabaret and the show was fabulous, the venue was gorgeous, really fun music, great atmosphere in the audience and brilliant vibes all round... And I got a free bottle of fizz to celebrate turning 27! I changed my party numbers a couple of times and the woman I was emailing was really helpful & the door staff on the night were super chill. Could not have wished for a better place to dance the night away x
Door man an absolute gentleman, I always came to this bar and people has been great, today was not the case, this inept (the girl with the big false eyelashes) she wanted to placed us at the end of the bar when there was a free table at the front, I tried to talk to her but she kept talking over me, I asked if would she let us talk to her answer was you would waist your time, what an absolute troll! It happened Wednesday around 19:00 PM
Very nice layout, nice food and nice drinks, the staff are absolutely amazing. They are all very friendly and polite, I would go back just to receive such an amazing customer service! The pricing is also very reasonable, it’s such a lovely place to go after having a dinner somewhere near there.
I love Freedom Bar, actually we love Freedom Bar, always great customer experience.Availability and capacity of this place is amazing, we most of the time having our parties here organised by the our lovely company. Great bar, good for a walk-in to have a quick chat,have a drink.Club music and dark space makes fantastic and cocktail-club atmosphere.The staff are lovely caring and attentive.Stylish and most decent place in Soho London!
Upstairs bar, downstairs nightclub but the differences don't stop there. Upstairs the staff are friendly, welcoming and efficient. Downstairs staff are...
Fantastic establishment! This is a sensible lounge with a classy feel and craft cocktails! Wonderful staff and management, very accommodating, and also a...
To call this an alternative night out would be an understatement.Went here just before Christmas to celebrate my 11yr cancer birthday, oooh how the years...
The lychee and porn star martinis are my drinks in this place. Been to a few birthdays here as well and the nibbles are good too. Staff are always pretty,...
Freedom Bar reviews from Google Maps, Yelp and WhereIsGay
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