Old Compton Brasserie

"Arguably, there are only a few places in London where you can use the words ‘suave’, ‘laidback’ and ‘cheap’ in the same sentence without sounding like an entitled asset manager who got his own Smythson diary embossed with ‘BIG BOY’. But, that’s kind of what Old Compton Brasserie is. They have a long menu, with everything from wild mushroom gnocchi to dressed up fish and chips, and if you stick to wine rather than cocktails, the night will be fairly easy on the purse strings." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, rianne shlebak, eileen twum

"Closing time: Monday - Thursday - 12am / Friday - Saturday - 1am Another late night spot on the legendary Soho strip that laughs in the face of Magaluf’s all-night antics, Old Compton Brasserie is a no-brainer when you’re after some oysters at midnight. Home to big leather booths and cocktails named after local legends, they’ve got an eclectic brasserie menu that covers everything from seafood linguine to vegan burgers. None of it will blow you away and the price of the mains can be steep, so swing by for some luxury snacks, make your way through their 10 classic cocktails for £10, and debate whether you too need a mural of Bjork on that exposed brick wall in your flat." - heidi lauth beasley

"Okay, so it’s 10pm and you’re all shuffling around Soho, tipsy from those pints at The Coach and Horses, and wondering whether it’s socially acceptable to just offer everyone a tinny and a single Marlboro Light as their dinner so you can finally sit down. Stop. Breathe. And now make your way to Old Compton Brasserie, which, aptly, is on Old Compton Street. A huge modern, glossy brasserie, this place is open from lunch until late every day of the week and although none of the food here will change your life, it’s a great shout for some big booth dining and an even bigger menu that has something for everyone. Think vegan curries, a classic sirloin with steak frites, and salads for that mate who claims to be eating Keto again. Oh, also there are £10 cocktails throughout the night." - heidi lauth beasley

"What It Is: A big, all day brasserie in Soho. Perfect For: Birthdays, Catching Up With Mates, Lunch, Special Occasions We headed to this new spot on Old Compton Street on a Friday night, armed with the knowledge that there were many, many cocktails to be had. There’s also brass detailing, big leather booths, plenty of meaty mains, a shiny marble bar where bearded men make boozy drinks, exposed brick, several vegan plant-based options, and a large mural of Bjork. Interesting. Our onglet was tasty enough, if slightly overcooked, but the vegan burger was actually really delicious. Sure, this is the kind of place where the cocktails are named after ‘Soho legends’, and our drinks came with sparklers, but the atmosphere is fun, and the all day menu very affordable. Verdict: A handy Soho spot to have in your back pocket, and we’ll be back to try more of the menu." - Sam Collins, Oliver Feldman, Heidi Lauth Beasley, Jake Oliver, Eileen Twum

"Imagine if The Great Gatsby was set in the nineties. Now, add in some modern European dishes, cocktails named after ‘Soho legends’, and bearded barmen, and you’re on your way to picturing Old Compton Brasserie. This spot is all about having a good time, whether that’s drinking a boozy cocktail complete with a sparkler that’s a genuine risk to your eyebrows. Or, a more casual mid-week dinner with a couple of pals, eating a tasty burger whilst questioning exactly what made them add a mural of Bjork to their otherwise twenties decor. Plus, it’s a great spot to have in your Soho arsenal. Looking for a cheap date spot in central where you can go from an old fashioned to dinner? Start at their big marble bar. Want to take your parents for a meal before that show? Their £19 pre-theatre menu has got you covered. Ready for a catastrophic amount of pre-drinking? Their cocktails are reduced to £7 after 9pm every night of the week. Very Gatsby indeed." - Heidi Lauth Beasley