The Social

26 years young and still one of the best bars in town. Great team, great music, great drinks and always a top night out. Fail we may, sail we must x

Put on a night here last Friday and I loved every minute of it. I'd been to various events over several years, but this was the first time doing my own thing. Staff were great, all of the preparation was seamless and Arnie was particularly helpftand friendly. The sound for both bands and DJs is second to none. Paul the engineer also top of hod game. Hopefully I'll be back to do something else soon

Small and intimate performance space, which I prefer. the sound quality was brilliant and the bar service were nice

One of the coolest bars I’ve ever been to. Open til 1am with a basement club. DJs playing non commercial music and bar tenders with personality and flair. Quirky, friendly crowd. Such a good vibe

Hidden gem. Quality cocktails - rare to find a good whisky sour with proper egg whites. Upstairs was a great speak easy vibe with a dj playing some deep cuts (soul, house, jazz fusion). And head downstairs after a few to let loose on the dancefloor for some higher BPM music. Great date spot ;)

Amazing small gig venue.

Great little place to listen to good live music! Friendly atmosphere! enjoyed very much!

Hands down the best bar in London. Great design, berlinesque vibe, quality drinks. Selfishly happy that it’s not known to everyone.

Been a while since I've been here and for all its small space it's the events it holds that really make it. Hip hop is a music genre I love and they do hip hop karaoke on a Thursday night. Monday's they have just started to do an event based around guest speakers and showcasing hip hop music videos; choosing their favourites and showing them why. I love an event where you learn or simply have fun. So though it's not a place is typically hang out because of the crowded small space, the hip hop vibe it clearly favours is something I feel is always missing with London and I embrace when I find.

Stay clear of this place! The charming hipster 70's wooden lodge look and fairly decent fast food can't make-up for the absolute lack of hygiene (Cockroaches crawling the walls) and the terribly inattentive staff. Went there at noon but we had to wait 20 mins before the cook would return (he was out for lunch). So we were taking in the atmosphere, noticed the grime on the table (probably hasn't been wiped in a long time. We ordered a Chilli Dog, Tots with Beer Sauce and a Veggie Dog. We had to ask the waitress three times until we got napkins, ketchup and cutlery for the tots that were starting to dissolve in the beer sauce. In the middle of our meal I noticed things moving on the walls. A family of cockroaches coming out from behind the booth. WTF?! It made our skin crawl to sit in that cesspool, so we quickly ate up (while closely expecting every bite). Had to pay 23 quid for it, which is IMO unjustifiably high for fast food. As I was paying I informed the waitress of the infestation problem, and she just brushed it off as a constant issue. No apology whatsoever. Disgusting place.

1 am?! I refuse this. Went with some friends after googling fun places for hip hop and old school. And fun it was. Right near oxford circus and so unassuming a spot. Really, had there not been a large security guard standing in the middle of the street, one (points to self) could walk right past and think to go down another street. Packed to the brim and the crowd was thoroughly enjoying themselves, so I took it upon myself to start the running man in a corner then cabbage patched with the security guy standing under the AC. Didn't have enough space to pop-n-lock as I tend to do when Beastie Boys comes on, but sacrifices I guess. Had a small bon bon shooter, as I really just wanted water, but didn't want to seem stingy. To my luck the nice, and nice-looking (hey!) bartender served a generous helping for me as well as himself. It's like he knew I was a newbie, and looking to return. But back to my first point... 1 AM? No me gusta. Next time at 3, okay maybe 4.

Great atmosphere. Only a few Blocks off Oxford street. Room to breathe and alcohol to drink!

This small bar/ club is a venue where up and coming acts perform to help gain some recognition. A good friend of mine first informed me of it when he and his group opened up an open mic night called, 'scratch club Wednesdays', and though the event has now finished, it has given me a real insight to what the place is all about and I have been going ever since. Drinks are reasonable, I have only ever had bottles of Wine there as I tend to go with a couple of female friends who only drink wine, they cost around £10 per bottle. There is limited seating but the vibe is fantastic. I saw my friend (Leon P) and his fellow performers on numerous occasions and I loved it every single time. It is very small and I think it is named adequately as The Social, as everybody is usually friendly and chatty. It is something different and there are not many of these places around. It is only a five minute walk from Oxford Street Tube and it is well worth a visit for something different.

Crazy little place, absolutely packed with people, my group came here for a drink while waiting for a table to open up at Burger and Lobster. Firstly, thanks to the door guys who ID'd me (genuine thanks) they looked so surprised when they saw the age and complimented me! The place was nuts, it seems like a warren of rooms and corridors (probably not the case in the light but for me it was). We ended up in a slightly wide corridor with seats down one side with what seemed like concrete tables for two or so in front of them. What you did was sit down on the bench and then shuffle yourself under the table. It was a little strange but well-designed once you sat down. No one was able to jog your table, although you needed to be careful of the errant butt knocking whatever was on there off the surface. Music was good and there was a small dance floor, the bars were busy but the bartenders seemed to keep an eye out and serve fairly. The only issue was the toilets, which seemed to be in the furthest corner of the place (all the way at the back, next to the DJ booth and behind an unmarked door), relatively clean and tidy, but you had to fight your way back there! Not sure if they had a cover charge for a Friday night as we went in before 9. Good place to get some friends together, some areas are quieter than others though!

I'm not sure I can add to what has already been said about this place, but it's a real gem. I discovered on a jaunt to the now famous hip hop karaoke and have been back several times since for after work drinks and I reckon it's a great place to start the night if you're going to be out in Soho or the West End! It does get ridiculously warm downstairs though... especially in the summer! But hey, it sells a cracking selection of beers to cool you down. Every cloud...

Always fun. But closes at 1. A go to place for later drinking in town. Hover around the bar and try to grab a booth when they free up (you can book but they go quick). The music downstairs was terrible when we were there but often it's pretty good

The Social. Does what it says on the tin, a great place to come and be Social. I plan to make this place my regular, Great ambience, phenomenol jukebox, great selection of alcohol. Reasonably priced too! See you soon Social

The first time I went to The Social was during my month of sobriety (basically I needed to detox for a while). I don't usually like going to bumpin places with out a few drinks in me, but the minute I walked in this place, it changed my mind. Everyone looked as if they were having an amazing time with out a care in the world. Not pretentious at all! A place you can just let your freak flag fly and everyone just smiles as you do it. I've also been for hip hop kareoke a few times and it never disappoints. The MC for HHK is hilarious! I would recommend heading there early on hip hop nights as there is usually a long que later in the night since the space is small. As Chieh mentioned, the bouncer is friendly with a sweet fade/box hair do straight out of 1988. Always recognizes people. Always free. Always a good time. Only thing is..expect to leave a sweaty mess as it can get pretty hot downstairs from dancing up a storm.

The Social lives up to it's name, it is a bar close to Oxford Circus. The bar is slit in two levels: upstairs bar and table whit soft music. Downstairs there is always a dj and a small danceflor is the center of the nice crown of people that lives in this bar. There are club nights such as Grime/Pop up and comer Goldielocks' 'Hardknock Wife' night, which is a night that features monthly, usually on a Wednesday with underground acts such as Random Impulse to journalist big hitters Chantelle Fiddy and Hattie Collins that have all hit the Social. The venue is Perfect for some drink before a meal or a night out.

This might be my new favourite Friday hangout. Also because I just started working not far from The Social. I love the dive bar on the ground floor. The wooden interior gives me the feeling of a fifties dinner, only a lot more intimate. The music is indeed loud and it might be sometimes a bit too hard to have a proper conversation, but where in London is this not the case?. Since they play a good mix of house and even oldies rock, I can't complain at all. They have a few good beers from draft but last time I went, I drank their 'Smash' (brandy based) cocktail the entire evening, which was a satisfying choice. I would also suggest not to meet up here with too many friends as you might need to wait a bit before there's a boot available. I haven't really been downstairs yet where the real party goes on, nor will I. Still need to come here during the day and use their free wifi, as it looks like the perfect place to get some work done as well.

What I really want to do is to give it 4.5 stars. But I'd rather overcompensate this place than underrate it. I've been here on Thursdays for hip hop karaoke, Fridays and Saturdays for their hip hop nights and electro nights. The ONE complaint I have about this place -- and it's a serious one -- is that it needs to stay open later so I can fcking get more of this place. 1 AM? Come on, make it 3. 4. 5. Hip hop karaoke is such an experience. The first time i went, i was determined that I would perform the next time I did. And I did, got free booze, and met some really cool people as I always do. The doorman has the most badass haircut and is extremely friendly if you try to be nice as well. He always remembers faces. It's a really small, underground space (there's a bar upstairs but its just bar/music, no dance space) and grungy to some. But I love this place because it feels real, and the thing I love most is that everyone that goes there just seems to want to have a really good time, all the time. Oh. Not to mention it's always free. Uhm. Yeah. I'll take that and then some.

I came for the breakin bread mix launch last month. Being the cheapo that I am, I arrived mad early to dodge the cover. And how awesome it was that I was literally the only one there. Talk about sad. I tried to make nice with the bartender to pass the time but he didnt seem very choppy. I made my way to the front to find two guys chatting, I thought what the hell--and asked them if I could join them. They were funny fellows and scooched aside for me to sit with them. Turns out they were the djs that were throwing the jam! So I had a sweet cover story of the whole deal from the topdogs themselves. I even got to meet and chat with their wives later in the night. Good people. Anyway, I digress. The social is a cozy spot for drinks and jammin. Dance floor's a bit small but its the perfect place to squeeze in the dance moves. Music had my head bobbin all night :) thanks to djs baila para & skeg. I loved it guys! Even bought me one of their cds. Drinks are on the pricier side; not terrible, but not that cheap either. Maybe grab yourself a drink or two before heading here. But all-in-all, I'm a fan of the social. ps. I definitely need to check this place out on thursdays for their hiphop karaoke night! When I do, I'll have to yelp again! I've heard so many people rave about it. Let me know what the fuss is all about :)

SIDE NOTE (s): Me and a friend was here June 27, 2013 for her birthday.. GOOD GOOOOOOD TIMES!!! A must when in London What's a review without some pluses and minuses, so here we go... PLUSES: .... good music: It's hip hop karaoke. Who Knew!!! Always down for that. and There were no BOOO BOOO it was all LOVE .... Whats a bar without some good drinks?? ... They had an aray of choices always a plus in my book. ...The Coat Check girl was fabulous absolutely the best. I know this is strange to say. I had a ripping bag stuffed with a pair of heels and shoes and I came to put more stuff in it later. She smiled the whole time. LOVE YA GIRL FOR THAT ONE. ....The female bartender downstairs, that wasssss my homie for the night. When she would see me even when she was busy she would make sure I got a drink.. ...This can be good and bad but there were a lot of americans there but the clientele was good vibe ON POINT: Female staff (THEY DESERVED TO BE OVER TIPPED) MINUSES: ....It didn't get packed til probably about 1030/11ish: but the place is so small that it really didn't take a lot for it to get full. PLEASE DONT LET THIS DETERE YOU CAUSE IT IS A GOOD TIME.. ...A couple of the male bartenders were not the greatest. In the sense of attentiveness.. ... European bathrooms are small very small. I'M A BIG GIRL SO ENOUGH SAID FOR THAT moving on. Okay, so if you have seen another one of my reviews. You know that me and bouncers lately are not the best of friends. BUUUUUUUT I can get with these bouncers. One did chastise me for carrying my passport but I understood why and the other was just tons or fun. Some advice when going: I will definitely be returning when i'm back in London ~PRE-GAME (don't over do it just get nice): cause it's so packed after awhile if you leave your spot it's gooooone forever. ~Don't go if you hate tight spots ~Do Karaoke: i'm upset that I didn't , your somewhere that you really don't have to see people again ~If you short : SORRY get up front cause you wont see anything. Hope this will get you there!!!!!!! it's really GOOD FUN

My ears are still ringing while I type this. I went to an Oxjam charity event with Annie headlining and this was possibly one of the smallest venues I've been to in quite some time, and possibly one of the best. It got quite cozy and quite social as we all packed up front to the small stage area from all the little corners and booths we were sitting in waiting for the music to begin. Drinks could be a little pricey if you were getting double spirits or cocktails but hey, a double Jack & Coke for 5 pounds on special? SOLD! They had a great dj up before the act, I'll definitely be checking their website for upcoming events! They said doors at 6, starts at 7, but it was like a ghost town until at least 830-9ish, but if you want to stake out one of the front booths by the stage, an early arrival might be worth it as they're really the best seats in the house if you don't want to be on the floor dancing. It's the kind of bar that makes you think you might need to read the gumtree missed connections the next day after being in that close quarters with a room of strangers all night.

"It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up magazine. Salt 'n' Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine..." Oh sorry. I was just reminiscing back on my Thursday night at The Social. If you're a fan of hip hop music, you need to check out their hip hop karaoke night on Thursdays. And if you can rap, well... it's time for you to step into the limelight and show off your Notorious B.I.G or 2Pac skills. (oooh, controversial). It helps that the venue is quite dark so you're barely recognisable when performing in case you have an "off-night" of rapping. The venue is intimate, which is perfect for rap music as the lyrics is what it's all about. While the place doesn't get packed until about 10:30-11pm, which can be annoying as it's a school night, it gets filled out with hip hop lovers alike, quick! I've been looking for a place like this in London for a while now and am happy i've found it. A non-pretencious night filled with talented underground hip hop artists with cheap booze in a smaller venue. And possibly where the next Lauryn Hill or Nas will be discovered. :P

Went late last Thursday. Gruff door staff, empty upstairs bar which was small and narrow. Downstairs they were having a "Hip-Hop Karaoke" - didn't seem much like a karaoke to me and it wasn't my kinda hip-hop. Very dark, narrow and crammed! Not interested in going again.

This is such a great spot 7 pounds for hip hop Karaoke on a Thursday night 5pounds if you rsvp. Get here early if you want to sit down or get closer to the stage. A really chilled out diverse crowd and atmosphere. The performers were so so good! I was impressed. Gets packed so beware. The drinks are reasonable and I'd def come back again.

I got into shouting match with a guy here over "What is art?" on Wednesday night. He was a graphic artist who insisted that if he could contribute one last masterpiece to the world via the bar's wall, he would write "cock" in the corner. He wasn't kidding. Not sure how representative graphic artist guy was of this place's usual crowd - but he did say he was a regular, and seemed to know all the other shaggy haired arty types in the upstairs bar - which has wooden plank walls and a slightly sour smell. It reminded me of the hip dive bars in San Francisco - that same folksy 'everyman' yet avant-garde vibe going on. At least my Manhattan was properly done, stirred, not shaken. Downstairs was another world altogether. A hip hop wonderland with loud pulsating music and dark walls. PACKED. But best bar in London - or even just Central London? Maybe for some. To me, it was just a smallish 'locals' bar with bawdy undertones and an impressive music pedigree... which is certainly good for what it is.... but I won't be running back... not even to see if the graphic artist succeeds with his "cock in the corner" masterpiece.

Perfect for after work drinks when you're keen to go somewhere lively, with great music to boot. Definitely not the place to visit if you're looking for somewhere quiet to have a chat - but if you're feeling good and you're with close friends, it's perfect. And that's without even considering Hip Hop Karaoke, a regular night that's all but legendary across town. Worth attending for that alone. Keep in mind that it's pretty small, so get there early. But if you get a spot (I find myself regularly sitting on the high stools within the corridor entrance, and they're still comfy) - you'll find yourself wasting an entire evening. It's that kind of bar.

I've always had a good time at the social. The bar people are friendly enough, and there are lots of seats, a small dance floor and the drinks are not too expensive for this area. It is also where the finger banger got his lifetime achievement award a few years back. The only thing is that some of the seating is rather awkward and I must say the stairs could probably do with moving over a few feet. Otherwise, the social- a place where the music is loud enough to bob to but not too loud to talk. A place where you don't get bothered by annoying strangers. A place where you can see a one man band playing kiddie instruments. What more can a yelper ask for?

So you would think the Social would be, well, social. And it is...eventually. We rocked up around 10.30pm on a Saturday night on St. Paddy's Day. By this point, I expected rowdy lads bawling out their favorite limerick. But no, it was quiet, altogether too quiet. Let's back up a bit. The Social is a bar/club tucked away just north of Oxford Circus. The cab driver who dropped us off made a point to tell us that he's been driving around the area for 14 years and had never actually figured out where the entrance was. Luckily, we we're slightly better informed then he way and found it within a few minutes (the massive banner with "The Social" on it undoubtedly helped). The bouncer at the door is friendly yet solemn. He will card you if you even look remotely under 25 and my entire group of guys and girls (most in the 25-30 range) were required to pull out their IDs and open their bags for a cursory glance. Key lesson: take you ID if trying to get in here as they will turn you away. Or just make sure it's quite clear you're the leader of the pack and he'll assume you are fine to go (either that or I just look really old :-/...) Pay your money and get stamped by the cute girl inside (although she does look like she's waiting for friends who never came) and then you have your choice of either staying upstairs or going down. It's kind of like a choose your own adventure bar in this way. Upstairs is chill with several large booths and a bar. Limited standing room is available so this really is a place to hang out and catch up with a group over some drinks. And maybe gather a bit of liquid courage as well. The downside is that the bathrooms are located the back of this room so expect a bit of traffic which can make things difficult. Downstairs you have two rooms, one with a DJ or live band (depending on the night) and the other is basically a bar with standing room. I give credit to the staff in the bar for making large numbers of drinks in very short amount of time. We must have ordered B-52 shooters by the dozens and they came out as fast as we could drink them (I really don't want to look at my credit card bill at the end of the month). The music was a bit odd to start - great to listen to but terrible for dancing. However, towards midnight it got pretty good (and we got pretty drunk) so there was much dancing going on all around Overall, a good night with moderately priced drinks and decent music. Enough space for us but it's not a wild clubbing night by any means.

I'm not a R'n'B fan and maybe that's why I didn't like it too much. What I liked (loved, ok, I loved it!) is their French Manhattan. Now those of you who are the connoseurs of this great cocktail know that unless you order it sweet (but why would you do that?) there is a very strong taste of alcohol that punches you at the end of a sip. This French Manhattan at the Social (it has a hint of rose) wouldn't do such a thing to you. It is gentle while still luring you into the alcohol haze - it is as strong, but just not as punchy. I liked the urban feel to this place. It's not dirty or filthy - it's clean and well - urban. No frills design hits the spot - if you are into R'n'B of course. I kinda wish I was so I could enjoy this place more.

I'm so glad I know about The Social. Sometimes when Oxford Street just gets too stressful and all the other bars belong to overpriced chains, I make a b-line to The Social and allow its relaxed atmosphere to calm me down. Drinks here are so much cheaper than anywhere else nearby. It's hard to find a bottle of wine for £10 anywhere these days let alone off the biggest shopping street in Britain! The food here is also pretty cheap and they've gone for a real retro feel by offering nik-naks and fish finger sandwiches. Personally I'm not sure it's up to that much, in my eyes The Social is more of a bar than an eatery. The music is the real reason that The Social is so great. Every night seems to offer a new showcase or a special soundtrack. Hip-hop, electro, funk and soul are all offered here without any pretension and all of the acts I've seen play live have been really high quality. This makes for a great night out in the city centre that everyone can afford!

I love this place, it always has a great vibe, wonderful jukebox and food that reminds of my childhood. The gigs and club nights always sounds great, though I've never been able to tear myself from the upstairs bar. The upside to this is you'll often get to meet the artists before or after their gigs.

Hip Hop Karaoke! Every Thursday night. Crowded, hot, very loud, with very long queues, and there's a cover charge of 5 quid, but it's fun. I don't even listen to hip hop basically at all, but the atmosphere is electric, there's lots of dancing and some talented performers. Come early to avoid the queues, if you're cool with the crowds and like hip hop. I don't regret going with my friend who took me, just not my thing!

The Social is a good place to meet for a drink near Oxford Circus. It is open late, plays some funky music with talented young DJs in the evening and has a generally relaxed and cool atmosphere. It starts as a bar and then turns into a club. It can become loud but if you want a fun evening with some good friends this is a good place to be. It is also conveniently located next to Annex3 which is a great place to start the evening in a more funky setting.

My younger sister took me along on Friday and I really enjoyed it. Cute booth table and wood panelling made me feel I was in a Spanish bar/speakeasy. A combination I found pleasing. Great cocktail list, served in jam jars, in a similar vein to the Meatwagon/Meat Liquor. The music was actually good, somewhat of a rarity these days. Plus the staff were shockingly lovely. We did not have to pay the £5 door entry as we said we would not go downstairs and watch the bands, and they allowed it. Then when I asked to use a seat near a couple, he not only moved out the way so we could sit down, but got another one for my friend. I have never had anyone be so nice, especially in such a crowded venue. Thumbs up!

Went here for Hip-Hop Karaoke on Thursday night, which apparently is a *thing*. I feel like the title of the event is fairly self-explanatory, so I'll spare you the breakdown. What I will say is that it was a really fun, attractive, eclectic crowd of 20-somethings. Great vibes, good DJ. Incredibly crowded downstairs, but a more casual respite can be found on the ground floor level. Will be back.

I've never been too keen going to The Social as it's a really small venue with poor vantilation. I also find the people who go there aren't that pleasant... Not good for groups and music aren't that great. I heard about the hip hop karaoke which people have given a huge thumb up. I think I will need to check it out to maybe re-rate this place.

My friend loves this place and I can see why. It's a very cool joint. The narrow ground floor is entirely constructed with all wooden walls; funky art hangs above steel tables and pillowed chairs. The small basement is more of a dance floor that's dark and gets very sweaty. They have a cool food/drinks menu with DJs playing on both floors. It's a great place to meet up with friends and have some all-rounded fun since it functions as a restaurant/bar/club, but when we went there there to catch up with friends and stayed on the ground floor where it's more of a bar, we found the music unbearably loud. It was really difficult to have conversations :( So I would love to come back during the day because this place is apparently a coffee shop where people can work and brainstorm... hopefully the music will be quieter then!

The boys in my office dragged me here for lunch today. I'm feeling really hungover and rubbish today so I needed some comfort food to make me feel better. (Note to self, drinking bottles of wine in Gordon's wine bar all night is not a good idea on an empty stomach). The Social is a strange looking place. It doesn't look like a bar. It's a wierd long corridor place and, well, it actually looks like a youth club/ bar/ pub/ american diner. I'm confused. But then I notice that the staff wear T-Shirts that say 'social worker' on them which makes me happy. We had pie and mash and the pies were from the famous and brilliant Sqaure Pie company. Decent gravy and a fair amount of mash. Not too shabby. Yummy in fact. We did have to wait a while, but we didn't notice as we were too busy giggling like children. We were having a very serious conversation about why you wouldn't want to lose your little finger. It was empty when we got there but thankfully filled up as it was a bit strange being the only people in there. It's small too. I know there's a club downstairs so I guess it's busier in the evening. They get four points becuase the food was great, otherwise, I'd have probably have given them a three. But they need to turn the air con off. We sat there shivering like little penguins. Never mind. My hangover has nearly gone.

The Social is a brilliant place to go for lunch round the Oxford Circus area. It's trendy and has two floors, the basement of which is used for a variety of club nights each evening. Food wise, there are only 5 tables so you have to time your dining well if you want to get a table. The food ranges from Square Pies to various things on toast (beans, cheese etc), yummy salads, piles of nachos and sandwiches (including the very popular fish finger sandwich!) It can take quite a while for food to arrive, but I recommend the Tuna Melt. It's yummy in a really dirty kind of way! There's also a brilliant jukebox filled mainly with retro & non mainstream music, including some from Heavenly Records who part own The Social. Very much recommended!

I've been to The Social before and was pleasantly surprised that a bar in central London, so near to Oxford Circus, could actually be decent, with a great crowd, credible music , proper djs and a welcoming enjoyable atmosphere. But going there for Hip Hop Karaoke - which happens about once a month - was an experience better than I could have imagined. Actually maybe my favourite night out ever! We got there early when the doors opened at 6 but that was a good move as the place filled up really quickly. A diverse crowd but everyone into it. The karaoke started at 9 and all entrants got a beer for their troubles. The MC/compere guy is an absolute legend and really got the crowd going. The performances were a mixed bag - some people have obviously spent a long time practicing in their bedrooms! This is definitely a night worth trying out.

Came here fore a book launch. Loved the downstairs bar, lots of atmosphere, the bar staff were good though not overly friendly. The music was loud but really good quality and all in all the party was great. I would love to come back here again.

If you are claustrophobic do not go here. You *will* have a break down. I tried the hip hop Kareoke on Thursday and it was getting on past 9pm and though the DJ was threatening a performance, it wasn't happening. Move on, nothing to see here.

Well its a definite on a night when the hip hop karaoke is on. Once a month in the downstairs. You will need to get there early to get a prime spot and, if you are really jammy, a seat. Its standing room only after 6.30 in there. You have to sign up before 7pm but this is often extended. Its one of those ones where the entertainment is the background and not really the main reason for being their. No one is excellent although the scary thing are those that have clearly spent the last month practising. The drinks are reasonably priced, the shooters are a riot and a must if you are planning to perform. The audience is mixed which means you can go with either an after work crewe or roll with your own posse. If you are lucky enough to have one. Average age would be late twenties to early thirties I would say. The upstairs is a bit more serious. Drinking, eating type set up is more de jour whereas downstairs you can have a bit of a dance after the main show. It always takes a while to get going but its so worth the laugh. but funnily enough because it closes early, say 1pm its just not one that I go to for any other reason.

The Social is a great venue located 5 minutes from Oxford Circus. It is a rarity around this area in that it is reasonably priced and frequented by a good mixture of regulars and more 'switched on' tourists. It hosts regular live music events, many for free, and has got a fantastic reputation for showcasing some of the hottest bands in an intimate and vibrant atmosphere. It is underground and the side tables are bizarrely moulded out of stone. Also, when bands are on you need to negotiate your way past the drummer in order to get to the toilets! However, it is things like this that give the Social its unique charm. So, if you are after a good night out with great music, the Social ticks all the boxes and leaves you with the impression that you have your finger firmly on the pulse. Your friends will thank you for showing them this great venue in the heart of London!

one phrase hip hop karaoke thursday! great time great energy...definitely will be coming back ...cant wait!

I love this place! Nice little venue, hip hop karaoke nights every other Thursday is da best night in town! Sound system is good, dj is even better and the cheap 2 for 1 drinks is best! Enjoy

Best bar in London? I reckon it's up there. Defintely the best bar in central london. The Social oozes laid-back unpretentious cool. Upstairs has cosy diner-style booths with quirky, cheap traditional english comfort food (crumpets! And fish-fingers!). Whilst downstairs is altogether more upbeat and load. With a different night of eclectic music every day of the week and no cover charge the Social is a real breath of fresh air in this part of london. They usualy promote unsigned bands who are 'the next big thing' so impress your friends and tell them you saw them here first. Even better, become a member and get reduced-price beer and food! Good crowd and friendly service guarantees a good time.

This place is so much fun. I am a fun girl . i am a fun girl. i am a fun girl..... When I was studying in London, Id treck all the way over from Notting Hill into the wretched tourist infested Oxford Circus (to nyc: ox circus is LNDN's version of Times Sq) just to get here. It's in an alley (as are all great places in London...let's face it) so you might miss it. Went here a bunch during my time in London. I met a classy beat boxing boy outside of the Social and we became the best of friends. He's youtube famous. Kind of. Anyways, the music here is great, drinks are expensive, the people are good looking and dance really well. You can go downstairs to grind and upstairs to be classy on a date. GO HERE.

The Social is a really cool bar in central London. I generally head down stairs where there is often live music. The last time I went was on a Thursday and there was a live hip-hop night which was really good fun. There is a well-stocked bar which has a good selection of fruit beers. I'd strongly recommend the Social, particularly if you're in that mood when you want more than a pub but don't want to stay out too late.

I really like this little place - I enjoy going to a bar with the option of hearing music and having a little dance so this place is perfect. Upstairs is a lovely bar not huge where you can sit and chat with your girlfriends and then when you are sufficiently intoxicated you can go downstairs for a dance! !

Home of the infamous hip-hop karaoke, but also not such a bad place to have a meeting in the afternoon, when it's fairly empty, central, and has decent seats. I've not been in the evening yet but by the sound of the rest of the rave reviews, I should come back. No real ale but they do have a tasty Breton cider in bottles that's well worth a go.

The social is groovy

This is a funny looking venue when inside, dark and small. It comes alive when Hip Hop Karaoke rolls up on a Thursday. Epic crowd, fills the downstairs room as folks rock the mic. This is laced with awesome DJ skills and had me checking shazam every few minutes. Gets packed! So beware that if you get caught up in the vibe and drift into the crowd, it becomes a bit of an effort to break free and make it back to the bar. Altogether now Hip Hop Hooray

Love the vibe and the music. Great bar reminds me of being in a new york haunt. Surprising to find a place like this so close to oxford st. Feels like it should be in the east end. Not sure I would go for the food stick to the liquid calories.