Address
12 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4TQ
Old Compton Street, Soho, London
Old Compton Street, Soho, London
Best For
Espresso Martinis upstairs, serious whisky cocktails downstairs
Opening Hours
Mon–Sat17:00–01:00
Sun17:00–24:00
Reservations
Walk-in upstairs, reservation downstairs
Dress Code
Smart casual
Price Range
$$$ · Cocktails from £14
Plan Your Visit
Reserve a Table
Get Weekly Picks
Downstairs reservations open 14 days ahead. Upstairs walk-in.
Our Take
London's Best Espresso Martini, and Serious Whisky Below
Swift opened in 2016 from Bobby Hiddleston and Mia Johansson, both former Connaught Bar bartenders. The two-floor format is unique in London: the upstairs is bright, casual, and built around a famous Espresso Martini and a tight aperitif menu. The downstairs is dim, serious, and built around whisky and stirred classics.
The Espresso Martini at Swift is widely cited as the best in London. The downstairs Old Fashioned programme runs a dozen variations including Japanese, Cuban, and smoked builds.
The crowd upstairs is post-work Soho, mid-thirties professionals. Downstairs is a more committed cocktail audience. Pair with Discount Suit Company for a full London cocktail tour.
What to Order
Swift Espresso Martini
Vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur, demerara. Widely cited as the best in London.
Pineapple and Pepper Sour
From the upstairs aperitif menu. Pineapple, pepper, lemon, gin, foam.
Smoked Old Fashioned
From the downstairs whisky menu. Bourbon, smoked sugar, smoked bitters, served under glass.
Manhattan
Rye, sweet vermouth, Angostura. Stirred and served straight up.
