The second SOMA outpost brings the DNA of its Soho sibling to Canary Wharf, distilling it into a quietly confident, 50-person bar built for proximity. The room is modern and minimal with stainless steel worktops, concrete breeze blocks and crisp lighting accented by warm wood and soft red velvet in a snug side room. Most of the action, and most of the seating, happens at the bar itself, so you’re never far from the craftsmanship.

Hospitality is immediate and low-key. A host seats you within moments; menus arrive with chilled, complimentary filtered still or sparkling water. From there, service is paced to the room: swift when it’s busy, unhurried when it isn’t. A thoughtful touch is the offer of free miniature highball tasters, used as an elegant way to steer the curious toward something they’ll genuinely enjoy without waste or upsell.

Drinks are rooted in Indian flavours and techniques but expressed with restraint. The menu splits between riffs on classics using Indian ingredients and serves inspired by dishes and pantry staples. Expect clarified, shaken, stirred and built formats in sleek, freezer-chilled glassware, with minimalist garnishes that tend to function as seasoning, such as sprays, paints or foams, rather than decoration. Clear block and column ice is standard, stamped with the SOMA mark, and every detail is about texture, temperature and balance more than spectacle. The same care extends to the low- and no-alcohol options, which sit within the main list and are treated with equal seriousness.

Behind the scenes, sustainability is practical and pervasive. A Belu filtration system replaces bottled water; deliveries are consolidated to once a week; British spirits, beers and fresh produce are favoured; and many house pours come in reusable jerry cans. Prep is “little and often,” with smart techniques like citrus “super juice” to extend shelf life and reduce waste. Offcuts reappear as edible paints or powders, and even chipped glassware gets flamed smooth to avoid unnecessary disposal. It’s an operational mindset as much as a talking point.

The space itself is engineered for comfort and efficiency. A sunken back-bar keeps the sightlines clean and the bartenders close, counters sit at a lower, ergonomic height and there’s ample bar seating so guests can watch rounds being built without the bustle feeling performative. Unisex bathrooms continue the palette in dark blues, stainless steel and natural-ingredient amenities while accessibility is considered, with level flooring and access to a nearby disabled facility.

This bar is not about fireworks, it’s about feel. Indian inflections are thoughtful rather than thematic, the welcome is warm without choreography, and the drinks land with clarity. For Canary Wharf, it’s a bar that rewards repeat visits: consistent, sustainable, and comfortably in tune with its neighbourhood.