Swift Soho is a venue of two distinct halves — a bright, elegant upstairs bar and a rich, cosy basement below — each with its own menu, its own atmosphere and, often, its own type of guest. Consistency runs throughout the venue though, found in the style of the drinks and the team’s easy, warm service.

Upstairs, on street level, the bar draws loosely on the idea of afternoon drinking in Europe — Champagne bars and aperitivo cafés — with pastel blue walls, marble counters, mirrors and an enamel bar top lending a welcoming, transient feel, ideal for those stopping in for a quick cocktail pre-dinner or post-work. A street-facing window onto one of Soho’s busiest streets means upstairs is also ideal for guests who love a side of people-watching with their cocktails. The custom-built back bar is the true standout design feature, combining mirrors, glass, enamel and stainless steel beneath dramatic light boxes, in the style of the aperitivo bars that first inspired the owners. Drinks rotate seasonally here, leaning towards lighter, more approachable flavours, with an aperitivo section and a non-alcoholic list sitting alongside the house cocktails.

Downstairs flips the mood entirely, closer in spirit to a British pub. Lighting is dimmed, the decor turns to wood, dark browns and deep blues, and cosy booths replace the counters found above. If street level is for people-watching, the basement at Swift is much more of an escape for guests, looking to suspend time and reality. Things kick up a notch on the weekends, with Swift hosting live music every Saturday and Sunday, usually pianists or a jazz duo which complement the space. The basement is also home to Swift’s whisky collection, extensive at more than 300 bottles, though the size isn’t the most notable part — it’s the curation that stands out, with the team working hard to source unique, rare and hard-to-find bottles, which are priced to stay as accessible as possible, so even a dram from the most expensive bottlings can be found more affordably than elsewhere.

Cocktails on the lower floor change only annually, with a few staples remaining, such as the bar’s best-selling Irish coffee, and are generally more complex than upstairs, being based on darker spirits. Overall, cocktails at Swift, regardless of what level a guest finds themselves on, have the backbone of a classic. Simple is better is the motto and everything is replicable here with a juicer, a blender and a hob — no rotavap required. Presentation follows this ethos with clean, elegant glassware and minimal garnishes, over clear ice that is hand-cut for each drink.

Swift’s team is very involved in all drink creation and this shines through in their service, with the team easily able to guide guests to the best drink for their palate. The friendly staff take pride in how they look after guests which adds to the easy and relaxing atmosphere. Staff development is taken very seriously, and regardless of previous experience, everybody starts as a barback to learn the bones of the business. To progress, individuals must then take several tests including various cocktail tests each larger than the last, eventually including more than 200 custom recipes, and questions about the surrounding area and recommendations. Staff will then progress through all the different roles throughout the bar. There is no limit on the number of senior staff within Swift, and so as soon as a team member is ready, they will be promoted. Beyond beverage training — which encompasses many advanced techniques such as multi-serving, large round-building, jigger efficiency and bottle touching — staff have the option of learning back of house operations to build their skills for one day opening their own bar.

Work aside, the team are very close and every day they make communal staff food together. They have several staff parties a year, where they close the bar and all head out together, and they also socialise together on their days off. Swift are a member of the Soho Business Alliance, ensuring they are a part of the thriving local community.