Since opening in 1991 The Village has become a firm favourite with Soho’s gay community as there was little variety of venues for regular gay drinkers and clubbers before its launch. In many ways the bar (and its original sister venue The Yard) shaped and influenced the modern gay bar.

The Village caters for everyone and anyone who wants to enjoy themselves, let their hair down and catch up with friends in a very trendy and friendly environment with decent prices. With three floors and drink aplenty on tap, it’s a wonder anyone leaves the place.

Where Is It?
With two entrances it’s very hard to go wrong in finding The Village, and it’s just a short stroll away from Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus tube stations. Entrances are easily found on Wardour Street and Brewer Street but walk west along Old Compton Street and it’s at the end of the road!

Address: 81 Wardour Street, London, W1D 3TG, 020 7434 2124

Has it Entered The Multimedia Age?
Yes and the website is very impressive. It shows info on the history of the bar, you can go on a virtual tour, download the drink menu and view event information all on a very easy to use and attractive website.

Check it out at www.village-soho.co.uk

What Can People Expect?
Expectations are high as The Village is known for its famous clientele - including faces such as Graham Norton and Boy George – and, with its impressive sister venue The Yard to live up to, The Village doesn’t let itself down. As soon as you waltz under the welcoming pink and blue flashing neon sign, you know you’re in for a great night out.

The ground floor is split into two parts. The Main Bar has its entrance via Wardour Street and has a very funky and modern feel to it. With its industrial look of metal and slate, it makes The Main bar a very cool, yet equally comfortable, place to be seen at. So sit back, relax and eye up the cutie at the bar.

The Main Bar also shares its floor with The Café Bar, which is a great place to socialise, watch the latest music videos on the huge plasma screens dotted around and catch up with friends.

Downstairs is V Underground, which is the place to really let your hair down. The room has a capacity of 100 and has a Moroccan feel to it. Opposite the DJ booth is a dance floor and on Tuesday nights the space is transformed into London’s finest karaoke venue - get there early as the crowds come flocking as soon as work finishes for the day.

Last but never least, is the Boudoir Room upstairs. It’s not half as seedy as it sounds and has a completely different feel to it in comparison to the rest of The Village. It’s a very high class and decadent floor and a nice place to chill out away from the rest of the bar and the hustle and bustle of the crowds of London. It also has amazing views over Old Compton Street, and the sofas are damn comfy too! It’s an ideal place to take that special someone for an intimate chat where you know you won’t be disturbed.

What Are the Punters Like?
Whatever you’re like, you’ll easily fit in at The Village. If you go to karaoke night (which, is a must by the way), you’ll see a crowd of regulars but on a Friday or Saturday night you won’t always see the same face twice. Generally, The Village has always remained a very funky place to be seen at and many bars in Soho have since followed suit with their decors.

It’s a mixed bar, but is frequented mostly by men with the occasional lesbian in tow, yet it’s still friendly and welcoming all the same.

What About the Talent?
The Village staff are very cute, but unfortunately equally as arrogant. However, a mixed variety of drinkers come in regularly; from the young and trendy to the older business type so whatever’s your cup of tea, you’re bound to find it here. And don’t fear about coming alone, plenty of people do, and they always walk out with a new friend of two in tow.

What Should I Wear?
It’s the same as any other place in Soho - anything really does go!

What About the Booze?
Ah-ha! I’m glad you asked. The drinks menu at The Village is one of the most extensive I’ve seen with any drink you’re in the mood for available behind the bar. The ‘menu’ can be found on their website to download and I can personally recommend the champagne cocktails!

And with special offers on every day with selected drinks from just £2 from 3pm-8pm, you may want to take the afternoon off work and start sampling the cocktail list as soon as you can.

Any Hidden Extras?
The Village is available for hire and will incur a minimum spending charge. They’ll provide everything you need for a special occasion, including waiter service, DJ and canapés.

The Village
81 Wardour Street, London, W1D 3TG, 020 7434 2124, www.village-soho.co.uk

Mon-Sat: 3pm-1am; Sunday: 3pm-11.30pm

Can’t get to Soho? Stay in and mix your own instead with  The Cocktail Bible: Over 600 Cocktails Shaken, Stirred and on the Rocks, edited by Sarah Ford. Buy online and save money.