The Social

the social, 5 Little Portland street

Hire The Social

the social, 5 Little Portland street

88% would book it again

Hosting since Aug 2023

Capacity and Layout

: 250

Boardroom

Classroom

Cabaret

Theatre

Restaurant

Open space

250

Amenities

Wifi

Audiovisual

Parking

Public transport

Catering

Extra space / Overnight

Disabled access

Air conditioning

Lectern

Stage

Cloakroom

Print/Scan/Copy

About The Social

The Social, which opened its doors in the summer of 1999, is a two-floor bar nestled in the heart of London. It originated from the famed Heavenly Sunday Social club nights that took place in different venues from 1994 to 1999. However, instead of merely extending those nights, The Social quickly earned a reputation as a forward-thinking and boundary-pushing destination for open-minded individuals who enjoy great drinks, music, and late-night conversations. Conveniently located near Oxford Circus, it has become one of central London's most cherished hideaways, striking a balance between a modern-day speakeasy and a cozy local hangout.

Originally designed by renowned architects David Adjaye and Will Russell, the venue is now undergoing a reimagining by the original team. Each of the two floors offers a unique experience for the perfect night out. Upstairs, you'll find an intimate wooden room with a strong focus on music. Downstairs, a newly redesigned event space plays host to a diverse array of events, from lively live shows to literary gatherings and packed DJ gigs. Throughout its existence, The Social has welcomed a plethora of notable artists and personalities, including the likes of Chemical Brothers, Edna O’Brien, Wolf Alice, Adele, Horace Andy, Bon Iver, Young Fathers, Caitlin Moran, Four Tet, Kae Tempest, Cold War Steve, Jack White, Black Country New Road, Black Midi, Irvine Welsh, Jeremy Deller, Flying Lotus, Fat Boy Slim, Fat White Family, Laura Marling, Beck, the Avalanches, Andrew Weatherall, Michael Kiwanuka, Kevin Rowland, Super Furry Animals, the Charlatans, Aphex Twin, and Lily Allen, just to name a few.

Aside from its countless nights on Little Portland St, The Social has also been a regular presence at the Glastonbury Festival for over a decade. Under the alias "The Stonebridge Bar," it serves as a beloved sister stage in The Park on Worthy Farm. As one of the last standing venues in the West End, The Social continues to be one of the top places to immerse oneself in a memorable night out in the UK, even after two decades of operation.

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Ratings & Reviews

Great experience here. Small venue but really nice atmosphere, friendly staff and a comfy place to sit. A friend and I saw a performance downstairs which was excellent. Not too busy and well organized. I'd highly recommend the cider they have on tap, not too dry, little sweet. Excited to go here again.

GOOGLE REVIEW

Great bar, relaxed and friendly. Good cocktails (so said the missus) and beer on draft. We were there fir the gig downstairs and it was great. Low key and unpretentious. A find!

GOOGLE REVIEW