Spice of Life

The Spice of Life has occupied the corner of Moor Street and Cambridge Circus since the 18th century, and its history as one of Soho’s most important live music venues (Bob Dylan played the Backstage Cellar Bar, as did the Sex Pistols) gives it a cultural weight that most boutique hotels cannot manufacture. The pub has been part of the McMullen’s family since 1986. In 2025, following a substantial refurbishment, 12 boutique rooms were added above it. The result is a proper London pub with a surprisingly good hotel on top of it.

The experience

The experience at the Spice of Life is governed by the pub below, which is its greatest strength and the thing guests need to weigh honestly before booking. The Backstage Cellar Bar hosts regular live gigs; the main bar serves hearty British food and well-kept craft beers; the surrounding streets are among the liveliest in London at night. Soundproofing in the rooms is reported as effective… we slept well despite initial concerns — and the staff are warm and helpful. A traditional full English breakfast is served in the pub each morning – no wonder it constantly pulls in positive reviews.

The rooms

The 12 rooms are designed to reflect Soho’s creative and musical character, with thoughtfully curated furnishings, quality bedding, air conditioning, secondary glazing for sound insulation, heavy-duty doors and thick-pile carpets. All rooms have private bathrooms with showers, hair dryers, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities and free WiFi. Some rooms have city views. Entry-level rooms are compact. There is no lift, and the stepped access noted on the hotel’s own website means the Spice of Life is not suitable for guests with mobility requirements. Family rooms are available.

Food and drink

The pub serves traditional British food, including classics alongside small plates, with a well-kept craft beer selection and a cocktail menu a step above the pub average. The Backstage Cellar Bar hosts regular live music nights, comedy gigs, a Tuesday quiz and other events throughout the week. A traditional full English breakfast is served each morning. The pub is open Wednesday through Sunday for food; verify current opening hours before visiting on a Monday or Tuesday.

The neighbourhood

Moor Street runs between Cambridge Circus and the heart of Soho, with the Palace Theatre directly adjacent and the full range of the West End’s theatres and Soho’s restaurants within a short walk. Tottenham Court Road Underground is four minutes north on the Central and Northern lines. Leicester Square is five minutes south. Charing Cross Road’s bookshops and the independent shops of Covent Garden are both within easy walking distance.