Walk down Frith Street and you’ll see it. It’s that dark, slightly menacing-looking facade with the neon signage that feels more like a vampire’s lair than a standard eatery. This is Garlic and Shots. It’s a London institution that has survived the aggressive gentrification of Soho by simply refusing to change its soul.
Everything here smells like garlic. Literally everything.
If you’re planning a first date here, you’re either very brave or very sure that your partner also loves pungent bulbs. The premise is straightforward: they serve food with garlic, and they serve shots. Lots of shots. 101 different kinds of shots, to be exact. It’s a bit chaotic. It’s loud. It’s dark. And honestly, it’s one of the few places left in Central London that feels genuinely authentic to its own weird subculture.
The Rules of the Garlic and Shots Kitchen
The menu isn't a suggestion; it’s a commitment. They have a very famous warning: "We use garlic in everything except the coffee." They aren't kidding. If you order the Garlic Ice Cream—and yes, people actually do—you are going to taste the sulfurous bite of Allium sativum mixed with dairy. It shouldn't work. For many, it doesn't. But you’re not there for a Michelin-starred experience; you’re there for the sheer audacity of the flavor profile.
Most people start with the garlic bread. That sounds boring, right? Wrong. This isn't the frozen supermarket stuff. It’s a literal slab of bread drowning in enough garlic butter to keep a cardiologist awake at night. Then you move on to things like the "Garlic King" burger or the pasta dishes. The chefs here don't "season" with garlic. They weaponize it.
I’ve seen people come in here thinking they’re "garlic lovers" because they use two cloves in their spaghetti bolognese at home. They leave Garlic and Shots humbled. You will seep garlic from your pores for at least forty-eight hours after eating here. It’s a biological fact.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
- The Garlic Ice Cream: It’s a rite of passage. Don't expect it to be sweet in the traditional sense. It’s more of a savory-sweet confusion that haunts your palate.
- Garlic Beer: If you want to really push the boat out, this is the drink. It’s weirdly refreshing but the aftertaste is a permanent resident in your mouth.
- The Classic Burger: Probably the safest bet for the faint of heart, though it still packs a punch.
- The Shots: They have a physical book of shots. 101 of them. From the "Bloodshot" (chili, vodka, and garlic) to things that taste like liquid candy.
That Basement and the Vibe
The interior is where Garlic and Shots really separates the tourists from the locals. It’s Swedish-owned, which explains the heavy rock/metal influence and the somewhat Gothic, Nordic-noir aesthetic. It’s dim. Like, "can't see the person across from you" dim in some corners. The walls are covered in posters, stickers, and decades of Soho history.
Downstairs is where things get real. The basement bar is small, cramped, and often loud. If you're looking for a quiet place to discuss your 401k or your startup’s seed funding, go elsewhere. This is a place for shots.
The staff usually looks like they’ve seen it all. Because they have. They handle the Friday night Soho crowds with a sort of weary, professional detachment that fits the "rock and roll" vibe perfectly. It’s not "customer is always right" energy; it’s "don't be a jerk and enjoy your vodka" energy. It’s refreshing.
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Why Does This Place Even Exist?
In a city where every second restaurant is a polished chain owned by a private equity firm, Garlic and Shots is an anomaly. It opened in the early 90s (around 1993) and has basically ignored every food trend since.
Clean eating? No.
Minimalist decor? Absolutely not.
Low-odor environments? Please.
It works because it’s a niche. It’s the "anti-Soho" Soho. While other places are charging £18 for a cocktail that’s 90% ice, you can come here, get hit with a flavor bomb, and listen to some Iron Maiden. It’s a specific kind of comfort. It’s the kind of place where you can wear a leather jacket or a suit and nobody cares, as long as you can handle the spice.
The Science of the "Garlic Hangover"
There is a genuine physiological reaction to eating this much garlic. Garlic contains allicin, which breaks down into organosulfur compounds. These compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream and then excreted through your breath and sweat. This is why you can’t just "brush your teeth" the garlic away after a night at this restaurant. You are literally breathing it out from your lungs.
Wait.
Is it healthy? In moderation, sure. Garlic is a known vasodilator and has antimicrobial properties. But when you’re combining it with 101 different types of vodka shots, the "health benefits" are probably being cancelled out by the sheer chaos of the night.
The Legendary 101 Shots
You can't talk about this place without the shots. The "Bloodshot" is the one everyone mentions. It’s their signature. It involves vodka, tomato juice, spices, and—you guessed it—garlic. It’s basically a spicy Bloody Mary shot that hates you.
The list is overwhelming.
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- The fruity ones that go down too easy.
- The creamy ones that feel like dessert.
- The "dare" shots that taste like gasoline and regret.
People often try to make a dent in the list over multiple visits. Don't try to do it in one night. The bouncers are good at their jobs, and the stairs to the basement are steep. Gravity is not your friend after shot number seven.
Navigating Soho’s Changing Landscape
Soho has changed. The old sex shops and gritty jazz clubs are being replaced by high-end boutiques and "concept" cafes that sell £7 lattes. Garlic and Shots feels like a holdout. It’s part of that old-school Soho DNA that includes places like The French House or Gerry’s Wines & Spirits.
It’s about the grit.
The restaurant hasn't tried to become an Instagram-friendly "pink wall" destination. The lighting is terrible for photos, which is actually a blessing. It forces you to be present. You’re there to eat, drink, and talk loudly over the music. It’s an analog experience in a digital world.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you’re actually going to go, here is the reality of the situation.
First, don't go on a Monday night expecting a rager; it’s Soho, but even vampires need a break. Thursday through Saturday is when the atmosphere peaks. You might have to wait for a table because they don't always take bookings in the way modern apps do.
Second, check your coat. The place is small. If you're wearing a massive puffer jacket, you’re going to be knocking over shot glasses and hitting people in the face.
Third, the outdoor seating area at the back is a hidden gem. It’s one of the few places in Soho where you can sit "outside" while still being tucked away from the main street noise. It’s great for people-watching, or just escaping the concentrated garlic fumes for a second to catch your breath.
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The Garlic and Shots Survival Guide
- Eat something substantial first: Don't go straight for the shots on an empty stomach. The garlic is acidic and the vodka is... well, vodka.
- Carry mints: They won't help, but they might make you feel better psychologically.
- Check the "Shot of the Month": Sometimes they have specials that aren't on the main list.
- Don't bring your most expensive clothes: It’s a rock bar. Someone might spill something. It’s part of the charm.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think Garlic and Shots is a gimmick. A "tourist trap."
Honestly? It’s not.
A tourist trap is overpriced and under-delivers on the promise. Garlic and Shots promises garlic and shots, and it delivers exactly that in massive quantities. It’s actually reasonably priced for the area. It’s more of a cult classic than a trap. The people who go there regularly—the "Garlic regulars"—are a mix of metalheads, goths, curious students, and Soho old-timers. It’s a broad church.
It’s also surprisingly good for groups. If you have a birthday and you want a place that isn't a boring, sterilized chain restaurant, this is it. It provides an immediate talking point. "Can you believe this bread?" is a great icebreaker.
Final Insights on the Soho Icon
Garlic and Shots is a reminder that London still has pockets of weirdness. It’s a middle finger to the bland, the beige, and the boring. You will leave smelling like a Mediterranean kitchen, your ears might be ringing from the music, and you’ll probably have a slight glow from the vodka.
It’s an experience.
If you want fine dining, go to Mayfair. If you want a night you’ll actually remember (or perhaps forget parts of, depending on the 101 shots), head to Frith Street. Just remember to warn your roommates before you come home.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Current Opening Hours: Soho venues often shift their late-night licenses. Ensure they are open past midnight if you're planning a late one.
- Dress Down: Skip the formal wear. A t-shirt and jeans fit the "rock and roll" aesthetic much better.
- Prepare Your Palate: Maybe avoid garlic for 24 hours before you go, just to give your system a head start.
- Target the Signature: Make sure someone in your group orders the "Bloodshot" just so you can all see what the fuss is about.
- Secure Your Transport: Since you'll be doing shots, map out the night bus or tube home from Tottenham Court Road or Leicester Square beforehand. Walking through Soho while "garlic-drunk" is an adventure, but knowing where the station is helps.