First look at Soma 2.0: a new nighttime highlight in east London
Fresh from its Soho roots, this newly opened London bar is set to redefine Canary Wharf’s nightlife – not least with its Indian-flavour-twist cocktails, as Neil Ridley discovers

With such an imposing, modernist skyline, Canary Wharf is well known as London’s financial district. However post-pandemic hospitality developments have blossomed in the area, with the latest high-profile arrival being Soma 2.0 – a reimagining of Kricket co-founders Rik Campbell and Will Bowlby’s Soho-based speakeasy bar, Soma. The original location on Denman Street quickly earned widespread acclaim, culminating in being awarded Best Bar at the GQ Food & Drink Awards in April 2022. The new location carries on the same eclectic, but still highly curated feel, with a punchy, vibrant cocktail list that celebrates the diversity of flavours from the Indian subcontinent.
Soma 2.0, a new London bar
Entrance to London bar Soma 2.0
At Soma 2.0, each drink has a specific ‘less is more’ theme, using seasonal ingredients alongside a distinctly Indian headline flavour twist. From the refreshing and aromatic ‘Carom’(which brings together East London Liquor Co vodka, lime leaf, carom seed pisco and tonka bean), and the altogether richer, sweet and savoury ‘Mango’ (combining Japanese Toki whisky, lacto green mango, Ancho Reyes Verde liqueur and honey), to the coastal-themed ‘Samphire’ – a non-alcoholic blend of samphire tea, Himalayan salt, ginger and green chilli, painstaking detail and artistic flair are clearly evident in each recipe, developed by the head of beverages, Will Rogers.
Interior of London bar Soma 2.0
Interior of London bar Soma 2.0
It's not just the drinks that demonstrate an eye-catching and innovative feel, though. Designed by CAKE Architecture (whose motto ‘a collaborative approach to space, place and object’ was also the driving force behind the striking utilitarian design applied to east London’s A Bar With Shapes For A Name), Soma’s striking interiors feature an industrial aesthetic with exposed concrete, brightened by a bespoke yellow and red geometric light fixture that, according to the team, is ‘inspired by the vibrant hues of marigold markets’.
Lounge area of London bar Soma 2.0
With the central bar accommodating up to 50 covers and a separate lounge area with low tables and comfortable sofas (which can be used for private hire), Soma 2.0 mirrors the spontaneity of its Soho sibling, focusing on walk-ups, with very limited space for reservations.
Soma 2.0 is located at 6 Frobisher Passage, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4EE, somasoho.com
Carrot cocktail at London bar Soma 2.0
Orange cocktail at London bar Soma 2.0
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Neil Ridley is a London-based, award-winning drinks writer and presenter. He is the co-author of eight books on spirits and cocktails including Distilled, which is now published in 14 different language editions. For the past eight years he has also served as a drinks expert on TV show Sunday Brunch on Channel 4
-
ICON 4x4 goes EV, giving their classic Bronco-based restomod an electric twist
The EV Bronco is ICON 4x4’s first foray into electrifying its range of bespoke vintage off-roaders and SUVs
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
‘Dressed to Impress’ captures the vivid world of everyday fashion in the 1950s and 1960s
A new photography book from The Anonymous Project showcases its subjects when they’re dressed for best, posing for events and celebrations unknown
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Inside Camperlab’s Harry Nuriev-designed Paris store, a dramatic exercise in contrast
The Crosby Studios founder tells Wallpaper* the story behind his new store design for Mallorcan shoe brand Camperlab, which centres on an interplay between ‘crushed concrete’ and gleaming industrial design
By Jack Moss Published
-
For a taste of Greece, head to this playful new restaurant in London’s Chelsea
Pachamama Group’s latest venture, Bottarga, dishes up taverna flavours in an edgy bistro-style setting
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
A buzzy Korean pop-up becomes a permanent fixture in East London
Chef Joo Won has turned his Calong pop-up permanent in the arty enclave of Stoke Newington
By Ben McCormack Published
-
New London restaurant Alba is a sun-soaked affair
Its name meaning ‘sunrise’ in Italian, Alba is a new Amalfi-inspired restaurant set to shine in Knightsbridge
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Now boarding Air Anya: Anya Hindmarch’s ode to aviation’s golden age
Anya Hindmarch’s new London concept store and travel accessories collection celebrate the glamour of 1970s air travel
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
‘A place for carnivores’ – Ibai is a London restaurant that celebrates Basque Country beef
A Clerkenwell restaurant where unhurried steak is the star of the show
By Lisa Wright Published
-
La Môme London finds its home at The Berkeley hotel
All the razzle-dazzle of Cannes and Monte Carlo is wrapped up in this one fabulous dining room and terrace in London
By Ben McCormack Published
-
The new dawn of the London sandwich shop
The appeal of a quick meal between two slices of bread has long held sway in the UK. We look back on the rise of the sandwich shop and explore the new wave of London venues that are making it a more stylised experience
By Toyo Odetunde Published
-
Must-visit cinemas with award-worthy design
There’s more magic to the movies at these design-led cinemas, from Busan Cinema Centre’s ‘flying’ roof to The Gem Cinema Jaipur’s art deco allure
By Sofia de la Cruz Published