Best For After Work Drinks

Discover our recommended bars and pubs for after work drinks in London. Long day at the office? Let’s get you to the pub pronto. With plenty of great venues offering happy hour deals and chilled-out vibes perfect for kicking back and reflecting on the day that was, we’ve drawn up a collection of our favourites. From the heart of the West End to the centre of the city, here are the best places to get a drink after work in London.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 18th July 2025




Dirty Martini Monument

Happy Hour 2025 and 2 other offers

A few breezy strides away from Monument, Dirty Martini offers a killer combination of fantastic martinis and generous happy hour deals. Come when that clock strikes 5 and enjoy half price martinis and bottles of wine, as well as £2.95 bottles of beer, until well into the evening. There's sharing platters to kick hunger to the curb, and DJs on 'til late.

Four Quarters London Bridge

Swap your usual post-office pub for something way more fun. At Four Quarters London Bridge, you'll find everything you need to unwind after work: 25 nostalgic arcade machines, a great mix of beers and cocktails, and comfy spaces to chill with your colleagues.

Located just minutes from the station, it's ideal for a spontaneous session or a planned group catch-up. With walk-ins welcome and booking options available, it's a perfect midweek pick-me-up.

The Refinery CityPoint

Business Lunch and 1 other offer

The Refinery in the City of London is an all-day restaurant and bar that draws in guests with its fun, laid back atmosphere. Fitting in with its sister venues in the Drake and Morgan family, the venue serves its guests a range of seasonal and freshly produced dishes. From breakfast in the morning to after work drinks late at night, this jack-of-all-trades will cater to whatever mood you might find yourself in.

Pavilion End

🍺 Uninterrupted football? Yes, please 🍺 -

Close to many of London's hot tourist spots and set in the shadows of St. Paul's cathedral, Pavilion End is a beautiful city pub, great for cosy after work drinks, with big screens to watch various sports events on and a pool table for those wanting some entertainment. Their outdoor beer garden is perfect for catching some rays in central London and escaping the bustle of other city bars.

Balls Brothers Austin Friars

FRIDAYS ONLY - Complimentary glass of bubbles, selected beer, or soft drink with any main course ordered at lunch

Balls Brothers Austin Friars is an excellent little spot to drop into after work, providing a serene refuge in the heart of the city. Promising a menu featuring drinks that "are pieces of art themselves", unwind into the evening by sampling the wild and imaginative cocktails on offer, or something from their superb wine and beer selection.

The Bolter

After a long day in the City, The Bolter is the perfect destination for unwinding. Located just a stone's throw from Cannon Street Station, this pub is all about providing a bright, welcoming atmosphere with natural light pouring in through expansive windows.

Whether you're enjoying a quiet drink with colleagues or planning a more lively evening, including a visit to the basement's private karaoke room, The Bolter offers an ideal mix of relaxation and entertainment after work.

Be At One Covent Garden Lyceum

🎵 Midweek Mixtape 🍹 £5 Margs & Playlists on Repeat 🎵

Work in the Covent Garden area? Sometimes you just can't beat a few drinks with the team at Be At One. Renowned throughout the city for their friendly bartenders and catalogue (quite literally) of amazing cocktails, there's not a day that goes by where happy hour doesn't last until 7pm and there's great tunes overhead.

The Britannia

If you're looking for somewhere to unwind after a long week at work, The Britannia is a favourite in Kensington for laid-back boozing and lovely gastronomy. Decked out with some traditional charm dating back to the 1800s, you'll find a pub mixed with vintage character and contemporary leanings making for a perfect after work drinks in London setting. 

Vagabond - Various Sites

With venues in Fulham, Battersea, Victoria, Tottenham Court Road and Clapham, there's no better wine bar to get your post-work drink on than one of Vagabond's unique watering holes.

Forge, London

Smack bang in the middle of the city and overflowing with charisma, Forge is a great choice for a few chilled ones after a tough day. The cocktail list is quite something - it stretches to include 100 different tipples – and there's ample wines, beers and spirits to climb into depending on your mood. Everything is served by expert bartenders, and the venue's late licence means no one's going to blame you if you end up stumbling out at 3am.

Found

Located in Shoreditch, Found is the perfect spot for an intimate and relaxed after-work drink. The hush hush bar has been designed by Oskar Klimaszewski and it is his magic touch that has made the cocktail menu quite so delicious, from Tommy Goes to Thailand through to Corpse Maker.

Tequila Mockingbird - Various Sites

Looking for a place to sink a drink after work? We know just the spot. Tequila Mockingbird's bars, which you can find all across the capital, are slick little cocktail dens offering the perfect atmosphere for a few post-office tipples. Head in for quaffable concoctions and DJs every weekend.

Albert's Schloss - Soho

Every night of the week you can catch some live entertainment in the form of Aprés Work Musik at Albert's Schloss Soho. Tickets are free so you can head on down to the Bavarian bier hall from 4pm 'til 7pm to enjoy the live band, with a pint of Pilsner or a themed cocktail in hand. Their beers are imported from all over Europe, and you can munch on a menu of German eats while you're at it.

Fairgame City

Switch up your usual after-work plans with a trip to Fairgame, boasting sites in St Paul's and Canary Wharf. These adults-only fairgrounds come equipped with a wide variety of nostalgic games in a colourful setting, using cutting-edge wristband technology to add up your scores.

From Roll-A-Ball Derby to Skeeball, there's plenty to get competitive over. You can also sip all kinds of creative cocktails, paired with mouthwatering street food or prosecco-infused candy floss.

Blind Spot

Nestled in the beating heart of London's Leicester Square, Blind Spot is a smooth, sultry cocktail bar that offers guests a serene location to sit back and unwind with their favourite cocktail. Serving a range of exquisite concoctions and with a well-trained bar staff capable of mixing and flairing together an array of ingredients, the dim lighting and cosy armchairs create the perfect, laid back ambience to lose yourself in. 

Lamb Tavern

There's no shortage of decent pubs in the city, but we've always had a soft spot for the Lamb Tavern. Part of the fabric of this part of town since back in 1780, it's still a popular boozer of choice for those in the city, packing the punters in right beside the iconic Leadenhall Market. There's ales, wines and spirts galore, and if you track down one of the #ThirstAiders, you might just save yourself from queuing at the bar.

The Cocktail Club - Various Sites

The Cocktail Club is famed for its party vibe and luscious libations. Sip with your colleagues on kooky tipples and let your hair down as the night goes on and light-swigging shenanigans kick off, all aided by the Negroni fountain of youth. 

Munich Cricket Club Victoria

Quiz Night and 3 other offers

We've been looking for a decent after-work joint in the Victoria area for an age, and we just may have found it in the Munich Cricket Club. A vast party space with a traditional Bavarian party atmosphere to it, slip into your lederhosen (or don't, whatever) and come by to sample beer from Munich breweries, a good choice of wines and cocktails.

Aldgate Tap

When the clock hits five, The Aldgate Tap is the place to be. Whether you're winding down solo or with colleagues, this sleek glass pavilion serves up a stellar drinks list alongside Ray's Pizza's crave-worthy slices and chicken salted fries. Its stylish yet relaxed vibe, with park views and natural light, makes it a refreshing alternative to the usual City haunts.

And for a change of scene, head over to The Farringdon Tap, which delivers the same winning combo of craft drinks and laid-back charm.

The Tooting Tavern

Pizza & Drink Offer and 6 other offers

Looking for a good time in Tooting? The Tooting Tavern features a sunny outdoor terrace and a timeless pub vibe for any kind of outing. With a wide selection of brews, cocktails, wines, and seasonal craft beers, this place has something for everyone. Hungry? From bar nibbles to chef's specials and fresh hand-stretched sourdough pizzas from their new oven, they've got you covered.

Dirty Martini St Paul's

Happy Hour 2025 and 2 other offers

Tough day? Things can only get better at Dirty Martini St Paul's, where there's a chilled cocktail with your name on it waiting at the bar. The venue offers a sleek and sophisticated décor at the same time, which understandably draws a radiant after-work crowd. Careful though, with late night DJs taking centre stage that mythical "swift half" could soon escalate.

Searcys Champagne Bar At Battersea Power Station

If you work around the Battersea area, Searcys Champagne Bar at the Power Station is a swish spot that makes for some great post-work drinks. Ditch the crowded pubs and head here for a huge selection of Champagnes, cocktails and English sparkling wines.

Expect an elegant but welcoming atmosphere, with stylish interiors that feature cosy blue velvet seating and a gorgeous marble-topped bar. They also offer a range of tasty light bites, from artisan cheese boards to North Atlantic prawns.

The Coborn

Summer Set Menu

Local to Bow or Mile End? There's a gem of a local pub nestled somewhere among the Victorian terraces of Coborn Road that you really ought to seek out. The Coborn is a characterful place to reflect on the day that was, with Young's award-winning cask ales, a great range of craft beers and vintage wines from across the globe to whet your whistle before calling it a day.

Lost & Found

Cheapskate Mondays and 1 other offer

Work in South London? Wanting to sup on something sumptuous before the commute home? Lost & Found is a match made in heaven; serving up a vast range of cocktails each as delicious as the last, with live music and a fun time atmosphere chucked in to the deal for good measure.

If you're after two-for-one drinks, they offer these between 5 and 7pm Tuesday to Sunday. You can also land £6.50 cocktails all night long on Mondays - bargain.

Nordic Bar

Happy Hour

You can't go wrong with a few drinks at this Scandinavian themed cocktail bar if you work close to Oxford Street. Nordic is a buzzing after work haunt where you can get £10 bottles of wine and 2-4-1 cocktails between 5 and 7 on weekdays (and all night Monday and Thursday). Sample their specialty beers and refreshing cocktails and just watch out for that shot wheel - things are only gonna go one way if you find yourself spinning that on a school night...

The Vineyard, Islington

🎓 Teacher's Bottomless Brunch – 25% Off 🎓

If you're looking for somewhere to blow off some steam after work and have a cheeky bevvy in a laid-back setting then The Vineyard in Islington is just the ticket. This contemporary, chic styled boozer is an urban wonderland of exposed brick, lounging and funky décor so you can enjoy all manner of tipples in this pocket friendly pub where the grub is glorious too. 

Humble Grape Bars

If you love wine, there's one place to go for after work drinks, and that's Humble Grape. With locations across London, they boast 30 glasses of wine and over 400 bottles – and a lot of them are biodynamic, organic or from sustainable vineyards.

Smith's Bar & Grill

Sunday Roast. and 7 other offers

Situated in the heart of Paddington, Smith's Restaurant & Bar is the ideal place for a business lunch or after-work drinks. Whether you're stopping in for a quick two-course lunch from their business set menu or treating yourself to a few cocktails after a long day, Smith's has you covered.

Enjoy the chic atmosphere, with a beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the Grand Union Canal - perfect for al-fresco dining. Their generous happy hour (Monday to Thursday from 5pm 'til 6.30pm) and live DJ sets on weekends make it an excellent venue for unwinding with colleagues or friends after a busy workday.

Core Bar, London

🍴 Lunch & A Drink From £9.95 🍴

For after-work drinks, head to Core Bar which is only a short walk from Bank (and hopefully your office). On the menu you'll find all your favourite classic cocktails like Aperol spritzes and espresso martinis that can be enjoyed in cylindrical red booths. Happy hour starts at 4pm and ends at 9pm throughout the week too, so you can bag a cosmopolitan for around £6 which is such a steal. 

Old Tom's Bar

Nestled somewhere in the heart of Leadenhall Market is Old Tom's - a snug retreat from city life that's just perfect for a post-5pm tipple or two. Topple down the stairs and into an old-fashioned retreat complete with 19th century tiles and warm service, the bar specialises in an extensive range of craft beer as well as a more than handy choice of gin and whisky. There's cheese and charcuterie boards made for sharing if you're peckish.

Pitch City

Clocked out and ready to let off some steam? Pitch City is your after-work happy place. Just minutes from Liverpool Street, this sleek yet playful bar is where team bonding turns into full-blown fun.

Start with a spicy margarita, fuel up with a slice from Pizza Pilgrims, and see who really rules the office with a few rounds of Party Putt. With buzzing vibes and a killer drinks list, Pitch City makes the 9-to-5 grind feel like a distant memory. And if you're city-hopping, their Soho and Canary Wharf venues keep the good times rolling.

The Ministry

Situated in Borough SE1, The Ministry is a vibrant, contemporary workspace and members club for people who love what they do. Sister to the iconic nightclub Ministry of Sound, The Ministry is a culmination…

The Victoria

Forget the stresses and strains of a long day at the office at this familiar Dalston pub. Oozing with a relaxed ambience, there's a healthy mix of classic cocktails, locally brewed craft beers and old world wines to keep you feeling fresh. There's a heady selection of premium rum cocktails if you'd like to stretch the night out a little longer, and a vibrant programme of live music to tap your toes to.

The Grocer

Beautifully decorated with vintage signs, quaint antiques and vibrant furniture, The Grocer offer Londoners in the City a great place to escape the office and grab a drink after work. The bar is of course stocked full of all your favourite beers, fine wines and international spirits, but pleasing everyone, the chefs have curated a menu of traditional British recipes and classic dishes. Grab a burger, grab a pint, and leave the rigours of daily life at the door. 

The Queens Head, Clerkenwell

Located close to Exmouth Market, The Queen's Head is a relaxing pub that promises an escape from the bustling city. Expect a blend of rustic and modern charm, with sage green walls and dark wooden furniture making up the interiors.

Sink into one of their cosy booths to enjoy a refreshing pint, and there are tasty burgers up for grabs too. Our favourite is the Honey Nomster, featuring a buttermilk fried chicken patty topped with nduja, red chilli honey and blue cheese sauce.

The Jugged Hare

Express Lunch

Right in the heart of the City, The Jugged Hare is an ideal stop on your way home from work. You'll find this charming gastro pub close to the Barbican Centre, fronting traditional, dark wooden interiors and a range of fantastic British cask ales and fine wines.

Be sure to check out their tasty menu too, which features the likes of sirloin steaks, cream of celeriac soup, wild venison with mashed potatoes and more.

Barrio - Bars

Please note: we can't be held accountable if after work drinks at Barrio quickly get out of hand, and you suddenly find yourself hitting the dancefloor hard on a school night. Amigo Hour is sometimes just too difficult to resist. Head along to this buzzing hub of South American culture where explosive cocktails and authentic street food await.

Vintry

An easy walk from any of Monument, Cannon Street and Bank stations, you'll find a buzzing scene after work on any given weekday at The Vintry. With full table service offered throughout the day you can kick back and clock off in style, with more than 170 wines on the bar alongside a refreshing range of craft beer, lager and cask ales. There's even a cool cocktail lounge where talented mixologists work their magic in the basement.

The Alchemist - Bars

Step into The Alchemist in the likes of Shoreditch, St Martins Lane and beyond, where every sip tells a story and every corner hums with energy. Signature cocktails like the bubbling The Colour Changing One or the tangy Cherry Poppins offer a masterclass in molecular mixology, delivering both flavour and flair.

The moody, metallic interior is the perfect backdrop for an evening of culinary and cocktail theatrics, blending the city's edgy charm with pure alchemical magic.