Best For After Work Drinks

If you're looking for a few post-office tipples, this restaurant and live music venue overlooking Cabot Square is the perfect combination of refined and casual, a top spot for after work drinks in London.

Want some happy hour merriment in the city? Patch St. Paul's and Patch East will happily oblige, laying on all kinds of cheap and cheerful drink deals between 4pm and 7pm every day. Get along to this handsome spot for after-work refreshment and they'll take 50% off bottles of wine and spirits.

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.

Sitting pretty in a super central location for any city goers, Tank and Paddle is a favourite in Monument for stylish drinks and casual pints. Head on down not only for craft beer straight from the tank, there's some of the best pizza in the business to boot.

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 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.

This classy, stunning venue in the sophisticated regions of West London is the perfect retreat for an elegant occasion, with an interior strewn with vintage furniture and floral flecks as well as bespoke and innovative cocktails crafted with the utmost care, for the ultimate post-work indulgence.

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.

Located at the Aldgate East end of Brick Lane, Apples & Pears is a non-pretentious hangout fronting delicious cocktails, awesome music and even its own outdoor space (a novelty for the area!). Come here for fun-time after work drinks, brilliant happy hours and good times; all throughout the week.

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.

Close to London Bridge but without the tourists, The Grange is a charming local pub that has heaps of spirit. Decorated with artwork, the space has an affordable range of wines, and a seriously tasty food menu that will tempt you to stay beyond drinks.

With views over Wimbledon and gorgeous cocktails, this great South London bar is a perfect spot for a few post-office drinks.

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.

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.

Holborn's Fable has many strings to its bow. The venue's quirky decor is inventive, innovative and enchanting, and the choice of drinks follows a similar suit. There's a library of creative cocktails to choose from and a similarly extensive wine list boasting all kinds of tastes and flavours. 

The Distillery is Bankside's destination bar, where you can expect nothing short of tailored perfection from the bartenders. Fitted out with leather Chesterfields and bespoke furnishings, make yourself at home at the London Hilton's hotel bar and sample a range of signature cocktails that include homemade aromatics, infusions and bitters.

Ideally located between Aldgate and Liverpool Street, you can leave all thoughts of the daily grind at the door at this cosy gastropub. There's no shortage of beers and wines to get involved with, as well as a neat little selection of classic cocktails that start at a very reasonable £7.45 each.

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. 

Martinis, Bellinis and Negronis - what more could you need when it comes to after-work drinks? Luckily, that's what Searcys Bar and Brasserie at Surveyors House specialise in. With classic concoctions as well as twists on the fail-safe mixes, it also has an impressive wine list.

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.

Situated within a stone's throw of St Pauls and boasting a quirkily relaxed vibe, Shaws Booksellers is the perfect spot for an after work bevvy. Have a well deserved pint of ale in this spacious and convenient setting. It has Fuller's Master Cellarman status don't you know, so it can offer you all sorts of great beery remedies for the day's woes. 

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.

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.

St Barts Brewery is an eclectic and diverse venue in the heart of Farringdon. The extensive choice of artisan wines, spirits and beers makes it perfect for a bit of 5pm R&R, with the venue featuring its own ciders from Kent and unfiltered Meantime lagers coming direct from their brewery and into your glass.

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.

You have no excuse to miss out on after-work drinks with Simmons Temple as the cocktail bar puts on one of London's most generous happy hours. Add in a cheese-tastic playlist, mad interiors and a lively atmosphere and you're on to a winner.

When you need somewhere for after-work drinks in Shoreditch, Camden or Brixton, Blues Kitchen is ideal for letting loose. Think bourbon-laced cocktails, spicy margs and a lineup of live music, all with soul food for when you get peckish.

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.

The king of after work drinking destinations? Soho. And on Greek Street, you'll find Greek Street Live ready and waiting for your shenanigans. Not only can you expect contemporary jazz, but also cocktails like the watermelon mezcalita and raspberry collins - all across a stunning, low-lit space.

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.

If you're looking for a cool and quirky spot to grab some after work drinks in London, this great Holloway Road is a one-stop-shop for hefty burgers, burritos, craft beers and even craftier cocktails.

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. 

Thanks to its fabulous location in the heart of the West End, Bar Rumba is a fantastic choice for an after-work tipple. Boasting a range of cracking bevs, from prosecco and wine to cocktails and shooters, as well as late-night opening hours, this joint is ready to take you from day to night.

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 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. 

Head over to The Book Club in Shoreditch to sip after-work drinks in Brooklyn-style loft surrounds. There's cocktails, beers on tap, local DJs playing hip hop or RnB, and 2 for 1 pizzas on Wednesday nights.

The Racketeer's location makes it ideal for after work drinkers, with the atmosphere falling between a cocktail bar and a pub. People come here for delicious draught beers, bottled cider and expertly made cocktails.

Lucky South West London dwellers have got their after work sips sorted as SW16 Bar & Kitchen offers the ultimate post-WFH hangout. Head down Streatham High Road and you'll find this Italian-inspired spot serving up swish cocktails and craft pints.

A cool pub in the heart of Bloomsbury, The Lady Ottoline is a must if you're looking for a fun spot for after work drinks. The venue boasts an array of beers, cocktails and wines, as well as a dynamic selection of delicious bar snacks.

After a long ol' day in the office, nothing beats a fresh pint or a martini, so be sure to head to the Founders Arms. This stunning glass-fronted pub has a large patio overlooking St. Paul's alongside a crackin' drinks menu to boot.

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.

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.

No need to dash off after work with Loves Company only seconds from Old Street Station. This cool and affordable Shoreditch joint is great for cocktails after a long day, with a great mix of concoctions, quirky decor, and DJs that will make you want to party on a school night.

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.

Located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from Cannon Street, this cool and cosy pub offers one of the best spots for after work drinks in London. With a great selection of beers, wines and ales, you'll be spoilt for choice by their tasty British fare as well. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

One of the best cures for a hard day's work is a nice cold pint of Guinness. Luckily, that's what McGettigans, Fulham's best Irish bar, can get for you. There's live sport on the screens, live music on the stage, and tonnes of Irish drinks and food to keep you entertained until the next after-work drinks.

Like your 5pm tipple in the company of spectacular views of the Thames? You probably ought to get down to the Oyster Shed then, where thirsty revellers marvel at The Shard, Tower of London and the Thames in all their finery. We haven't even mentioned the fine wines, real ales and delectable range of craft beers yet either.

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. 

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.

Got your sights set on a few drinks on Shoreditch High Street? Full of charm, quirky decor and a vibrancy that you won't find in too many other Shoreditch bars, this place is always lively with workers spilling out after quitting time. Book yourself in and enjoy the drinkonomical happy hour prices on offer from The Shoreditch.

Offering a large bar and lounge area, and an impressive cocktail menu, this cool and creative Soho bar is a perfect pit stop for some after work drinks.

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.

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. 

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.

Popular with the after-work drink crowd in the local area, Colours Hoxton is just the place to settle down with a few after a hard day's graft. They'll help you relax with a roster of live music, saucy New York-style wings from Orange Buffalo and killer cocktails.

If you have that Friday feeling all too early on in the week and the after work tipple is calling then Quaglino's are more than prepared to cater to you. Swan through this most decadent of restaurant bars and perch at the opulent bar area that overlooks the dining quarters where you can take in the fragrance of exquisite eats whilst you enjoy your liquor craving. 

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.

Gigi's is a great choice for after work drinks in Shoreditch. Head down and find a thriving hub for drinking, dining and clubbing in a wonderfully quirky space. Not only one of the best places for drinks come 5pm, this is also one of the best late night DJ bars in London.

Situated in Covent Garden, The Wild Monkey is a grand place for gin cocktails (especially if you're a fan of Monkey 47). Get stuck in gorgeous greenery, green seating and other forest-themed decor all while enjoying beautiful boozy beverages.

Another banger from the Balls Brothers group, this Churchill Place spot boasts delicious cocktails, ice cold beers and a cracking food selection that'll keep you going long after you get out of the office.

Up the ante on after-work drinks at sleek and stylish Burdock Café & Cocktail Bar, located on Finsbury Square. The City spot has bags of personality; head to the bar to work your way through an innovative cocktail list, freshly brewed pints and glutton-inducing freakshakes, as well as having a go on their unique shuffleboards.

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.

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. 

Looking for the perfect after-work drinks spot near Oxford Circus? Market Halls is coming in hot with bookable tables for larger groups, eight creative kitchens to choose from and two fully stocked bars when you're feeling thirsty. Better yet, there's live music on Thursdays and Fridays.

Thanks to its central location, Swift Borough is a fabulous spot to enjoy a relaxing post-work drinkypoo. Get on down to the swish venue and make the most of its two spaces - a bright and airy upstairs bar and a sexy, slinky space just downstairs - for tasty tipples galore.

Located in Old Truman Brewery, DF Tacos offers an ample selection of drinks to enjoy after a busy day. Why not take the edge off with a refreshing frozen Margarita or South American beer?

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.

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.

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.

The Albion offers an extensive wine selection, a range of award-winning real ales and continental lagers in a relaxed pub environment just down the road from St. Paul's. Come by for a swift half in one of the friendliest pubs in the city, with great comfort foods and famous sausage roll bar snacks on offer if you feel like lingering into the evening.

SAMA is the perfect place to meet for after work drinks in London. They offer a member's club feel without the membership, with a sleek contemporary look, sofas to sink into and bar stools to congregate round, as well as a great selection of alcohol and food.

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.

Boasting one of the best locations in city, The Sterling is a favourite for after work drinks in London where you'll find yourself sitting at the base of one of London's most iconic buildings, the Gherkin. With an expansive outside terrace, the drinks often spill out into the shadow of the Gherkin making for one pretty cool place to enjoy a few with colleagues.  

Located right by St Paul's cathedral, this unique nautical-themed pub harks back to Britain's eclectic trading history. With plenty to wet the whistle at the bar, and lots of delicious pub grub with regular live music, it makes for a great spot after a long day at the office.

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.

Located only seconds from Liverpool Street, this quaint boozer is an ideal spot for drinking after work. Tuck in to classic dishes and soak up wines from an impressive list. If that doesn't tickle your fancy, there's also a great selection of real ales.

Need a little sweet release after the daily grind? Join Bounce for just that as you can not only let out those working frustrations on the ping pong table, they've got plenty of after work drinks offers to go around. Neons and food to boot? You nailed it. 

Open until 3am every night of the week, this bar, club and karaoke lounge in Paddington can keep you occupid from dusk until dawn. Spread over multiple levels of tasty street food, bars and designated dance zones, you'll never be at a loss for night out activities. 

Head to Scarlett Green and you can enjoy a range of delicious cocktails, craft beers, and London's longest Australian wine list, all with live DJ sets – and if you're feeling hungry, you can chomp on some Australian food.