Best For After Work Drinks

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By Talia Gilliham • Food, Drinks & Events Writer, DesignMyNight Talia has over 8 years of experience writing across hospitality and travel, including bylines in TimeOut. Last updated on 7th October 2026

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.




London Bridge Rooftop

Boasting an ideal location right by the station, London Bridge Rooftop is the perfect spot for a quick (or long) drink after a day at the office. This cool spot boasts a large outdoor terrace, as well as some covered spaces, complete with DJs playing house, disco and garage tunes.

Soak up the views, from the London Eye to The Shard, while sipping cheap cocktails. And if you're there before 4pm Monday to Wednesday, you can secure selected cocktails for only £8.

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. 

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.

The Coborn

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.

Vintry

✨🍾Book Your Saturday Celebration🎉🎂 and 1 other offer

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.

Bbar

bbar Happy Hour

A great choice for after-work drinks in the Westminster area, Bbar is a cool cocktail bar that's known for its warm hospitality, live sports screenings and killer cocktail menu. Take a seat inside, or out on the terrace if you fancy some alfresco drinks.

Choose from a variety of concoctions, including some of the best espresso martinis around. Hungry? They also serve everything from salt beef sandwiches to Caesar salad and gochujang salmon bites.

The Refinery CityPoint

Business Lunch menu: a main & a drink £17.95

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.

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.

The Lockdown Room Wood Wharf

Providing a pretty pink backdrop for casual drinks with colleagues, The Lockdown Room is a neighbourhood favourite permitting guests to effortlessly switch between low-key cocktail catch ups and upbeat festivities. 

The contemporary space is often filled with people consuming great food and drink, thanks to the winning menus – expect creative sips like the cherry negroni, and hearty dishes like the loaded wraps and smash burgers. The events calendar is one to watch, with quiz nights, karaoke, live music and craft beer festivals all on the agenda. 

The Understudy

15% student discount, all day every day and 1 other offer

If you're on the lookout for a post-work pint near the South Bank, stop by The Understudy. Pull up a pew inside or out on the riverside terrace to sip on craft beer and cocktails from the likes of Black Lines, Gipsy Hill Brewing and East London Liquor Co.

If drinks turn into dinner, you're in luck. The stacked lineup of KERB traders includes crispy hash browns, Middle Eastern wraps and authentic Mexican tacos.

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 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.

Munich Cricket Club Victoria

Bottomless Fondue Brunch and 5 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.

The Fire Station

Cosy gastropub The Fire Station is conveniently close to Waterloo station – meaning your journey home won't be as daunting. But you won't be in any rush to leave once to discover its offerings; whether you're stopping by for drinks, food or both, you'll be served great food, craft beer, premium wines and expertly mixed cocktails. 

Small plates, pizzas and pub classics are all up for grabs, best enjoyed in a cosy booth surrounded by your favourite colleagues. 

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.

Albert's Schloss - Soho

Complimentary Round - Drinks only Table and 2 other offers

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 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. 

The Joiner on Worship

Guaranteeing plenty of space and a vibrant atmosphere, The Joiner on Worship is a must for after work drinks. The lively venue spans across three floors, each boasting comfy leather seating and HD screens showing all the latest live sports.

If you're after some added entertainment, there's also shuffleboard and beer pong on offer. If you fancy something to eat too, they serve up the likes of loaded fries, Buffalo chicken and juicy meat or plant-based burgers.

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.

The Saint

🍹Cocktails: Happy Hour!🍸 and 1 other offer

Just moments from St Paul's, The Saint is a rare bar in that it sits right in the heart of the Square Mile. With a stunning courtyard, it's perfect for post-work drinks and alfresco bites. 

As you sip and savour creative cocktails, fine fizz and craft beer, you can tuck into steak, burgers, sandwiches and sharing boards. Over the warmer months, this place comes alive with DJ sets, pop‑ups, games and epic branded takeovers.

Amazing Grace Canary Wharf

If you work in Canary Wharf, be sure to try out Amazing Grace for some drinks afterwards. They've got a killer cocktail menu full of quirky signatures and classics alike, as well as draught beers and plenty of wines.

They host fantastic live music performances on a regular basis, with a stage at the front of the bar. Expect a cutting edge sound and lighting system, with cool, sleek interiors making up the two-storey venue.

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.

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.

Core Bar, London

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. 

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.

The Vineyard, Islington

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. 

Gambit Bar

Gambit Bar is found underneath The Newman in Fitzrovia, promising cool speakeasy vibes. Inspired by the Vorticist movement, their interiors are dark, elegant and welcoming, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

You'll find resident DJs playing throughout the week, as well as live music performances. They've got a cracking cocktail menu to choose from, alongside local craft beer and premium spirits.

The May Fair Bar

Leave the worries of the office behind in the super classy, cocktail lounge vibes of the May Fair Bar. All low, statement lights and sophisticated seating, it's the perfect spot to raise a glass with your favourite work buddies.

Take a pew at the bar for classic cocktails, signature serves and some of the finest wines ever produced. If you want to nibble while you natter, Korean fried lollipops, lobster brioche and crispy falafel will see you right.

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.

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.

Nordic Bar

Happy Hour and 1 other offer

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...

Five Iron Golf

One of the newest spots to play virtual sports in the city? Bringing its concept from New York to London, Five Iron Golf provides a high-tech golfing experience with state-of-the-art technology there to make things as realistic as possible. 

Aim your ball at the screen and watch it fly through the virtual sky as you try to beat your fellow players. There's also virtual football and bowling on site, with plenty of food and drink options – from craft cocktails and beer to dynamite small plates made for sharing.  

Home Marylebone

2 4 1 Signature Cocktails and 2 other offers

Home is the ultimate neighbourhood hangout for transitioning from a busy workday straight into a relaxed, stylish evening. Located just moments from the main hustle and bustle, the space is beautifully filled with cascading hanging plants and chic decor, creating an instant mood-booster the second you walk through the door.

If you finish early or need an afternoon client meeting spot, you can take advantage of their unbeatable 2-4-1 happy hour deal on signature creations running all afternoon until 5pm. Pair your drinks with their crowd-pleasing sharing menu, featuring everything from their famous pork belly to the indulgent Marylebone Stag burger.

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.

The Trading House

COMPLIMENTARY PROSECCO

All parquet floors, statement chandeliers and intricate finishes, The Trading House brings a big splash of elegance to any after work drink. Pull up a pew at its grand central bar to sip on premium pints, handcrafted signature cocktails and only the finest fizz.

Want some entertainment with your evening tipple? Get down here on Wednesdays or Thursdays for live music all night long.

GA KingsX Bar & Restaurant

When the workday ends, GA KingsX transitions into a buzzing hub for post-office gatherings and evening unwinders. The bar team shakes up cheeky cocktails like the velvet-soft Sexiberry, the refreshing Green Apple Spritz, or the cheekily named Bourbon With Benefits featuring cinnamon roll syrup and Angostura bitters.

Complemented by a solid wine list and premium gins, the comfortable seating and energetic ambience make it an effortless choice for gathering colleagues or unwinding over drinks.

All Bar One Moorgate

Lunch Club and 5 other offers

it's not often your favourite All Bar One gets a makeover – but that's exactly what's happening to the Moorgate site this September. Expect a fresh setting to enjoy your preferred Thursday night tipple with colleagues, and maybe even some food if the evening extends past dinnertime. The spacious bar is great for socialising in big groups, and the lengthy menu is there to ensure no one goes without their drink of choice. Play is safe with one of the classic cocktails, or be bold and order one of the bartender's special creations, including a refreshing Lemon Drop Martini.

There's plenty to choose from in the way of beers, ciders and spirits, and there's a selection of spritzes that will make you feel extra summer-y. Hungry? Order up a few small plates or a main dish from the global food menu, with dishes ranging from Spanish tapas to burgers and more. 

Lost & Found

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.

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.

Simmons

After work drinks don't have to be predictable, and Simmons proves it. With locations across Soho, Angel, and beyond, the bar combines unmissable happy hours, neon-lit interiors, and playful cocktails to turn a weekday wind-down into a mini celebration.

Sip a cutesy Margarita Monday special, gather colleagues for some kitsch fun, and let the atmosphere do the rest.

The Porterhouse

The Porterhouse, located in Covent Garden, has been pouring its own Dublin-brewed craft beers since 2000, offering a unique multi-level layout with mezzanines and cosy corners. Out front, its spacious beer garden is a prime spot for enjoying comforting pub food and a vast drinks menu.

From Thursday to Saturday, live music sets the tone in the evenings, while 18 screens ensure fans catch every major sporting moment.

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.

The London Cocktail Exchange

The mixology masters at The London Cocktail Exchange are here to spice up your after-work drinks with creative blends you've likely never tried before. 

Swap the pub for a full-on exploration of all-things cocktails at this Fitzrovia bar that has two contrasting areas: a bright and breezy street-level space flooded with natural light, and a moody underground hangout for a more dramatic drinking experience. 

The menu is curated by lifelong bartenders, with each drink crafter to perfection – expect to come across mixes containing coconut sherbet, Kool-Aid and white chocolate foam. And if the selection looks a little too adventurous, you can always request a classic. Food is also available in the form of lesser-known Italian bites from pinsa to arancinetti.  

The Ultimate 90s Pre-Theatre Menu

@ Bunga 90 on Various dates from Wednesday 4th November 2026

Nostalgic pre-show eats have landed in Covent Garden. Bunga 90 has launched a new 90s-inspired pre-theatre menu, available Sunday to Thursday from 5pm to 6.30pm. Starting at £28.60 per person, it's tailor-made for a quick, high-vibe bite before curtain call.

Each ticket includes a freshly crafted 12-inch pizza paired with your choice of drink—from retro Club Classic cocktails and house wine to Coors and soft drinks. 

The Chocolate Cocktail Club

Clocked off and craving a little luxury? Head straight to Farringdon, where the UK's first chocolate cocktail bar is waiting to seriously upgrade your happy hour.

At The Chocolate Cocktail Club, post-work decompressing comes with a free Chocotini on arrival, followed by a menu stacked with indulgent cocoa-laced twists on classic drinks (think mint, orange, and rich mocha creations).

Pavilion End

🥪Lunch Offer🥪 and 2 other offers

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.

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.

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.

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.