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.

One of top bars for after work drinks in Canary Wharf, Roka offers a stunning spot for a few beers or a Japanese-inspired cocktail before you hop on the DLR home.

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.

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.

With a carefully curated wine list, crafty cocktails and some of the best seafood plates and nibbles south of the river (we're looking at you clam chowder fries), this fun little wine bar and restaurant is a top pick for after work drinks.

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. 

From the tropical print walls to the leafy interiors and cosy private booths, The Leaf and Cane is making after-work drinks sexy again. Head to this subterranean City hangout for innovative cocktails, tasty plates and cigars to boot.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

A stylish all-day bar, The Anthologist is a great bar in Bank for social after work drinks and dinner in chic surroundings. For a private lunch with friends or dinner parties, groups can book an area or table before joining the crowd there to enjoy Soul Saturdays, when DJs hit the decks and the bar gets lively.

Making plans for after work drinks in the City? Book your table at Magpie & Stump; where you'll find reasonably priced cocktails, beers and small plates just minutes from St Paul's and City Thameslink stations.

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.

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.

The Ten Bells is a legendary after-work spot for the people of the East End, but few have stumbled upon this secretive cocktail den upstairs so far. Pop in and discover this haven of Chesterfield sofas, mis-matched furniture and iconic artwork for yourself, the shorty cocktails - mixed by renowned bartender Jerome Slesinski - pack a punch, too.

The Megaro Eatery champions local British produce from the heart of Kings Cross. It's not just the food that'll inspire however, this restaurant knows how to knock up a mean cocktail, making it an excellent spot fro grabbing a few drinks and a snack after work. 

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.

A Canon Street charmer, Jamie's Suffolk Lane is the answer to your after work drinks in London qualms. Something of a city favourite, this restaurant bar is a cool underground space steeped in exposed brickwork, an extensive wine list and a healthy happy hour reigning from 5pm until 8pm on week nights. Plenty of time for a couple then? 

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.

Work in the Soho area? Why not treat yourself to a few afterwork drinks at The Bloomsbury Club Bar. This sophisticated hotel bar has it all - a fantastic location, a lavish interior (plus a charming outdoor terrace!), and a selection of the very best wines from across the globe. And to tie it all together, there's a mouth-watering menu that's perfect for afterwork meals.

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.

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.

A perfect city retreat tucked away behind the bustle of London Bridge, Hide Bar is an intimate cocktail lounge with a seated only policy so you can come here to sup and socialise without the queues at the bar. Experts in the art of cocktail making, Hide Bar are top mixologists who are always developing the dynamic of their drinks to bring you something cool and unique. 

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.  

Smollensky's is the place to be if you're after cocktails in Canary Wharf. Bartenders whip up a liquor-laced storm after work, with old school classics given a contemporary facelift and a few new found favourites on offer by the same token. Happy Hour runs every day from 6 to 8pm, there's a few light bites to soak up the booze and a large outside terrace that's always a big hit in the summer.

Taking pride of place in Canary Wharf, The Pearson Room is a perfect place to garb a pint after work. Hidden away from the busyness of city life, the bar offers hand-crafted cocktails, a bespoke G&T menu, a wide selection of beer and an excellent selection of wine from the cellar. 

Up the ante on after-work drinks at sleek and stylish Burdock, 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.

Moments from Paddington Station, Smith's Bar and Grill is a top choice for a few tipples once you're done working. Along with a strong list of cocktails, the bar has a generous happy hour.

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.

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.

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 Alchemist on Old Street are here to provide a little extra pizzazz to your after-work drinking sessions. From AR creations to cocktails that change colour before your very eyes, to bath bomb-inspired tipples, this bar is sure to entertain after a busy day working in the City.

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.

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.

Nestled within the backstreets of Borough and not at all far from London Bridge, this cool bar is great for after work drinks in London. After a recent revamp, The Miller now boasts its own ping pong roof terrace, and plays host to an improv comedy night, every Tuesday. Book a space for you and your mates in this cool and quirky London bar, perfect for an after work drink in London.

This debonair den in the heart of Clerkenwell is perfect for a post-work tipple. Indulge in stunningly presented concoctions of innovative, fresh ingredients, shaken, stirred and otherwise jumbled together by the masters in mixology.

If you're looking to head somewhere a little different to the norm after work, head to Catch Bar. This fun Mexican bar is the perfect place to unwind in Shoreditch. You can sip on fruity cocktails and if you're peckish they serve a great selection of Mexican Tacos and Tortas that will be sure to hit the spot.

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.

Boma is making quite the wave in southwest London and their Putney Bridge eatery is no exception. With live music and a cocktail bar, you'll want to stay long past dinnertime.

From lively after-work drinks to fun date nights, Lost Society is a top choice if you're looking for a bar with character. Don't expect quiet corners, because this Battersea favourite is all about cracking cocktails and live DJs through the week.

Kitty Hawk channels New York glamour with the cool style of a London location, making it ideal for the discerning after work drinker. Serving a wonderful list of wines, including selections from the Rothschild Estate, alongside craft beers and cocktails, the venue has something for everyone. And being only a few steps away from London Liverpool Street Station is a bonus.  

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.

If you're looking for somewhere you can enjoy some casual drinks and shmoozing activities then Ask For Janice (not the person, the place) is ideal for you. Doling out all the laid-back, urban boozing vibes you could wish for, plant your tush on their wooden stools that look like they're fresh out of a school science lab and enjoy their spread of beer, wine and over 40 Gins. 

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.

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.

Minutes away from Tower Bridge, The Gentlemen Baristas Union Street is the perfect spot for a quick pint after work. The traditional little spot is spread across two floors and serves everything from charcuterie through to dinners that will make you stay late.

Who's out drinking in Holborn tonight then? We've just the destination. Less a siesta and more a fiesta, Salvador and Amanda is a plush plot for after work drinks where tapas inspired chow and cracking party tracks reign supreme. Familiar with those after a reasonably priced post work tipple or three, this dapper little joint will please palates and party people alike.

This cool Shoreditch bar has a huge following for after work drinks from the City crowd. The sleek, hip design is Steve McQueen inspired and totally unique to this restaurant bar. The delicious drinks will help you relax after a long day and if you get a glace at the American grill menu you may just have to stay for dinner! Bring your whole office, but be sure to book a space online first!

Offering a bold selection of cocktails, tasty pizzas and and excellent beer selection, Putney's Lost & Co is exactly the spot you should be pulling up to after a hard day of pushing paper.