If you’re fed up of spending big and seeking a thrifty, affordable drinks alternative, we’ve got just the guide for you. Check out our guide to happy hour in London, and where to find the best ones, and unearth the capital’s most wallet-friendly places to get a drink.
We've got something to suit all tastes here, from 2-4-1 on cocktails through to half-price bottles of wine and beer for less than a fiver. Whether it's after-work drinks or date night on a budget, discover your new favourites below.
For those wallet-friendly pours in East London, get moving over to STK: Rooftop And Bar in Stratford. Head to the 18th floor on The Gantry Hotel between Mondays and Fridays, where you'll be able to nab a bargain drink, all while taking in the pretty city scenes on the terrace.
Looking for a stunning space to enjoy a few affordable drinks in? Then head to Opium in Soho, a sultry spot filled with dark red decor. The chic, Chinese-inspired destination is best known for their cocktails, as well as a delicious menu of dim sum.
Their intimate Aperitivo menu features a range of short, refreshing sips, which are available for only £7 during their happy hour. This takes place from 5 until 7pm, every single day of the week.
Bar Kick's London happy hours make it one of the best destinations for after-work drinks in the city. With 2 for £12 cocktails or selected pints for a fiver from 4pm to 7pm every weekday, and all day on Fridays, you can't go wrong. There's live sport, table football and DJs topping off your afternoon too.
Every weekday, Megan's various sites across the capital are slinging out £6 cocktails, hard sodas and wine between 3pm and 6pm. But that's not all, as you can also bag them for £6 as part of its nightcap deal too, from 9pm 'til 11pm across the likes of its Richmond, Clapham and Chiswick outposts to name a few.
Patch East (with an outpost in St Paul's too) may just be the coolest bar in East London, boasting several distinct areas like a Ski Lodge, Boudoir, and The Shinjuku, a Japanese-inspired room. But the cocktail haven has more than that up its sleeve: get there between 4pm and 7pm from Tuesday to Friday and you'll receive some great discounts on their unique mixes.
One name sounds louder than most when it comes to happy hours, and that's Simmons. With venues across the city, from Shoreditch to Soho, the neon-clad bars slash prices on their teapot concoctions daily, with wine from £3, and 2-4-1 cocktails during select hours.
Fusing a Latin American feel-good factor with a local community feel, Barrio's happy hour specials offer great savings on all drinks throughout the week (including signature lip-smacking sips).
The Three Compasses in Dalston is a rare gem that stays true to its roots as a classic East End boozer, offering an unpretentious atmosphere with top-quality local craft beers, popular burger pop-ups, friendly staff, and weekend DJs. This award-winning Hackney pub also screens major sports fixtures, creating a true neighbourhood vibe.
Their happy hour runs every day from 6pm to 7pm, featuring unbeatable deals like house spirits and mixers for just £4, 175ml of house wine for £5.50, and pints of Wanna Go To The Sun Pale Ale and Helles Lager from Lost & Grounded at £4.90. If cocktails are more your style, you can enjoy two for £14.
Sabine Rooftop Bar is a stunning drinks and dining destination that boasts views of St Paul's Cathedral. The interiors feature gorgeous greenery and floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a heated outdoor terrace with a glass roof.
Between 4pm and 6pm Monday to Wednesday, they run a cracking happy hour deal. They're offering exclusive prices on their classic cocktails during this time, which you can enjoy alongside tasty bites like mac 'n' cheese croquettes, Buffalo chicken taquitos or Italian sausage arancini.
Ready to get your sip on? London's Be At One bars have got you covered for all your cocktail cravings. With prime locations all over the city, from Richmond to Covent Garden, they're serving up both the classics and some funky concoctions on 2-4-1 cocktail happy hours. From White Mocha-tinis to Singapore Slings and June Bugs, they've got the goods to shake up your night.
Located only a few moments from Paddington station, Smith's Bar and Grill is a top choice for cocktails, especially with a generous happy hour. If you visit between 5pm and 6.30pm Monday to Thursday, or anytime from 3pm on Fridays, you can nab buy-one-get-one-free cocktails when you purchase two of the same drinks at this cosy spot.
With happy hour taking place every day from 5pm to 7pm, The Lounge Bar offers 2-4-1 cocktails. Enjoy a range of gin drinks or a bit of bubbly, alongside a menu of delicious bar snacks, from calamari and nachos to truffle fries.
Margarita Cocktail + Margherita Pizza for £14.50 and 1 other offer
Situated in the heart of Shepherd's Bush, The Hawk's Nest is a vibrant cocktail bar and kitchen that promises affordable drinks. Their happy hour runs from 12pm on Sundays, offering £4 house pints in a buzzing atmosphere.
This stunning spot is filled with foliage and pretty fairy lights, with an outdoor terrace that's covered by a retractable glass roof. Plus, they serve a range of tasty sourdough pizzas too.
Tequila Mockingbird boasts one of the best happy hours around. Forget all of that 'one night of the week only' rubbish, as this spot offers bargain booze until 7pm or 8pm (or 10pm at its Putney outpost) across the likes of Wimbledon, Covent Garden, Clapham and more.
Located in South Hampstead, Yamatora is a vibrant bar and restaurant that's filled with bold decor. Expect lots of leafy plants around the venue, alongside twinkling fairy lights, large posters and comfy sofas, all very colourful.
Between 5 and 7pm, you can enjoy two for £12 cocktails, including the whisky-based Gold Rush or a Bonsai Margarita. They're also offering £5 wines, £4 mocktails and £5 draught beer, alongside discounted snacks like spicy tuna tacos or chicken gyoza.
Happy Hour 4pm till 7pm Wednesday - Saturday🍹 and 1 other offer
For happy hours in Marylebone? Don't miss out on your chance to visit the record-loving, vintage-leaning FAM Bar. With happy hour from Tuesday to Saturday, you'll enjoy £8.50 cocktails and draft beer from just £5.25 in cool and quirky surroundings.
Don't miss SUPERMAX's Aperitivo Hour from 5pm to 7pm, where you can sip on delicious Vermouth-based cocktails for only £9. This stylish, hidden basement bar in King's Cross offers an incredible atmosphere with its 1970s Milan-inspired design, neon lights, and a soundtrack that varies from disco to deep house. Perfect for unwinding after work or before a night out.
Piazza Italiana in Central London is shaking things up with 50% off drinks every Monday from 4pm. Whether you're winding down with colleagues or catching up with friends, it's the perfect excuse for a post-work tipple. Not only can you sip on your favourite beers, wines, and ciders, but you'll also be among the first to try their exciting new cocktails at half the price.
Why not dive into a twist on the classics, like the Black Manhattan - a smooth, caramel-bitter delight, or the Aged Negroni, with a five-month-aged, sherry-infused twist? For something a bit more playful, try Beauty's Favourite - a vibrant tequila number with elderflower liqueur and grapefruit soda. Or, indulge in Sweet Dreams, a decadent twist on an Espresso Martini with hazelnut Frangelico and marshmallow on top.
Not only does The Piano Works West End and Farringdon have a fabulous happy hour, but it also has an epic lineup of live entertainment. Look forward to 2-4-1 cocktails, £4 pints of house lager, £15 bottles of wine and £25 bottles of prosecco.
When you're in the mood for something with energy in Shoreditch, it's at Old Street Records where the fun thrives. Giving you NYC dive bar style with an East London spirit, it has a great deal between 5pm and 8pm in the form of 2-4-1 cocktails courtesy of their happy hour.
Kelsey House Bar & Kitchen have their happy hour between 5pm and 7pm every day of the week, except Saturday. That means you can nab any cocktail on the menu for just £7.50, including zombies, pornstar martinis and even tasty signature pours.
For a happy hour that's an absolute steal, make your way to the Golden Lion in Fulham. Taking place between Monday and Friday from 5pm to 8pm, you'll be able to get your hands on your favourite beer, cider, spirits, cocktails and wine for just £4.
We can't say for sure whether it was the great drinks deals that convinced Charlie XCX to throw her wedding afterparty at Ellie's, but we wouldn't be surprised.
Martinis are only ever £8, all day, all night, all week. But it gets even better. Head down here any time on Wednesdays and you can get stuck into £6 pints of Guinness and £6 spritzes.
Head to Nordic Bar to indulge in Scandinavian food and drink and week-round happy hours, including £15 bottles of house wine every day of the week. You can also enjoy two cocktails for £15 and pints for a fiver.
If that wasn't enough to entice you, there's also a ping pong table, with regular tournaments taking place for dab hands, all accompanied by DJs spinning the freshest new tunes around.
Situated close to Liverpool Street, 68 and Shanghai is a cool two-storey building that features two fantastic bars. Both of these have cracking happy hours throughout the week, as well as a variety of other offers.
68 Bar & Cellar offers select spritzes for only £5.95, available until 6pm Tuesday to Saturday. Upstairs in the Shanghai Lounge, you can also nab two-for-one cocktails from 5 until 11pm Wednesday to Saturday.
Pints for £4 on selected beers on Thursdays (not bank hols or match days) and 2 other offers
If you're looking for cheap drinks in East London, head over to Exale Brewery where they've got a whole range of excellent offers to keep you sipping until close, like £4 pints. It also offers £6.50 cocktails every Friday 'til midnight, and there's 25% off bottles of wine on Thursdays.
If you're looking for a bargain drink, The Cornershop boasts a daily happy hour from 3pm to 7pm (think two for £15 on selected cocktails and two Budweisers for £8). Thanks to its central Shoreditch location, it really is the ultimate pitstop for a post-work pint. And if you get hungry, you can bag yourself all kinds of delicious grub too.
From after-work drinks to weekend catch-ups, Dirty Martini is here to keep you in budget with £7 cocktails. Choose from their huge array of fruity concoctions or buy a round for your friends or colleagues without breaking the bank.
If you're looking for the best happy hours in South London, then be sure to hit up Blame Gloria in Clapham (it also has an outpost in Covent Garden) where you'll find regular 2-4-1 deals on cocktails, £25 bottles of bubbles, and £4.50 bottles of beer. Not only that, but the interiors and party vibes at this place will also keep you staying way into the night.
In need of a prince? Let the Prince Of Peckham be your happy hour saviour with their happy hour Wednesdays. Head on down to this bustling South London pub where you can grab yourself two cocktails for just £12, all night long.
Between 4pm and 9pm head down to Core Bar for their happy hour where you can enjoy 50% off all drinks. As far as cheap drinks in London prices go, these are an absolute steal and well worth the trip to this cool den.
Looking for the best happy hour in South London? Check out The Exhibit in Balham, as they're bringing you non-stop party vibes without breaking the bank. Not only are there 2-4-1 drinks from 4pm 'til 7pm from Wednesday to Sunday, there's also heaps of unmissable events throughout the week.
If you're after cheap drinks in Shoreditch, it's time to hit up the circus-obsessed Trapeze's happy hour deal. Grab any pizza and a pint for just £12 every Wednesday - an absolute steal for those who are hungry and thirsty during the week.
There's no denying that The Thieves in Clapham has some of the best entertainment when it comes to activity bars, but did you know it also boasts some stellar happy hours too?
Head down to enjoy affordable cocktails from 5pm 'til 7pm throughout the week, such as spicy margaritas and strawberry bellinis, as well as 50% off its VR experiences, Moonshine Raceway, karaoke and game credit cards on Mondays. Fab.
Based in the heart of Clapham, Venn St Records is a venue that takes its love of music to the next level. Covered in tour posters, old NME covers and with walls lined with vintage records, the bar staff keep the mood light by serving flavoursome cocktails all throughout the night. Head down between 5pm and 8pm and enjoy 2-4-1 cocktails during their happy hour.
With graffitied walls, vintage interiors and neon accents making up just some of the décor at The Cocktail Club's venues across Canary Wharf, Shoreditch and beyond, you're in for a quirky treat for your eyes and taste buds. Cracking cocktails are the name of the game here, with two for £14 on the whole menu at happy hour.
Located in Bethnal Green, Sebright Arms is a lively boozer that's best known for its live music scene. Big names like Charli XCX, Catfish and the Bottlemen and The Vaccines have played here in the past, and it's a great place to discover your new favourite artist.
Know what else it's good for. Cheap drinks. From 4 until 7pm on weekdays, you can secure select pint for just £4.40, while all spritzes are £8 until 8pm every single day. Plus, Wednesdays to Sundays promise a pizza slice and a pint for just £9.
If you're on the hunt for an excellent South London happy hour, AND THEN TOOTING has got you covered. With £7.50 cocktails from Sunday to Friday, 5pm 'til 9pm, and on Saturdays from opening 'til 7pm, daily table service, and a rooftop setting that adds to the magic, this is the kind of place where one quick drink turns into an all-night affair.
Add Honest Burgers on demand, DJs at the weekend, and a buzzing social vibe - and you've got yourself a new favourite spot for after-work drinks or weekend shenanigans.
If you're keen for a bit of fancy cocktail sipping in a stunningly stylish bar, Disrepute in Soho should be next on your list. The sleek drinking den boasts an aperitivo hour from Sunday to Thursday, 5pm until 6pm (4pm 'til 8pm on Sundays), where a selection of mixes are available for just £9.
An impressive West End club known for its time on the party scene, The Roxy is a must-try for central London's late-night folk. For their happy hour? Make the most of £10 off select pitchers, 2 for £11 cocktails, £3 Becks beers and more.
Unwind after a long day or catch up with friends during the unbeatable happy hour at Islington Blend. Enjoy £7 cocktails in a laid-back yet stylish atmosphere, from Tuesday to Thursday, 4pm 'til 7pm.
Whether you're a fan of classic cocktails or looking to try something new, the friendly bartenders are ready to serve up your favourites at a great price. It's the perfect spot to relax, refresh, and enjoy some after-work social time in the heart of Islington.
The Montpelier in South London has a great happy hour deal on Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm. Enjoy 2-4-1 on negronis while tucking into the venue's top-notch menu - think buffalo wings and juicy burgers.
You won't want to miss out on The Last Talisman's fantastic happy hour deals in Bermondsey. From 5pm to 9pm Tuesday to Friday (and Sundays), you'll be able to nab 2-4-1 on all cocktails. Tasty tipples paired with Pan-Asian plates? Sign us up.
Bar Rumba is a late-night club close to London's Leicester Square serving up a mix of delectable drinks, big hits and good party vibes. They have a happy hour from 7.30pm until 10.30pm every single day of the week, where you can get your hands on £2.50 bottles of beer, house and spirit mixers, and glasses of wine, as well as cocktail jugs for a tenner.
Hidden away in the arches at Leyton Midland Station, Leyton Calling is an intimate cocktail bar with a tropical theme. Expect interiors inspired by 1970s americana, featuring wooden furniture, rope decorations and warm, glowing lights.
There's an exotic cocktail menu to get stuck into, complete with lots of rum and fruity flavours. And from 5 to 7pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, you can secure select cocktails for only £6.
With sites in Canary Wharf, King's Cross and London Bridge, Electric Shuffle is a fun activity bar that's filled with interactive shuffleboard tables. You can challenge your friends to all sorts of fun minigames here, and they add up all the scores for you.
Their happy hour runs from 3pm until 7pm every single weekday, promising pints of Amstel for £5, a select cocktail of the month for £8 and bottles of Prosecco for £25.
If you're in search of the 'best happy hours near me', look no further than Lost and Found. With 2-4-1 cocktails every night except Monday from 5pm to 7pm, you can sip on creative cocktails like the Cloud #9 or Raspberry Daiquiri while enjoying the quirky vibe of this kitschy venue. It's the ideal spot to unwind after a busy day or start your night with a bang.
The Street Easy is a cool hangout in Exmouth Market that boasts some cracking plates of food and top drinks. If you're looking for a bargain, their regular happy hour every Tuesday to Friday until 6pm will be right up your street. Margarita, anyone?
Pitcher & Piano London near St Paul's is helping you sip for less with their daily drinks deal. Running from midday 'til 7pm daily, the offer includes 2-4-1 on all house cocktails; think porn star martinis and more.
Looking for cheap drinks and classic American eats? Head to your nearest Belushi's where they're running one of London's best happy hours throughout the week. Get £5 drinks, £20 bottles of prosecco, £15 bottles of wine and 2-4-1 pizzas from Monday to Friday.
Looking for the perfect place to kick off your bank holiday weekend? Popworld St. Paul's has you covered. Pre-book for their Bank Heist Bank Holiday Weekender, and enjoy a free Jäger shot per person - just for booking.
And with 2-4-1 drinks until 10pm, you'll have plenty of time to sip, dance, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're popping in on Friday night or Sunday Funday, the deals are too good to miss.
With stained glass windows and its original altar, Amazing Grace is an uber-cool place to stop for a drink at the best of times. Get down to this former church during happy hour and there's even more reasons to stick around.
From Tuesday to Friday between 4pm and 7pm, you can indulge in £5 lagers, £6 wines and fizz and £8 cocktails. We'll drink to that.
Located in New Cross, Sylva is a charming restaurant bar that's decked out in simple white interiors and wooden furnishings, filled with lots of natural light. On Thursdays, you can secure a buy two get one free deal on all their cocktails, as well as house wine and beer.
Sip on Aperol negronis or a fresh herb gin and tonic, all at an affordable price. If you're hungry, they aslos serve everything from chicken schnitzel to wild garlic pesto pasta.
A buzzing Soho haunt, Thirst is the place to go for carefully crafted cocktails and mega discounts. Their 'stupid hour' showcases a selection of drinks for just £7.50, while the regular happy hour offers up concoctions at only £10 each.
The flagship bar from the multi award-winning Ryan Chetiyawardana AKA “The World's Most Awarded Bartender” Mr Lyan, Lyaness is always well worth a visit. Get down here during happy hour and it gets even better.
Pull up a pew between 5 and 7pm Monday to Friday for classic cocktails with a twist for just £12 a pop. We're talking ruby old fashioneds, rhubarb spritzes, and the legendary Lyaness Martini.
Located in Angel, Grillshack is a fantastic bar and restaurant with one of the most extensive cocktail lists around. Think classic and elevated margaritas alongside signature blends like the tropical Bahama Mama, which are all available for just £5.50 between 5pm and 7pm on weekdays, or as pitchers for £16.95, when purchased with a main meal. As for the food here, expect 28-day-aged steaks, juicy burgers, loaded tacos and more.
You can always rely on Mina's in Knightsbridge for budget-friendly drinks. Head inside this gorgeous venue between Monday and Friday, from 4pm to 7pm, for its aperitivo hour, where you'll be able to enjoy cocktails from £9 accompanied by nibbles.
As spring awakens, The Ivy Collection is setting the stage for golden-hour indulgence with Aperitif Affair - a brand-new cocktail and nibble hour running weekdays from 4pm to 6pm. Think expertly crafted cocktails for £7.50, crisp glasses of Champagne for £10, and sumptuous sharing boards, perfect for post-work catch-ups or basking in the evening sun on an Ivy terrace.
This exclusive menu is packed with Ivy favourites, from the Salted Caramel Espresso Martini to the Champagne and Strawberry Mojito, alongside refreshing classics like the Rhubarb Negroni and Aperol Spritz. Pair your tipple with a Spanish-style charcuterie platter, featuring 16-month aged jamon and chorizo, or a luxurious cheese selection boasting creamy Camembert and crumbly Cornish Yarg.
Roka's happy hour comes with a distinctly Japanese twist, thanks to a sleek collaboration with Suntory, the legendary brewers and distillers behind some of Japan's finest spirits. Available across all of Roka's London sites, the menu features four beautifully balanced cocktails, each priced at just £7 between Monday to Friday, 5pm 'til 7pm on Charlotte Street, 4pm 'til 6pm in Mayfair, 4pm 'til 7.30pm in Canary Wharf, and 5pm 'til 8.30pm in Aldwych.
Highlights include the Rhubarb Gimlet, a refreshing mix of Roku Gin, rhubarb and sake shrub, and citrus; the Mizu-Melon Highball, pairing Haku Vodka with watermelon, yuzu cordial, and soda; the tropical Umi Sour, blending Roku Gin with pandan, mint, and pineapple; and the Cherry Cobbler, a Toki Whisky-based serve with cherry, sakura, citrus, and fino. You can also tuck into a selection of signature bar bites for £9 apiece.
From 4pm until 6pm, Monday to Saturday, you can get your hands on cheap drinks (think £7 cocktails and glasses of house wine) at the beautiful Fare Restaurant + Bar in Clerkenwell. They've got cocktails ranging from the classics to creative new concoctions, with plenty of wine and beer too.
@ Metropolis Vauxhall on Every Thursday
If you're on the hunt for a wicked night out, look no further than Bar Salsa's Bailando Thursdays in Soho. Happy hour kicks off from 4pm, so make sure to grab a drink before taking part in the dance class. And afterwards? They hold a late-night party with DJs blasting the best in bachata, salsa and reggaeton.
Not only is The Little Violet Door a visually stunning bar nestled in the heart of Carnaby, but it's also a prime place to nab a stellar happy hour deal. This fictional flat share-themed haunt invites you to hover around the disco kitchen, or take a seat in its eclectically decorated living room and sip on its signature cocktails at a bargain 2-4-1 price every weekday until 6pm.
Get your lips around the likes of La La Land, served in a milk bottle with a rainbow strip, and the tequila-based Sex and the City to name a few.
Leaf & Cane is quickly carving out a name for itself as one of the City's most vibrant new hangouts. Its buzzy events calendar keeps things fresh with live screenings of top Premier League fixtures on a brand-new big screen and lively karaoke nights. But the real crowd-pleaser? A generous daily happy hour from 5pm 'til 7pm, where pints and glasses of house wine are just £6.
With freshly tapped beers, inventive cocktails, and an atmosphere that hits the perfect balance between relaxed and energetic, it's the ideal spot for post-work drinks or weekend catch-ups. Highlights include the Monkey Business (rum, banana, pineapple, mango) and Guardians of the Fields (rum, whisky, orange, chocolate), best enjoyed alongside hearty dishes like the Buenos Aires Beef Burger, loaded with chimichurri and chorizo.
At Soho's INKO NITO, the energy is infectious, all neon glow, upbeat playlists, and plates designed for sharing. The restaurant's menu playfully blends Korean influences with Japanese classics, and its weekday happy hour (Monday to Friday, 4pm 'til 6.30pm) is the perfect time to dive in.
Drinks are 2-4-1 across selected cocktails, wine, and beer, with standouts including the Inko Spritz, a sunny mix of watermelon, Aperol, yuzu, and sparkling wine, and the Ichigo Negroni, which brings together gin, plum sake, Merlet strawberry, and Campari for a fruity twist on the classic. To go with your drinks, a selection of snacks is available for £7 each.
If you like your evenings with a splash of sophistication, you'll want to head down to Ochre this autumn. The much-loved restaurant inside The National Gallery has brought back its iconic Martini Hour, and it's the perfect excuse to kick off your night in style.
Every Thursday to Saturday, from 5pm to 7pm, you can sip your way through Ochre's martini menu with 50% off. Expect classics like the Dry Martini, Dirty Martini and the legendary Vesper, all expertly mixed and served in the stunning setting overlooking Trafalgar Square. It wouldn't be a true Ochre experience without some bites to go alongside, such as indulgent mac and cheese croquettes, fresh Jersey rock oysters, and beef tartare to keep you fuelled between sips.
Some of the very best deals on our list include those at Simmons, Barrio, Bar Rumba and Megan's.
Yes, lots of venues offer happy hour prices on Saturdays and Sundays, including Dirty Martini, AND THEN, The Roxy and more.
Yes, there are multiple places to find happy hours later in the evening. Trapeze, 68 And Shanghai, Prince Of Peckham and Popworld all do deals until at least 10pm.
