London doesn’t have to cost a fortune to enjoy at night. You can still have a great evening out without draining your wallet - if you know where to look. The city is full of hidden gems where you can grab a pint for under £5, sip cocktails for half price, or snack on free bites while the music plays. Forget the overpriced clubs in Soho and tourist traps in Covent Garden. The real deal is tucked away in backstreets, near tube stations, and in neighborhoods locals actually live in.
Where to Find the Best Happy Hours in London
Happy hours in London aren’t just about discounts - they’re about timing and location. Most places run deals between 4 PM and 7 PM, but some stretch into 8 PM. The trick is to show up right when the deal starts. You’ll beat the crowds and get the best seats.
In Shoreditch, The Ten Bells is a historic pub near Spitalfields Market that’s been serving locals since 1835. On weekdays, they offer £3.50 pints of London Pride from 4 PM to 6 PM. It’s not flashy, but the atmosphere is real - old wooden floors, mismatched chairs, and regulars who’ve been coming for decades.
Bar 22 in Fitzrovia does something smarter: free bar snacks with every drink between 5 PM and 7 PM. Think spicy nuts, mini burgers, and cheese boards. You can easily turn two drinks into a full meal without spending more than £12. It’s a favorite among office workers from nearby hospitals and law firms.
Don’t overlook The Old Blue Last in Shoreditch. They run a 2-for-1 cocktail deal on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5 PM to 8 PM. Their house gin and tonic with elderflower is surprisingly good - and costs just £7 instead of £14.
Top Budget Bars for Under £5 a Drink
Drinks under £5? Yes, they still exist. You just need to know which bars keep prices low and don’t charge extra for atmosphere.
The Harp in Covent Garden is a classic Irish pub that hasn’t changed since the 90s. They serve Guinness for £4.20 and lager for £3.80 all day, every day. No gimmicks, no music blasting, just good beer and a quiet corner to sit. It’s the kind of place where you can read a book, have a chat, and still leave with £20 in your pocket.
In Walthamstow, a quiet area in East London, The Walthamstow Tavern does £3.50 pints of Carlsberg and £4 for a pint of local craft ale. The crowd? Students, artists, and families. The vibe? Relaxed. The music? Often live acoustic sets on weekends. It’s not on the tourist map, but it’s one of the most authentic spots in the city.
For something different, try Bar Chinois in Soho. They serve Asian-inspired cocktails for £5 - think lychee gin fizz or Sichuan pepper margarita. The place is small, dimly lit, and packed on weekends, but the drinks are worth the wait. And yes, they still have a happy hour from 5 PM to 7 PM on weekdays.
Free Food with Your Drink? Yes, Really
Some bars in London give you food for free if you buy a drink. It’s not a trick - it’s a smart business move to keep people around longer.
The Blind Pig in Clerkenwell offers a free plate of nachos or sliders with any cocktail between 5 PM and 7 PM on weekdays. Their house-made salsa is better than most restaurants, and the portions are generous enough to share. It’s a popular spot for young professionals who want a proper drink without ordering a full meal.
The Three Horseshoes in Wandsworth does something even better: free pub grub with every pint. Think fish and chips, sausage rolls, or a toasted sandwich. It’s not fancy, but it’s hearty. And at £4.50 for a pint and a meal, you’re paying less than you would for a takeaway burger.
These aren’t gimmicks. They’re traditions. Bars like these survive because they serve real people, not Instagram filters.
Best Late-Night Spots That Won’t Break the Bank
Most places shut down by 1 AM, but a few stay open and keep prices low. If you’re planning to go out late, these are your best bets.
St. John’s Kitchen in Bermondsey turns into a late-night bar after 11 PM. They serve £4 pints of cider and £5 gin and tonics until 2 AM. The food menu stays open too - try the cheese toasties with pickled onions. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find musicians, night shift workers, and students cramming for exams.
The Lock Tavern in Camden has been open since 1978 and still charges £4 for a pint of bitter. It’s a dive bar with no pretensions - sticky floors, old posters, and a jukebox that plays everything from The Clash to Billie Eilish. They don’t take reservations, so arrive early if you want a seat. But if you’re okay with standing and chatting with strangers, it’s one of the most fun nights you can have in London.
How to Save Even More: Pro Tips
- Use Happy Hour apps like Time Out London or BarHop - they update daily with new deals.
- Visit on weekdays - Tuesday and Wednesday are the quietest, so deals are the best.
- Avoid Friday and Saturday nights in tourist zones. Prices double, and you’ll wait 20 minutes just to order.
- Stick to local pubs over branded chains. BrewDog, Brewdog, and similar chains have higher prices and less character.
- Bring a friend - many places offer 2-for-1 deals only if you’re with someone.
Also, skip the fancy cocktails unless you’re at a bar that specifically highlights them. A simple gin and tonic, a pint of lager, or a glass of house wine will almost always be cheaper - and tastier - than a neon-colored drink with a straw and a rubber duck.
What to Skip
Not every bar with a “happy hour” sign is worth your time. Avoid these traps:
- Bars in Leicester Square - they charge £10+ for a drink and play loud pop music on loop.
- Chain pubs like Slug & Lettuce or TGI Fridays - they’re designed for tourists, not locals.
- “All you can drink” deals - they’re usually overpriced, have hidden fees, and the drinks are low quality.
If a bar looks like it’s trying too hard - neon signs, DJs spinning EDM, and staff in costumes - walk away. The real deals are quiet, unmarked, and full of people who’ve been coming for years.
Final Thoughts: A Night Out on a Budget Is Still a Great Night Out
You don’t need to spend £50 to have a good night in London. The city’s best moments happen in unassuming corners - where the beer is cold, the conversation is real, and the music is just loud enough to make you forget you’re tired.
Try one of these spots this week. Pick a neighborhood you’ve never explored. Walk instead of taking the tube. Talk to the bartender. Ask what they’re drinking. You might just find your new favorite place - and it won’t cost more than a coffee.
What’s the cheapest pub in London for a pint?
The Walthamstow Tavern in East London serves pints of Carlsberg for £3.50 and local craft ales for £4. It’s not in the city center, but it’s one of the most consistently affordable spots. The Harp in Covent Garden also offers Guinness for £4.20 daily.
Are happy hours still a thing in London in 2025?
Yes, but they’ve changed. Many bars now offer free snacks with drinks instead of just discounted prices. The best deals are on weekdays from 4 PM to 7 PM. Look for places that serve local beer or house cocktails - those are more likely to have real discounts.
Can I get a full meal for under £10 in a London bar?
Absolutely. The Three Horseshoes in Wandsworth gives you a full pub meal - like fish and chips or sausage rolls - with any pint. Bar 22 in Fitzrovia offers free mini burgers and cheese boards with drinks during happy hour. You can easily eat and drink for under £10 if you pick the right spot.
What time do budget bars close in London?
Most close at 1 AM, but some stay open later. The Blind Pig closes at 1 AM, while The Lock Tavern and St. John’s Kitchen stay open until 2 AM. Always check the pub’s website or Instagram - many post their closing times daily.
Is it better to go to a pub or a bar for a budget night out?
Pubs are your best bet. They serve beer, wine, and simple cocktails at lower prices. Bars often charge more for drinks, especially cocktails, and may not offer food. Look for traditional pubs with a local crowd - they’re cheaper, quieter, and more authentic.
If you’re looking for more places like this, explore neighborhoods like Peckham, Brixton, or Hackney. They’re full of independent spots that value quality over hype. London’s nightlife isn’t about luxury - it’s about connection. And that doesn’t cost a fortune.