We all know London can be expensive, even when it comes to having a couple of drinks with friends – we are always faced with prices like £15 for just one cocktail, and £7 for half a pint. This certainly ruins our night and our bank account. What if I tell you that you can have double the fun and have double the drinks with half the cost? That’s right – here I present to you the cheapest bars in London. You’ll be amazed.

1. The Winchester

The winchester
Credit: The Winchester

Where: The Winchester, 2, Essex Road, Angel, N1 8LN

Nearest Tube Station: Angel

The cheapest bar in North London amongst the pricey and fancy looking houses and villas is The Winchester. This quirky bar, country themed, will not only quench your thirst but will also satisfy your hunger – from pita bread to traditional English dishes, you won’t be able to stick with just one choice. Their menu is extensive, from wines to champers to mull over, and a cocktail list they had to divide into four sub-sections. For the ones who do not care about Londoners’ judgemental eye when it comes to booze-free options, there is also a mocktail list. It also comes with set menus from Monday to Thursday, Starters, Mains and Desserts – so perfect for drinks after work, full-on meals and a date with your loved one! Cocktails and alcoholic beverages are cheaper than the average prices, and sometimes they have deals as well! (see: Sunday Roast for two for £20). During the week The Winchester shuts its doors at 11 pm, but during the weekend it goes as far as 4 am, if the night is young for you. After 10.30 pm music starts to play and people start ‘throwing shapes’ on the dance floor. At least this is how the kids say it nowadays. Only 21s over are welcome.

2. Simmons Cocktail Bar

Simmons Cocktail bar
Credit: Simmons Bar

Where: Simmons Oxford Street, 203, Wardour Street, W1F 8ZD

Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road

Moving to the West End, in the vert heart of London, we find the Simmons Bar, one of the trendiest bars in the area. Do you like the idea of £2.50 beers and £5.00? Simmons Bar will serve you well, then! From the modern, original and quirky interiors, to the great staff which will entertain you while serving you drinks, you cannot go wrong. They have lots of deals as well, the most popular being their happy hour from 3pm until 8pm … after that the night is young, and the dance floor will light up. This bar will not close until 3 in the morning, where you can enjoy a night out with friends or a night out with a special one – either way you cannot miss it!

3. Ruby Blue Bar

Ruby Blue Bar
Credit: Ruby Blue Bar

Where: Ruby Blue Bar, 1, Leicester Place, Leicester Square, WC2H 7BP

Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square

If you want an alternative to the Simmons Bar, I cannot skip the Ruby Blue Bar, overlooking the amazing Leicester Square, surrounded by great theatres and cinema, and a great spot for people-watching. Only 1 minute away from Leicester Station, this is a great location if you’re looking to save some money while being in one of the most glamorous areas of London. Their dinner deals are happily affordable, where you can enjoy some pre-theatre snacks or even a full dinner from 5 pm to 8 pm, Sunday to Friday. But not to worry, after 10 pm, the night just keeps rolling – with 3 bars, 2 rooms and 2 DJs, you can dance your heart out on the dance floor, while enjoying some very inexpensive drinks – you will have fun without breaking the bank. They also have comedy clubs every Thursday and Sunday, and it will not close until 3 am.

4. Barrio Shoreditch

Barrio Shoreditch
Credit: Barrio Shoreditch

Where: Barrio Shoreditch, 141-143, Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JE

Nearest Tube Station: Old Street

Moving to the East, you cannot skip this Latina bar in Shoreditch. Located in one of the most thriving areas in London, where the night life is more frenzy than the day, this spot is to die for. Colourful and dynamic, you will pay £3 for a beer, £5 for a cocktail and you will also get a fiver off your favourite bottles of wine. Does it get better than that? This is a hang out spot for every local who wants to have fun without splurging their life savings, with food from South America and drinks from every corner of the globe, you will dance the most danceable music there is – Latino, Hip-Hop, Raggae, Funk, Soul and Old Skool Party Classics. Pay attention though, you don’t have much time! During the week it closes at 12 am, on Saturdays at 2 am and on Sundays the staff goes home at 8.30 pm. Not to worry, though, you can always sit one and enjoy an evening with your friends while eating tapas.

5. Big Chill Brick Lane

Big Chill Brick Lane
Credit: Big Chill Brick Lane

Where: Big Chill Brick Lane, 91, Dray Walk, E1 6QL

Nearest Station: Shoreditch High Street (Rail)

If you want another choice in the East End because you want a more ‘chill’ night out, you want to consider Big Chill Brick Lane. As the name suggests, this bar will keep you relaxed, and you won’t struggle to hear your friends over the music. Here you can also host parties, hiring the venue. You will have a good selection of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits for just a fiver. You will have great drinks, great food and great music all in one place. Big Chill closes everyday at midnight, expect during the weekend when it closes a 1 am.

6. The Grand

The grand
Credit: The Grand Facebook

Where: The Grand, The Grand, 21 – 25 Saint John’s Hill, SW11 1TT

Nearest Station: Clapham Junction (Rail)

Moving to the South, you cannot miss The Grand. Situated in a Victorian-era listed building in the heart of Clapham, it hosts a range of events from comedy nights, to live gigs, theatre shows and bingo. The Grand is all about partying though – if you have no intention to dance until the sun comes up, this wouldn’t be your first choice. Here you can also enjoy a happily affordable environment with Happy Hour until 8 pm where you can get a beer for £3 and a cocktail for a fiver. You can then stay to enjoy the band playing live and dance with strangers all night long – the entry is free anyway. Don’t miss the Nadine Coyle Live Saturday 3rd of October and Labyrinth Night Saturday 9th of January 2021 – no better way than to start your year at The Grand. It is open only from Thursday to Saturday and closes at 3 am, except for Fridays when The Grand closes its gates at 1 am.

7. Revolution Bar

Revolution Bar
Credit: Revolution Bar London

Where: Revolution Bar Clapham Junction, 276-288, Lavender Hill, SW11 1LJ

Nearest Station: Clapham Junction (Rail)

If you’re looking for a more tranquil alternative in South London, it is the case of considering Revolution Bar. This one is special because the whole menu is Vodka-based – you will get any concoction you can come up with, for half the prize of a Daiquiri on a rooftop bar on the South Bank. You can get Happy Hour deals from 5 to 7 pm and also great discounts with the Revolution Privilege Card. You’re mistaken if you think that’s it though – Revolution will offer you burgers, pizzas, fries and curry – every Londoner’s favourite. You can also enjoy food with groups and parties, with shared plates like calamari, onion rings, nachos and dips. Here you will find young and trendy professionals but also party-animals students. Revolution Bar also offers the place to hire for hen parties and stag dos with great deals – you can also take advantage of the cocktail masterclass that Revolution offers right before you get onto that dance floor. It is open everyday and closes between Midnight and 2 am.