London isn’t just about expensive cocktails and £18 gin and tonics. If you know where to look, you can grab a well-made drink for under £8 - sometimes even under £5 - during happy hour. And no, you don’t need to be a tourist or a student to find these deals. Locals have been hiding in plain sight at these spots for years. The trick? Timing, location, and knowing which bars actually stick to their happy hour promises.
What Counts as a Real Happy Hour in London?
Not every bar that says "happy hour" is worth your time. Some just drop the price on cheap lager or slap a "50% off" sticker on a £12 cocktail that’s made with store-brand mixer. A real happy hour in London means: one or two well-known spirits (gin, vodka, rum, tequila) served with proper mixers, fresh citrus, and ice - all for under £8. And it’s usually between 4 PM and 7 PM, Monday to Friday. Weekends? Forget it. Most places don’t bother.
Here’s the reality: London’s happy hour scene is still alive, but it’s scattered. You won’t find it in Soho’s flashy new rooftop bars. You’ll find it in basement pubs in Shoreditch, hidden lounges in Camden, and quiet corners of Islington. These aren’t Instagram spots. They’re places where the staff remembers your name and the bartender doesn’t rush you.
Top 5 Happy Hour Spots in London (2026)
1. The Blind Pig - Shoreditch
It’s tucked under a railway arch, past a nondescript door. No sign. Just a flickering neon "BAR" and the smell of smoked oak. Their happy hour runs 4-7 PM daily. Gin & Tonic? £6.50. Old Fashioned? £7. They use actual tonic water, not soda, and fresh lime. No gimmicks. Just solid drinks. Locals come here after work. You’ll see suits and artists side by side.
2. The Ten Bells - Spitalfields
This 18th-century pub has seen more history than most museums. Their happy hour is 4-6 PM Monday to Friday. Pint of London Pride? £5.50. House wine? £4.50 a glass. They don’t have a menu. Just ask for "the usual" and the barman will pour you a decent glass of red or white. It’s the kind of place where you can sit for an hour with one drink and no one rushes you.
3. The Wharf - Camden
Overlooking the canal, this place has no fancy decor - just wooden benches, string lights, and a wall covered in band stickers. Their happy hour is 4-7 PM, Tuesday to Friday. Vodka soda? £5. Rum & Coke? £5.50. They serve their drinks in proper tumblers, not plastic cups. The staff are friendly, the music is low, and the view of the water makes it feel like you’ve escaped the city.
4. The Old Blue Last - Shoreditch
A no-frills pub with a cult following. Happy hour: 4-7 PM, Monday to Friday. Pint of Camden Hells? £4.50. Whiskey neat? £6. They don’t have a cocktail list. But if you ask for a Negroni, they’ll make it. And it’ll taste like it was made by someone who actually knows what bitters are. This is where musicians and writers go after a long day. The stools are worn, the floor is sticky, and the beer is cold.
5. The Crown & Treaty - Fulham
Don’t write off West London. This is a proper local pub with a 1970s vibe and zero pretension. Happy hour: 4-7 PM, Monday to Friday. Glass of house wine? £4.50. Gin & Tonic? £6. They serve their gin with proper tonic from a bottle, not a tap. And the ice? Fresh. Not melted. It’s not trendy. It’s just good.
How to Spot a Fake Happy Hour
Some bars advertise "happy hour" but it’s a trap. Here’s how to avoid them:
- If the drink is under £5 but the spirit isn’t named (e.g., "house spirit"), walk away. That’s usually cheap vodka or rum.
- Check the mixer. If it’s soda water or tonic from a tap, it’s likely low quality. Real bars use bottled tonic or fresh lime.
- Look at the glassware. If it’s plastic or tiny, they’re cutting corners.
- Check the time. If happy hour runs past 7 PM on a Friday, it’s probably not real. Most places stop at 7.
- Read reviews from locals - not tourists. Look for mentions of "real deal," "no gimmicks," or "honest prices."
There’s a reason these five spots keep coming up in local forums. They don’t need to advertise. People just show up.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Happy Hour
- Go early. The first hour (4-5 PM) is the quietest. You’ll get better service and maybe even a free snack.
- Ask for "the daily special" - some places have a secret drink not on the menu. It’s often a classic cocktail at happy hour price.
- Bring a friend. Many places offer a "buy one, get one half price" deal if you order two drinks together.
- Don’t order food unless it’s listed as part of the deal. Most happy hours don’t include snacks, and food prices are usually full rate.
- Use Google Maps. Search "happy hour London" and filter by "Open now." Then check the reviews for "deals" or "cheap drinks."
Why Happy Hour Still Matters in London
London’s cost of living has shot up. Rents, groceries, transport - everything’s expensive. But happy hour isn’t just about saving money. It’s about connection. It’s about sitting at a bar after work, unwinding without feeling guilty about the bill. It’s about knowing that you don’t need to spend £15 to have a good drink.
These bars aren’t just serving alcohol. They’re serving a sense of normalcy. A place where you can be yourself, talk to strangers, or just sit quietly with your thoughts. And for £6, that’s priceless.
What’s New in 2026
This year, a few new places joined the scene. Bar 11 in Brixton started a "5 PM to 6 PM" happy hour with zero cocktails - just £4 pints of craft lager and £5 house wines. It’s a quiet space, no music, no TV. Just people, beer, and a few books on the shelf. And The Quiet Comp in Dalston launched a "Gin & Tonic Tuesdays" - £5 G&Ts with locally made gin and hand-cut ice. No reservations. Just walk in.
Also, a few big chains like Slug & Lettuce and Wetherspoons have quietly improved their offerings. Their "After Work" deals now include proper gin and tonic, not just cheap mixers. It’s not fancy, but it’s honest.
Final Thought: Don’t Just Chase Deals - Find Places
Happy hour isn’t a hack. It’s a habit. The best deals aren’t the ones with the biggest discounts. They’re the ones where you feel welcome. Where the bartender knows your name. Where you come back because the drink is good, and the vibe is real.
So next time you’re in London and want to unwind without breaking the bank, skip the tourist traps. Head to one of these spots. Order a gin and tonic. Sit back. And enjoy the fact that, for a few hours, London still lets you breathe.
What time does happy hour start in London?
Most happy hours in London run from 4 PM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday. Some places start at 5 PM, especially in quieter neighborhoods. Weekends rarely have happy hours - if they do, they’re usually just drink specials, not true happy hour deals.
Can I get a cocktail for under £8 in London?
Yes, absolutely. At places like The Blind Pig, The Old Blue Last, and The Wharf, you can get a properly made gin and tonic, Negroni, or Old Fashioned for £6 to £7.50 during happy hour. Avoid places that use bottled mixers or unnamed "house spirits" - those are usually low quality.
Are happy hour deals the same across London?
No. East London (Shoreditch, Hackney) has more hidden gems with better prices. West London (Fulham, Putney) has solid local pubs with fair deals. Central London (Soho, Covent Garden) is mostly overpriced. Stick to neighborhoods with a local vibe - not the ones with neon signs and selfie sticks.
Do I need to book a table for happy hour?
Almost never. Most happy hour spots are standing-room-only or have a few bar stools. If you’re going to a place like The Ten Bells or The Crown & Treaty, just walk in. Even at busier spots like The Blind Pig, you’ll usually find a spot by 5 PM. Save reservations for dinner.
Is happy hour worth it if I don’t drink alcohol?
Yes. Many of these bars offer non-alcoholic options at happy hour prices - like soda water with lime, tonic with no gin, or house-made ginger beer. At The Wharf, you can get a non-alcoholic gin mocktail for £4.50. It’s not just for drinkers - it’s for anyone who wants a relaxed evening out.
If you’re looking to stretch your budget in London without sacrificing experience, happy hour is your secret weapon. You don’t need a guidebook. Just show up, order a drink, and let the city surprise you.