Find your Venue for After Work Drinks in London

You probably will be one of many with the idea of getting after-work drinks, especially on a Friday in a busy city like London. By hiring a private space in advance, you can avoid having to wait for a table to free up or hopping from bar to bar, hoping to find some space for your group and ruining everyone's mood. This way, you can either choose a quiet function room separate from the bustle of the main bar or an open space to immerse yourself in it!

If you don’t know where to go in London, here are some of our favourite areas for after-work drinks:

• City of London – The location with the most choices for those who dislike feeling  limited. You can never go wrong with picking an after-work drinks venue in the City of London. It is the most easily accessible district, and a very in-demand location due to the high number of offices, so remember to book in advance!
• Canary Wharf – Even though Canary Wharf is chiefly known as a business district, there are still many places worth exploring here. It's best suited for live music, craft beer, and experimental cocktail lovers. Canary Wharf has an abundance of bars providing all of these elements in one place.
• Shoreditch – This offbeat alternative district is perfect for someone trying to wind down after a long, tiring day. In Shoreditch, you can find a bar, a restaurant, and a club all in one place. Fulfil all your wishes with simply one venue without moving from place to place – how convenient is that?
• Mayfair – This area is well known for its classy wine and beer places offering delicious food along with drinks. Mayfair is also a great place to slip away into another culture by going into themed bars from all around the world.

After Work Drinks in London FAQ

How much do after work drinks venues in London cost?

The vast majority of after work drinks venues in London are priced based on minimum spend, which means that you’re actually hiring the venue for free! Minimum spend is a set amount of money that must be spent on drinks and food at the venue during your event. The cost depends on the size of the venue and the duration of your booking, but in London you can find a minimum spend for as low as £50 per session. However, most venues average between £250 and £3,000 per session, but they can reach as high as £50,000! If you prefer to pay a hire fee, expect them to start at approximately £8 per hour or £20 per session. Most per person packages will be priced somewhere between the £10-£100. (All data from Tagvenue.)

What types of venues are best for after work drinks in London?

London offers plenty of opportunities to kick back and have fun after a long day at work. Bars and pubs are the most obvious spots to go for after-work drinks. They're a classic, and you can't really go wrong with their wide selection of alcohol and delicious snacks. If you're in the mood for partying, nightclubs are the answer, but if you’re feeling the opposite, consider hiring a private room in a restaurant. When the weather is right, you should definitely check out some outdoor spaces, because there’s nothing better than getting some fresh air after a full day in the office!

For those on the lookout for more unique ways of unwinding, we recommend spots that provide not only drinks, but also entertainment: karaoke bars, bowling venues, or games rooms!

Are there any after work drinks spots for large groups in London?

We definitely have a few great options for you if you're looking for a space that will fit your entire office! London offers after-work drinks venues of all sizes, so no matter how many people are coming, you should be able to find the perfect fit.

• The Hideaway at Be At One Liverpool Street - with a private bar and comfortable booths, this modern space offers everything you need for a memorable night out in a great location. It can fit up to 150 guests, which is quite a crowd already!
• Balls Brothers Austin Friars - another great venue near the Liverpool Street Station. You can hire the entire space, split across three levels! It’s a vast bar that can accommodate up to 180 seated guests or even 350 standing, so everyone should fit easily!
• Function Room at Simmons | Farringdon - a capacity of 120 standing makes this room ideal for large groups that are looking for a private space. The vibrant interior of the venue The venue's vibrant interior will definitely be a great contrast to the boring white walls and furniture of your office.

• Roof Terrace at TT Liquor - if you’re looking for a space with great drinks and fresh air, this is the right place for you! This Shoreditch venue can accommodate up to 150 people sitting or 200 standing. The surrounding greenery makes for a great escape from London’s hustle and bustle.

What are London’s top rated after work drinks venues?

London is filled with amazing spots that are perfect for after-work drinks and you will find them on our website! Feel free to browse through them all and read the guest reviews, but to make things easier for you we’ve prepared a shortlist of some of our most loved venues:

• Lockes Bar in Holborn is rated 4.9/5 stars. This cosy, family-owned space offers the option to hire  one of their separate levels or go for the whole venue, depending on your needs. 
• Lost Society in Battersea has a rating of 4.7/5 stars. It’s a versatile venue with a lounge room and an outdoor space, and is designed in an elegant yet quirky style.
• Heist Bank in Paddington is rated 4.8/5 stars. It might be one of the most entertaining venues out there, and features a dedicated Games Room, a pool table area, and a karaoke set!
• Near & Far in Camden has a rating of 4.9/5 stars. If you’re looking for a spot filled with colour, vibrant lights, and fun vibes, this quirky bar is the way to go! It’s the perfect venue to serve as an oasis away from the stress of everyday life.
• SAMA Bankside in Southwark is rated 4.7/5 stars. The industrial-style venue, set in a twin railway arch, offers a wide selection of spaces for hire. Whether you’re a group of 10 or 300, you can find the perfect spot at SAMA!