Affordable Luxury: The Best Cocktail Bars in London for Under £15
London is a city where you can drop £20 on a cocktail without blinking—yet hidden within its labyrinth of lavish drinking dens are a handful of gems where you can sip something exceptional for under £15. These bars deliver on ambience, quality, and sheer indulgence without emptying your wallet. Even better? Many of them have generous happy hours that let you enjoy high-end cocktails for less.
And if you like the sound of a free cocktail every night, I’ll let you in on a little-known hack: the DUSK app. But first, here’s where to drink in style—without the Mayfair price tag.
1. Swift Soho – Timeless Elegance with Happy Hour Perks
Happy Hour: 3 pm – 6 pm, daily (select cocktails £7)
A bar so good it has a second outpost in Shoreditch, Swift is one of London’s best-kept secrets for chic, affordable cocktails. The Soho branch has an Art Deco-inspired interior, a decadent yet unpretentious atmosphere, and a menu packed with refined classics. The early evening happy hour (3-6 pm) makes it one of the best-value spots in town, with a selection of £7 cocktails that taste far more expensive than they are.
Address: 12 Old Compton Street, Soho, London W1D 4TQ
Phone: +44 20 7437 7820
Website: barswift.com
2. Bar Elba – Rooftop Cocktails & 2-for-1 Deals
Happy Hour: 4 pm – 6 pm, daily (2-for-1 cocktails)
For cocktails with a view, Bar Elba is a must. This rooftop bar near Waterloo brings Ibiza party vibes to central London, with bright neon lights, tropical décor, and a buzzing social scene. The daily happy hour (4-6 pm) offers 2-for-1 cocktails, meaning you can sip a well-made mojito, espresso martini, or frozen margarita for under £7.50 each.
Address: 109-117 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UL
Phone: +44 20 3892 8166
Website: bar-elba.co.uk
3. Cahoots – Speakeasy Glamour with Affordable Drinks
Happy Hour: 3 pm – 6 pm, Monday to Thursday (£10 cocktails)
Step back in time at Cahoots, a 1940s-inspired speakeasy hidden beneath the streets of Soho. The vintage interiors, complete with old-school train carriage booths, create an immersive experience. Their happy hour (3-6 pm, Monday-Thursday) offers cocktails for just £10, making it one of the most atmospheric places in London to drink on a budget.
Address: 13 Kingly Court, Soho, London W1B 5PW
Phone: +44 20 7352 6200
Website: cahoots-london.com
4. The Coral Room – Understated Luxury with £9 Cocktails
Happy Hour: 4 pm – 6 pm, Monday to Friday (£9 cocktails)
Housed in the five-star Bloomsbury Hotel, The Coral Room is an elegant, high-ceilinged space with plush interiors and a grand atmosphere. While it usually caters to a well-heeled crowd, their happy hour (4-6 pm, weekdays)features a selection of house cocktails for just £9, making it one of the best luxe-for-less drinking spots in London.
Address: 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN
Phone: +44 20 7347 1221
Website: thecoralroom.co.uk
5. The Discount Suit Company – Hidden Gem with Happy Hour
Happy Hour: 4 pm – 6 pm, Monday to Friday (50% off cocktails)
Tucked away in a former tailor’s workshop in Spitalfields, The Discount Suit Company is one of those places you either stumble upon by accident or guard jealously once you’ve discovered it. Their happy hour is one of London’s best-kept secrets, with 50% off cocktails (4-6 pm, weekdays), meaning you can enjoy expertly crafted drinks for around £7.50.
Address: 29A Wentworth Street, Spitalfields, London E1 7TB
Phone: +44 20 7247 8755
Website: discountsuitcompany.co.uk
Bonus Tip: How to Get a Free Cocktail Every Night in London
If you love a free drink, download DUSK—an app that gives you one complimentary cocktail every evening at some of London’s best bars. Simply sign up, browse the list of venues, and redeem your free drink. It’s an absolute must-have for cocktail lovers in the city. I couldn’t believe it when the free drink materialised and there was no obligation to buy another one – but I did tip generously.
Download DUSK:
Website: dusk.app
iOS: DUSK – Drinks, Deals & Rewards
Android: DUSK – Drinks, Deals & Rewards
Final Thoughts
Luxury doesn’t have to cost a fortune—especially in London, where hidden happy hours and savvy drinking hacks can unlock world-class cocktails for under £15. Whether you’re after sky-high views, vintage speakeasy vibes, or a glamorous hotel setting, these bars deliver a premium experience without the premium price tag.
So, next time you’re planning drinks, ditch the overpriced tourist traps and head somewhere cheap and stylish. And, of course, don’t forget to claim your free DUSK drink while you’re at it.
