I’ve spent more time in London basements than a Victorian ghost. Most people will tell you to go to some shiny rooftop and pay €20 for a drink that tastes like alcoholic dish soap. Don’t do that. I’ve scoured the city, from the chaos of Shoreditch to the tourist traps of Covent Garden, to find where the drinks actually hit. We pulled this data from the Seeker Social app to make sure I’m not just hallucinating these prices after too many Negronis.
London is expensive. We know this. But if you know where to look—and when to show up—you can drink like royalty on a commoner’s budget. Here is the unfiltered breakdown of the best cocktail bars in London based on our recent menu analysis.
The Heavy Hitters: Where to Actually Spend Your Money
Dirty Martini Cocktail Bar In Bishopsgate
158 Bishopsgate, London
If you’re in the City on a Tuesday at 6 PM, this place smells like expensive cologne and desperation. It’s a classic mix of personal trainers and finance bros. By Saturday? It’s a full-blown dance floor scene. The vibe is loud, neon, and high energy. I have a love-hate relationship with their martinis, but you can’t argue with the value during their happy hour.
The Menu Breakdown
- Signature Cocktails: This is where they live. The Pornstar Martini goes for €13.2, while a Chocolate Martini is €12.8.
- Standard Cocktails: They do a Grapefruit Negroni for €11.9 which is surprisingly decent for a chain.
- Bottle Beers: If you aren’t feeling fancy, a Madri is the cheapest way in at €5.4.
The Verdict: Their happy hour starts at €4.5, which is basically free in London terms. When a Sky Blue Martini is normally €12.9, you’re saving over 50%. Is it the most artisanal drink in the world? No. Does it get the job done? Absolutely.
Tequila Mockingbird Cocktail Bar In Covent Garden
-0.1261885 (Right in the heart of Covent Garden)
Don’t let the punny name fool you; they take their tequila seriously. It smells like fresh lime and salt the second you walk down the stairs. It’s cramped, it’s dark, and it’s perfect for a second date that you hope turns into a third. On a Friday night, expect to be shoulder-to-shoulder with people screaming the lyrics to 2010s pop hits.
The Menu Breakdown
- Signature Cocktails: The Midnight Kiss is a solid €10.7. If you want something weird, the Lemon Cheesecake cocktail is €11.
- Standard Fare: A Margarita will set you back €11, which is cheaper than Dirty Martini’s equivalent.
- Value Pick: A Bottle Of Sol is €4. That is the cheapest beer I’ve found in a cocktail bar this year.
The Verdict: Happy hour prices start at €5.35. That’s a massive drop from their €11.8 Espresso Martini. It’s a dedicated party spot, so don’t expect a quiet chat.
The Cocktail Trading Co Shoreditch
68 Bethnal Grn Rd, London
This is where the “cool kids” go, but honestly, it’s just because the drinks are clever. The menu reads like a fever dream. It lacks the pretension of other East London spots but keeps the creativity. If you want a drink served in a Chinese takeout box or a mini bathtub, you’re in the right place.
The Menu Breakdown
- Signatures: They have a very flat pricing structure. Almost everything like Quinine’s Gambit or Dungeons ‘N’ Daiquiris is €13.5.
- The “Secret” Cheap Catch: You can grab a Mini House Spritz for just €6. It’s the perfect palate cleanser.
- Mocktails: Their Creamy Coco-boi for €6.5 is actually worth the money, which I rarely say about non-alcoholic drinks.
The Big Price Comparison
I hate guessing how much a night out will cost. Based on our latest menu analysis on Seeker Social, here is how a few staples compare across these bars. Prices have been verified via the Seeker Social app.
| Bar Name | Cheapest Beer | Classic Margarita / Martini | Signature Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dirty Martini | €5.40 (Madri) | €13.00 | €12.50 |
| Tequila Mockingbird | €4.00 (Sol) | €11.00 | €10.90 |
| Whiskey Ginger | €5.00 (Peroni) | €10.50 (Espresso) | €11.50 |
| The 411 London | €5.50 (Stella GF) | €13.75 | €13.00 |
| U9 Karaoke | €8.00 (Asahi) | €13.00 | €16.00 |
The After-Work vs. Late Night Strategy
For the 5 PM Finish: Whiskey Ginger & The 411
If you’re near Borough Market, Whiskey Ginger at 2 Green Dragon Ct is the move. It smells like old wood and bourbon. Their Caipirita is a steal at €10, especially compared to the €13.75 Margarita you’d find at The 411 London. The 411 is better for a huge group though; it’s a massive space on St John St where a Stella Artois is €6.75 on draft.
For the 10 PM Meltdown: U9 Karaoke
At some point, the cocktails stop being about flavor and start being about liquid courage. U9 Karaoke Cocktail Bar is where you end up. It’s more expensive—a Negroni is €14 and their Amber Eclipse signature is a steep €17. You’re paying for the booth and the privacy to scream Taylor Swift at your friends. Pro tip: Stick to the Rigel or Polaris for €8.5 to save your wallet.
The Caribbean Vibe: Cottons
If you find yourself in Shoreditch and want something that isn’t a dark basement, Cottons Cocktail Bar at 321 Old St is a speakeasy-style Caribbean joint. Most of their signatures like Trash Tiki or The Floor Is Guava are €14, but they have a Fair Weather Friend for €8 which is the best value rum drink in the area.
FAQ
Which bar has the cheapest cocktails in London?
During happy hour, Dirty Martini Bishopsgate wins with drinks starting at €4.5. For regular hours, Whiskey Ginger offers signatures starting at €10.
Are there any good non-alcoholic options?
Yes. The 411 London has a great Raspberry & Cherry Blossom Spritz for €10, and Tequila Mockingbird offers mocktails like the Mango Verde for €8.
What is the best bar for a group?
The 411 London or U9 Karaoke. The 411 has the space, while U9 has the private rooms. Just be prepared for U9’s higher-end signature prices, which can hit €16-€17.
Summary of Savings
If you hit Dirty Martini during happy hour instead of drinking at U9 Karaoke, you are saving roughly €10 to €12 per drink. Even Tequila Mockingbird saves you €5 per cocktail during their promotional hours versus their standard €11.8 price tag.
Sources & References
- Dirty Martini Full Menu & Happy Hour – Seeker Social
- Tequila Mockingbird Menu Analysis – Seeker Social
- The 411 London Pricing Guide – Seeker Social
- Whiskey Ginger Drink List – Seeker Social
Don’t be the person paying full price because you didn’t check the clock. Download Seeker Social on App Store or Google Play to find happy hour deals near you — we’ve got 10,000+ bars across 50+ cities and counting. Go get a drink. You’ve earned it.