Written by Amanda David
Bookmark this list of cheap bars in Soho and Covent Garden for your next outing; we’ve sorted the best – and longest – happy hours in town.
Simmons Bar, Soho
Quirky interior, a skull mirrorball and a five-hour happy hour including cocktails, wine, beer and a selection of their signature cocktail teapots for 3-4 people (or two on a really good date).
One of the best value options in town, with additional sites in Greek Street and Wardour Street. Happy hour offers can vary between sites, so check before you order.
Beer: £3 a bottle
Wine: £12 a bottle (selected wines)
Prosecco: £20 a bottle
Cocktails: 2-for-1 on all cocktails (i.e. two of the same drink); cocktail teapots £15.
Happy Hour: Mon-Sun 3pm-8pm; Saturday happy hour is cocktails only
Thirst Bar, Soho
This stylish, award-winning independent bar has a basement dance floor and a happy hour with a turbo-charged start called ‘Stupid Hour’, perfect for pre-drinks (or even a leisurely post-lunch tipple).
Beer: N/A
Wine: N/A
Prosecco: N/A
Cocktails: Selected cocktails from £7 (S)/ £9.50 (H)
Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 6pm-8pm, Sat 5pm-6pm
Stupid Hour: Mon-Fri 4pm-6pm, Sat 4pm-5pm
Barrio, Soho
Barrio has a buzzy Latin party vibe and some seriously tasty Mexican fare on offer to soak up all that tequila.
Beer: £4.50 for a Madri beer
Wine: N/A
Prosecco: £25 a bottle
Cocktails: 2-for-1 on selected cocktails (i.e. two of the same drink), from £5.50
Happy Hour: Tues-Fri 4pm-8pm, Sat 1pm-6pm
Zebrano, Soho
This fun and friendly bar, good for after-work drinks, with discounts on wine and beer as well as cocktails during ‘Zappy hour’.
Beer: £4.25 a pint/bottle of Asahi and Peroni
Wine: £4.25 a glass
Prosecco: £25 a bottle
Cocktails: Selected cocktails from £7; monthly special £6 all night
Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 5pm-8pm; Sat 1pm-6pm; Sun 5pm-8pm
Cheapo Top Tip: Download their app for an extended happy hour plus other discounts and freebies.
Louche, Soho
Happy hour gets you 2-for-1 cocktails in this late-night bar in Greek Street; stay on for the Friday night live music and DJ sets.
Beer: N/A
Wine: N/A
Prosecco: N/A
Cocktails: 2-4-1 on selected cocktails (from £5.50)
Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 5-8pm; Sat 4pm-8pm; Sun 6pm-8pm
Covent Garden
Dirty Martini, Covent Garden
Stylish Covent Garden sibling of the Dirty Martini family, perfect for after-work or Saturday afternoon drinks. Take the opportunity to try some of their unusual cocktails, like the Mango Marg (one of our favourites) or Lychee & Coconut martini. Not feeling brave? Classic margaritas, martinis, negronis and seasonal specials are all up for grabs.
Beer: £4.50 a bottle
Wine: £15.50 a bottle (selected wines)
Prosecco: £25 a bottle
Cocktails: £7 each for any cocktail
Happy Hour: Mon-Wed 4pm-8pm; Thur-Fri 2pm-8pm; Sat 12-5pm; Sun 2pm-11.30pm
Cheapo Top Tip: Sign up to their newsletter and get a free martini!
Be at One, Covent Garden
If you’re the picky type, Be at One has over 100 cocktails on their menu, divided into sweet, strong, sour and fruity. They also have a Soho branch, so if you’re in the area you’re spoilt for choice.
Beer: N/A
Wine: N/A
Prosecco: N/A
Cocktails: 2-4-1 on selected cocktails (from £5.75)
Happy Hour: Sun-Thur 4-8pm; Fri 3pm-7pm; Sat 12pm-6pm
Cheapo Top Tip: Download their app for an extended ‘Appi hour’ plus other discounts and freebies.
Tequila Mockingbird
A cocktail bar with an extensive happy hour and a karaoke pod; yep, that’s definietely where your evening is heading.
Beer: £3.50 bottles of Sol
Wine: £15
Prosecco: £25
Cocktails: 2-4-1 on all cocktails Sun-Wed; top 12 cocktails Thur-Sat
Happy Hour: Sun-Fri 4pm-10pm; Sat 4pm-7pm
For more cheap, stylish boozing, check out our Hidden London Part 2: Secret Bars and Hideaways and A Guide to London Nightlife.
This article first published in June 2022; most recent update August 2024.
