7 Great and Cheap Bars in Soho

One of the benefits of easing back into office-based working is the return of after-work drinks – never quite as much fun when it’s just you in your joggers on the sofa watching Netflix. But one thing nobody missed was getting in a round that costs the same as an EasyJet flight to Marbs. Bookmark this list of cheap bars in Soho for your next outing; we’ve sorted the best – and longest – happy hours in town.

Prices given are for each bar’s selected cocktails, beers and house wine (or the cheapest on the menu!).

Dirty Martini Soho

Stylish Hanover Square sibling of the Dirty Martini family, perfect for after-work or Saturday afternoon drinks. Take the opportunity to try some of their unusual martinis, like Mango & Chilli (one of my favourites). Not feeling brave? Classic margaritas, daiquiris, negronis and cosmos are all up for grabs at half price.

Beer: £3.50 a bottle
Wine: £15 a bottle
Prosecco: £25 a bottle
Cocktails: Half-price martinis and selected cocktails – from £5.40 each
Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 4pm-8pm; Sat 12-6pm

Simmons Bar Soho

Quirky interior 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 a Greek Street site opening soon.

Beer: £2.50 a bottle
Wine: £12 a bottle
Prosecco: £18 a bottle
Cocktails: 2 for £10 on selected cocktails (i.e. two of the same drink); teapots £15.
Happy Hour: Mon-Sun 3pm-8pm; cocktails & teapots only on Saturdays

Thirst Bar

This award-winning independent bar has a happy hour with a turbo-charged start called ‘Stupid Hour’, perfect for pre-drinks or even a leisurely post-lunch tipple.

Beer: £5.25 a bottle
Wine: £21 a bottle
Prosecco: £37 a bottle
Cocktails: Selected cocktails from £6.25 (S)/ £8.40 (H)
Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 4pm-8pm, Sat 3pm-6pm, Sun 4pm-8pm
Stupid Hour: Mon-Fri 4pm-6pm, Sat 3pm-5pm, Sun 4pm-

Barrio Soho

Barrio has a buzzy Latin party vibe and it doesn’t hurt that their Amigo Hour includes £3 tacos (the platter is also pretty good). Not only that, one of their house cocktails is on 2-4-1 all night during the week; check their website for details.

Beer: £4 a bottle
Wine: £23 a bottle
Prosecco: £20 a bottle
Cocktails: 2-4-1 on selected cocktails, from £5.25
Happy Hour: Tues-Thurs 4pm-9pm, Fri 4pm-7pm

Zebrano

Fun and friendly bar, good for after-work drinks, with discounts on wine and beer as well as cocktails. Download their app for an extended happy hour plus other discounts and freebies.

Beer: £3.50 a pint/bottle
Wine: £3.50 a glass
Prosecco: £25 a bottle
Cocktails: Selected cocktails from £5.25
Happy Hour: Tues-Fri

Swift Soho

If you’re after something a little more elegant and sophisticated then head to Bar Swift, number two on the 50 Best Cocktail Bars list. Settle into a leather booth and sip an early evening cut-price aperitivo. If it’s chilly – or even if it isn’t – try their legendary Irish coffee.

Aperitivos: £7 each
Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 3pm-7pm

Louche

Happy hour gets you two-for-one cocktails in this late-night bar in Greek Street; stay on for the Friday night live music and DJ sets.

Beer: £5.50 a bottle
Wine: £25 a bottle
Prosecco: £35 a bottle
Cocktails: 2-4-1 on selected cocktails (from £5.50)
Happy Hour: Mon-Thur 5-8pm, Fri 4pm-8pm, Sat 4pm-6pm

Jerusalem Bar & Kitchen

Okay, this one is on the very edge of Soho towards Fitzrovia but I can’t guide you to the best cheap bars in Soho without it. They have one of the most affordable happy hour deals in town, while the kitchen means there are some great sharing platters available. Not only that – sign up to their free rewards club for 15% off your total bill, an extended happy hour until 9pm and weekly special offers. Also in our “Places To Drink Cheap Cocktails” article – definitely one for the Cheapo’s little black book.

Beer: Draft beers £4, or 4 house beers for £12
Wine: £14 a bottle
Prosecco: £18 a bottle
Cocktails: Classic cocktails, two for £12
Happy Hour: Wed-Sat 5pm-7.30pm (9pm for rewards club cardholders)

For more cheap, stylish boozing, check out our Hidden London Part 2: Secret Bars and Hideaways and A Guide to London Nightlife.