A night out in London can be an expensive affair, with prices for the humble pint or glass of house wine pushing – or even exceeding – the £10.00 mark at plenty of pubs, bars and clubs. But if you know where to look, there are cut-price clubs where you can still enjoy cheap drinks in a convivial atmosphere where you will likely meet some fascinating London characters.
CIU clubs
The Club & Institute Union (CIU) has been around since 1862. Commonly referred to as working men’s clubs, although women are welcome, CIUs are non-political, non-religious and there are 43 within a 10-mile radius of central London. These days, the affiliated clubs include ex-servicemen’s clubs (although you don’t need to have served in the armed forces to join), liberal clubs and clubs that are simply designated as “social clubs”.
If you become a member of one CIU, you can purchase a pass to access all affiliated CIU clubs across the UK. As a bonus, you can bring guests along to the club. All you need to do is sign them in and they can experience the joy of cheap drinks, too.
Membership begins with an initial fee, starting at around the £25.00. This is much cheaper than the likes of The Groucho Club, which will set you back £1,250.00 a year, plus a £500.00 joining fee. And if you’re lucky, you might even win your membership fee back on the bingo at your local CIU.
North Lambeth Club
The most central club is North Lambeth Liberal Club on Kennington Road, but the CIU’s homepage map reveals affiliated clubs dotted across the north, south, east and west of the capital. It is true that these clubs tend to attract an older crowd, but they are generally welcoming to new members of all ages. If you pop into one and ask about joining, don’t be surprised if you’re handed a membership form and a pen, while nearby drinkers are asked to nominate you or second your application.
South Wimbledon Club
In south London, the South Wimbledon Club, located just off Wimbledon Broadway, a short stroll from the tube, still sells drinks around the £3.00–£4.00 mark, even with inflation-related price rises. The upstairs bar is home to plenty of banter, while the downstairs bar is where live music is played every week, along with highly competitive games of bingo and celebrations for big occasions, such as the Coronation and New Year’s Eve.
Peckham Liberal Club
Also South of the River, the Peckham Liberal Club predates the CIU as it was established nine years earlier in 1853. Like most CIU clubs, the setting is traditional, with activities including snooker, darts and live music. With beers priced from around £3.00, it’s definitely a great place to get your round in and soak up a warm community atmosphere.
Mildmay Club
Since 1888, north Londoners have enjoyed live music and cheap drinks at the Mildmay Club, the CIU’s groovy Newington Green outpost. Originally called the Mildmay Radical Club, it has been used as a location for films, such as Made In Dagenham and Vera Drake, as well as episodes of Call The Midwife and Whitechapel. If you’re keen, membership interviews take place in January on Tuesday nights between 8pm and 10pm – no need to book, just fill in the online application form and rock up. Membership is £35.00 per year with a one-off £3.60 joining fee.
Best of the rest
Orford House
In Walthamstow, anyone can join friendly, inclusive Orford House. Since 1921, the club has been operating in the same 1803 building, which was a gift to the community. As well as providing a safe and sociable space with affordable drinks, the club works closely with local charities and community groups. At £60.00 a year, membership is a bit pricier than some other clubs, but the regulars agree it’s great value, with pints around the £4.00 mark. Weekly events include darts, yoga and poker nights, along with special events, such as LGBTQIA+ nights, kids’ parties and DJ request nights
Walthamstow Ex-Servicemen’s Club
Leytonstone Ex-Servicemen’s Club provides a welcoming environment with a focus on community events. A charity event is held every second Saturday and on the third Thursday of each month, there is a disco for people with disabilities from 1pm to 3pm, Friday is live music night, Sunday is bingo and, if you prefer something wholesome, visit on Friday from 11am to 1pm for coffee and homemade cakes and biscuits. And for a slightly stronger drink, pints of lager are around £3.00, with spirits and mixers hovering under £4.00.
The Ivy House
Another east London favourite, The Ivy House in Nunhead is not to be confused with the slightly pricier Ivy restaurant near Covent Garden. It’s London’s first community-owned pub. Built in the 1930s, it’s a Grade II-listed building with a pleasing woody interior and a welcoming beer garden. Live music, theatre performances and quiz nights keep the punters entertained, while wine from £4.50 a glass and £16.00 a bottle, cocktails from £7.50 and pints around £4.00 to £5.00 keep them refreshed.
Shepherd’s Bush Club
Music buffs might fancy a west London pilgrimage to Shepherds Bush Club. When it was known as Goldhawk Social Club, The Who played there when they were starting out. There’s even a blue plaque in their honour. It’s still a good place for live music and cheap drinks.
Chiswick Memorial Club
Keeping it west, check out Chiswick Memorial Club. With membership at just £20.00 a year, pints for under £5.00, four snooker tables, a jukebox, dartboard and Saturday meat raffle, it’s definitely an affordable night out in one of the pricier parts of town. The club has been going since 1919 and it can be found in the historic Afton House, which was built in 1800.
Balham Bowls Club
Easily reached on the Northern Line or by National Rail, Balham Bowls Club has pints starting at £3.50 and glasses of wine from £5.00. It has been around since 1893. While the focus these days is on socialising, eating and drinking rather than bowling, it still has the old school club vibe. As well as cheap drinks, there’s a restaurant with bangers and mash for £9.00.
The French House
And if you absolutely, positively have to meet up in central London, but you’re not keen on paying through the nose for expensive beverages in unimpressive venues, check out The French House in Soho. Expect a creative clientele, plenty of Gallic charm and, thanks to a ban on mobile phones, lively real-life conversation. Beer is only served in half-pints with prices from £2.00 to £3.50 and glasses of house wine are between £5.00 and £6.00.
Looking for more ways to socialise? Check out our guide to London’s social clubs and meetups.
