Drink It Up At London’s Loveliest Happy Hours
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2 hours ago
Drinks prices that’ll keep you smiling
There are thousands of bars in the capital – several of which regularly top World 50 Best lists – but ask any Londoner and they can tell you that to spend an evening in one is tantamount to financial masochism. But if you know where to go, a number of the most chic bars and watering holes run almost secretive hours where you can sample their best serves on the cheap. Read on for C&TH’s pick of the loveliest happy hours and aperitivos in London.
The Loveliest Happy Hours in London
The Bloomsbury Club Bar’s New Aperitivo Hour
With its checkerboard tiles and climbing vines, the pretty Bloomsbury Club Bar is already a slice of the Amalfi in London. Its after-work aperitivo hour is a new transportive layer to this; for £18 enjoy one of three signature serves – a Prima Sera, Garibaldi, or Sottosole – accompanied by a charcuterie spread. In the background, jazz performances will wind up the dreamy atmosphere even further. DM
When? Tuesday to Thursday, 5-9pm
Address? 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN
Book via thebloomsburyclub.com
Cheap Tommy’s Margaritas at Chelsea’s IXCHEL
IXCHEL’s Tommy’s Margarita
The King’s Road is one of London’s most groomed pistes – but it still harbours happy hour gems where you can sample a lesser priced cocktail. Mexican restaurant Ixchel’s midweek ‘Antes de las Cinco’ menu (literally meaning ‘before five’) boasts £8 margaritas and £5 tacos and quesadillas. Make it your stop for an early summer finish from work. TD
When? Tuesday to Friday, 3-5pm
Address: 33H King’s Rd, London SW3 4LX
Book via ixchellondon.com
Happy Hour & £1 Oysters at Chelsea’s Willett’s
The grass really is greener in Chelsea at new bistro Willett’s, where you can sample its garden-inspired cocktail menu for less in its daily happy hour. Cocktails, like its Silent Pool cherry punch, are just £8, and served alongside £1 oysters and sausage rolls. With its terrace now open, this is a perfect sundowner. TD
When? Daily, 6-7pm
Where? 75 Sloane St, London SW1X 9SG
Book via belmond.com
Martini Hour at Dante Mayfair
Martini at Dante Mayfair
When New York’s Dante Bar – which was named best in the world in 2019 – landed at Claridge’s last summer as a pop-up, it was met with such overwhelm that it nabbed a permanent spot at the hotel. Now officially open, you can try its world-class martinis for £10 during its martini hour as honky tonk piano soundtracks your afternoon. TD
When? Daily, 3-5pm.
Where? Claridge’s, Brook St, London W1K 4HR
Book via maybourne.com
Wine Wednesdays at The Sanderson’s Long Bar
Waste not, wine not: every Wednesday at The Sanderson’s iconic Long Bar (the bar is 80ft long), the somms uncork any slightly scruffed bottles. Naturally, these are poured at discount, so for half price you can sample characterful wines that stretch your palette. DM
When? Every Wednesday, from 5pm.
Where? 50 Berners St, London W1T 3NG
Book via morgansoriginals.com
Wine O’Clock at Isla at the Standard
Natural wines at Isla at The Standard Hotel. Photo credit: Charlie Mckay
What time is it? Wine O’Clock! Though the name may be reminiscent of a Live, Laugh, Love sign, the happy hour at The Standard’s ground floor wine bar is a truly chic affair where you can taste a selection of natural wines at 50 percent off on bottle prices. The lovely terrace is the ultimate setting to try the low intervention, skin-contact list (or one of more classical expressions from independent producers). TD
When? Daily, 5-7pm
Where? 10 Argyle St, London NW1 2ST
Book via standardhotels.com
The Wolseley Eight after Eight Menu
Mini’tinis at the Wolseley
For a nightcap, The Wolseley’s Eight After Eight is your best bet. Drinking its £8 mini’tinis in the opulent European ‘grand café’-style surrounds feels somewhat duchal, but without the financial implications. Served only after 8pm, there are six different styles to choose from – and whether you like it wet, dirty, or dry, these serves all feel distinctly post-watershed. DM
When? Daily, after 8pm
Address: 160 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9EB
Book via thewolseleypiccadilly.com
