And if you stay here long enough you’ll find your favourite drinking spot but since not everyone can risk liver damage doing such a long pub crawl here are, in no particular order, some unique and affordable drinking options to try while you’re in London:
1. The Alchemist
Address: 6 Bevis Marks, London EC3A 7BA
This bar is not far from the route of the Jack the Ripper tours. The Alchemist at Bevis Marks road specialises in cocktails using cryogen. The cocktail menu is laid out like the periodical table, and the cocktails all follow a science theme. (Psst some of them are half price when you bring back the container).
2. Ballie Ballerson
Address: 79 Stoke Newington Rd, Stoke Newington, London N16 8AD
You’d think that adult ball pits would be more common in a world full of millennials but the world just isn’t perfect. Anyway, this trendy Shoreditch bar has a ball pit in which drunk people can play in. Evening tickets can be expensive so if you’re not against day drinking the best option is to get a Bottomless Brunch ticket, and enjoy a whole afternoon of Prosecco, and spaghetti meatballs. The bar has gotten so popular that their Shoreditch location got too small for all the attention they were receiving so they’ve now closed down and will (hopefully) be re-opening soon. So, keep an eye out using #Ballieballerson.
3. Circus
Address: 27-29 Endell Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9BA
This bar has brilliant performances that start during dinner and then turn into a club. Though it is worth searching up burlesque bars in London Circus is worth checking out.
4. The Ice Bar
Address: 31-33 Heddon St, Mayfair, London W1B 4BN
Cool drinks in a cool bar! [pun intended] The ice is taken from Sweden and the ice bar is kept at -5 degrees. Your ticket buys you a 40-minute time slot, after which you can go to a room temperature bar and enjoy more cocktails or food.
5. Aqua Shard
Address: Level 31, The Shard, 31 Saint Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY
The Shard is one of the tallest buildings in Europe, and visitors pay just to see London from its viewing decks. Aqua Shard is the perfect way to see the view for free and have a drink in your hand while doing it. London is beautiful by night but if you get there too late the balcony may be too packed so plan your visit. Although this really isn't a cheap place to buy drinks, it is a lot cheaper than the entry price for the viewing deck at the top of the Shard especially as entry is free.
6. The London Dungeon Tavern
Address: The London Dungeon: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
London Dungeons is an indoor amusement park themed around Victorian history horror. And although the dungeons are a must visit, their tavern is an equally unique drinking experience in a ‘dodgy’ Victorian pub:
7. Arcelor Mittal Orbit
Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 5 Thornton Street, London E20 2AD
Londoners were initially a little confused when this sculpture because it resembles a rollercoaster but if you look closely it is a modern art depiction of the five Olympic circles. Since the Olympics it has received some upgrades including a café/bar and a 178meter slide.
8. Rooftop Film Club
Address: Roof A, Bussey Building,, 133 Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST
Description is in the name but the club has four locations in London where you can come and watch old movies on a big screen whilst on a rooftop. Most important is they a rooftop bar.
9. Public Toilet Bars
Address: Throughout London
Before the times of yore there were free public bathrooms in London but most of them have now been shut down, and some are now bars. You can find public toilet bars throughout Central London.
10. Samuel Smith's Pubs
Address: Throughout London
Samuel Smith's Brewery pubs solely stock the brewery's own range of beers, lager and stouts. Sam Smiths Brewery is recognised the World over for quality and affordable prices. Each pub has its own interesting past and individual name and the reason these pubs are on our list is because of their cheap drinks.
By Marija Dolgova
