If you’re planning a night out in London and want a perfect pre-theatre tipple, you’re in luck. The West End, encompassing vibrant areas like Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, Shaftesbury Avenue, and Soho, offers a plethora of happy hour options where you can enjoy discounted drinks while the night is still young. Whether you fancy a glass of wine, a refreshing beer, or a decadent cocktail, there’s something for everyone. Dress codes are usually casual, but dressing up can add to the fun, especially if you’re pairing your drinks with a theatre trip. Read on for our lively guide to the best happy hour spots in the West End!

Simmons Bar

Simmons Bar is a chain of retro-style bars dotted around London, with four venues conveniently located in Theatreland. Happy hour runs from Sunday to Friday, 3pm to 8pm, offering drinks from £2.50 for a spirit and mixer to £15 for cocktail teapots serving 3-4 people. They also host special events like Margarita Monday (two Margaritas for £10 all night), Teapot Tuesdays (discounted teapot cocktails), and House of Spritz (£5 spritz cocktails every Wednesday).

28a Leicester Square, WC2H 7LE

Nearby Theatres: Criterion Theatre, Prince of Wales Theatre, His Majesty’s Theatre, Theatre Royal Haymarket, Comedy Theatre

4 Golden Square, W1F 9HT

Nearby Theatres: Piccadilly Theatre

2 Bateman Street, W1D 4AE

Nearby Theatres: @sohoplace, Phoenix Theatre, Prince Edward Theatre

7 Greek Street, W1D 4DF

Nearby Theatres: @sohoplace, Phoenix Theatre, Prince Edward Theatre

Tequila Mockingbird

Named after Harper Lee’s classic novel, Tequila Mockingbird is a hip cocktail chain with multiple outlets across London. Their Covent Garden branches are perfect for West End visitors. Enjoy £3.50 shots and 2-for-1 deals on the top 15 cocktails from opening until 10pm Sunday to Friday, and until 7pm on Saturdays. Get ready for a lively atmosphere with plenty of hip-hop beats.

3-5 Burleigh Street, WC2E 7PX42 William IV Street, WC2N 4DD

Nearby Theatres: Novello Theatre, Aldwych Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Royal Opera House, Duchess Theatre, Fortune Theatre (Burleigh Street)

42 William IV Street, WC2N 4DD

Nearby Theatres: Garrick Theatre, Wyndham’s Theatre, London Coliseum, Noël Coward Theatre, Duke of York’s Theatre (William IV Street)

Be at One

Known for its friendly and welcoming vibe, Be at One offers happy hour from 4pm-7pm Sunday to Thursday, 3pm-7pm on Friday, and 12pm-6pm on Saturday. Enjoy 2-for-1 deals on all drinks (except low and alcohol-free options), including their new deluxe cocktail line. With over 100 cocktails to choose from, you’ll never run out of options.

17 Greek Street, W1D 4DR

Nearby Theatres:  Lyceum Theatre, Royal Opera House, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Duchess Theatre, Fortune Theatre

Bar Rumba

A party hotspot and one of the West End’s leading nightclubs, Bar Rumba is just a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Circus. Happy hour includes beers, house spirit mixers, shots, and wine for £2.50, and cocktail jugs for £10. Popular with young people and offering special perks for students with ID, this venue is perfect for those ready to socialise.

36 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EP

Nearby Theatres: Sondheim Theatre, Gielgud Theatre, Lyric Theatre, Apollo Theatre

The Cocktail Club

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, The Cocktail Club offers a gothic vintage vibe with plush red furniture and dark floral wallpaper. Happy hour runs from 5pm-8pm Tuesday to Thursday, 4pm-8pm on Fridays and Sundays, and 3pm-7pm on Saturdays. Don’t miss the Broadway Musical Bottomless Brunch on Saturdays from 12pm-2pm, featuring live performances of iconic show tunes.

Sovereign House, 224a Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8EB

Nearby Theatres: Shaftesbury Theatre, Palace Theatre, Cambridge Theatre, Gillian Lynne Theatre

Covent Garden Social Club

An intimate and cosy venue, Covent Garden Social Club offers happy hour on £13 cocktails every evening before 8pm in its underground basement bar. Enjoy live comedy from Monday to Thursday in the upstairs piano bar, and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. This bohemian-style joint is a favourite among the West End crowd.

6-7 Great Newport Street, WC2H 7JB

Nearby Theatres:  Arts Theatre, St Martin’s Theatre, Ambassadors Theatre, Garrick Theatre, Wyndham’s Theatre, Noël Coward Theatre, Duke of York’s Theatre, London Coliseum

The Escapologist

Located in the headquarters of a Victorian secret society, The Escapologist combines a “modern-day Victorian men’s club” ambiance with a quirky “part Masonic lodge” vibe. Happy hour runs from Sunday to Friday, featuring 2-for-£14 cocktails and £20 bottles of prosecco. Seasonal botanical cocktails are also available, offering a unique touch.

35 Earlham Street, WC2H 9LD

Nearby Theatres: Donmar Warehouse, Cambridge Theatre, St Martin’s Theatre, Ambassadors Theatre

Louche Soho

Channelling the storied seediness of old-school Soho, Louche Soho offers a shabby chic aesthetic with low lighting. House cocktails are available at happy hour prices from opening to 8pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 6pm-8pm on Sundays. Enjoy regular live music performances and occasional burlesque acts for a very Soho experience.

5 Greek Street, W1D 4DD

Nearby Theatres: @sohoplace, Phoenix Theatre, Prince Edward Theatre, Sondheim Theatre, Gielgud Theatre, Lyric Theatre, Apollo Theatre

Last Call: Unwind in Style at the West End

Cheers to exploring the best happy hours in the West End! Whether you’re in the mood for a pre-theatre tipple or a post-show celebration, these spots have got you covered. Ready, set, sip responsibly and have a fantastic time!