Guide to cheap pubs in London

Guide to cheap pubs in London

So you fancy a drink, but you're on a budget – what do you do? With Wetherspoons rapidly closing down pubs all over the city, the opportunities for a cheap and cosy pint are becoming more scarce. All is not lost if you want the fun of a trip to the pub without a serious price tag; when it comes to cheap pubs, London is not short on options. We can help you find an affordable venue to visit with this guide to cheap pubs in London.

In this guide
  1. Affordable pubs in London
    1. St Christopher's Inn – Pub and hostel
    2. The Mossy Well – Always a reliable option
    3. The Green Man – Affordable drinks in Soho
    4. The Faltering Fullback – Popular North London pub
    5. The Yacht – Some of London's cheapest drinks
    6. The Pride of Spitalfields – Down-to-earth boozer
    7. Fox & Firkin – Cool local venue
    8. The Victoria Dalston – Affordable party place
    9. Prince of Peckham – Trendy Peckham pub
    10. The Enterprise – Pub with accommodation
    11. The Angel – Traditional riverside pub
    12. Catford Bridge Tavern – Top Catford pub
    13. The Black Lion – Booze and comfort food
    14. The Victoria Taps – Lively Westminster drinking spot
    15. The Belle Vue – Clapham's colourful pub
    16. The Old Nun's Head – Pub known for Sunday roasts
    17. The Famous Cock Tavern – Lively drinks in Highbury
    18. The Star of Bethnal Green – Vibrant party place
    19. The Camden Eye – Modern and bright
    20. The Chequers – Down-to-earth local pub
    21. The Vineyard – Lively pub in Angel
    22. The Chandos – Traditional and tranquil
    23. The Duke of Argyll – Charming Soho drinking spot
    24. Princess Louise – Ornate Victorian pub
    25. The Horatia – Local favourite in Holloway
    26. The Lost Hour – Lively and modern
    27. The Old Coffee House – Sample unique beers
    28. The Whittington Stone – Affordable drinks in Archway

Affordable pubs in London

Great, budget-friendly options

St Christopher's Inn

Pub and hostel

Located in Borough, St Christopher's Inn is a lively pub offering drinks and quality food at budget prices. There's also a hostel on the premises for low-cost accommodation. The bustling pub has live music and puts on a range of other events. There's plenty of choice from the bar and the food is prepared with ingredients from neighbouring Borough Market.

The Mossy Well

Always a reliable option

Wetherspoons pubs are a reliable choice for cheap pints London-wide. We won't bore you by going through them all but The Mossy Well is worth a visit. It's located in Muswell Hill, where the very first Spoons was opened in the 1970s. It's a spacious and traditional pub that attracts a varied crowd and offers the familiar Wetherspoons menu of low-cost drinks and food.

The Green Man

Affordable drinks in Soho

In Soho, you can visit The Green Man, a Grade II-listed pub on Berwick Street. This pub has an airy and traditional feel and is popular for watching live sports. It's known for its food and drinks at prices that offer good value despite its central location. Hearty pub food is available, with the pies here being particularly well-known. The drinks selection includes a curated whisky range.

The Faltering Fullback

Popular North London pub

Located near Finsbury Park, The Faltering Fullback is a bustling and popular Irish pub. It has an elaborate and sometimes surprising interior as well as an impressive multi-level garden. Soak up the lively atmosphere, enjoy an affordable Thai meal, or have a budget-friendly drink, with a full range available behind the bar.

The Yacht

Some of London's cheapest drinks

It has been rumoured that the cheapest pint in London is available at The Yacht in Greenwich. This charming pub is located on a narrow riverside street and has a strong maritime theme in its decor. Stop by for an affordable drink, including cheap cocktails, or you can get budget-friendly classic pub grub here.

The Pride of Spitalfields

Down-to-earth boozer

An old-school icon just off Brick Lane, The Pride of Spitalfields has been around since the Victorian days and has connections to the Jack the Ripper case. It's a humble East End boozer that looks and feels traditional. Cheap and simple drinks and snacks are sold here, and the place attracts a buzzing and varied crowd.

Fox & Firkin

Cool local venue

Fox & Firkin is a go-to for affordable drinks, live music, and a bustling atmosphere in South London. This quirky and homey pub has an expansive beer garden in addition to its comfortable interior. Prices are low for drinks and pizza slices cooked in the garden, but there are happy hours to make your pub trip even more affordable.

The Victoria Dalston

Affordable party place

Located in the heart of Dalston, The Victoria is a lively pub that's down-to-earth and fun. Visit for live music and late-night parties, or come for an affordable drink in a bustling setting full of heritage. Cheap drinks include draft beer, cocktails, and wine, plus affordable and indulgent food, like pizzas and nachos, are available.

Prince of Peckham

Trendy Peckham pub

Buzzy pub Prince of Peckham is a top nightlife spot in the local area. The modern meets the traditional at this colourful venue, which has specially commissioned street art on its exterior. The menu changes throughout the week, but you can expect happy hours plus affordable cocktails, beers, and wines. Budget-friendly but indulgent food is served, too.

The Enterprise

Pub with accommodation

The Enterprise in Camden is a bustling space combining a pub with guest accommodation. The pub space is comfortable and traditional, with a friendly atmosphere, attracting a varied clientele. Affordable drinks and food are available here, including low-cost breakfast and brunch dishes to get your day started, even if you're not staying in a guest room.

The Angel

Traditional riverside pub

In Bermondsey, you can visit The Angel for drinks in a peaceful setting with impressive river views. This Samuel Smith pub is traditional and has a calm atmosphere. The brewery's distinctive range of beers and spirits is available here at affordable prices. You can also sample filling pub food like nachos, Thai curry, and burgers.

Catford Bridge Tavern

Top Catford pub

You'll find a lively South London drinking spot in the Catford Bridge Tavern. This modern local pub is a thriving community venue that attracts a varied crowd. A full range of drinks is offered with regular promotions to keep the costs down. Hearty pub grub is also available, including a Sunday roast, and there are substantial dining discounts every Monday.

The Black Lion

Booze and comfort food

The Black Lion offers an affordable venue for drinks and American comfort food in West Hampstead. The interior of the pub is sleek and modern but it also has a popular beer garden for sunny days. Weekly promotions ensure that drinks are affordable. Guests can also sample budget-friendly dishes like indulgent burgers and hot dogs.

The Victoria Taps

Lively Westminster drinking spot

A trendy pub located in Westminster, The Victoria Taps specialises in craft, cask, and draft beer, all available at budget-friendly prices. Cocktails and wine are also served here. It's also a great option for an affordable pub meal, serving generous and indulgent dishes with regular special offers on food.

The Belle Vue – Cheap pubs
The Belle Vue
The Belle Vue – Cheap pubs
The Belle Vue
The Belle Vue – Cheap pubs
The Belle Vue
The Belle Vue – Cheap pubs
The Belle Vue
The Belle Vue – Cheap pubs
The Belle Vue
The Belle Vue – Cheap pubs
The Belle Vue
The Belle Vue – Cheap pubs
The Belle Vue
The Belle Vue – Cheap pubs
The Belle Vue

The Belle Vue

Clapham's colourful pub

Clapham is home to The Belle Vue, a modern and colourful pub with an inclusive feel. Kids and dogs are welcome here, prices are affordable, and drinks and food are available, including low-cost cocktails. A wide range of fun events also take place at the pub, such as live sports screenings, live music, and a weekly quiz.

The Old Nun's Head

Pub known for Sunday roasts

Striking South London pub The Old Nun's Head blends the modern and the traditional. It's a bustling venue that welcomes children and dogs. The place is well-known for its delicious Sunday roasts, but affordable burgers and smaller bites are served, too. This lively spot serves a full range of drinks, including a large selection of beers.

The Famous Cock Tavern

Lively drinks in Highbury

Conveniently located next to Highbury & Islington station, The Famous Cock's bar is mere footsteps from the station entrance. It's a lively and bustling spot that regularly attracts a crowd. It has a spacious interior as well as a hidden garden. Budget-friendly drinks and food, including cheap cocktails, are served at this friendly venue.

The Star of Bethnal Green

Vibrant party place

The Star of Bethnal Green looks like a traditional boozer from the outside, but once you're in, you'll find a contemporary party spot. It's colourful and vibrant with private spaces and an exclusive karaoke room. Budget-friendly drinks, including cocktails, are served at the bar, plus there are weekly drinks offers on Thursdays. Food comes from rotating vendors.

The Camden Eye – Cheap pubs
The Camden Eye
The Camden Eye – Cheap pubs
The Camden Eye
The Camden Eye – Cheap pubs
The Camden Eye
The Camden Eye – Cheap pubs
The Camden Eye
The Camden Eye – Cheap pubs
The Camden Eye
The Camden Eye – Cheap pubs
The Camden Eye
The Camden Eye – Cheap pubs
The Camden Eye
The Camden Eye – Cheap pubs
The Camden Eye
The Camden Eye – Cheap pubs
The Camden Eye
The Camden Eye – Cheap pubs
The Camden Eye

The Camden Eye

Modern and bright

Well-located next to Camden Town tube station, The Camden Eye is a long-standing pub with a lively and friendly atmosphere. Expect a bright and modern interior with exposed brickwork and big windows. Pop by for an affordable drink – there are plenty of beer options available – or try budget-friendly street food from the kitchen.

The Chequers

Down-to-earth local pub

Walthamstow pub The Chequers is a down-to-earth venue in the heart of the area. This lively destination is known for its positive atmosphere and regular live sport and events. Drinks and food are served at this traditional spot, with affordable dishes like pizza and burgers and low prices for draft beer and spirits.

The Vineyard

Lively pub in Angel

In the middle of Upper Street, you'll discover The Vineyard, a big and spacious pub with a sizeable outside terrace. This lively venue has lots happening, including live sports, DJ sets, and an affordable bottomless brunch. A wide range of drinks are available here, including cheap cocktails. You can also sample indulgent pub grub here.

The Chandos

Traditional and tranquil

It might be known as a pricey place, but if you want cheap pubs, central London has some options, including The Chandos. This Sam Smith pub has a peaceful atmosphere and offers a considerable range of exclusive beers and spirits that come in at budget-friendly prices. This traditional and down-to-earth venue also serves food like salads and burgers.

The Duke of Argyll

Charming Soho drinking spot

Based in Soho, The Duke of Argyll is ideal for a cheap drink in central London. It's another Sam Smith pub with a charming style that combines modernity and tradition. There are outdoor spaces as well. Various Samuel Smith's brews are on offer here, plus there's hearty pub food like pies, burgers, and fish and chips.

Princess Louise

Ornate Victorian pub

The only pub in Britain named after Queen Victoria's daughter, Princess Louise is a Grade II listed establishment with elaborate interiors and tiled floors. This grand drinking destination is centrally located but still an affordable place to enjoy a drink. It's quiet and intimate by day but becomes a bit livelier after work.

The Horatia

Local favourite in Holloway

Located in Holloway Road, The Horatia is a lively neighbourhood pub with a traditional wood-panelled interior. It's a spacious venue with a buzzy atmosphere. Events and entertainment take place regularly but you can also visit just for an affordably-priced pint or some proper pub grub. There are lots of beers and craft brews on offer.

The Lost Hour

Lively and modern

Modern pub The Lost Hour is based in the heart of Greenwich. This lively and vibrant venue is popular for watching live sport and serves a complete range of affordable food and drinks. A comprehensive choice of drinks are served at the bar. This place is also recognised for its cheap bottomless brunch offer.

The Old Coffee House

Sample unique beers

Soho is home to The Old Coffee House, a timeless and traditional pub. It's one of the only venues in the city to serve beer from Brodie's Brewery in Leyton. Guests can sample innovative and exclusive beers, as well as the more common drinks. Spirits are available, too. The venue is humble, with low prices to match.

The Whittington Stone

Affordable drinks in Archway

The Whittington Stone is located mere moments from Archway station and is a friendly and lively local pub. Indoor and outdoor tables are available and the pub runs events like karaoke, bingo, DJ nights, and shows live sport. A full range of budget-friendly drinks are on offer here and the pub also serves affordable food.

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Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.