6
Jan,2026
It’s 2026, and London’s cocktail scene is still thriving - but so is the cost. A classic gin and tonic can easily set you back £14. That’s why 2-for-1 cocktail deals aren’t just a gimmick anymore - they’re a lifeline for anyone who wants to enjoy a well-made drink without draining their wallet. And yes, they’re still out there. You just need to know where to look.
How 2-for-1 Cocktails Work in London
These deals usually come through the LoveLondon app or website, which partners with bars across the city. The rule is simple: show the app at the bar during specified hours, and you get a second cocktail for free. But it’s not magic - there are rules. Most deals run Monday to Thursday, 4 PM to 7 PM. Some bars extend it to 8 PM on weekends. You can’t combine it with other offers. And you usually have to order two drinks at once - no buying one, then coming back later.
The drinks aren’t always the cheapest on the menu. Bars often pick mid-tier cocktails - think Negronis, Old Fashioneds, Espresso Martinis - not the £20 luxury creations. But they’re still properly made, with real gin, fresh lime, house syrups. Not the pre-bottled stuff.
Top 5 Bars for 2-for-1 Cocktails in 2026
Not all bars are created equal. Some are tourist traps. Others are hidden gems. Here are five spots where the deals are real, the service is good, and the vibe doesn’t suck.
- The American Bar at The Savoy - Yes, that Savoy. The legendary bar with a 130-year history. On Thursday evenings, they offer a 2-for-1 on classic cocktails. You’ll pay £12 for one, get a second free. The bartenders know their craft. Order the Aviation or a Sidecar. You’ll feel like you’re in a 1920s film.
- Bar Termini - A tiny, no-frills Italian-style bar near Covent Garden. They’ve been doing 2-for-1 on Aperol Spritzes and Negronis since 2022. No app needed - just ask. The staff remembers regulars. The stools are worn, the lighting is dim, and the ice is always fresh.
- The Clumsies - This place in Shoreditch won World’s Best Bar in 2023. Their 2-for-1 deal runs Monday to Wednesday, 5 PM to 7 PM. They use house-infused spirits and seasonal herbs. The Espresso Martini here is the best in the city - and at £10 each, you’re getting a premium drink for half price.
- Bar 61 - A local favorite in Camden. No fancy name, no velvet ropes. Just solid cocktails and a crowd that’s there to drink, not post. Their 2-for-1 deal includes everything from Whiskey Sours to Mojitos. Cash only. Open until 2 AM. Perfect for post-pub vibes.
- The Connaught Bar - If you want luxury with a discount, this is your spot. The 2-for-1 offer here is rare - only on Tuesdays, 5:30 PM to 7 PM. You get a signature cocktail like the Green Bellini (made with green apple and elderflower) for £16, free with the second. It’s the only place where a 2-for-1 feels like a privilege, not a compromise.
What to Order (And What to Skip)
Not all cocktails are worth the deal. Here’s what to pick and what to avoid.
- Go for: Negroni, Old Fashioned, Espresso Martini, Whiskey Sour, Aperol Spritz. These use quality ingredients and taste better when made fresh.
- Avoid: Frozen daiquiris, neon-colored tropical drinks, anything with pre-mixed syrups. These are often low-quality and taste the same everywhere.
- Pro tip: Ask the bartender what’s in season. Many places swap out one cocktail on the 2-for-1 list weekly. You might get a new favorite.
When to Go (And When to Skip)
Timing matters. You don’t want to show up at 6:55 PM and get turned away because the deal ended five minutes ago.
- Best days: Monday to Thursday. Fewer crowds, better service, more drink time.
- Best hours: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The bar isn’t packed, and staff have time to chat.
- Avoid: Friday nights, Saturday afternoons, and holidays. Even if the deal’s active, you’ll be waiting 20 minutes for a seat - and the quality drops when staff are overwhelmed.
How to Find the Latest Deals
The LoveLondon app updates daily. But it’s not always accurate. Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Download the LoveLondon app and turn on push notifications. It sends alerts 2 hours before deals start.
- Follow your favorite bars on Instagram. Many post daily 2-for-1 updates - often with photos of the actual drinks.
- Check Time Out London’s weekly “Best Drinks Deals” list. They verify every offer before publishing.
- Ask the bartender. If you’re already there, say: “Do you have any 2-for-1 cocktails today?” Most will tell you, even if it’s not on the app.
Why These Deals Still Exist
Bars don’t give away free drinks out of kindness. They do it to fill seats during slow hours. A bar that’s empty at 5 PM on a Wednesday is losing money. A 2-for-1 deal brings in 20 extra customers - even if they only spend £20 each, that’s £400 in revenue. And 70% of those people end up ordering a third drink, or a snack, or coming back next week.
It’s smart business. And for you? It’s a chance to taste some of the best cocktails in the world without paying premium prices.
What If the Deal Isn’t Working?
It happens. Sometimes the app glitches. Sometimes the bar forgets. Sometimes the manager changes the rules without updating the app.
- Always have a screenshot of the deal open on your phone.
- Don’t argue. Politely ask to speak to the manager. Most will honor it if you’re calm and show proof.
- If they refuse, leave a review on Google. Bars pay attention to those.
- Try another bar. There are dozens. Don’t waste your evening.
Alternatives to 2-for-1 Cocktails
Not every bar offers 2-for-1. But there are other ways to drink well for less.
- Happy hours with 30% off: Bars like The Blind Pig and The Connaught offer 30% off cocktails 4 PM to 6 PM. Still a solid save.
- Pre-theatre menus: Many West End bars have £8 cocktails before 7 PM if you have a theatre ticket.
- Pub cocktails: Try places like The Eagle or The Lamb & Flag. They serve proper cocktails for £9-£11. No app needed.
- DIY at home: Buy a bottle of good gin and a bottle of vermouth. Make your own Negroni for £3 a drink. It’s cheaper, and you’ll learn something.
Are 2-for-1 cocktails still available in London in 2026?
Yes. The 2-for-1 cocktail deals are alive and well in 2026, mostly through the LoveLondon app. Over 80 bars across London still offer them, especially during weekday afternoons. The deals have actually expanded since 2023 - more independent bars are joining to compete with big chains.
Do I need to download an app to get 2-for-1 cocktails?
Most do - the LoveLondon app is the main platform. But some bars like Bar Termini and Bar 61 offer the deal without an app. Just ask. If a bar doesn’t mention an app, it’s worth checking in person. Some places still use old-school methods.
Can I use the 2-for-1 deal on weekends?
Some do, but not many. Most deals are Monday to Thursday, 4 PM to 7 PM. A few bars, like The Connaught, offer weekend deals on Tuesdays only. Friday and Saturday nights are rarely included - that’s when bars are busiest and don’t need incentives.
Are the cocktails in 2-for-1 deals any good?
Yes - if you pick the right bars. Places like The Clumsies, The American Bar, and Bar Termini use fresh ingredients, house-made syrups, and skilled bartenders. Avoid places that only offer cheap rum-based drinks. Stick to classic cocktails like Negronis and Old Fashioneds - they’re harder to mess up and taste better.
What if my app isn’t working at the bar?
Always have a screenshot of the deal open. If the app isn’t loading, show the bartender the image. Most will honor it. If they still refuse, ask for the manager. If they still won’t help, leave a review. Bars care about their ratings. And if all else fails, just order one drink and move to another bar - there are plenty more.
If you’re looking to stretch your budget without sacrificing quality, 2-for-1 cocktails in London are one of the smartest ways to do it. You don’t need to be a tourist or a student. You just need to know where to look - and when to show up.
