Bottomless Deals vs Pay-Per-Drink: Which Saves You More Money on a Night Out in London

It’s Friday night in London. You’re standing outside a bar in Shoreditch, checking your bank app. The headline on your phone says: bottomless deals for £25. Or you could go to the place down the street where cocktails are £8 each. Which one makes more sense? If you’re out with a group of friends and planning to stay for a few hours, the answer isn’t as obvious as it seems.

What a Bottomless Deal Actually Gets You

A bottomless deal in London usually means unlimited drinks-typically prosecco, wine, beer, or soft drinks-for a fixed time, like two or three hours. You pay once, then keep sipping. These deals are common on weekends, especially between 12pm and 4pm on Sundays (brunch) or 7pm to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Most places offering bottomless deals are in central areas: Soho, Camden, Shoreditch, and the South Bank. You’ll find them in trendy rooftop bars, gastropubs, and chain venues like The Ivy, Bodean’s, or The Horseshoe. Prices range from £20 to £35, depending on the location and drink quality.

But here’s the catch: you’re not getting premium gin or aged whiskey. Bottomless deals usually stick to house pours-basic Sauvignon Blanc, lager, or standard cocktails like gin and tonic. If you’re a wine snob or love craft beer, you’ll notice the difference. But if you just want to sip something fizzy and chat with friends, it works.

How Much Do You Really Drink?

Let’s say you’re at a bottomless deal for three hours. You’re not a machine. You’re not going to down a new drink every 10 minutes. Most people have about 3 to 5 drinks in that time. Maybe 6 if you’re feeling bold and the music’s loud.

Now, compare that to pay-per-drink. A glass of house wine in London costs £7 to £9. A pint of lager? £6 to £8. A cocktail? £10 to £14. So if you have four drinks at £8 each, you’re at £32. That’s more than most bottomless deals.

But here’s the twist: if you only want two drinks, you’re better off paying individually. A bottomless deal isn’t worth it if you’re not drinking enough to justify the price. If you’re the type who sips slowly, orders a water between drinks, or leaves early, you’re paying for drinks you don’t even touch.

When Pay-Per-Drink Wins

Paying per drink gives you control. You pick exactly what you want. Want a mezcal old fashioned? Go for it. Fancy a local IPA from a microbrewery? No problem. You’re not locked into whatever’s on the bottomless menu.

Some bars in London, like The Clam Bar in Dalston or The Connaught Bar in Mayfair, don’t even offer bottomless deals. But they have great drinks, good vibes, and fair pricing. You might pay £12 for a cocktail, but it’s made with real ingredients, fresh citrus, and proper ice. No watery, pre-batched nonsense.

Also, if you’re with friends who drink differently-some like wine, others beer, someone else only drinks gin-you’ll all end up paying for what you actually consume. With bottomless, you’re all forced into the same drink options. That’s not freedom. That’s a group drink menu.

Hidden Costs of Bottomless Deals

There’s more to a bottomless deal than the price tag. Many places require you to buy food. That’s not always obvious until you’re seated. You might think you’re getting drinks for £28, but then you’re told you need to order at least £15 worth of food. Suddenly, your night out is £43-not so cheap anymore.

Some venues also limit the time. You get 90 minutes, not two hours. Others charge extra for premium add-ons like champagne or vodka. And if you go over your time? You’re charged per drink anyway. So you’re paying twice.

Then there’s the crowd. Bottomless deals attract big groups, stag dos, and people who treat it like a drinking competition. The bar gets packed. The music is loud. You’re jostling for a seat. You can’t even hear your friend talk. Is that the kind of night you wanted?

What the Numbers Say

Let’s break it down with real prices from London bars in late 2025:

Bottomless wins if you drink 4+ drinks and stick to the basics. Pay-per-drink wins if you’re picky, slow, or only want 2-3 drinks. And if you’re going for cocktails? Paying individually is almost always cheaper than a bottomless deal that only gives you cheap gin and tonic.

Pro Tips for Saving Money

• Check the fine print. Does the deal include food? Is there a time limit? Are premium drinks extra?
• Go early. Many places offer bottomless deals at lunchtime or early evening. Less crowded, better service, same price.
• Split the group. Some people want bottomless. Others want quality drinks. Let everyone choose what suits them.
• Use apps like Time Out London or The Drink App. They list current deals, and you can filter by price, location, and drink type.
• Don’t fall for the hype. Just because a bar calls it "unlimited" doesn’t mean it’s good. Read recent reviews. Look for mentions of "watery drinks" or "slow service." Those are red flags.

Real Talk: What People Actually Do

Last month, I asked 12 women in London what they chose on a Friday night. Here’s what they said:

• Five went for bottomless-because they were with a group of 6, wanted to relax, and didn’t care about fancy drinks.
• Four picked pay-per-drink-they were celebrating a promotion and wanted to try a new cocktail bar with a skilled bartender.
• Three did both: started with bottomless at a pub, then moved to a cocktail bar for one or two special drinks.

There’s no one-size-fits-all. It’s about your mood, your group, and your budget. If you’re tired after work and just want to unwind with friends? Bottomless is fine. If you want to taste something new, feel like you’re getting your money’s worth, or just enjoy a quiet chat? Pay-per-drink wins.

Final Rule: The 4-Drink Threshold

Here’s the simplest way to decide:

If you think you’ll drink 4 or more drinks in 2-3 hours, go for bottomless. It’s a bargain.

If you’ll have 3 or fewer, pay per drink. You’ll save money, drink better stuff, and have a better night.

And if you’re unsure? Start with one drink. See how you feel. Then decide. No one’s forcing you to commit to a deal the second you walk in.