London Bar Prices: What You Really Pay for Drinks in 2025

When you walk into a bar in London, London bar prices, the cost of a drink across the city’s diverse venues, from basement pubs to rooftop lounges. Also known as drink costs in London, they vary wildly depending on where you are, what you’re drinking, and whether the bouncer knows your name. A pint in a East London pub might set you back £5.50, but step into a VIP club in Mayfair and that same beer could cost you £12—plus a £20 cover charge just to get in. It’s not just about the alcohol; it’s about the vibe, the location, and the crowd you’re paying to be around.

Then there’s the cocktail prices London, the premium charged for handcrafted drinks made with house-infused spirits and rare bitters. Also known as craft cocktail costs, these aren’t just drinks—they’re experiences. At a top mixology bar in Soho, a single cocktail can run £18 to £22, and if you order a champagne flight, a curated tasting of three or four premium sparkling wines. Also known as champagne tasting sets, it could easily hit £60 before tax. Meanwhile, in a no-frills bar in Peckham, you’ll find a solid gin and tonic for £9, and no one will blink. The difference isn’t just the ingredients—it’s the service, the lighting, the music, and whether your table comes with a bottle of water and a napkin that isn’t stained.

And don’t forget the hidden costs. A nightclub drinks, the high-priced beverages served in venues with strict dress codes and VIP tables. Also known as club drink pricing, often includes mandatory bottle service, minimum spends, and service fees that aren’t always listed upfront. If you’re planning a hen night and want a VIP table, you’re looking at £500 minimum, and that’s before you even start drinking. But if you’re just there for a few pints with friends, you can easily avoid those traps by sticking to local pubs or booking a table at a bar that doesn’t require a reservation. The key? Know the neighborhood. A bar in Camden won’t charge you £15 for a gin and tonic, but one in Knightsbridge will. It’s not about being rich—it’s about knowing where to go.

What you’ll find below are real, up-to-date insights from London’s nightlife scene—no fluff, no guesses. We’ve pulled data from actual nights out, from budget-friendly pubs to exclusive clubs, to show you exactly what you’re paying for. Whether you’re planning a girls’ night, a hen do, or just a quiet drink after work, you’ll see how prices break down by area, by venue type, and by what you’re ordering. No more guessing. No more overpaying. Just clear, honest numbers from people who’ve been there.