Guide to Fantastic After-Work Spots in London
London is one of the most – if not the most – exciting and innovative cities in the world. Its offices are home to some of the most prominent global brands, as well as a host of startup talent.
But it’s not all work and no play: there are plenty of fun things to do outside of office hours too. Whether you’re looking to treat your team to some post-work drinks to celebrate closing a deal, eat at a top restaurant or dance to some live music, there’s something for you.
Here is our guide to some fantastic spots in London to visit after work.
City of London
Home to the Bank of England and numerous iconic buildings – including the Gherkin – the City of London is the capital’s financial and business epicentre. It also boasts more than its fair share of bars and pubs, each catering to the many office workers who work in the area’s prime office spaces.
Some of the top places in the City of London for a post-work drink are:
• The Anthologist – One of the coolest venues in town, The Anthologist serves everything from craft beers and spirits to steaks and pizzas. Its sophisticated yet lively atmosphere makes it a great place for after work socialising; there’s a private dining room and a DJ on some nights.
• The Folly – Perfect if you’re looking for a chilled and friendly vibe. It features a spacious bar area, cosy booths, a garden terrace (perfect for summer socialising) and live music on certain nights. You can choose from a variety of drinks and food options, including cocktails and burgers.
• The Counting House – If you’re after a venue with a bit of history, this bank-turned-pub is well worth a visit. (Think wood panelling, high ceilings and cosy fireplaces.) The venue serves a range of drinks and pub grub, making it a good all-rounder.
Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf is famous for its towering glass structures which accommodate some of the best office spaces in the capital. It’s another of London’s major business districts and is popular with large corporations and smaller startups alike. It also has a variety of bars and restaurants that offer stunning views of the Thames and London skyline, including the following hotspots:
• The Parlour – With live DJ sets and an extensive menu of food and drinks, The Parlour is a worthy option if you want to enjoy a relaxed yet fun night out in Canary Wharf. Interior-wise, it features colourful furnishings and a lovely garden area for chilling out in the summer months.
• Boisdale – Boisdale is a unique, Scottish-themed gem of a bar in Canary Wharf that offers whisky, haggis, champagne, steak...and everything in between. It’s a classy, tartan-filled venue with a lively vibe. It even hosts live jazz music and has its own cigar terrace.
• Roka – Roka is a Japanese-themed bar and restaurant. Head over with your team or clients to enjoy a glass of sake (or a cocktail), and some sushi and robata grill. Sleek and modern, Roka spots an open kitchen, a central bar, and a rooftop terrace.
Shoreditch
Shoreditch is renowned as one of the most lively and creative parts of London, and this is reflected in its wide selection of bars, restaurants, clubs, and live music venues. The following places are well worth a visit if you rent an office in Shoreditch (or anywhere else in London, for that matter)!
• Dishoom – For a bite to eat after work or at lunch, Dishoom serves up delicious Bombay-themed food and drink. Treat yourself to a chai tea and or a lassi and indulge in a selection of curries and biryanis. The vibe in this restaurant is both cosy and nostalgic, with soft lighting and vintage details.
• Queen of Hoxton – The Queen of Hoxton is a lively bar and club with a roof terrace. As well as serving food and drinks, it hosts a variety of activities and themed nights, including bingo, karaoke, and films – making it a great choice for team socials throughout the year.
• Barrio – One of the most vibrant bars in Shoreditch, this Latin-inspired bar is perfect for a fun night out after work. It serves authentic Mexican street food and a variety of fun cocktails, alongside a DJ and happy hour.
Soho
A favourite with many of the UK’s media, entertainment and music companies, Soho is the place to be for fun-filled socials and after-work food. Its streets are lined with some of the best music venues, pubs, bars and restaurants in London.
• Ronnie Scott's – With its red velvet curtains and leather seating, you can’t get much more iconic and sophisticated than the legendary Ronnie Scott’s. Its regular live music performances and selection of top-quality drinks makes it the perfect spot for jazz and blues lovers.
• Bar Rumba – If you’re looking for a fun night out in Soho with coworkers, Bar Rumba could be the one. Think colourful décor, neon lighting, a festive atmosphere, club nights and a wide selection of tasty cocktails and other beverages. You can also partake in a dance class!
• Bao – Bao is a popular dining choice among the office-based companies of Soho. It’s a Taiwanese-themed restaurant famous for its delicious buns and rice bowls. The simple and minimalist décor makes it ideal for meetings as well as team social events.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is one of the most historic parts of London and is where many of its well-known West End theatres are based. Its reputation for tourism, creativity and sophistication makes it a popular area for after work drinking, dining and dancing. Here are three of its top after-work venues:
• The Ivy – The Ivy is one of London's most iconic luxury restaurants serving everything from champagne and cocktails to steak and seafood. The interior follows an Art Deco theme, with white tablecloths and glamorous furnishings. You might even spot a celeb or two.
• The Escapologist – Well worth at least one visit if you work nearby, The Escapologist is a Victorian-themed bar and club with something of a mysterious atmosphere. It features hidden passages and rooms, making it a great option for themed parties or client drinks.
• The Piano Works – Piano Works is one of Covent Garden’s best-loved clubs. Its nights range from pop to rock, and the venue is home to two pianists and an in-house live band. There are plenty of food and drink options too, making it a good all-rounder to work nights out.
South Bank
Last (but by no means least) on our list is the South Bank, London’s cultural hub and home of the Southbank Centre, BFI, National Theatre and the London Eye. The area’s bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues offer stunning views of the Thames, and the proximity to Waterloo makes it convenient for those commuting from across London and the southern counties.
Some of the best venues are:
• Skylon – A contemporary bar and restaurant that serves everything from beers and wines to grills and salads. It’s sophisticated and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a central bar. Head to Skylon for after-work drinks with coworkers and a dose of top-quality live music.
• OXO Tower – With its range of cocktails and champagne, and British and European cuisine, OXO Tower is a favourite among London business owners, especially those who appreciate the panoramic views of the river Thames and the ever-evolving London skyline.
• Brasserie Blanc – A beautiful brasserie with stylish interiors and a warm vibe. Ideal for after work or a client lunch meeting, Brasserie Blanc uses a range of seasonal ingredients to create a stunning menu for any time of the day.
The areas and venues we’ve explored in this guide are just a handful of what London has to offer. Wherever you end up basing your business, there are bound to be plenty of after-work bars, pubs, restaurants, and music venues to keep you and your team entertained into the early hours.
