Cheap Rooftop Drinks in London: Affordable Sky‑High Sips

If you love a view but hate pricey cocktails, you’re in the right place. London’s rooftop scene isn’t just for the rich – there are plenty of places that serve a decent drink without emptying your wallet. Below are solid ways to track down cheap rooftop drinks and actually enjoy them.

Where to Find Cheap Rooftop Drinks

Start with neighborhoods that already have a buzz of bars. Shoreshore, Dalston, and Southbank host several rooftops that run happy‑hour specials before 8 pm. For example, The Rooftop Bar at The Outer Space serves 2‑for‑1 beers on weekdays, and the view over the Thames is still impressive. Look for rooftop venues on hotel lobbies – many chain hotels offer a “day‑time deck” menu that’s far cheaper than the night menu.

Don’t overlook community spaces. Some art galleries and coworking hubs open their terraces for a few drinks on Thursdays. The cost is usually a flat £5 for a glass of wine, and the crowd is more relaxed. Also, check out pop‑up rooftop events posted on local event apps; they often give a discount code for the first 20 guests.

Tips to Keep the Cost Low

Timing is everything. Arrive early, around 5‑6 pm, when most places still offer pre‑dinner deals. Many rooftops switch to premium cocktails after the sunset rush, so snag the cheap drinks before that.

Use discount apps like Too Good To Go or Happy Hour Finder. A quick search will show you which rooftops have “buy one get one” offers or a percentage off the whole tab. Some venues even give a free appetizer if you order a certain number of drinks – a great way to stretch your budget.

Share a pitcher or a bottle. A 750 ml bottle of house wine is often cheaper per glass than ordering individually. Most places will let you bring your own bottle for a small corkage fee, especially on weekdays.

Plan your transport. Walking or using a scooter can save you a lot compared to a pricey Uber after a night of drinks. Many cheap rooftop spots are near tube stations, so you can hop on and off easily.

Finally, keep an eye on social media. Rooftop bars love to announce flash specials on Instagram stories. Following a few local accounts can give you a heads‑up on a sudden 20 % off deal.

Bottom line: cheap rooftop drinks exist if you know where to look and when to go. Use the tips above, stay flexible with your timing, and you’ll be sipping a cold pint with a city view without breaking the bank.