10-bars-for-cheap-and-cheerful-cocktails

10 bars for cheap and cheerful cocktails

Keen to treat your friends to a round but your bank account is begging you not to? Solve your problems with DesignMyNight’s list of the best bars to grab a killer cocktail deal. There are happy hours that last (for what can feel like) a lifetime, and jaw-dropping 2-4-1 deals if you fancy drinking two porn star martinis instead of just one. From cocktails in teapots to bright blue tiki drinks served with a side of popcorn, get ready for wild drinks that skip the expensive price tag.

Dirty Martini - Birmingham

If you’re a fussy cocktail drinker who tends to steer clear of the strong stuff, you should take a trip to the shiny new Dirty Martini in Birmingham. They have some epic fruity blends, and there’s no need to panic about what to order, as you’ve got from 3pm to 10pm to drink your way through their discounted beverages (and from 12pm to 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays). Their colourful cocktail catalogue boasts everything from a tangy citrus bramble to a velvety white chocolate rumolate.

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NT’s - London

This industrial cocktail bar has the ideal outdoor setting to sip lip-smacking drinks. From 5pm to 7pm you can benefit from 2-4-1 rhubarb negronis and a tasty little tropical number with banana and passion fruit. You never know what you’re gonna get with NT’s (they have an ever-changing cocktail menu), but whatever you have, you can bet it will taste great on their rooftop hideaway.

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Simmons - London

Decked out with quirky knick knacks and intimate seating areas, Simmons is a top spot for drinks on a budget. Unwind with two cocktails for just £10 (we highly recommend the gummy bear), as you take the time to discover your favourite mix during their five hour long happy hour. You’ve also got the chance to grab a teapot-sized cocktail for just £15 on Saturdays, and in true Simmons style, it’s served in an actual teapot. Just don’t be surprised if you think their mirrorball is spinning a little faster by the end of the night.

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Twisted Lemon - Brighton

With drinks under £6 until 9pm, Twisted Lemon is an easy choice for any cocktail-lover with low funds. It’s got all the classics covered, and some even have a cheeky twist. A delicious salted caramel espresso martini is up for grabs, along with a bunch of prosecco-based cocktails if you prefer your drinks with a bit of fizz. This cosy Brighton cove is a great place to head all year round thanks to their intimate beer garden, so plan your trip asap.

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Lola Lo - Manchester

This vibrant tiki haven is a three-tiered paradise packed with bold interiors and explosive drinks. At Lola Lo cocktails come in pairs from 5pm to 9pm every day, and all night on Tuesdays. Enter the tropics with a frothy frozen daiquiri, made with the fruit of your choice, or indulge in a creamy bright blue blend that mimics a revamped piña colada.

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Loop - Leeds

Grab a mic, swipe a £7.50 cocktail, and prepare for a night of shameless singalongs. With karaoke booths and shuffleboard aplenty, there’s no shortage of ways to entertain yourself at Loop in Leeds, but don’t let all the fun and games distract you from the particularly enticing cocktail list. There’s an epic passionfruit and pineapple martini on the menu that’s destined to be as satisfying as your next mic drop and they have themed classics like Top of the Pops if you fancy something a little bit different.

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Trapeze - London

Head to this adult circus from 4pm Monday to Wednesday, where you can grab two cocktails for £12 for seven whole hours. The wild carnival-style sips at Trapeze include a vodka and cherry cocktail topped with chocolate foam, and a rum-based milkshake complete with a downpour of toasted marshmallows. Enjoy your twisted tipples from the comfort of their carousel booths, just watch out for the acrobats flying overhead.

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Bar Elba - London

When it comes to drinks, this trendy rooftop bar has all the summer essentials covered. There’s always a 2-4-1 offer on the go, with the happy hour clock currently ticking at 4pm to 6pm Sunday to Wednesday. This means you can drink as many strawberry jam gin cocktails and pink lychee spritzers as you desire. Covered in fairy lights with a sneak peak views of London’s skyline, Bar Elba is a top spot for drinks in the sun or a boozy evening under the stars.

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Cottons - London

With a three-hour daily happy hour and £5 offers on shooters, Cottons is always a safe bet for a fun night of budget drinking. This Vauxhall rum shack has an extensive menu of beachside drinks to enjoy, all infused with punchy Carribean flavours and spices for an addictive kick. From nutmeg to guava and ginger, and plenty of rum, these irresistible cocktails will have you regularly returning to this picturesque south London gem.

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Venn St. Records - London

Doused in red neon signage and edgy interiors, Venn St. Records is the ultimate destination for a night of feeling too cool for school. There’s 2-4-1 cocktails from 5pm to 8pm, so you can sample their stonking selection without having to hold back. They’ve got an espresso martini flavoured with vanilla to rival all others, and a dazzling maraschino old fashioned. With an exciting roster of live music from the established to the up-and-coming, there’s always something new to discover at this indie drinker’s den.

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For more information on cocktail bars in London, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Facebook; @DesignMyNight.

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