11 Best Bars and Places to Drink in London

What is it that comes to your mind when you think of visiting London? Big Ben! Fish and Chips! Sherlock Holmes! Red Buses! London Eye! Legendary Black Cabs! Tea! Well, there's still heaps to cover, especially for students! The capital city of London is a multicultural melting pot of people from various countries and backgrounds.

With over 400,000 students population, which is continuously increasing, no wonder the city of London has become a burning hot spot among the international students in terms of education! With university decided; the next big thing in your list is definitely finding a student accommodation in London which won't hurt your bank balance! Every Friday and Saturday night in city and town centre is like spring break.

Well, worry not; With London being one of the most expensive city to live in, it still does have some best student accommodation options. Whether you are looking for a private studio close to your university or a comfortable yet affordable student accommodation a little further down the road, the city of London hosts a bunch of student housing options to suit every budget and taste.

The pubs in England are perfectly adequate and what’s better, it’s unpretentious. Ciders and beers and ales and stuff. Nothing fancy. Just enough selection so you don’t feel bored, but not so much that you feel overwhelmed. The English pub is lower-ceilinged, darker, homier. It’s just more atmospheric. English pubs employ some sort of Old World black magic to maintain just the right size, always have seating available.

You’re going to meet real people at an English pub. Gaffers in for their afternoon brew; young folks preparing for a night on the town, or gearing up for a football match; and in any case, locals. Actual inhabitants of the immediate vicinity.

To make the student's university life more exciting and happening, London has a ton of student-friendly pubs and bars, music venues, shopping centres, restaurants and cheap-eat options which is not only budget-friendly but also offers some excellent student discount. Flash out your student ID or your NUS card and grab a discount or two on the mouth-watering dishes and drinks!

best bars in london

1. Bella Italia Islington


Craving for Italian Cuisine? Located near the Vue Cinemas and the Islington O2 Academy at the Angel Central, Bella Italia offers a range of mouth-watering Italian cuisine which is quite student-friendly. Head over and enjoy freshly prepared pasta, lasagne, fresh salads or try out their hand-tossed Italian pizza.

Hangout and chat with your friends while enjoying their signature Italian cocktail "Aperol Spritz". Also, the Angel Tube station is just a 3-minute stroll away.

Bella Italia Islington Timing: 9 AM to 11 PM
Contact Number- 44 20 7226 5675

2. Honest Burgers


Located at the Covent Garden, Holborn, Honest Burgers is a simple, budget-friendly and quality-focused fast food restaurant. Serving freshly prepared burgers packed with nutritional goodness and flavour has become one of the student's hotspots. Whip out your student card and get a whopping 30% student discount every day (2 pm - 5:30 pm) other than Friday. So take along your friends, chill and chat while enjoying their excellent gourmet burger.

Honest Burger Timing: 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Contact Number- 44 20 3019 0959

3. Absurd Bird Soho


Enjoy a thrilling blend of refreshing cocktails and classic Southern recipes; Absurd Bird Soho is a trending hot spot among the London students. Definitely try out some of their well-known menus including Jalapeno Mac n Cheese, Cornbread Pudding and spiced Buffalo Wings. Also, check out their fantastic list of cocktails, including the Absurd Moonshine and Soulshakers.

Flash out your UNiDAYS card and grab a whopping 50% off on Sunday and Monday's food.

Absurd Bird Soho Timing: 12 PM to 11 PM
Contact Number- 44 20 3198 8444

4. The Fire Station


Located at Waterloo, The Fire Station restaurant was established by upgrading the old fire station. The Fire Station Restaurant serves a range of adventurous pizza and burgers. So head out to the restaurant and relish your hunger with their authentic pizza or burger. What's more? The menus at the restaurant are quite student-friendly.

The Fire Station Timing:
Sunday: 9AM - 10:30 PM
Monday to Wednesday: 7 AM - 11 PM
Thursday & Friday: 7 AM - 12 AM
Saturday: 9 AM - 12 AM
Contact Number- 020 3727 5938

5. La Tasca


Located at Leadenhall Market, London, La Tasca is a student-friendly restaurant which serves authentic Spanish tapas at an affordable rate. Check out their famous mouth-watering dishes including the Basque Boquerones which is white anchovies roasted with vinegar, garlic and parsley.

The La Tasca restaurant is located at a perfect place in the heart of the London city, which is also just a 3-minute stroll from the Monument Tube Station.

La Tasca Timing: 10 AM to 11 PM (Sunday Closed)
Contact Number- 44 20 7623 1818

6. Barrio Soho Central


Barrio Soho Central Bar is a major crowd-puller in Central London. The party bar also offers some amazing cocktails at the best value. Featuring Latin American vibe, the Barrio Central is a two-floor bar which offers cocktails at £6 during the Amigo Hour which is available on both Sunday and Monday the whole day.

Barrio Soho Timing:
Monday to Friday: 4 PM to 1 AM
Saturday: 3 PM to 1 AM
Sunday: 3 PM to 11 PM
Contact Number- 44 20 7749 3940

7. The Chandos


Famously known as Sam Smith's pub, The Chandos is located at a fantastic location just off Trafalgar Square. With comfortable sofa sitting, the Chandos is spread across two floors, one bar upstairs while another one bar is downstairs. Hang out with your friends and enjoy a pint or two at an affordable price.

Chandos Timing:
Monday to Saturday: 11 AM to 11 PM
Sunday: 12 PM to 10:30 PM
Contact Number- 44 20 7836 1401

8. Bavarian Beerhouse, Shoreditch


Located in Shoreditch, Bavarian Beerhouse surely gives an authentic German Bavarian vibe. Enjoy your weekends at this open and welcoming Beerhouse and grab their respectable Stein glasses or 6-pint drinks with your group of homies! Craving for some Bavarian cuisine, Bavarian Beerhouse has got your back. Check out their authentic Bavarian Schnitzels and sausage dishes.

Bavarian Beerhouse Timing:
Monday to Thursday: 5 PM to 11 PM
Friday & Saturday: 12 PM to 1 AM
Sunday: 11 AM to 11 PM
Contact Number- 0844 3302005

9. The Princess of Shoreditch


One of over three thousand pubs in the capital, the Princess, is leading the pub food revolution. An eight-course tasting menu is available, letting guests sample the finest British produce, but it might be the perfect place to get stuck in about an old-fashioned Sunday roast.

Led by one of the country’s best young chefs, guests can enjoy standout dishes like salt-aged beef wellington, all paired with the best British craft beer, cocktails, and wine. It's also pleasantly good value for money.

10. Claridge's


Claridge’s is synonymous with classic luxury. Few hotels carry more weight in London, or the world for that matter, and for good reason. Opened in the late 1800s, Queen Victoria herself was a guest in the hotel. Over the years, Churchill frequented the establishment, and it was even used as a safe home for European royalty during World War II. Since then, it’s been the hotel of choice for celebrities, politicians, and the world's social elite.

Boasting Michelin-starred restaurants, Victorian decor, the best afternoon tea in London, and an exclusive location in Mayfaire, Claridge’s is the bar many hotels strive for. It’s going to be a splash, though, with rooms starting at an eye-watering £1,170. They don’t even list the prices for their top-end suites.

11. Four Seasons, Park Lane


Four Seasons Hotel at Park Lane is a beautiful property in a modern building. The rooms are exactly what you would expect from a Four Seasons and exactly what you’d wish for from a hotel of this calibre. Beautifully finished, perfectly appointed. Your every need is catered for. The decor in the rooms is traditional and classy, with a plush feel.

Objet d’art are scattered throughout with black and white prints of stars from the past hanging from the walls. The decor is a mix of warm golds, browns and deep reds. Bathrooms are black shiny marble and luxurious. Each of their rooms have been recently refurbished so the whole hotel feels brand spankingly new!

Even the plush corridors are worth a mention. Adorned with photos of glamorous stars in the vain of Marilyn Monroe, they feel safe and luxurious (you need to use your room key to get the lift to take you up to the corridors and rooms). In fact, even though this isn’t a small hotel, the Four Seasons London has the feel of a large boutique hotel with just the right number of rooms and with that just right lighting level everywhere – you look fabulous but can still see!

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is a wonderful place to be, whether you are staying or just popping in for a drink at their bar.

So, there you have it! Dive into the world of delicious cuisines and drinks at the student-friendly bars and restaurants in London. Also, all these restaurants and bars are quite affordable and unique in their very own special way.
Kalyan Panja