The Best Student-Friendly Cocktail Bars in London

About the author: Hi, I’m Lara Parsons! I recently graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in Journalism, Media and Culture. Originally from London, I've loved experiencing the buzz of both cities and I'm excited to share my tips on the best places to explore near you!

London’s nightlife scene is as diverse as its drinks offering. Trying to whittle down the best places to grab cocktails in the city is no easy task, especially with so many unique bars to choose from. But if you’re after student- and budget-friendly spots that don’t compromise on quality, here are my top three recommendations that are guaranteed to tickle your fancy… and your tastebuds!

Tabac Bar

Kentish Town in North London is home to Tabac Bar, one of the suavest spots in London. Once a French tobacconist, it’s now a cosy bar with a rustic bohemian interior. It attracts a crowd of mainly young professionals, so head over to experience top-notch cocktails in this laid-back yet sophisticated spot.

Although the venue is small, its narrow corridors and hidden corners add to the intimate vibe of the place. Soft candlelight reveals an abundance of vintage furniture arranged side-by-side like pieces in a game of Tetris. Despite its compact size, the bar still feels effortlessly classy.

While the venue’s atmosphere is alluring on its own, the cocktails are definitely the main event. They're 50% off from 4pm to 6pm everyday, making it impossible to turn down a £5 cocktail on a Friday night. Their menu is extremely impressive, featuring mouth-watering combinations of flavours paired with flamboyant names; Pearvovski and Holywater, two of the Tabac Classics, are personal favourites. Alongside their selection of bougie staples like martinis and margaritas, they also have ‘Winter Specials’ that are perfectly crafted for the colder months. Sensei, in particular, blends whiskey, sake, lemon and honey – the perfect drink to warm you up this Christmas.

📍 16 Fortess Road, London NW5 2EU

No 32 The Old Town

If you're looking to enjoy a drink with a view, head over to No 32 in Clapham! This high-end bar and restaurant offers an extensive cocktail menu, featuring all the classics for those who love a basic Pornstar Martini or a bitter Aperol Spritz. But the choices don’t end there. Their separate ‘Bartender Twists’ menu showcases creative concoctions packed with a combination of exciting flavours you’ve probably never tried before — think a Blueberry Caipirinha or a Biscoff Martini. The names alone are enough to tempt you.

There’s also a great selection of non-alcoholic mocktails for those who aren’t partial to an alcoholic beverage. Plus, if you sign up to their newsletter you can bag yourself a free cocktail and receive a special birthday treat!

As mentioned before, the setting is stunning. Fairy lights drape in a zig-zag formation across the rooftop terrace, while potted plants and flowers line the wooden decking and frame the entrance beautifully. The building sits proudly on a street corner, so if the exterior doesn’t catch your eye, the warm glow of the terrace certainly will surely lure you in.

📍 32 The Pavement, London SW4 0JE

Simmons Bar

With fifteen buzzing venues across London’s hottest spots, Simmons Bar is the ultimate place for a cocktail and a boogie. Most locations come equipped with neon dance floors and DJ booths, providing you with high-energy disco music so you can party all night long.

Their drinks are just as fun as the vibe. The menu features a range of cocktail teapots, priced at just £15 from 4pm–9pm every day. This means you can enjoy an entire teapot filled with the cocktail of your choice. Some of their quirky concoctions come with brilliantly wild names that add to the mystery, including Sex With a Lad, Gummy Bear, and Last Mango in Paris.

Simmons also offers brilliant student-friendly happy hour deals, including 2-for-1 cocktails from 3pm until 8pm, Sunday to Friday (but if you download the Simmons app you get to enjoy an extra hour of the offer!)

📍 Several London branches

Prefer pints to cocktails when in the capital? Read our blog post on the best student-friendly pubs in North London!

Our UniHomes Content Ambassadors are current students across the UK who share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. If you're interested in writing for our programme, click here for more details.

Whilst you’re out having fun in your new uni city, remember that UniHomes promotes responsible drinking, and any alcohol products featured within this article are for ages 18+.

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.