London is home to endless fabulous foodie hotspots, delicious drinking dens and amazing activities – but it’s hard to visit all of these places without going into overdraft (Lord knows we’ve all been there).
Luckily, DesignMyNight has put together this handy guide which highlights the best places to eat, drink and play without the need to whip out your credit card. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views of London, all you can eat dumplings or some seriously silly crazy golf – we’ve got you covered, and on a budget too.
Where to Eat:
The Broadcaster
After a full day of retail therapy at White City’s Westfield, you’ll definitely be in need of a rest (and a bev or two). Carry your heavy shopping bags over to The Broadcaster – a stunning restaurant and rooftop bar. On Wednesday evenings, you can nab three tacos for just £15 whilst enjoying £10 tequila and mezcal cocktails. They’ll even be blasting all the best party tunes for you to bop along to whilst you drink and dine.
Bocca Bocca
Experience the tantalising taste of Naples (minus the flight fare) by visiting Bocca Bocca. This Italian hotspot boasts some gorgeous Instagrammable decor – make sure you pose for some pics with a cocktail in hand. They also have a delish Wednesday offer, which allows you to buy one Neapolitan-style pizza and get another half price. Plus, vino lovers can grab a free wine with any pasta dish between Mondays and Wednesdays. Grape news altogether.
Ping Pong
Looking for a great place to demolish some dim sum? Ping Pong should certainly be on your radar. With venues dotted all across the capital, you’ll never be too far away from delicious dumplings and quirky cocktails. Drown your Sunday sorrows with their ‘lazy sumday’ offering – allowing you to indulge in bottomless dumplings for under £30. But if you’re after a little weekday pick-me-up, enjoy their happy hour which includes half price drinks and dim sum from Tuesdays through to Friday.
Eastcheap Records
Consider yourself a music lover and cocktail connoisseur? If the answer is yes, then you’re going to love Eastcheap Records. There’s live music performances throughout the week, as well as some killer DJ sets that always raise the roof. Their cheap date deal is always a winner amongst the romantics – bag yourself two drinks and two pizzas for just £29. But wait, there’s more. Their happy hour runs until 7pm everyday, making it the perfect spot for two for one cocktails and a boogie.
Caldera
If you venture into the heart of Hackney, you’ll find the legendary restaurant Caldera. This east London staple offers up succulent Mexican inspired dishes – the grilled prawn tacos are an absolute must-try. Head down on Tuesdays to get two tacos for £4, or join them for thirsty Thursdays for two for one margaritas. These guys love exploring new flavours from across the globe, so don’t be afraid to dive head first into their adventurous menu.
Where to Drink:
The Cocktail Club
Searching for a quirky cocktail bar that’s completely bonkers? Then The Cocktail Club is the place for you. With multiple venues across the city – including ones that emulate a 90s Hollywood basement bar and a pleasure land carnival – these guys sure do know how to add the ‘wow’ factor. Want to visit on the cheap? Grab two of their fabulously funky cocktails for just £12 until 9pm every evening, including weekends.
London Bridge Rooftop
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city below by travelling up to London Bridge Rooftop. This charming little hotspot offers up some gorgeous panoramic views of the big smoke, as well as an array of seasonal cocktails and comfort food that will make your mouth water. Enjoy 50% off all drinks from Wednesday to Friday between 4pm to 6pm and Saturdays from 1pm until 3pm. What’s better than sipping on half price espresso martinis with The Shard as your backdrop?
The Little Scarlet Door
Experience a dash of New York charm by visiting The Little Scarlet Door. You’ll fall in love with the vibrant decor and homely feel that resembles an NYC apartment block – Friends fans will be in their element. For those seeking a cheeky tipple, why not sip on cocktails that are served in milk bottles or garnished with custard creams? You can also relish in £6 picantes every weekday before 6pm – it would be rude not to.
The Chocolate Cocktail Club
Satisfy that sweet tooth of yours with some tasty treats at The Chocolate Cocktail Club. If you hadn’t guessed already, these guys serve up a mean chocolate cocktail. There’s more than 20 on offer, including salted caramel espressos, Biscoff martinis and Rolo shots. You can also enjoy their sugary charcuterie boards, as well as their chocolate melt in the middle cake. A ticket to this chocolate paradise is just £10 and includes a welcome cocktail. Trust us when we say you won’t find a deal much sweeter than this.
Dirty Bones
Step off the streets of London and make your way into Dirty Bones – an NYC-inspired restaurant bar full of cool aesthetics and quirky cocktails. Their two for one happy hour allows you to devour delicious cocktails every weekday from 3pm to 6pm and if you’re in for an indulgent weekend, then why not add bottomless booze to your brunch for just £27 – now that’s a deal to get down and dirty with.
Where to Play:
Ballie Ballerson
Ballie Ballerson is the ultimate place to let your inner child run free. Play, jump and dive in a huge ball pit and get ready for the ultimate throwback experience. The bar also serves up some nostalgic cocktails with garnishes that are a real blast from the past – think Skittles, Dip Dabs and packets of pink bubblegum. With a whole load of activities going on (including £25 bottomless brunches on the weekend and DJ sets) Ballie Ballerson is the place to be. Did we mention tickets start from just £4?
Electric Shuffle
Let your competitive edge shine by challenging your friends and family to a game of shuffleboard at Electric Shuffle. Book a 90-minute slot for just £13 to show off all your skills – or lack off, we’re not judging. They also run their weekday ‘sparkling social’ where you can get prosecco from just £5.50 between 3pm and 7pm. Alternatively, head down with your team to bag a wine/beer and pizza bundle for just £40 – it’s the perfect post-shuffle feast.
Music Nights At Sky Garden
Soak up the London views in all their glory by travelling up to the 35th floor of the Walkie Talkie building, where you’ll find Sky Garden. Their music nights allow you to take in the city skyline whilst sipping a complimentary glass of Champagne, as resident DJs play epic tunes all evening. It’s the perfect scene for a dazzling date night, and it’s only £16.50 for a ticket. There’s no better place to experience boujee on a budget.
Flight Club Brunch Social
If you didn’t think brunch could get any better, then think again. Flight Club’s Brunch Social is packed with bottomless pizza and plenty of bubbles, and for just £30 it’s the perfect way to start the weekend. You can decide whether to just book the foodie option, or add an element of competition by incorporating some social darts into the equation (maybe don’t invite any sore losers). Get ready for prosecco, pizza paddles and plenty of dart throwing.
Plonk Crazy Golf
Fancy your hand at a bit of crazy Golf? Put those skills to the test at Plonk. With sites in Camden, Hackney, Shoreditch and Borough Market, these golf courses are like no other. Prepare to face huge ramps, balancing beams and leaps of faith to keep you on your toes. There’s a bar at all the sites too, so you can have a cheeky bev whilst golfing. Tickets start from just £5.50 too; talk about a hole in one.
For more info on fun things to do in London, visit DesignMyNight.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook; @DesignMyNight.
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