There’s no better way to wrap up a busy day at Old Street WorkRooms than by unwinding with colleagues over cocktails in a lively bar just minutes away. Whether you’re looking to network, celebrate small wins, or simply relax, Old Street and its surrounding areas offer a variety of stylish venues perfect for after-work drinks.
This month, we’ve handpicked some of the best bars, all within a 20-minute walk from Old Street WorkRooms, where you can enjoy unbeatable happy hour deals, creative cocktails, fabulous low and no alcohol options and spaces designed for mingling, connecting, and making the most of your downtime
Clerkenwell & Social
Just an eight-minute walk from Clerkenwell, Clerkenwell & Social is a favourite destination for after-work drinks, corporate meetups, and networking events. With its distinctive literary-themed décor and energetic atmosphere, the venue attracts both residents and city professionals alike.
The venue features a range of offers throughout the week, including 2-for-1 happy hour drinks every Monday to Thursday from 8–10pm, and all day on Fridays and Saturdays. Their popular 2-for-1 pizza lunch offer also runs from 12–3pm each day, making it a perfect stop for casual meetups or group outings with colleagues. Dive into a selection of freshly made pizzas, alongside tasty sides such as rosemary chips, sautéed chorizo, and crispy chicken wings. These pair perfectly with the venue’s renowned infusion-based cocktails, bold flavours and creative presentation.
Savour cocktails like The Clerkenwell Tales, made with cucumber gin, St Germain infused with nectarine, cranberry juice, and lime; The Oscar Wilde, a unique take on the classic Bellini; and The Social Club, featuring clementine and rosemary gin, orange marmalade, lime, and sugar.
The venue’s striking interior also brings a literary fantasy to life, with books stacked behind the bar, glowing neon signs, and even novels suspended from the ceiling. A colourful striped canopy marks the entrance, signalling a creative atmosphere inside.
For private events, Clerkenwell & Social offers full venue hire for up to 250 standing or 120 seated guests, as well as a private room and bar, comfortably seating up to 50. Alternatively, during warmer months, guests can relax on the spacious outdoor terrace, perfect for drinks in the sun.
Group bookings for more than four guests should contact the venue directly to check availability.
Be At One
One of the most well-known cocktail chain bars in London and across the UK, Be At One is a go-to destination for delicious after-work drinks. With its generous 2-for-1 cocktail deal available during happy hour every day (until 6pm on Saturdays), it’s the perfect place to unwind with friends or colleagues after a long day.
The venue features a 160-person seating capacity, offering a spacious setting ideal for corporate events, casual networking, or simply catching up over some tapas dishes and your favourite cocktails. Plush booths offer comfortable seating throughout, while bartenders ensure you skip the long wait at the bar and get straight to savouring your favourite drinks.
From classic Margaritas to indulgent signature cocktails, their extensive menu caters to every taste. Whether you’re into sweet, sour, strong, or tropical flavours, there’s something to please every palate.
For those looking to do more than just drink, cocktail masterclasses are also available Monday to Thursday, bringing teams together. Try your hand at mixing a fruity Paradise Punch or shake up a tropical To The Beat, made with Cachaça, Malibu Coconut, coconut, and passion fruit.
Additionally, if you’re planning a private celebration or team event, private hire is available downstairs, offering seating for up to 60 guests.
Ninth Ward
Born from the vision of a group of friends in 2014, Ninth Ward has been serving up late-night drinks, hearty dining, and good times for all those who visit for over a decade. Located just over a 10-minute walk from Old Street, this unique venue blends vintage touches with a lively, welcoming atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.
The venue offers a range of deals, drawing in crowds who crave flavour and fun midweek. Bottomless chicken wings every Tuesday and Wednesday from 5pm to 10pm can be paired with their daily happy hour from 4pm to 7pm, featuring 2-for-1 on all house cocktails. There is also weekday power hour from 5pm to 7pm, with deals on draft beers to explore.
The food menu celebrates American cuisine – think burgers piled high with smoky cheese, beef ragu, jalapeños, and rich sauces, all served with fries. For those in a group, sharing plates are the way to go, with slider platters, chicken platters, fish platters, veggie and vegan platters, as well as fries and dessert platters all for the taking.
For groups larger than four, booking in advance is recommended, while smaller parties are welcome to walk in and try their luck. Private hire is also available on request. So, whether you’re after after-work drinks, late-night bites, or a weekend hangout with friends, Ninth Ward delivers on each and every occasion.
Simmons Bar | Old Street
With its iconic neon signage and bold pink canopy that welcomes guests from across the street, you can’t miss Simmons Bar! Proudly calling itself “the massive pink one,” the venue is a retro cocktail bar that’s ideal for after-work escapism, late-night fun with colleagues, and networking with colleagues.
A 10-minute walk from Old Street WorkRooms, Simmons offers an unmissable atmosphere with its maximalist interiors, colourful lighting, and unique touches that bring a playful charm. Spread over two floors, the venue features plenty of seating, an eclectic dancefloor, and a bar that comes alive with its legendary happy hour from 4pm to 9pm, offering 2-for-1 on all cocktails from Sunday to Friday
Whether you’re hankering after a classic martini or mojito, or something bolder like a spicy margarita or an iced tea, there’s something to suit every taste. Guests can choose from rum-based, vodka-based, or gin-based creations, or enjoy an alcohol-free mocktail for those looking for lighter options. Large groups can even share one of Simmons’ signature cocktail teapots, adding a fun twist to your night!
Simmons is a go-to spot for lively social events. From Hip Hop LDN Brunches and karaoke nights to birthday celebrations and corporate gatherings, the venue is ideal for bringing people together in style. Throughout the week, guests can even enjoy themed nights such as Margarita Mondays and Teapot Tuesdays, offering a fun, casual way for teams and friends to relax.
The Cocktail Club | Old Street
Step through the doors of The Cocktail Club Old Street and you’re instantly swept into a world of bold patterns, lively energy, and non-stop party momentum. The interiors are a feast for the eyes (and the senses), with floral chaise lounges, clashing wallpapers and carpets, chandeliers, a glowing disco ball, and even games like ping pong and table football, creating a haven for after-work revelry. Industrial piping runs along the ceiling, adding a sharp edge to the otherwise flamboyant space.
As the night rolls in, the energy ramps up. The venue is divided into a series of imaginative spaces, each with its own theme. Guests can unwind in the Disco Kitchen, lounge in a “bathroom” glittering with gold baubles, let loose in the games room, or settle into the cosy living room, all while sipping on award-winning cocktails.
The real star of the show is their cocktail menu, a 14-page extravaganza that’s packed with classics, contemporary twists, and creative concoctions. From mint and passionfruit to iced tea, pineapple, oak and smoke, and even coffee-infused creations, the menu caters to every taste, with 2 for 1 cocktails all night. There is also a range of mocktails, non-alcoholic blends, sharers, and mini cocktails, so everyone is catered for.
Every night, the Cocktails & Dreams series has you covered: 2-for-1 Pornstar Martini Mondays, Espresso Martini Tuesdays, Mojito Wednesdays, Bramble Thursdays, and Babydoll Fridays, so you can try a new favourite each night of the week.
With banging tunes, live DJs, and surprise performances, from acrobats to outrageous entertainers, there’s always something going on. For something more hands-on, guests can also sign up for a cocktail masterclass and learn to create the perfect Martini, Bramble, or Mojito—or even take on the iconic Daiquiri Challenge.
The Best After-Work Cocktail Experience
Old Street is home to a thriving social scene that becomes electric after 5pm. From quirky décor and cocktails at The Cocktail Club, retro vibes at Simmons, or a laid-back setting at Clerkenwell & Social, each venue offers a unique experience for professionals. With 2-for-1 drink deals, private hire options, and masterclasses for team get together, these bars make after-work drinks the very highlight of your week.
So, gather your team, head out, and raise a glass to the perfect blend of work and relaxation today.