There’s something about a good dive bar that keeps us coming back for another round, whether it’s the sticky floors, the loud jukebox or the bartender who’s seen it all.
So if you’re ready to take the plunge, we’ve rounded up the best dive bars in the city, from heavy metal haunts on Mare Street to late-night Soho stalwarts that have been keeping their heads above water since the nineties. Expect cheap shots, live music, karaoke and the odd hot dog, with plenty of chances to make a splash along the way. Swap your pub crawl for a front crawl, leave your inhibitions in the shallow end and dive right in..
Our Favourite Dive Bars In London
Blondies
Set up ten years ago by three Aussie sisters, Blondies is the place to go for good drinks, good company and to get f***ing wild. They also have a taproom just down the road, with both venues hosting plenty of live music events and karaoke.
205A Lower Clapton Rd, Clapton E5 8EG
@blondieslondon
Helgi’s
A heavy metal bar and live music venue that’s open ‘til late seven nights a week. A drink their Instagram wants you to know about is the Hurricane Shot, which involves taking a shot of liquor, before the bartender splashes your face with water and slaps you – apparently designed to mimic hurricane winds. Only if you’re up for it of course.
177 Mare Street, London E8 3RH
@helgisbar
Garlic & Shots
Operating since 1992, Garlic & Shots remains a staple for those seeking a quick pick me up in Soho. Their menu boasts over FIFTY different shots, including a few topped with, yes, garlic. Vampires beware.
14 Frith Street, London W1D 4RD
@garlicandshotslondon
Saint Monday
A bar in Hackney combining two of the finest things in life – heavy metal and pints. They host guest taps for producers from all over the world, alongside their own selection brewed in-house and poured from tanks just 10 feet from the bar. Rumours of a spicy pickle marg did not go unnoticed, either…
4 Warburton Road, London, E8 3RR
@saintmondaybrewery
Slim Jim’s Liquor Store
THE rock’n’roll dive bar in Angel, bringing grassroots musicians as well as international names to the stage each week. Enjoy the music while gazing up at the ceiling adorned with bras.
112 Upper Street, London N1 1QN
@slimjims_liquorstore
You Call The Shots
A queer bar with a small kitchen serving pizza slices. They are constantly doing cheap deals on margs and palomas, and have RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestant Just May making an appearance on the third Wednesday of each month. This place sounds like a hoot.
13 Morning Lane E9 6ND
@youcalltheshotse9
Rasputin’s
Mystery shots, olive-heavy martinis, and a draft beer & two hot dogs ‘recession special’? If that sounds like a bit of you, look no further than Rasputin’s. Dom’s Subs are also on hand to provide the perfect grub to soak up the drink.
171 Mare Street, London E8 3RH
@rasputinsbar
Helen of Troy
A basement club with a taste for jazz, soul, and rock’n’roll. Open until 2am every day except Sunday, this funky bar is the place to go for your fix of music on vinyl.
20 Hanway Street, London W1T 1UG
@helenoftroysoho
Easy 8
This dive bar is limited in space but packed with personality, serving LA-style tacos and a curated selection of cocktails and beers. Easy 8 was recognised by the Michelad Guide for their top-notch Micheladas (a Mexican cocktail made with beers, lime, spices and sauces).
159A Mare St, London E8 3RD
@easyeightbar
Pearl Dive Bar
Self-described as ‘Hackney Wick’s Only Rock Bar’, Pearl offers alternative music and karaoke nights with a side of poutine and hot dogs.
11-13 Prince Edward Road, London E9 5LX
@pearldivebar
Afters
Afters does what it says on the tin. They’re open until 2:30am on Fridays and Saturdays and have a cocktail-focused drinks menu, with chicken tenders and pub snacks for a post-pub feast.
38 Clapham High St, London SW4 7UR
@afters.clapham
Bradley’s Spanish Bar
More of a pub than a bar, the legendary Bradley’s has a cracking draught beer selection and an iconic vinyl jukebox. A Soho favourite.
42-44 Hanway Street, London W1T 1UT
@bradleysspanishbar
