London’s nightlife is packed with glitzy rooftop bars, high-end cocktail lounges, and stylish speakeasies, but sometimes, all you really want is an unpretentious spot with cheap drinks, dim lighting, and a killer atmosphere. That’s where London’s dive bars come in—laid-back, no-frills spots that offer a mix of live music, quirky decor, and a community vibe that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re looking for a rock ‘n’ roll haunt, a hidden speakeasy, or just a friendly pub with character, these seven dive bars in London promise a fantastic night out.
1. The Miller (Borough) – A Quirky Dive with a Rooftop Surprise
📍 Location: 96 Snowsfields, London SE1 3SS
Tucked away near London Bridge, The Miller is a dive bar that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Known for its graffiti-covered walls and mismatched furniture, this place has a charm that’s impossible to ignore. The highlight? A rooftop terrace perfect for summer nights when you want to enjoy your pint under the stars.
It’s a favorite haunt for live comedy fans, as it frequently hosts stand-up gigs and improv nights. If you’re in the mood for cheap drinks, great vibes, and a little laughter, The Miller is your go-to.
🍺 Vibe: A laid-back, artsy pub with a mix of comedy nights, craft beers, and a rooftop terrace.
🎵 Best Feature: Regular improv and stand-up comedy shows
2. Slim Jim’s Liquor Store (Islington) – Rock ‘n’ Roll Heaven
📍 Location: 112 Upper St, London N1 1QN
If your idea of a perfect night out includes whiskey, neon lights, and a soundtrack of classic rock, Slim Jim’s Liquor Store in Islington is the place for you. This bar is all about attitude—it’s dark, loud, and unapologetically gritty.
The jukebox is stacked with old-school rock hits, and the drinks menu is heavy on American-style cocktails and hard liquor. If you’re looking for a dive bar with serious personality, Slim Jim’s won’t disappoint.
🍺 Vibe: A rebellious, rock-infused dive with neon signs, whiskey, and loud music.
🎵 Best Feature: A jukebox packed with rock classics and a ceiling covered in bras.
3. Ridley Road Market Bar (Dalston) – A Hidden Gem with a Funky Twist
📍 Location: 49 Ridley Rd, London E8 2NP
Dalston has its fair share of cool spots, but Ridley Road Market Bar stands out for its effortlessly cool, no-fuss vibe. Located in an unmarked building off the bustling Ridley Road Market, this bar has a divey charm with its plastic palm trees, fairy lights, and funky decor.
The drinks menu is as eclectic as the crowd, featuring rum punches, locally brewed beers, and strong cocktails. On weekends, the place transforms into a lively dance spot where the music keeps the energy high all night long.
🍺 Vibe: A quirky, tropical-themed dive with cheap drinks and an eclectic crowd.
🎵 Best Feature: Affordable cocktails and DJs spinning disco, reggae, and Afrobeat.
4. The Crobar (Soho) – A Legendary Rock Bar Returns
📍 Location: 17 Manette St, London W1D 4AS
After a brief closure, The Crobar is back—much to the delight of London’s rock and metal fans. This iconic Soho dive bar has long been the go-to spot for those who love their drinks strong and their music loud.
The Crobar’s charm lies in its unpolished authenticity. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a whiskey, headbang to classic rock, and strike up a conversation with a complete stranger about your favorite Metallica album. If you’re after a dive bar with history, attitude, and a die-hard following, The Crobar is the place to be.
🍺 Vibe: A legendary, no-frills rock and metal bar with cheap booze and a loyal crowd.
🎵 Best Feature: An epic whiskey selection and a killer rock playlist.
5. Skehan’s Free House (Greenwich) – A Classic Irish Dive with Character
📍 Location: 1 Kitto Rd, London SE14 5TW
A true hidden gem, Skehan’s Free House in Greenwich is part Irish pub, part dive bar, and 100% full of character. It’s one of those rare places that manages to be both lively and cozy, making it perfect for a relaxed night out with friends.
Skehan’s offers a fantastic mix of cheap drinks, live music, and a welcoming crowd that makes everyone feel like a local. The no-frills decor adds to its charm, while the laid-back atmosphere keeps people coming back.
🍺 Vibe: A friendly, down-to-earth Irish pub-meets-dive bar with live music.
🎵 Best Feature: A cozy beer garden and traditional Irish folk music nights.
6. Dalston Superstore (Dalston) – A Dive Bar with an Inclusive Twist
📍 Location: 117 Kingsland High St, London E8 2PB
Dalston Superstore is not just a dive bar—it’s a cultural institution. A staple of East London’s LGBTQ+ scene, this venue is a vibrant, eclectic spot that’s part bar, part nightclub, and part cafe.
The upstairs area has a divey, laid-back feel, perfect for grabbing a cheap cocktail and soaking in the creative energy. Meanwhile, the basement transforms into a wild dancefloor with DJs playing everything from house to disco. The crowd is diverse, the drinks are affordable, and the atmosphere is always electric.
🍺 Vibe: A vibrant LGBTQ+ bar with a divey upstairs and a wild dancefloor downstairs.
🎵 Best Feature: Themed club nights and an inclusive, artsy crowd.
7. The Dolphin (Hackney) – The Late-Night Party Spot
📍 Location: 165 Mare St, London E8 3RH
The Dolphin is one of Hackney’s most notorious dive bars—and that’s exactly what makes it so much fun. Known for its chaotic, anything-goes vibe, this spot is where people end up when they’re not quite ready to call it a night. The drinks are cheap, the crowd is rowdy, and the playlist is packed with throwback party tunes.
It’s the kind of place where you might bump into DJs after their set or make a whole group of new friends by the end of the night. If you’re looking for a dive bar that doesn’t take itself too seriously and lets the good times roll, The Dolphin is a must-visit.
🍺 Vibe: A slightly chaotic, anything-goes dive bar with a reputation for legendary late nights.
🎵 Best Feature: Open until the early hours, perfect for post-club antics.
Final Thoughts: Why London’s Dive Bars Are Worth Visiting
London’s nightlife has no shortage of sleek cocktail bars and fancy lounges, but sometimes, the best nights out happen in the grittiest, most down-to-earth spots. These dive bars in London offer something different—an escape from the pretentious and the overpriced, where the drinks flow freely, the music is always on point, and the atmosphere is effortlessly cool.
Whether you’re after a rock ‘n’ roll dive like Slim Jim’s, a legendary haunt like The Crobar, or a lively, alternative space like Dalston Superstore, there’s a dive bar in London that’s perfect for your next laid-back night out.
