Drinks in London are expensive, but a few free apps can help. Some show happy hours nearby, some offer selected free drinks, and others reward you when you visit participating pubs and bars.
These are three useful apps to check before going out: HappyPlaces, DUSK and MiXR.
HappyPlaces: find a happy hour happening now
HappyPlaces puts London happy hours onto an interactive map. The app lists more than 300 venues and lets you filter deals by day, time and drink.
You can use it to find:
- Two-for-one cocktails
- Discounted beer, wine and spirits
- Happy hours running near you now
- Deals starting later in the evening
- Bars close to a station or meeting place
HappyPlaces is the simplest option when you do not want to create a loyalty account or link a payment card. Find a venue, read the offer and confirm it with the bar before ordering.
Find London happy hours with HappyPlaces →
DUSK: claim selected free drinks
DUSK lists participating bars where users can claim selected free drinks and other nightlife offers. When a suitable campaign is available, the app can provide one free drink per person during the evening.
The drink is chosen by the promotion. It could be a particular cocktail, beer, spirit and mixer or alcohol-free drink, rather than anything from the menu.
To unlock the free-drink offers, DUSK asks you to link an eligible payment card. The app can then award points when you spend with that card at participating bars. Points can be used for eligible drinks, brand rewards or experiences.
To claim a drink:
- Find an active free-drink offer in the app.
- Check the venue, drink and redemption time.
- Go to the participating bar while the offer is active.
- Tap to claim only when you are ready to show the bartender.
Offers depend on current campaigns and stock, so a free drink may not be available near you every night.
See current drinks and rewards on DUSK →
MiXR: collect points at participating pubs and bars
MiXR is the rewards app for a large collection of UK pubs, bars and clubs operated by Stonegate. It can be used to find venues, book tables, access offers and collect points when buying food or drinks.
MiXR currently awards 50 points for every £1 spent at participating venues. You can collect by scanning your digital reward card at the bar or by ordering online while logged into your MiXR account.
Depending on the live offers and your points balance, rewards can include:
- Free drinks
- Money-off vouchers
- Exclusive food and drink discounts
- Queue jumps at selected late-night venues
- Event access and experiences
- Student and sports-related offers
Points that have not been converted into a voucher expire after 12 months. When using a cash-value voucher, spend the full balance in one transaction because unused value can be lost.
Download MiXR and view its rewards →
Simple ways to keep the whole evening cheap
- Check the offer before travelling
- Confirm the correct branch and finishing time
- Ask which drinks and sizes qualify
- Avoid crossing London to save only a few pounds
- Eat before going out if bar food is expensive
- Alternate alcoholic drinks with water
- Set a spending limit before ordering
- Never buy extra drinks simply to collect points
A free first drink can still become an expensive night. These apps work best when they reduce the cost of plans you already had.
Cheap drinks app questions
Are all three apps free?
Do I need to link a bank card?
Are the listed drinks guaranteed?
Can I use more than one app in the same evening?
Sources and last check
Details checked on 17 July 2026 using the official HappyPlaces, DUSK and MiXR websites and their current app guidance.
London for Cheap has no commercial relationship with these apps and receives no reward if you download them. Offers and participating venues can change. Please drink responsibly and never drink before driving.