Sometimes, when you've had a hard day in the office, all you want to do is get out on the dot and grab a drink (or three).
However, it's always a bit tricky to find places close to work that are a) nice enough that you don't have to wipe the surfaces before you sit down, and b) stock a white wine that doesn't leave you with a killer hangover the next day.
With that in mind, we've hunted down some of London's best post-work watering holes help you get a decent drink sharpish.
Choose from Central, West, East and South London spots, as well as a mix of various bars that offer intimate settings, brilliant views and superb cocktails.
As always, let us know if you think we've missed out your favourite in the comments below or tweet us @StylistMagazine.
(Main image: Rex Features)
Hutong at The Shard, Central London
If you're not a fan of heights, then best to avoid going up to the 33rd floor of the Shard. However, if you can handle it you should go to Hutong, for spectacular views of London and for the cocktails, which are delicious. Be aware there is a dress code too but that just means you have an excuse to wear your new dress.
Radio Rooftop Bar, Central London
While this isn't as high up as the Shard, the Radio bar at the ME hotel offers a great panoramic of some of London's most memorable buildings. Decked out in white seating and sunshine colours, it can feel very 'Ibiza' at times, but that's no bad thing in our books.
The Remedy, Central London
Calling all Slow Food movement lovers, this is the place for you. This wine bar offers an intimate atmosphere, as well as the chance to try natural wines, which have minimal chemical intervention.
Experimental Cocktail Club, Central London
You'd be forgiven for walking straight past the door of the ECC as it's nestled between two restaurants in China Town, with no distinguishing features on its door. However, discovering this gem is part of its charm. Once settled in the very intimate bar, order one of their exciting cocktails and prepare for your taste buds to be amazed.
Newman Street Tavern, Central London
This is a gastropub but it's worth a mention as it's just so lovely. Cosy, but with a chic edge, this is perfect for a group of people who can't decide between a tradtional boozer and something a bit more upmarket. And if you get peckish, it's definitely worth staying for some of their excellent food too.
Le Cellar at Galvin - West, London
The Galvin brothers are well known for excelling at their exquisite food but their cocktail bar, located in their first restaurant Bistrot de Luxe, is a must-visit too. What with the luxurious leather seating, traditional mahogany and mirrored-panelled walls, as well as a bit of light jazz, you're guaranteed to feel like you're in a bona fide speakeasy.
Dead Dolls Club, East London
The Dead Dolls Club is run by Adam Towner and Katy Gray Rosewarne who take over derelict buildings and turn them into venues for parties. Currently, their residence is an old textile factory in Hoxton, which has three floors and a roof terrace. It's the perfect setting for a summer after work drink, as well as a fun date.
The Book Club, East London
The Book Club is an old favourite of ours. Head here for great booze, ping pong and comfy chairs. It's a perennial favourite of many East Londoners too, so it's no wonder patrons are usually spotted spilling out into the street outside.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, East London
Stepping through a Smeg fridge door to enter a bar sounds like a strange modern version of Alice in Wonderland, except it's not. In fact, it's how you get to the Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, a bar which is part of The Breakfast Club in Shoreditch. Visit here when you want to impress your friends.
Duke's bar, West London
For an uber-fancy drink, or when you're in need of something a little stronger, we suggest you try out the Martinis at Duke's bar as part of the Duke's hotel. They're not especially pocket-friendly but you won't need many to get you merry and help you forget any troubles from the day.
Love & Liquor, West London
Kilburn doesn't seem like the most obvious place to head to when you fancy an after-work drink in West London, but Love&Liquor might change your mind. It's fast becoming popular with celebs such as Idris Elba, who even had a DJ residency there for seven weeks. We're basically sold on that alone.
Trailer Happiness, West London
If you love kitsch decor, then you should check out Trailer Happiness in Portobello. While it might exude an air of playfulness, their cocktails are serious stuff. Make sure you try their Mai Tai.
28-50 Wine Workshop & Kitchen, West London
Wine lovers rejoice, this is the place for you! The bar offers over 30 carefully chosen wines, which are available by the glass, carafe or bottle.
http://www.2850.co.uk/
The Loft, South London
The Loft boasts 40 homemade ingredients for their cocktails, as well as an award-winning mixologist. A more upmarket bar for the Clapham crowd.
5CC, City of London
We love discovering a den for a couple of post-work illicit drinks, and 5CC is perfect for that. Located in the basement of Farringdon Street’s ex-print house turned public house, Harrild & Sons, this has a real clandestine vibe.
Copa de Cava, Central London
Some might suggest that Cava is the poor man's Champagne, but not us. If you also enjoy guzzling the Spanish stuff, we suggest you try out Copa de Cava, which offers up plenty of wines to try during the week.
Cecil's, South London
Recently opened, Cecil's is a London Bridge bar set below a Victorian tea warehouse. Expect to hear blues, honky tonk and folk rock music and be impressed by their dapper-looking bar staff.
The Owl and the Pussycat, East London
Sometimes a traditional boozer is just the ticket for a decent tipple. Located on Redchurch street, this is great for post-work summer drinks.
Bar Story, South London
This is an ideal spot if you're saving the pennies, even if it is a little hard to find in deep Peckham. But their great selection of cocktails should be enough to draw you in when you fancy heading somewhere that isn't central. There's even a happy hour.
The Punch Room, Central London
As part of the new Edition hotel just off Oxford Street, the Punch Room offers bowls of punch (obviously) in a fumed-oak paneled den inspired by manor house libraries and nineteenth-century London's private clubs (hello, Downton). Specialty punches including the gin infused Edition Punch with jasmine tea and oak moss.
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