Let’s be honest — “happy hour” can be a scam. A fiver off a cocktail no one actually wants, watered-down mixers in plastic glasses, or worse: a crowd that makes you question every life choice that led you there. But Stratford’s happy hour scene? Surprisingly decent — if you know where to look.

This East London hub, better known for its transport links and shopping centre chaos, is quietly building a reputation for places that actually get the post-work unwind right. That means solid drink deals, good tunes, a crowd you’d actually want to chat to, and enough atmosphere to make it feel like a night out — even when it’s only Tuesday.

The best happy hour spots in Stratford don’t pretend to be something they’re not. Some bring cocktails and canal views. Others dish out ping pong with pints. But all of them understand the simple formula: good drinks, great value, and no faff. Whether you’re wrapping up a rough shift, catching up with mates, or kicking off a team night out, these venues know how to deliver without making you queue behind a velvet rope or squint at a footnote on the drinks menu.

This guide rounds up seven real places with happy hours in Stratford London that don’t suck — no fake buzz, no two-for-one tricks on only the worst items. Just well-priced drinks in spaces that know how to hold a vibe. And yes, some of them throw in bonus fun like rooftop views or interactive games because, well… why not?

Let’s start with the only place where you can down a cocktail and smash a six — because happy hour should never be passive.

1. Sixes at Riverside East Stratford: Swing, Sip and Actually Smile

Happy hour should feel like more than a discount — and at Sixes at Riverside East Stratford, it absolutely does. This is where competitive cricket meets craft cocktails in a space that somehow manages to be both high-energy and laid-back.

Tucked beside the canal, Sixes blends the buzz of a social bar with the action of a sports arena — minus the stress. Grab a bat, step into one of the high-tech cricket nets, and face virtual bowlers while your mates cheer (or heckle) from the sidelines. It’s funny, fast-paced and an instant mood booster — especially when paired with a cocktail or cold beer in hand.

Now for the drinks. While Sixes doesn’t advertise a rigid ‘happy hour’ window, it runs regular promotions, group drinks packages, and rotating specials that offer serious value — especially if you’re ordering for a crowd. Expect expertly mixed classics alongside signature serves with cricket-themed flair. The bar team knows their stuff, and you won’t get short-poured.

The vibe? Always lively. Whether it’s midweek mates catching up or teams letting loose after work, there’s a real sense of fun that doesn’t feel forced. And with full table service at the nets, you don’t have to miss a round just because you’re next to bat.

Among the best happy hours in Stratford London, Sixes at Riverside East Stratford knocks it out of the park. It’s not just about cheap drinks — it’s about having a genuinely good time while you enjoy them. No bored bartenders. No awkward silences. Just the clatter of wickets, the clink of glasses, and a happy hour that lives up to its name.

2. STK Rooftop at The Gantry: Where Glamour Meets Good Deals

If you’re after a happy hour that doesn’t involve sticky tables or two-for-one regret, STK Rooftop at The Gantry is your antidote. This sky-high spot is what happens when a luxury steakhouse grows a nightlife personality — polished, moody, and with just enough edge to make after-work drinks feel like an occasion.

Here, happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 4pm to 7pm, and it’s refreshingly well thought out. They offer a slick £3–£6–£9 menu, with proper cocktails (not mystery spirits), elegant bar snacks, and small plates that actually land with some flair. Think mini sliders, popcorn chicken, truffle fries, and margaritas that come balanced and bold — not batched and weak.

The atmosphere leans sexy-but-social. The bar is dressed in dark marble, the lighting is golden hour perfection, and the crowd is a mix of hotel guests, post-office workers, and east Londoners who know where to find a deal with a view. You’re high above Stratford here, and the open-air terrace lets you sip with skyline glimpses that feel far from the daily grind.

The service is sharp, the soundtrack is smooth R&B or house depending on the day, and the overall vibe encourages you to stay longer than planned. It’s also surprisingly group-friendly: long bar tables, booths, and a spacious layout mean you’re not crammed into a corner, even when it’s busy.

When it comes to the best happy hours in Stratford London, STK Rooftop at The Gantry proves that luxury doesn’t have to cost the earth — especially when timed right. It’s that rare sweet spot between classy and accessible, making it the ideal setting for low-pressure client drinks, post-deadline team hangs, or that one Thursday where you actually remembered to leave work on time.

3. The Lounge at The Stratford Hotel: Effortless, Stylish, and Just the Right Amount of Quiet

You know that rare kind of bar that doesn’t try too hard — and doesn’t need to? That’s The Lounge at The Stratford Hotel. It’s the understated sibling to The Gantry’s rooftop glam, offering a quieter, more elegant happy hour experience that feels like someone finally got the memo: not everyone wants music at 100 decibels when sipping a spritz.

Their happy hour runs weekdays from 3pm to 7pm, and it’s beautifully simple: £6 spritzes, £4.50 wines, and select beers for the same. No long-winded menu, no hidden clauses. You sit, you sip, and you relax.

The space is chic in that effortless “Scandinavian-minimalist-meets-East-London” kind of way. Warm woods, soft velvet chairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows make it feel airy without being cold. There’s enough buzz to feel alive, but you can actually hear your colleague finish a sentence — a wild concept, we know.

It’s especially great for smaller groups or pairs looking for a bit of calm between meetings or before a night out. Bring a laptop, bring a book, or just sit and decompress. And if you do decide to stay longer? The food menu includes refined comfort dishes like flatbreads, grilled meats, and moreish small plates — all ideal for grazing while the second round arrives.

As far as the best happy hours in Stratford London go, The Lounge at The Stratford Hotel is your quiet MVP. No fuss. No crowd control. Just an elegant space where the prices match the mood, and your drink doesn’t need explaining — or apologising for.

4. Jim & Tonic at The Print House: G&Ts by the Canal — with Actual Character

If you’re looking for happy hour with soul — and something stronger than just a cut-price mojito — Jim & Tonic at The Print House is your spot. This independent distillery bar and kitchen sits just off the canal in Stratford and manages to combine East London cool with proper hospitality, minus the pretence.

While their happy hour isn’t a fixed daily occurrence, they run frequent specials, seasonal offers, and tasting events that more than make up for it. Gins are, of course, the star of the show — small-batch, house-distilled, and actually interesting. Expect London Dry classics alongside citrusy blends and punchy botanical infusions, all available in signature serves or as part of curated flights.

The venue itself is part urban oasis, part industrial hangout. You’ve got exposed brick, warm lighting, a buzzing open bar and, best of all, a huge outdoor terrace that catches the sun until late. It’s a favourite among locals for a reason — it feels like a neighbourhood spot, not a chain churning out cocktails on autopilot.

Food-wise, the small plates and burgers are surprisingly good. It’s the sort of place where a ‘quick drink’ turns into three, and suddenly someone’s ordering another round of truffle fries. Staff are genuinely welcoming, and the crowd ranges from creatives and co-workers to groups on a slow-start night out.

For anyone searching for the best happy hours in Stratford London, Jim & Tonic at The Print House offers more than just a deal — it’s an atmosphere. A little bit hidden, a lot more memorable, and proof that when gin’s done right, you don’t need to overcomplicate the experience.

5. The Abbey Tap: Loud, Laid-Back, and Unapologetically Fun

Some places know exactly who they are — and The Abbey Tap doesn’t waste time pretending to be trendy. It’s loud, it’s fast-paced, and it leans fully into being the go-to for after-work drinks that turn into low-key nights out. It’s not the venue you whisper in — it’s the one you shout over a cocktail deal.

Their happy hour is legendary among locals and nearby students alike. Expect 2-for-1 cocktails, selected bottles, and rotating offers on spirits and pints. It runs most weekdays and doesn’t require a degree in fine print to understand — it’s straightforward, affordable, and quick to serve.

What makes it work for groups is its versatility. Tables are large, booths are easy to book, and no one looks twice if you turn up with ten people and order twenty wings. There are big screens for sports, an extensive food menu with all the loaded, cheesy, fried favourites you’d expect, and staff who know how to keep a bar moving when it’s packed.

The crowd is eclectic — a mix of office crews, uni mates, birthday pre-drinks and couples avoiding the cinema. And while the décor isn’t trying to win awards, it doesn’t need to. You’re here for decent drinks, fast service, and a night that doesn’t burn your wallet.

In the world of the best happy hours in Stratford London, The Abbey Tap delivers pure, unfiltered energy. It’s not the most elegant spot — but when you need cocktails, nachos and a slightly chaotic 6pm buzz that feels like Friday even on a Wednesday, this is the pub that gets it done.

6. The Cow, Westfield Stratford City: Where Pub Charm Meets Olympic Views

If you’re craving happy hour without the headache — no queues, no gimmicks, no TikTok-trending chaos — The Cow is your answer. Perched on the edge of Westfield Stratford City, this British gastropub offers something a little calmer: pint-friendly tables, a comfortable hum of chatter, and a laid-back atmosphere that lets the drinks (and conversations) breathe.

While it may not boast a flashy neon “Happy Hour” sign, The Cow runs seasonal drinks promotions, affordable wines, and well-priced pints that won’t have you squinting at the receipt. Whether it’s two cocktails for £12, £4 house beers, or a cheeky gin and tonic for less, there’s almost always something decent happening behind the bar — especially between 4pm and 7pm on weekdays.

Inside, the vibe is classic pub comfort with a slight city polish: wood-panelled walls, leather booths, and large windows that overlook the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. You’ll find plenty of space for groups without the scramble for chairs, and staff who know how to keep service moving without sacrificing friendliness.

The food? Surprisingly good. British staples like pies and burgers sit alongside small plates that work perfectly for grazing. It’s easy to settle in, grab a round (or two), and watch the hour get a little happier than planned.

Among the best happy hours in Stratford London, The Cow stands out for its ease. It’s the kind of place where you come for a drink and stay because the table’s comfortable, the beer’s cold, and your phone battery doesn’t need to be at 100% for you to enjoy yourself. It’s low effort, high reward — and sometimes, that’s exactly what the team needs.

7. Bat & Ball Stratford: Ping Pong, DJs and £5 Pints

If you want your happy hour with a side of chaos — in the best possible way — head straight to Bat & Ball Stratford. Located in the heart of Westfield, this sprawling two-floor venue isn’t just a bar. It’s a social playground, with table tennis, pool, live DJs and a vibe that gets louder (and better) the later you stay.

Their happy hour deals are both real and reliable. Most weekdays, you’ll find £5 pints, 2-for-1 cocktails, and bucket deals that make pre-gaming for your next match, movie or night out both affordable and genuinely fun. These aren’t throwaway drinks either — the cocktail list includes classics like margaritas, mojitos, and espresso martinis, served with more care than you’d expect from a place with beer pong tables.

But Bat & Ball isn’t just about booze. It’s about energy. There’s music, big screens, communal benches and just enough neon to feel like you’ve stepped into a party without an entry fee. And yes, you can book the games in advance — or walk in and jump on whatever’s free.

It’s ideal for birthdays, team socials, or just a group of mates looking to swap the usual pint-and-chat for something with a bit more movement. The staff keep things moving, the crowd is up for it, and there’s always something going on — whether it’s a DJ spinning upstairs or someone cheering over a ping pong smash.

Among the best happy hours in Stratford London, Bat & Ball is pure fun. No pretence, no silence, no chance of falling asleep in your chair. Just drinks, games, and enough momentum to turn your weekday drinks into something worth remembering.

Why Happy Hours in Stratford London Are Actually Worth It

Let’s be honest — happy hour should never feel like a trap. But in too many bars, it’s a parade of weak cocktails, overcrowded corners, and “offers” that only apply if you’re ordering with a lunar calendar and a loyalty card. That’s why Stratford’s best happy hours stand out. They’re not just cheaper drinks. They’re better nights.

This part of East London has quietly built a scene that’s diverse, exciting and actually functional. You’ve got Sixes at Riverside East Stratford, where you can bat virtual bouncers while sipping your way through a cricket-themed cocktail list. STK Rooftop brings glam to your post-work routine without robbing you blind. And venues like The Print House and The Cow keep things grounded with honest pours, scenic settings and staff who actually look pleased to see you.

The secret? Stratford doesn’t try to be Shoreditch. It doesn’t overpromise or deliver gimmicks. Instead, it offers flexible deals, group-friendly layouts, and enough atmosphere to turn “just one drink” into “well, maybe one more.” Whether your crew wants a quiet corner to decompress or a full-blown round of ping pong with pints, the options here hit the sweet spot between fun and functional.

So next time the WhatsApp group fires up with “Where shall we go?”, you’ll know where to steer them. Happy Hours in Stratford London aren’t just worth it — they’re the new gold standard for how post-work drinks should be.