It’s one of the capital’s most bustling highstreets and whether you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite, catch a new band or enjoy a night of standup - there’s certainly no shortage of things to do in Deptford come Friday night.
But there’s nothing quite like ushering in the weekend with a tasty tipple, be it a rum punch, margarita or expertly-concocted aperol spritz.
So for anyone bored of pints and vino, here are some of Trip Advisor reviewers’ favourite haunts for cocktails in Deptford.
1.M’Arks of Deptford
Location: 1 Deptford Broadway, SE8 4PA
Rating: 5 (19 reviews)
Located right next to Deptford highstreet’s iconic anchor, M’Arks of Deptford has become a local staple since opening its doors in 2019.
Not only is there a mouth-watering menu on offer, but the slick pub serves up a seriously mean Long Island Iced Tea.
What customers said: “We absolutely loved this amazing pub! From stunning, well prepared food to delicious cocktails and wonderful atmosphere - the whole family had a great time!”
2. Bluethroat
Location: Deptford High Street, Deptford, SE8 4NS
Rating: 4.5 (10 reviews)
Tucked away beneath one of Deptford railway station’s arches, the effortlessly cool Bluethroat feels as though it’s been plucked straight from Soho.
The sleek, stylish venue is incredibly passionate when it comes to cocktail shaking, and notes on its website: ‘Our approach is to progressively blend new world with old and old school with new, by creating cocktails and drinks with character that don’t always adhere to our preconceived notions of what they should be.”
From the Pink Tickler (Bombay Gin, Creme de Framboise, lychee, raspberries, ginger and lemongrass) to the Whisk Me Up (Woodford Reserve, Manzana Verde, spiced apple, chilli and egg white), Bluethroat has you covered.
What customers said: “One of the best places we have ever been. The food was amazing, the staff were so welcoming and service was top. I cannot rate their cocktails enough either. A must visit either as a family but great for couples too.”
3. Jars Bar
Location: 4 Market Yard, SE8 4BX
Rating: 5 (4 reviews)
Also located beneath Deptford’s arches is Jars Bar. A favourite amongst locals, booze aficionados travel from far and wide to sample the cosy venue’s craft cocktails and beers.
What customers said: “Outstanding cocktails, great atmosphere, cool barmen and awesome vodka infusions! Definitely recommend!”
4. The Deptford Bus
Location: 30 Deptford Church Street, SE8 4RZ
Rating: 5 (12 reviews)
When it comes to Deptford, it doesn’t get any more iconic than the Deptford Bus.
Parked a stone’s throw from Deptford Bridge station, step aboard an old Bristol VR double decker bus and once inside you’ll find a dimly-lit pizza bar with a killer cocktail menu.
Although closed until spring, once staff throw open the bus’ doors again be sure to kick off your weekend in style with tasty tipples and some of the best pizza south London has to offer.
They’ve even been known to host a cocktail masterclass or two, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on the venue’s events page.
What customers say: “Great drinks, delicious food, pizza was so good. There was an amazing vibe here. I would highly recommend coming.”
5. Marcella
Location: 165A Deptford High St, SE8 3NU
Rating: 4.5
This Italian neighbourhood restaurant is undoubtedly Deptford’s crown jewel, but mind-boggling cacio e pepe aside, it’s the perfect spot for watching the world go by.
Snag a cosy window seat, order yourself some olives, salami and an aperol spritz or two and watch a Friday night in Deptford unfold before your very eyes.
6. Isla Ray
Location: 37 Deptford High Street, SE8 4AD
Rating: 4.5 (22 reviews)
An independent bar and cafe, Isla Ray is as quirky as they come. Think Australiana-inspired tropical interiors and vintage furniture that’s almost too Instagram-worthy to sit on, if it’s a unique night out on the highstreet you’re after (not to mention margaritas punchy enough to make your taste buds tingle) look no further.
What customers say: “Regularly pop into Isla Ray for a drink or food when I’m in the area. I’m a big fan of the veggie breakfast and their margaritas, not to mention the lovely staff.”
7. Stockton
Location: 2 Deptford Highstreet, SE8 4AF
Rating: 4.5 (11 reviews)
Perhaps Deptford’s suavest late-night cocktail bar, Stockton oozes cool and it doesn’t get much better when it comes to passionately-crafted drinks.
Think long wooden tables, hanging plants and low-hung lights.
Stockton might be home to laptop-wielding freelancers by day, but by night it’s one of Deptford’s best places to ring in the weekend.
What customers say: “It's just stupid nice: ingredients, staff, cocktails, environment. Make sure you try a cocktail called Benoit, they make it with their own peppercorn infused vodka.”
8. The Waiting Room
Location: 142 Deptford High Street, SE8 3PQ
Rating: 4.5 (62 reviews)
Best known for serving up the most finger-licking good meat-free menu on the highstreet, you’d be forgiven for thinking this achingly cool coffee spot is all bagels and caffeine.
While The Waiting Room might draw crowds from afar for its vegan chilli cheese fries and no meat tacos, the hip spot also offers hangover-busting Bloody Marias and glasses of Cannonball Rum - Kraken spiced rum, Campari and pineapple juice.
9. Buster Mantis
Location: 3-4 Resolution Way, Deptford, SE8 4NT
Rating: 4 (43 reviews)
A cocktail bar, gallery space and restaurant all in one, there’s no shortage of excitement at Buster Mantis.
Located down a tiny alleyway just off Deptford highstreet, the venue serves up everything from saltfish fritters to oxtail croquettes.
Come for the mouthwatering menu and good vibes, but don’t dare leave without sinking at least one rum punch.
The venue describes itself as: “A small, independent family business, whose owners have lived between Jamaica and this area for the last 60 years.
“We opened Buster Mantis simply to add to the small, but resurgent list of nice places to drink in Deptford.”
What customers say: “Found this place by chance, staff really friendly and welcoming, cocktails really nice and an inviting atmosphere,will definitely come back again.”
10. Little Nan’s Bar
Location: Arches 13-14 Deptford Market Yard, SE8 4BX
Rating: 3.5 (94)
Hidden away beneath Deptford’s grade 1 listed Victorian Arches, you can’t help but feel serious Narnia vibes when stepping into Little Nan’s Bar.
The one-of-a-kind haunt is as eclectic as they come. Sip cocktails out of teacups and take in bric-a-brac so impressive it belongs in an art gallery.
What customers say: “After trying about 6 different boozy brunches around the city this is by far the best, good atmosphere. Cocktails are lush and very boozy. Already visited twice and will defo return.”
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