The best BYOB restaurants in London: 9 corking casual spots

BYOB – four of the best letters there are when it comes to dining out in the capital, particularly at the end of the month right before payday. That’s not to say we don’t love sampling the many tipples restaurants and bars have to offer, just that sometimes it’s nice to know exactly what you’re going to be drinking with your meal and – let’s face it – it's always helpful to keep costs down. 

If you’re on the hunt for the best BYOB in London, then you’re in for a treat. We’ve scoured the streets and rounded up the best of the best, with these spots that let you bring your own drinks without compromising on the food. Whilst going out to eat in London can be affordable, it’s often the drinks that rack up your bill. Whether you're trying to work your way through an extensive cocktail list or giving nonchalant orders of ‘same again’ that quickly results in stacks of empty glasses (and a slightly eye watering bill).

As it turns out, there are quite a few spots across the city that will allow you to bring your own booze, offering seriously reduced or non-existent corkage fees. Be sure to grab yourself a couple of beers or your finest supermarket bottle of vino and book yourself a table at one of these BYOB restaurants.

Eating out doesn't have to be an expensive feat, and we never want you to sacrifice your love of good food. From steakhouses with weekly deals to curry houses where you can bring your own every night of the week, these are the best bring your own booze restaurants in London, and put those pennies towards something important, like dessert, instead.

Hawksmoor, various locations

What: With its mass of Central London locations, Hawksmoor is a steak haven loved by the masses. You might also know about the group-wide Monday Wine Club; don’t worry, there’s no initiation, simply bring a bottle of wine, be it something cheap and cheerful from the local offie or a Magnum of Champagne, and enjoy seriously discounted corkage.
Corkage: £5 every Monday (£25 every other day)
Where: 16 Winchester Walk, SE1 9AQ; 5a Air Street, W1J 0AD; 3 Yeoman's Row, SW3 2AL; 1 Water Street, E14 5GX 
Book now: Hawksmoor Borough; Hawksmoor Air Street; Hawksmoor Knightsbridge; Hawksmoor Wood Wharf and more

Tayyabs, Whitechapel

What: This iconic, family-owned Punjabi/Pakistani restaurant is one of the most popular curry houses in town, with a reputation for turning out great food since 1972. It gets mightily busy here, especially on weekends, but at least you can occupy yourself with the booze you’ve brought along while you queue for a table.
Corkage: No charge
Where: 83-89 Fieldgate Street, E1 1JU
Book now: Tayyabs 

Minnow, Clapham

What: Pretty pastels and views over Clapham Common aren’t generally synonymous with a BYOB policy, but lovely little neighbourhood joint Minnow makes an exception on Sunday evenings. Come a bit later in the evening and you can tuck into an organic roast with all the trimmings, plus a pudding, and bring your own booze – a deal we think is pretty sweet.
Corkage: Free with the set Sunday roast (after 4pm)
Where: 21 The Pavement, SW4 OHY
Book now: Minnow 

Preem and Prithi, Brick Lane

What: Taking up the ranks of the ever growing selection of curry houses on Brick Lane, Preem and Prithi combines its cosy atmosphere with tasty dishes and an excellent BYOB policy. Here, you'll find an extensive list of authentic curries, which are all pretty reasonably priced to begin with, and don't worry about having to pay a corkage fee - just bring your own booze and get stuck in.
Corkage: No charge 
Where: 122-120 Brick Lane, E1 6RL
Book now: Preem and Prithi 

Mien Tay, Shoreditch

What: For more than a decade Mien Tay has drawn crowds of diners on Kingsland Road’s Pho Mile with its first-rate south-western Vietnamese food. You’ll find all the usual suspects on the extensive menu, from soups and salads to stir-fries, along with some more unusual dishes, including deep fried frog’s legs and chargrilled goat. Prices are low and made more enticing still by the daily BYOB policy.
Corkage: £2.50 per person Sunday-Thursday; £3 per person Friday-Saturday
Where: 106 Kingsland Road, E2 8DP
Book now: Mien Tay 

Guanabana, Camden

What: Bringing a taste of the Caribbean to Camden Town, Guanabana boasts eye-catching interiors from its lime green walls donned with funky, colourful artwork to its jungle of potted plants. Booze options are all priced differently, from £3 for a beer to £6 for a bottle of wine. Or you can just go all in for unlimited bring your own for just £10 per person, which still works out to be a rather affordable evening.
Corkage: Unlimited BYOB for £10 per person
Where: 85 Kentish Town Road, NW1 8NY
Book now: Guanabana 

Roti King, Euston

What: The queues at Roti King might indicate its success with waits often over an hour. Menus of Malaysia and Singaporean street food are on offer, from laksa to rendang curry, perfectly paired with, well, whatever you end up bringing. Corkage here is £10 per table, so we recommend bringing a big group of friends to help split the cost. 
Corkage: £10 per table 
Where: 40 Doric Way, NW1 1LH
Book now:  Roti King 

Singburi, Leytonstone

What: Known for its weekly changing chalkboard menus, Singburi is a family run Thai spot in the heart of Leytonstone. It's built up a bit of a following for itself over the years, with diners rushing to try this authentic cuisine. With so much focus put on the food, the drink choice is left down to you, so grab a bottle and be sure to book a table, as this one fills up fast. 
Corkage: No charge
Where: 593 High Road, E11 4PA
Book now: Singburi 

Little Georgia, Hackney

What: Simple, cosy and BYOB, Little Georgia has two sites across the city with this one allowing guests to rock up with their own drinks. Specialising in Georgian cuisine, here you'll find the likes of traditional stuffed cheese breads to khinkali dumplings. Corkage here is only charged if your bill is under £25 a person, so you may as well order a couple more dishes and drink the booze for free. 
Corkage: £5 corkage if your bill is under £25 per person
Where: 87 Goldsmiths Row, E2 8QR
Book now: Little Georgia

If you’d rather save money on your food than drinks, then be sure to check out our guide to the best cheap eats in London.