Part of the familiar Slug & Lettuce chain, this O2 Arena outpost on Entertainment Avenue is the go-to pre-gig pit stop when you're heading to the dome. Think 2-for-1 cocktails, a buzzy crowd hyping up for a show, and a menu of crowd-pleasing classics — nothing reinventing the wheel, but it does exactly what it says on the tin. Come for the convenience and the cocktail deals, not for a quiet evening.
2-for-1 cocktails and a buzzy pre-gig crowd right on the O2's doorstep — the ultimate warm-up act before the main event.
Book a table well ahead on event nights — it gets packed before big O2 shows and has been known to run out of food and beer when slammed.
Solid pre-gig cocktails, exactly where you need them
If you're heading to a gig or event at the O2, Slug & Lettuce is the obvious first port of call — and honestly, it leans into that role pretty well. The big draw is the 2-for-1 cocktails, which reviewers consistently rave about, and the cocktail towers are a popular pick for groups looking to kick things off before a show. The atmosphere on event nights is genuinely buzzy; you'll be surrounded by people in good spirits, pre-loading before heading into the arena. Staff like Tarek get shout-outs for going above and beyond, and the service is generally friendly even when it's packed.
That said, it's a chain bar at a mega-venue, so manage your expectations. A few reviewers have noted running out of food and beer on busy nights — not ideal when you've booked a table — and the food is solid but unremarkable pub-grub territory. The "3D" themed cocktails are a fun novelty if you're in the mood. If you're after a quiet drink or a culinary experience, look elsewhere. But if you want a lively, convenient spot with decent cocktail deals right on the doorstep of the O2, this does the job.