When people hear the name Jason Atherton, they often think of white tablecloths, tasting menus and prices that make you pause before ordering another round. But Sael and The Blind Pig quietly challenge that idea, both delivering the quality you'd expect from an Atherton venue, just without the hefty price tags.
The Blind Pig – Proper cocktails without the London price
Tucked away above Sael, The Blind Pig remains one of London's most quietly impressive drinking spots. Jason Atherton's speakeasy is small, cosy and confidently low-key, with a bar team that knows exactly what it's doing. Cocktails are thoughtful rather than showy, balanced, seasonal and properly executed.
What often surprises people most is the pricing. In a city where £16 cocktails have become the norm, drinks here still feel refreshingly fair for the level of skill and care involved. The menu pays homage to twists on classics rather than gimmicks, with clean, spirit-led drinks alongside lighter, more playful combinations. A house martini might come perfectly chilled and stripped back, while longer drinks play with citrus, herbs and subtle sweetness. There's also a well-edited beer selection, from Noam Lager to Empress IPA and solid alcohol-free options like Lucky Saint. Many of the cocktails are generously priced, with some even coming in at around the £10 mark, which is hard to find at this level in this part of the city.
Food is far more than an afterthought, from tempura rock oysters with Sarson's 'scraps' and salt-and-pepper squid with gochujang, to buttermilk fried chicken with Sael hot sauce. There's also a seriously good dirty smash burger, crisp Koffmann fries dusted with salt-and-vinegar powder, and even nostalgic desserts like Marmite English custard tarts, with optional Umai caviar if you're feeling extra fancy.
Sael – A £4.95 pint in Central London (yes, really)
Sael downstairs is another spot to add to your affordable London list, relaxed, modern and very easy to like. It's the sort of place where you could dress up for dinner or wander in on a whim and feel just as comfortable. The room feels warm and laid-back, and then there's the bar, which quietly becomes the reason you stay longer than planned.
In central London, finding a pint under a fiver feels almost impossible, which is why Sael's £4.95 pint stands out straight away. Jason has said the thinking behind it is simple. He just wants people to enjoy themselves without feeling priced out. It doesn't come with caveats or conditions; it's just a good pint at a fair price, and it immediately takes the pressure off ordering another round.
Food is also a big draw here, and the menu is an ode to seasonal British cooking. Dishes change regularly, but you can expect plates built around top-quality produce, from wood-fired vegetables and shellfish to indulgent mains cooked over live fire.
Alongside The Blind Pig upstairs, the two spaces feel refreshingly grounded. At a time when going out in London can feel needlessly expensive, they offer something hard to come by: great drinks, generous pricing, and an atmosphere that encourages you to relax rather than rush.