1. Cheap Oyster Cards
If you take public transport to and from work every day, then you’ll almost certainly be better off simply by signing up with Commuter Club. The ultra-clever new start-up service allows you to take advantage of the cheapest annual Oyster Card rates while helpfully spreading the cost with easy direct debit monthly repayments. It can saving you as much as £300 a year – well worth it, particularly after the fares hike earlier this month. Way less hassle than buying weekly or monthly passes too. Check out how much you can save on your personal commute with the nifty slider on their website.
2. Theatre for next-to-nada
Live or work in Lambeth or Southwark? Then you qualify for tickets to see a play at the Old Vic for only £5 or £10 via their ‘community tickets’ offer. Fifty such seats are available each week for Mon-Thurs evening performances and at midweek matinees (if you can successfully skive off for a very long lunch). The discounted tickets need to be booked in person at the box office along with some appropriate local ID and you can only buy a pair. Here’s the info. Meanwhile, round the corner at the Young Vic, their own ‘Two Boroughs’ ticket scheme gives residents up to four free tickets, followed by invites to totally gratis theatre workshops, where you can explore your inner actor, singer or dancer, just for the sheer freakin’ joyous fun of it.
Old Vic & Young Vic, The Cut, SE1
3. Bottomless bubbles
Battersea foodie fave Ben’s Canteen loves a good special offer, and their current crop of deals are excellent. They include two courses and a glass of wine/pint of beer for £15 (any night of the week before 7.30pm), or their dangerously decadent non-stop top-up sparkling wine evenings, which run from 4pm-7pm every Saturday and Sunday for £19.50 per person, including your choice of menu dish. And if you fancy a free dessert during any meal, just instagram a pic of your food tagged #benscanteenmenu and show it to the waiter. Deal-tastic!
140 St John’s Hill, SW11
4. Get on the guestlist at the Grand
Sure it’s a little cheesy, but this listed Victorian music hall is still a weekend institution for many, with DJs playing retro club classics on Fridays or more recent hits at Saturday night’s big party, Glamorous. But did you know you can jump the queue and get in for free (or for only a fiver on Saturdays) simply by filling in a quick form on their website? You need to be at the door before 11pm, but can stick all your mates down on the list too. And drinks are 2-for-1 before 11 anyway, so hit the venue’s Staying Alive-style flashing dancefloor early and save those ££s.
5. Flash the card
If you work anywhere around London Bridge, then the nice folk at local area champions Team London Bridge can save you a packet with one of their DealCards. It’s totally free, and grants you access to a wide range of special offers from local businesses. That means everything from a whopping 50% off food Monday-Thursday at More Bar & Brasserie through to more unusual offers such as a complimentary marketing/branding consultation from agency Bates JPW Creative. You’ll also get a decent discount at loads of boutiques, gyms, spas and more throughout the area, meaning it’s possible to save money pretty much every lunchtime. Info and to apply for the card.
