Drinki app swaps cocktails for Facebook check-in

Drinki app has relaunched and now rewards all users across London with a free cocktail in return for a Facebook check-in.

The Drinki app, marketed as “the first in the world”, has collaborated with more than 70 bars and pubs across the capital to give a free drink to its users every day – valued at around £8 on average.

Formerly aimed at women in a bid to encourage more men into London’s bars, Drinki has now branched out to include everyone, and in the process the app has been given a sleek new redesign and full relaunch.

After downloading the app, users can view the nearest offers, such as “free Champagne at the Buddha Bar”, and “free Espresso Martini at Holborn Grind”, which are displayed on a digital map so they can be easily located.

When Drinki users arrive at their chosen venue they show a screen on their smartphone to the bartender, who will tap the phone once.

This activates an automatic Facebook “check-in” which is free from Drinki branding.

Founder Sophie Abrahamovitch said: “Free lifestyle privileges shouldn’t be a perk solely available to bloggers. Everyone with a social media account should be able to use their profile to get free gifts in exchange for an endorsement to their followers.

“With Drinki, it’s not about the number of friends or likes you have, it’s about one simple check-in on Facebook. The venue rewards you with a cocktail or glass of champagne to get lunchtime or evening drinks off to a flying start.

“This isn’t Happy Hour, it’s much better. There’s no catch; just a great drink for free in exchange for letting your friends know which bar you’re drinking at.

“We are featuring new bars every week, so it’s a great way to discover new places and scope them out.”

The creators pride the app for having “a bar for everyone and every occasion”, including locations like The Hide, Trapeze, Beagle, and Zebrano.

Matthew Chason, manager at Novus Leisure bars, said: “I often get approached by people who want me to sign up for various promotions. This immediately stood out as something completely different to the rest. It is so simple it’s brilliant, and we are delighted to welcome Drinki users to our bar.”