What is an afterwork?

Updated on 20/10/2026

An informal get-together of employees or clients at the end of the working day, with drinks and nibbles, to socialise away from work.

An afterwork is an informal get-together for employees, partners or clients at the end of the working day, usually in the early evening, with drinks, some nibbles and a chance to talk away from work. It usually lasts a couple of hours, depending on whether dinner follows.

Why companies hold one

To bring the team together after a quarter-end or the close of a project.
To welcome new joiners.
To bring clients and partners together in a relaxed setting.
To celebrate a company milestone before a holiday period or Christmas.

What is usually served

An informal drinks reception: drinks plus cold and hot bites as finger food or canapés, perhaps with a board of cheese or Iberian charcuterie. Guests eat standing, at the pace of a welcome cocktail.

Approximate quantities

As an industry benchmark, if it is an aperitif before dinner, allow 6-8 pieces per person; if it replaces dinner, allow about 14 (12 savoury and 2 sweet), as in the drinks reception in our price guide. These figures are approximate and depend on how long it lasts and whether dinner follows.

What to bear in mind

Start time and length, which decide how much people eat.
How many drinks per person, and whether alcohol is served.
Staffing: a vino español reception and other standing formats need less front-of-house service than a dinner, but you should still plan for replenishment.