Top 10 quirky bars in London
Looking to break away from the usual pub routine? London’s nightlife is packed with surprises, and some of the most unforgettable spots are hidden in plain sight. From vibrant neon party dens to fully immersive cocktail adventures, the UK capital is home to some of the most unique watering holes you’ll find anywhere.
If you’re on the hunt for quirky bars in London that serve up wild themes, eccentric energy, and plenty of photo ops alongside good drinks, this guide is your new go-to. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, a team night out, or just want to switch up your usual bar crawl, these cocktail bars in London are waiting for your first visit.
1. Get locked up at Alcotraz
Welcome to the prison you actually want to end up in. Alcotraz is an immersive, prison-themed London activity bar where guests don orange jumpsuits, smuggle in their own booze, and interact with a full cast of characters, including guards, inmates, and one very suspicious Warden. Your drinks are made using your own contraband liquor, if you manage to sneak it past the guards, that is…
Alcotraz is more than just a bar. It’s part theatre, part escape room, and wholly unforgettable. For those looking for activity bars in London that go way beyond a pint and a chat, Alcotraz is the perfect way to stir up some mischief.
2. Hit the frontier at Moonshine Saloon
From the creators of Alcotraz comes another immersive gem, this time set in the Wild West. Moonshine Saloon invites patrons to transform into outlaws in a dusty frontier town, smuggling in their own liquor to be turned into bespoke cocktails by undercover bootleggers. Remember to dodge the Sheriff, and try not to spill any secrets…
With vibrant decor straight out of a spaghetti western and storytelling just as bold, Moonshine Saloon is easily one of the most theatrical and quirky bars in London, perfect for anyone who loves a good cocktail with a side of theatrics.
3. Travel to another world at Avora
Ever wanted to travel to another planet? Well, now you can, without leaving London. Avora makes it possible, with an interactive cocktail journey that takes you through beautifully designed alien environments, complete with colour-changing drinks, glowing forests, and an immersive mission to protect the fictional world of Avora.
The cocktails are as imaginative as the set design, and the whole experience is the perfect blend of sci-fi theatre and experimental mixology. If you’re into fun bars in London that offer mind-bending escapism, Avora will absolutely blow your mind.
4. Take names at Bounce (Farringdon, Old Street & Battersea)
Bounce takes the humble game of ping pong and turns it into a full-blown nightlife experience. With glow-in-the-dark tables, high-tech scoreboards, DJs, cocktails, and pizza, this is one of the most energetic activity bars in London. It’s the kind of place where competitive vibes meets party atmosphere, perfect for birthdays, team nights, or just blowing off steam after work.
The best part? You don’t need to be any good at table tennis to have a blast. There are three locations across London, so there’s always a Bounce nearby when you need one.
5. Be a kid again at Ballie Ballerson
This Shoreditch favourite has become legendary for its glowing ball pits, bottomless brunches, and over-the-top party energy. Ballie Ballerson combines nostalgic fun with a healthy dose of grown-up chaos. You’ll find yourself sipping candy-inspired cocktails, dancing under neon lights, and swimming through thousands of colourful balls.
Whether you’re there for the cocktails, the live DJs, or just to relive your childhood (with a little booze on deck), Ballie Ballerson is one of the most outrageously fun bars in London.
6. Explore Aures London
Hidden beneath Waterloo Station, Aures is part art gallery, part bar, part sensory playground. It regularly hosts immersive events, from live music to experimental installations, all powered by an ultra-immersive sound system and lighting. You’re not just drinking here, you’re experiencing something that blends tech, art, and nightlife in equal measure.
If you’re tired of the same old bar vibes, Aures gives you a dose of cultural cool with your cocktails. It’s one of the most under-the-radar, quirky bars in London.
7. Go wild at Tonight Josephine (Waterloo & Shoreditch)
Tonight Josephine is where sparkle meets sass. With its bright pink interiors, glittering walls, and notorious neon signs (“Well behaved women don’t make history,” anyone?), this bar is unapologetically extra and proud of it. Say hello to themed bottomless brunches, outrageous drag performances, and Instagrammable decor. Tonight Josephine is a high-energy haven for girls’ nights, birthdays and boozy catch-ups, making it one of the most iconic cocktail bars in London for pure, unfiltered fun.
8. Enter the darkness at Hexmoor
Hexmoor is one of the most intriguing and quirky bars in London – an immersive cocktail adventure that plunges you into a world of sorcery, secrets and sensational storytelling. Set inside a hidden penitentiary for rogue sorcerers, you’ll don your official jumpsuit, be introduced by head sorceress Cordelia Constance‑Xanthe, and navigate iron gates, secret passageways and even a working wand shop.
Expect world‑class cocktails (three potions crafted by “hexologists”), theatrical actors, film‑style set design and magical special effects that blur the lines between bar and performance. It’s immersive, it’s bold and it’s unlike anything you’ll find in typical cocktail bars in London – perfect for anyone hunting for immersive bars that deliver more than just drinks.
9. Blame Gloria… at Blame Gloria (Covent Garden & Clapham Junction)
Step inside and meet Gloria, London’s most fabulous fictional party host. Blame Gloria’s decor is drenched in disco, vintage glam and psychedelic flair, and its cocktail menu is as cheeky as its branding. Think glitter, retro tunes, and bottomless brunches that turn into full-on dance floors by 3pm… If you’re looking for cocktail bars in London that don’t take themselves too seriously but still know how to throw a party, Gloria’s your girl!
10. Carve it up at Hop Kingdom
Situated near London Bridge, Hop Kingdom is a skaterboarder’s dream and a relaxed craft beer haven. This London activity bar combines a skate park, laid-back bar, and community event venue in one. You’ll find local beers on tap, chilled vibes, and plenty of space to unwind… Or show off your kickflips. This one’s perfect for those looking for something more low-key and creative in the world of quirky bars in London. No cowboy hats or ball pits, just a genuinely cool spot to hang.
11. Skate the night away at Roller Nation
Spend a night on wheels at Roller Nation, where roller skating meets disco in the coolest way possible. Grab a drink from the rink-side bar, glide under a spinning disco ball, and vibe out to 70s, 80s and 90s classics. Themed nights, DJ sets, and full bar service make this the ultimate blend of nostalgia and nightlife. Roller Nation is one of the most original activity bars in London, and great for groups who want to dance, drink, and maybe fall over a little, all in the name of fun.
Try something different at Alcotraz London
If you’re looking for the ultimate blend of immersive theatre, delicious cocktails and a one-of-a-kind storyline, Alcotraz London is hard to beat. With its jailhouse setting, inmate bartenders, and sneaky missions, Alcotraz is more than a watering hole. It’s a full-blown experience.
Get ready to serve your sentence
Book your Alcotraz experience now and discover why it’s one of the most unique and talked-about fun activity bars in London.
