Looking for a truly memorable date night in Brighton? Swap the usual dinner-and-movie for something far more thrilling. Alcotraz offers an immersive, theatrical evening where you and your date can play central roles in a story of smuggled liquor, prison intrigue and illicit cocktails. It’s one of the most unique date ideas Brighton couples can try!
Alcotraz goes beyond the standard offering of the many cocktail bars in Brighton, giving you a chance to dive into a story together, surrounded by actors, surprises and a shared mission. Whether you’re on a first date or celebrating your ten-year anniversary, you won’t find a more fun date idea in Brighton…
Once you bring your date inside, there’s no turning back. Enter a thrilling world of mischief, as you and your date become part of a notorious bootlegging prison gang, bent on smuggling in liquor and serving your sentence with cleverly crafted, bespoke cocktails.
You and your date have just one mission – don’t let the Warden catch you. Work together to outsmart them, using your wits to hide your smuggling operation, all with a little help from the coolest inmate on the block.
Our guards are just as crooked as your crimes. They’ll check you in, hand out your prison-issue jumpsuits, and assist with smuggling in your contraband… as long as you keep them on your side.
The Warden’s always on the lookout, hunting for any contraband. You’ll need sharp ideas, quick distractions, and fast thinking to stay one step ahead at all times. With a little teamwork, you could be running the block by the time your sentence is up.
At Alcotraz Brighton there are 2 ticket types to choose between. Both offer the immersive theatrical experience and four bespoke cocktails. The only difference is whether you sit in a cell or on the canteen tables in the middle of the Cell Block.
Prison Cell Seating
Perfect for couples and groups, each ticket is seating within one of the “Prison Cells”.
What this includes: Imprisonment inside Alcotraz with 4 personalised cocktails made by our inmate mixologists.
Please bring your own bottle of liquor to smuggle past the Warden with the help of the Guards of Alcotraz.
Prison Canteen Seating
Only for groups of 2 and 4, each ticket is seating at one of the “Prison Canteen Tables”.
What this includes: Imprisonment inside Alcotraz with 4 personalised cocktails made by our inmate mixologists.
Please bring your own bottle of liquor to smuggle past the Warden with the help of the Guards of Alcotraz.
Worried your date doesn’t drink? Don’t be. Whether you sip cocktails or prefer to remain teetotal, Alcotraz Brighton has you covered. The storyline unfolds the same way for every pair, and non‑drinkers receive four crafted mocktails instead of spirits – meaning you won’t need to smuggle anything inside. You’ll remain fully immersed in the drama, atmosphere and suspense either way.
For couples seeking Brighton date night ideas that accommodate everyone, this is one of the most unique, exciting and inclusive bars you can find.
Choose your sentence
Go undercover with “The Rookie” ticket for an immersive theatrical experience and four bespoke cocktails. Want more? “The Associate” ticket adds a Prison Record Card souvenir with your own photo to commemorate your time inside. Or go all-in with “The Boss” ticket for canteen sweets and a branded Alcotraz mug to take home. Upgrade your sentence – some perks are worth doing extra time for.
Prices range from £42 to £66 incl booking fee, depending on the day of the week you choose. More specific prices can be found during checkout.
Special add-on
Make the experience extra memorable by assigning your date their own unique character. With three characters to choose from, “the Janitor”, “the Mole” or “the Escape Artist”, watch them play out an integral part of the immersive storyline.
Includes their own costume pieces during the show.
*Add during checkout if available.
A date night like no other
With everything from playful missions to personalised plot twists, Alcotraz throws you right into the action, where you and your date are part of the unfolding story. Talented performers guide your journey, and each cocktail smuggled past the guards heightens the thrill.
Prepare to escape the everyday and immerse yourselves in an unforgettable night in a prison you’ll be talking about long after your release.
What do I wear to Alcotraz Brighton?
For your official processing and conviction, we recommend wearing light, comfortable clothing. You’ll be required to wear one of our standard-issue orange jumpsuits (provided) for the duration of your stay behind bars – a signature for one of the most unique cocktail bars in Brighton.
How long will I spend at Alcotraz Brighton?
This date night in Brighton lasts around 1 hour and 45 minutes. You’ll be suited up in your orange jumpsuit the entire time, joining fellow inmates for cocktails, chaos and covert missions.
What size jumpsuits do you provide?
Our standard-issue Alcotraz Brighton jumpsuits cater to all inmates, with sizes ranging from XS to 4XL. You’re free to style however you prefer – many guests tie the arms around their waist for comfort. Another reason we stand out among fun bars in Brighton is the attention to every detail of the experience!
What alcohol can I bring with me?
Our mixologists (AKA inmates) are at their creative best when working with smuggled spirits, but if you prefer wine or beer, that’s totally fine too. It’s all part of what makes Alcotraz a top choice for a date night in Brighton with a twist.
How much liquor should we bring?
We recommend 1 x 35cl of base spirit per couple.
Can I bring opened bottles of alcohol?
No. Alcotraz Brighton follows a strict closed bottle policy, meaning only new, sealed and unopened bottles of alcohol will be accepted. If you have any booze left at the end, we’ll hand it back to you – so we recommend screw-top bottles for ease.
How do I smuggle in alcohol?
No need to panic… The guards are on your side. Smaller bottles can be slipped into handbags or coat pockets, and if you’re not looking too stealthy, our check-in guards might have a few props to help you out. Once you’re in, our mixologists will use your contraband to create custom cocktails to suit your taste – just convince the Warden it’s chicken soup and not an Old Fashioned.
How many drinks are included?
Each inmate will receive around four personalised cocktails during their sentence. Our mixologists use the liquor you bring, while we provide the rest – all liqueurs, syrups, bitters, mixers and garnishes are included in your ticket price.
Do I need to get involved if I don’t want to?
Not at all. While Alcotraz is one of the most theatrical speakeasy bars in Brighton, participation is optional. The experience is brought to life by actors including the Warden, Guards and your fellow inmates. You can dive into the storyline and start crafting your alibi – or simply kick back with your cocktails and enjoy the show. It’s immersive, but never pushy.
Is Alcotraz Brighton scary?
Not at all. Alcotraz is designed to be fun, humorous and a little mischievous. Our actors create lighthearted, evolving storylines that adapt to your unique personalities and preferences, making this a top pick for couple activities in Brighton. It’s all about connection, laughs and unforgettable fun.
Do we share a cell with other couples?
If attending as a couple for a Brighton date night, we’ll do our best to ensure that you are given your own cell. This isn’t always possible though, and there is a chance that you may end up in the same cell as another couple or small group.
Is this experience aimed at groups?
Definitely not! Alcotraz is fun for groups or for pairs looking for great Brighton activities for couples.
Is Alcotraz Brighton wheelchair-accessible?
Unfortunately, our Brighton Cell Block is not currently accessible for wheelchair users.
What do I need to know before visiting?
Alcotraz Brighton is a strictly 18+ venue.
Guests are encouraged to interact with our actors and embrace their roles – but abusive or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated. Please don’t interrupt key performance moments.
Groups of 6-7 people are seated in each cell. We will try to give couples their own cell depending on bookings, but this is not always possible, and you may share a cell with other people.
Every guest needs their own ticket – one ticket does not equal one cell.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Unfortunately we are unable to refund or cancel bookings, however, it is possible to move your booking to another day if we are given appropriate notice depending on your group size. If your group is 5 or less, please provide 48 hours notice prior to your visit. If your group is 6 or more, please provide 96 hours notice prior to your visit. Any purchases made individually will be treated as part of the wider group that they were looking to attend with. If you happen to make your booking within this time period then unfortunately an exchange is not possible. If the appropriate notice applies to your group size then please email thewarden@alcotraz.co.uk to complete an exchange.
