Cool and Quirky Bars in London

Decked out in the grandeur of the Victorian era, the aptly named Victorian Bath House pulls back the velvet curtain to show you into a world of period luxury and vintage inspired food and drink. Sup on the finest cocktails, lounge in decadence and tuck into fine foods from top chefs at one of London's cool restaurant bars.

Prepare to don an orange jumpsuit as you become an inmate at these immersive cocktail bars in central and east London. Inspired by America's infamous prison and the Hollywood movies surrounding it, Alcotraz creates tailored cocktails based on your liquor and tastes - just make sure the warden doesn't catch you!

Throwing it back to 1920s Havana, join the fun-loving crew at the notorious Burlock as they churn out rum cocktails in a quirky London setting for the party hardy. Throwback? You bet.

One of Chelsea's most sought after bar experiences, hidden away in the Chelsea Funhouse you'll find The Bletchley - a fully-immersive cocktail bar and a World War Two-inspired escape room. And if that doesn't take your fancy? There's also a stunning journey-inspired restaurant and late-night cocktail lounge paying homage to all things espresso martini.

Sister site to the mighty Nightjar speakeasy, Oriole is a sumptuous space of global influence and exotic design in Smithfield Market. Come for luscious cocktails made up of tastes and flavours from all corners of the globe, equally tasty bites to eat and a live music schedule which spans everything from Cuban Son to West Coast African blues.

Being a cool and quirky bar in London seems to come oh so easy to a venue like The Bootlegger. Get set for a dose of cocktail razzle dazzle at this Prohibition-inspired vintage bar in the heart of East London.

Taking residence in Victorian listed basement, The Piano Works is the revival of the loud and vibrant live music bars, where you can dance and party to the sound of a 6 piece band playing your song requests. Taking on a vintage style speakeasy, this House of Song is one of the best hidden gems London has to offer.

With four venues across the city, there's no better NYC-inspired spot to find yourself in than Dirty Bones. From a slick range of delcious American comfort eats, to quirky cocktails to wash them down with, there's a great time guaranteed at any one of these fun London bars.

Inspired by the Wild West, this immersive cocktail bar is one of a kind. Try your hand at card games and solve clues, in the heart of Fulham. Make sure you've smuggled in your choice of tipple which expert bartenders use to create personalised cocktails based on your own choices and tastes.

From retro wares which include old-fashioned maps and an incredible plant-ridden conservatory, Powder Keg Diplomacy is a vintage watering hole in South London. The Clapham spot serves up delicious cocktails mixed with everything from Earl Grey tea to citrus fruits, there's also a hearty menu if you're peckish.

Contrary to what George Michael says, drinks at this Covent Garden bar are not free. The team behind this bar certainly haven't gone in half-hearted. The venue's full of 500 bird decorations, a lagoon pool-style dance floor, a dazzling selection of colourful flowers and a handful of cabanas spread throughout. With various beach-grill inspired dishes, over 50 cocktails on the menu and some of the city's biggest DJs on the decks, it marries the right amount of quirk with all the things we love about a themed night out in London.

With its deep multi-coloured armchairs, bright wall art and list of original and delicious cocktails, Bourne & Hollingsworth is a seriously cool and quirky bar in Central London. The venue has space for 60 people and is perfect for everything from after-work drinks through to birthday party spots.

Undoubtedly a cool place to drink in London, 68 and Boston is a Soho favourite for vintage wine labels and expert mixology. With decor fitting some suave '70s leanings and colonial vibes this cocktail turn wine bar is a top destination for date night drinks, intimate gatherings and any who consider themselves a connoisseur of concoctions. 

Head to North London where this fun tiki bar whips up some of the finest cocktails on Upper Street. Most come laced with bespoke rum and fresh ingredients for the sipping on, but if you're looking to kick things up a notch head to their upstairs Rum Club and try your hand at mixing your own rum.

Powering up in Canary Wharf this winter is one unique bar concept from the minds behind Flight Club. Electric Shuffle is an all-new technological spin on the classic pastime, with additional food and drinks to forge an unforgettable evening. 

The Alchemist have quickly built up a reputation for being one of the UK's most exciting bars, serving unique creations from the heart of Old Street that fizz, change colour and come to life right before your eyes. Head to East London this summer to experience the theatrics for yourself.

Colourful, imaginative and let's face it, a little weird - Adventure Bar Clapham Junction is anything but your average bar. Based within the home of a wacky time traveller, you can expect a Victorian-cum-futuristic decor, peculiar art and plenty of conversation-starting oddities. Quirky cocktails and damn fine nosh await.

Boasting a DJ booth tucked inside of a vintage piano, cocktails served out of the finest of China, and luxurious seating arrangements, the Arts Theatre Club is certainly in the upper echelon of cool and quirky bars in London. This members-only, Soho speakeasy acts as the perfect, Prohibition-era getaway amidst the modern day hustle and bustle of the city.

While the Portobello Star might be old, it just means that they've attracted the cool, fun crowd of West London for loads of years now. Come here for amazing cocktails, premium beers and house infused spirits.

An ideal pitstop whether you're in need of cocktails, beers, wine or food, Ruby's is one of East London's true treasures. Consistently rated as one of the best basement bars in town, head to this Dalston favourite if your idea of a good night features innovative drinks served in an intimate atmosphere. There's also a lovely lounge area to explore, serving a wider choice of beers, wines and Vietnamese street food on the side of a curated programme of live music and events.

Returning to its home in Deptford, Little Nan's is a quirky bar that celebrates all the things our beloved grandma's love. Styled as a vintage living room with chesterfield sofas, cocktails served in teapots and suede-covered everything, the venue specialises in serving unforgettable nights out in London. Better still, there's even a sister venue based in Catford, Little Nan's Broadway Theatre Saloon. 

One of the coolest bars in Soho, Beasy Bar is up there. A pop-up located in a hair salon on D'Arblay Street, this West End boozer is all about delicious cocktails, tasty wines and live DJs on the decks until the early hours.

Killer cocktails, a cracking bar team, a cool as hell Hells Angels atmosphere and a thriving Shoreditch location. Yep, LCC Shoreditch is good to go for a memorable night out in east London. Come in, get comfy on the black leather couches and work your way to the bottom of an expertly mixed drink. Not sure what you fancy? The 'Smoking Barrel' should get you started just right. You're welcome.

So much more than your average bar, this quirky spot in Palmers Green houses a full roller skating rink for when you're looking to get a little active on your next night out.

Omeara has many things that prove it's a cool bar in London. There's the Cantina, offering the finest in tequila and cocktails, or there's the 320-capacity live music venue, showcasing the best in up-and-coming and world-class acts. But if none of that tickles your fancy, the views from the Terrace of the Shard and Southwark Cathedral are worth the trip.

Spread across two floors, Bobby Fitzpatrick is a quirky '70s den of vintage wallpaper, kitsch sofas and signed photographs. There's board games and a quirky cocktail list inspired by Fitzpatrick's great loves, as well as American deep dish pizzas. 

The Four Thieves in Battersea has everything you need for a trip to the boozer. From more than 70 gins, a microbrewery on site and enough craft beer to keep you drinking the week's woes away, the fun doesn't stop there. Head upstairs for an incredible games room, filled with car racing, ping pong and virtual reality.

Bringing all the fineries of the Empire of China into Brixton Village, The Courtesan is a cool London bar that welcomes in adventurous and discerning diners and drinkers to sample their innovative tea-based cocktails and traditional dim sum sharing plates. Settle down with a drink in the gilded Birdcage Bar or play a game of mah-jong in the private Boudoir of this cool and quirky bar.

Stop by Drink Shop & Do near King's Cross for a night out where you can take more than just a hangover home with you as a souvenir. Their cool daily 'DOs' could have you lego making, ukulele playing or floral headband making! You can also book for their quirky range of afternoon teas, such as their 'Mrs Sparkles' with unlimited Prosecco or their 'Man's Afternoon Tea' with ale, pork scratchings and a Yorkie. You never know what's coming next at Drink Shop & Do.

East London is home to the capital's cool and quirky bars, but it is yet to have one dedicated to the creation of The Gibson. That was, until now, as expert mixologists have been experimenting with the Edwardian recipe to create a cocktail list perfect for the dark, intimate and extravagant Clerkenwell venue.  

The Exhibit is Balham's all-in-one social destination. Come for a majestic cocktail or get stuck in at the dinner table, and don't forget they love a big party come Friday Night. There's comedy at the weekends, life drawing classes, art exhibitions and the chance to catch a film in London's smallest independent cinema space.

This charismatic Angel hangout features a quirky train-carriage theme that takes you on a journey calling at great food central and innovative cocktails parkway. A plethora of shadowy foliage adds to the atmosphere and the friendly bar staff stroke train conductors make this a venue you won't go forgetting any time soon.

This Tiki-laden palace is a tropical wonderland of bamboos, buoys and traditional wooden boats suspended from the ceiling. Trader Vic's is a Polynesian inspired hideaway where you'll find the kitchen knocking out exotic goods and the bar whipping up some of London's most infamous Mai Tais. 

BYOC Camden is not your average cocktail den; for starters it has an amazing 1920s theme, complete with vintage blackjack tables and roulette, and secondly, you are expected to bring your own bottle of spirit for bartenders to whip into masterpieces.

Brewpub and circus Big Top all rolled into one Aeronaut space. Fans of the most extravagant and wowing shows of all time, Aeronaut's quirk comes in the form of the amazing circus performances they showcase. Second to this comes their title of Brewpub bringing East End distilery traditions to the West. Hosting a plethora of entertainment nights including swing dancing classes, live music sets, DJs and ariel acrobats, Aeronaut definitely satisfies that quest for something cool and quirky. 

In the heart of Shoreditch at the top of the hip Hackney Road, lies Looking Glass Cocktail Club - one of London's coolest and quirkiest bars. This great cocktail bar takes mixology to a whole new dimension. Step through the giant opulent 'looking glass' and into a world of decedent debauchery with unique mesmerizing cocktails and eccentric entertainment in a lavish, cosy setting.

Rehab is Homerton's neighbourhood bar serving good quality cocktails and locally sourced vegan food. It's housed in a former launderette, and you can still find the original washing machine covers adorning the bathrooms. Intimate and charming with plenty of raw brickwork and low lighting? You know it ticks all the right boxes.

Hop Kingdom is a unique venue in Southwark that acts as a skate park, bar and live music venue. Whether you're looking to book a birthday party, gig, exhibition bands, photo shoots, or anything else that springs to mind, the space is adaptable to any and all occasions. 

Prohibition parties. There's plenty going round, but only a select few come out firing on all cylinders like the Candlelight Club. They'll keep details hush-hush for as long as possible, but we're allowed to tell you that there will be bespoke cocktails, vintage DJs and live jazz bands summoning up the spirit of the 20s long into the night. Braces, fedoras, flapper dresses and feather headdresses are a must!

Using cutting edge technology, Puttshack has taken mini golf to the next level. Head to this quirky bar in Shepherds Bush and prepare to get your golf in 2018-style.

Shoreditch Platform is an exciting new space in East London that charges guests by the hour, making it a perfect spot for working during the day. By night the venue transforms into a fun bar and over weekends DJs spin until early in the morning.

From the secret cocktail lounge through to the stripped back dining space, Martello Hall is a gorgeous East London pub turned into a cool bar. Check it out for delicious homely plates, with everything from pizzas through to meatballs.