Cool and Quirky Bars in London

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.

Throw it back to 1920s Havana and join the fun-loving crew at the notorious Burlock as they churn out rum cocktails in a quirky London setting for the party hardy. Located just moments from Oxford Street, this is one for a fun night out in the West End.

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.

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 East London. 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.

Peckham Levels' quirkiest bar is Near & Far, a kitsch retro haven with an import/export theme. Come inside and you'll enjoy cocktails and bar snacks created with both locally sourced ingredients and exotic imports, and you can enjoy all this while soaking up the panoramic views of London.

There are multi-sensory drinking experiences, and then there is Purl. A speakeasy-style drinking den located in the heart of Marylebone, the venue's pioneering approach to their cocktails involves utilising aroma, fogs, foams and liquid nitrogen to bring each and every drink to life. Just remember the password for entry (Hair Of The Dog).

Playing host to a range of eating outlets it can be tricky deciding what to chow down on at this quirky Paddington eatery. From burgers and wings to pizza and wonton soup, you'll be spoilt for choice.

The Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings is a quaint bar in North London, based just a short stroll from Angel tube station. With a sleek bar serving all the signature cocktails that have made the B&H name famous over the years, the venue's idyllic greenhouse and airy cafe offer prime spots to unwind in with mates. Soak up all the vintage and carefree vibes at this quirky bar in London. 

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 on with cocktails, craft beer and an international menu to keep you fuelled.

Combining neon lights, late night karaoke and a cosy and intimate setting, this arty LGBTQ+ friendly bar celebrates creativity and diversity in East London. With delicious drinks and after-party vibes, Village 512 makes for a cool regular haunt.

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.

Do something a little different this Christmas and join Pussy Liquor's festive celebration. Enjoy live cabaret and burlesque entertainment and cheesy pop tunes.

Hidden away beneath a derelict pub in Shoreditch is The King's Head Members Club, boasting an eclectic array of taxidermy scattered amongst the opulent interiors of its private rooms, secret basement club, lounge bar and restaurant. This quirky spot also has some of the best entertainment drop by, including Basque shows, DJ lead parties, live music and more.

There's more than a hint of West London suave about this basement bolthole. It's found beneath the Arbitrager, offering a relaxed yet refined atmosphere to the city's after-work crowd. Cross this one off your 'must-visit' list and you'll soon be enjoying a daring and innovative list of signature drinks in one of the hot-to-trot basement bars in London.

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 brunch and American deep dish pizzas. 

Step off the cobbled streets of East London and into this multi-award-winning cocktail bar permeated by a wonderfully eccentric vibe. Expect punchy cocktails and an eclectic crowd, as well as a hidden bar that you'll find if you venture upstairs.

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.

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/train conductors make this a venue you won't go forgetting any time soon.

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.

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. 

What happens when you combine delicious MEATliquor burgers with great cocktails, 12 bowling alleys and an ice skating rink? QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl is what. Head west for a fun day our complete with great food and activities.

Cirque brings all of the fun of the circus to Old Street. A kooky little space filled with Rubix cube stools, zebra taxidermy and dangling airplane models, there's a lot of charm and character. It's worth timing your visit to fit with happy hour, where cocktails are just 2 for £10.

Hidden below ground level and coated in Parisian chic, this is the perfect hangout for you and your trendiest of friends. Nestle into plush leather armchairs and admire your sophisticated surroundings as you taste cocktails mixed by the gods and nosh on inventive desserts at Basement Sate.

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.

Winterland's events are bringing you some of the best boozy experiences, including a fabulous cocktail and gin bar at their alpine ski party. Or opt for a endless drinks and brunch option, complete with a live DJ.

Gigi's is an eccentric London DJ bar, live music venue and restaurant in the heart of Hoxton Square. Shoreditch clubbing, dining and drinking can all be enjoyed in this bar's bold and beautiful interiors making it one of the best London late night bars without a doubt.

Ping pong bars are all the rage in London right now, and few do it better than Bounce. A buzzing underground spot made for eating, drinking and playing ping-pong late into the night, the tables here can fit up to 20, and the table service policy means you won't have to ditch your area when ordering in the delicious pizza or a few gin-based cocktails.

Based on the HQ of the secret society that ran Victorian London, The Escapologist is part Victorian men's club, part Masonic Lodge; a totally unique drinking den based on the shady exploits of the infamous Baron. Head this way for sharing cocktails and cheese-drenched pizzas in one of the most eye-catching basement bars in town.

A characterful den complete with gin, kooky artwork and a snug basement space, Ask For Janice is a popular Farringdon local. Serving brekky and your morning coffee early doors, the venue lays on a choice of locally produced fare throughout the day and offers a livelier vibe later.

We Londoners think we've seen everything, but then a bar like Black Rock comes around and puts an 18ft, 185-year-old oak tree trunk in the middle of the bar and we're shocked all over again. The tree trunk acts as an interactive cocktail ageing system, that you can use on their over 250 bottles of different whiskies on display for your pleasure.

Inspired by party animal Josephine Bonaparte, Tonight Josephine is a kitsch and fun bar. Our top choice for a girls night out in London, this Instagrammable spot boasts a cracking cocktail menu, as well as neon signs, glittery cocktails and celebrity mugshots.

Draped with wicker masks, brass icons and even featuring giant maypoles (Maypole Dancing actively encouraged), Hand of Glory boasts an interior design to behold. Grab one of their rotating 'deadly ciders', sample some home-infused gin and gorge on a plate of fresh, lovingly prepared pub grub.

Hidden within Merchant House of Bow Lane, this secret bar can be booked for a few hours, where you'll have your own music, a personal bartender and even be able to make your own drinks. Check out The Brig for a night to rememeber.

The third venue of its kind, Old Street Records brings cutting-edge live music to the masses in the heart of Shoreditch. Head along on any given night and expect to see EP launches, live DJs and new bands taking the stage, with cocktails and authentic Italian pizzas also well worth checking out.

Undoubtedly one of London's most quirkiest watering holes, The Last Tuesday Society pairs taxidermy and unusual decor with a menu of absinthe and classy cocktails. Head East where the Hackney haunt will show you something a little different.

Powering up in London Bridge is one unique bar concept from the minds behind Flight Club. Electric Shuffle is a unique technological spin on the classic pastime, with cocktails and boozy brunches at the heart of their sites in London Bridge and Canary Wharf.

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

Giving it some serious welly in the quirky department is hidden Peckham gem, The Four Quarters. A stand out name on the bars with games scene, not only do they provide top entertainment in the shape of retro games, consoles and arcade machines, there's American bites, cocktails and a secret speakeasy bar in the basement. 

Wacky interiors, pretty cocktails and party tunes are all on the menu at Blame Gloria, a cool South London bar and late-night spot. Whether you fancy some happy hour drinks or a wild night of dancing with mates, this Clapham den is ready and waiting to play ball.

Opium is a great London speakeasy-style cocktail bar. The bar team deliver themed cocktails, in a discrete and decadent setting. Widely considered one of London's best bars, Opium is a cool and quirky London spot hidden among the bustling streets of Chinatown.

If you're in the market for something a little different then head East to Signature Brew Blackhorse Road. The working brewery and taproom is the perfect place to try a selection of craft ales, with live music and tasty street food on offer too.