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.

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.

Prepare to don an orange jumpsuit as you become an inmate at this immersive cocktail bar. Inspired by America's most infamous prison and the Holloywood movies surrounding it, Alcotraz creates a range of tailored cocktails based on your liquor and tastes - just make sure the warden doesn't catch you!

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.

Dirty Bones have taken over one of London's most beautiful bars for their third venue. Located in a Grade-II listed former pub, this outlet is all about velvet armchairs, refreshing cocktails and all the big dirty plates we know and love.

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.

Promising live jazz and blues, delicious drinks and an authentic New Orleans theme, NOLA in Bethnal Green is a completely unique London bar well worth routing out. Housed in a former Thai restaurant on Roman Road, NOLA was once voted one of the best cocktail bars in the world.

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.

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.

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 to this bustling cocktail bar. Drinks are a tad on the steep side, so it's worth timing your visit to fit with happy hour, where cocktails are 2 for £10 between 4 and 8pm.

You rarely get quirky London bars with as much personality as Hester's Hideout. Steeped in history from the early 1900s, people flock here for wonderful entertainment from burlesque dancers, musicians and other performers, as well as to sip cocktails in this subterranean naughty hangout.

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.

Soho's suavest secret, hidden below ground level and coated in Parisian chic, is the perfect quirky hangout for you and your trendiest of friends. Nestle into the plushest of leather armchairs and admire your sophisticated surrounds as you taste cocktails mixed  by the gods and nosh on the divine of the dinners. You'll never want to leave and, with a late night license, you won't have to for a long while.

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. 

Modelled on the activity of a 1920s speakeasy, head to this illicit underground  haven for a taste of unrivalled vintage glamour. A venue showcasing beautiful performers in full burlesque, come for dinner and a show, with an extensive list of wines and classic cocktails served at the bar of this dazzling burlesque experience in the city.

A zero-waste philosophy, cool aesthetics, and enough greenery to whisk you away to dreams of tropical jungles: Nine Lives might just be the coolest bar around. But they focus on their music as much as their drinks, with weekly party events notorious around South London.

A little know haven for tailored drinks, a brooding atmosphere and classic 19th century London style. The Punch Room is nestled in the London Edition hotel and quite the secret bar in London if you're searching for an intimate spot to enjoy some cocktails. Settle in to the timeless style of this unusual place to drink and try their speciality punch bowl cocktails. Take some time, you're gonna need it. 

With one successful Islington bar already under their belts, Simon Bastable and Andrew Green have taken their Four Sisters name to the St Paul's area. With wood panelled floors, a beautiful seating area and a smattering of stylish knick knacks, the venue's cocktail menu steals the show. 

Looking for somewhere extra quirky to host a private party? Blues Kitchen has the perfect fit with their 1950s styled Airstream Caravan. They'll stock up the fridges with your favourite drinks as you soak in the vintage luxury, there's room for up to 25 and you can hook up your ipod and play your own tracks. Join the main party room a little later, where Blues comes up trumps with their mix of Texas BBQ food, bourbon cocktails and live rock 'n' roll music.

Crazy Bear Fitzrovia is not only one of the best cocktail bars in London but also provides an extremely decadent venue to indulge in a romantic meal. Once you've swept down the luxurious red velvet staircase, you will be dining amongst the sound of chatter and clinking crystal cocktail glasses.

A gem in the crown of London's speakeasy scene, Found is one of the most humble yet unique bars in the city. Promising a menu that features only 12 distinct cocktails, Found have gone out of their way to ensure a mantra of quality over quantity. 

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.

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. 

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Bat, how I wonder what you're at. Borrowing its name from the Mad Hatter's poem, Little Bat is a quirky neighbourhood cocktail bar featuring plenty of Wonderland-themed influences. Expect a playful and imaginative ambience complemented by superb cocktails and attentive at Callooh Callay's new sister site.

Cool? Yes. Quirky? Oh most definitely. Expect cocktails, science lab coats and plenty of detention-worthy behaviour at The Schoolhouse. Serving up food from brunch through to dinner and inventive cocktails till late, we sure as hell hope Ofsted don't cotton onto this one.

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.

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.

Megaro is charming and characterful cocktail bar, sitting below the bustling streets of Kings Cross. The venue's expert mixologists have really let their creative side shine, curating a menu of signature creations and spirit infusion. Why not try the Borsh Mary cocktail, created using the venue's very own homemade hot sauce. If that wasn't enticing enough, the cinema-style seating and elegant portraits hanging on the walls add a bit of edge and quirk. 

Inspired by party animal Josephine Bonaparte, Tonight Josephine is a kitsch and fun bar in London. Join them for a night of 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.

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!

Radiant with intimacy and tiki flair, it almost seems a shame to lift the lid on this secretive basement bar on Portobello Road. Head inside to uncover a world of exotic drinks, kooky interiors and delightful Dim Sum bites. It's an ideal spot for a date or a catch up with your mate, and cocktails like the Banzai '45, Mr Yellow Belly and Dia De Los Muertos will have you back time and again.

Opium is a great London speakeasy style cocktail bar. They deliver seasonal Oriental themed cocktails, in a discrete and decadent setting. Widely considered one of London's best bars, Opium is a cool and quirky London cocktail bar hidden among the bustling streets of China Town.

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.

A characterful den lined with an extensive choice of gins, kooky artworks 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. A must try for any gin aficionado.

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.

What happens when you combine delicious MEATliquor burgers with great cocktails, 12 bowling alleys and an ice skating rink? Queens is what.

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.

Step off the cobbled streets of East London and into this multiple award-winning cocktail bar permeated by a wonderfully eccentric vibe. This Alice In Wonderland themed retreat serves up their famously refreshing and punchy cocktails to an eclectic crowd who are enticed in by the weird and wacky décor. Keep your eyes peeled for the wardrobe that leads to a clandestine dining space and try an alcoholic slushie at the charismatic upstairs bar.

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.

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. 

The Dead Dolls House pad in Islington hosts quite the spread of unique bars to sup, dine or dance in for a bit of contemporary cool partying. Something of a sophisticated playground, the Dead Dolls collective know how to host everything from delicious eats to hand crafted cocktails and a party that will keep going until 4am. Check out their Peckham stronghold, too.

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.

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.

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 in 2018-style.

Swingers is a bar like no other, bringing two 9-hole crazy golf courses, alongside three street food vendors, five cocktail bars, two-storey clubhouse all for you to hang out in.

One-hundred-and-eiiiiighty! Flight Club in Shoreditch and Bloomsbury breathes a new lease of life into the UK's favourite pub game, welcoming you into their beautifully designed oches to play interactive and creative games. Throw in some real-time scoring (there's not a chalk board in sight), awesome gameplay animations and a dash of competitive spirit and you've got hours of unadulterated fun at one of the most unique bars in London.

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.

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 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, new bands or established acts taking the stage, with intimate jazz nights and DJ sessions usually focused in the basement. It's not exclusively about the music though, with bespoke cocktails and authentic Italian pizzas also well worth checking out.

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. 

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.

Found right around the corner from Tower Bridge, Simmons brings affordable drinks to their small but perfectly formed cocktail bar. Featuring quirky decorations (there's an enormous dinosaur's head, for crying out loud) and a friendly ambience, make sure you're in between 4 and 9pm on weekdays if you want to take full advantage of their famous happy hour discounts.

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.

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.

This cool and quirky bar in Herne Hill offers something a little different from your average cocktail den. With drinks served in drip bags and administered through syringes, this medicine themed bar is a cure from London bar boredom.

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.

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.

A hidden treasure marrying inventive cocktails with an eclectic music programme, you don't go forgetting a trip to Apples & Pears in a hurry. The venue's radiant atmosphere makes it perfect for date night or stopping by after work, and with a medley of live acoustic acts and animated DJ nights, we challenge you not to find yourself tapping those toes deep into the night.

This quirky bar in West London is set to be flat party central outside of your own flat, with fantastic drinks, the coolest vibes, and even delicious, international food for you to tuck into. Expect mischievous mayhem when you visit.

Less a bar and more an immersive adult fun house complete with arcade games, Hip Hop DJs and a shots-only bar. Head for Hackney and test out your gaming skills to see which shots you'll be served up over the course of the night.

Carefully carved using pure ice, BelowZero is the UK's only cocktail bar permanently frozen solid. There's no half measures here, everything from the walls to the bar, tables to your own personal glass are made out of ice and maintained at a chilly -5°C. Cloak up and head for ice-cold cocktails at this bucket list London venue.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There are multi-sensory drinking experiences, and then there is Purl. A speakeasy-styled 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. Make yourself comfy and indulge in one of these luscious libations – just remember the password for entry (Hair Of The Dog).

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.