Cool And Quirky Bars In London

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. 

For those seeking a bar with personality and pizzazz, Hux Bar is the ultimate cool and quirky destination. This Kensington venue invites you to escape into a fantastical, hedonistic world filled with lush décor, rich colours, and an unapologetic vibe that's anything but ordinary.

The cocktail menu here doesn't just serve drinks - it serves artistry, with original concoctions that surprise and delight. Add to that the vibrant live music scene, and you've got a place that's not just a bar but an experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor looking for something off the beaten path, Hux is a spot that's sure to spark conversation and inspire repeat visits.

Situated on Rathbone Place, Lucy Wong boasts quirky interiors and bespoke creations. Make your way into this lounge, where you'll be transported to a Hong Kong-inspired atmosphere, where you can indulge in a wide selection of Chinese cuisine. Better yet, there are also live DJs.

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. 

Searching for something different in the city? London Bridge Rooftop is the ultimate location for after-work drinks, thanks to its incredible sky-high views of The Shard. Not only can you expect live DJs playing the best in disco, house and garage, but also delicious gourmet burgers and brilliant bottomless brunches.

But that's not all, as this joint also has an unbeatable happy hour - think £6 Aperol spritzes and £7 margaritas.

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.

The Bavarian bier palace Albert's Schloss can be found in London's dazzling West End, bringing Alpine chic and a wunderbar drinks list to town. Inside you'll find everything from burning log fires to wooden decking reminiscent of a cosy lodge, as well as an array of mouthwatering food, like gooey fondue and bratwurst sausages. Check out this haunt's incredible entertainment lineup and enjoy some of its signature tipples, such as the Chuckleberry Forest Spritz, made with Absolut Wild Berri and apple juice.

Hidden within the historic vaults of the National Portrait Gallery, Larry's is a sleek restaurant bar brought to you by the Daisy Green collection. This intimate basement bar was once used for coal storage, and now features exposed brick walls lined with over 100 portraits.

As well as a cracking selection of cocktails and wines, these guys are cooking up a brilliant all-day menu. Think blueberry buttermilk pancakes, smoked salmon royale, miso-roasted aubergine and so much more.

Searching for swish places for your next girl's night out? Boasting quirky interiors, plush seating and pretty lighting, NYX Eat, Drink & Play is a superb spot. Enjoy munching on charred squid and nacho platters while choosing from over 20 different mezcals.

A sultry basement bar underneath Hyde London City, Blac Lacquer can be found in St Paul's. This is inspired by Japanese listening bars, boasting an impressive collection of vinyl and a state-of-the-art sound system.

This is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the City, promising an intimate atmosphere. As for the interiors, think dark decor, warm lighting and comfortable booth seating.

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.

Zoku is one of the most quirky bars in Soho, fronting interiors inspired by a record studio and a live DJ with unique sounds to match. As for drinks? You'll be sipping through Japanese cocktails and sake-laced drinks in no time.

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.

Step behind the curtain and into one of London's coolest hidden bars, Backstage Soho. A blend of speakeasy-style charm, bold design, and immersive entertainment, this quirky spot offers everything from theatrical cocktails to nightly West End performances. E

xpect eccentric drinks like the Black Tequila (an espresso martini gone rogue) and unique bites from Michelin-featured Thai kitchen Long Chim. Cool? Absolutely. Quirky? Undeniably.

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.

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.

When you need cool and quirky Covent Garden bars, there's only one place to head: Stereo. This secret spot is hidden underneath the market, featuring live music, DJs 'til late, mouthwatering food and killer cocktails to boot.

Luxury Parisienne brand BAM Karaoke Box comes to London earning the title of 'largest karaoke venue in Europe', thanks to a whopping 10,000 square foot of space and 22 private rooms to hire. Not only can you hire a pretty in pink room to sing your heart out in, but also order French-inspired food to your own space. After all that fun? Grab drinks at two opulent cocktail bars, dance to DJs and check out the live music stage too. It's all going on here.

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 hustle and bustle of the city.

After a quirky bar to add to your list? Oriole in Covent Garden offers small plates and refreshing cocktails in a sophisticated speakeasy setting. You can expect live piano music every single night here, while snacking on the likes of seabass ceviche or Italian beef tartare. As for drinks, choose from bourbon-based sips like the Acadia or fruity blends such as a Calypso, made with clarified banana juice.

Back in the 60s this Kingly Court venue was known as The Pinstripe Club, and today Disrepute maintains this old-school glamour while serving up deliciously modern cocktails. Take a seat on one of their plush velvet sofas to enjoy a drink or two, surrounded by gold decor and listening to jazz music. And if you swing by during their aperitivo hour, which runs from 4 until 6pm Sunday to Thursday, you can enjoy cocktails for just £9.

For a high-end cocktail experience like no other, visit Purgatory Bar in Victoria. The award-winning haunt features Antoni Gaudi-inspired interiors and stonework, plus a pretty outdoor terrace with heaters when nights begin to cool. You'll find it hard to choose from such an extensive selection of creative tipples catching your eye, from the Fallen Angel to its signature old fashioned, served in a crustal dome and filler with cherrywood smoke.

For a bar with personality, The White Haus delivers across every floor. Its three-level layout, cosy corners, and playful décor - including cuckoo clocks and cable cars - creates a space that's relaxed, fun, and full of character.

The cocktails are carefully curated to surprise even the most seasoned drinkers, and the menu of elevated pub classics keeps the food just as exciting. It's ideal for after-work drinks, casual weekends, or small private gatherings that need a bit of extra flair.

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 King's Cross and Canary Wharf.

Situated in Fitzrovia, Monopoly Lifesized is a grand shout if you love the board game. You'll get stuck into escape room-style challenges, figure out how to get out of jail and even build your own houses at this immersive experience. Plus, you can head to the restaurant after for post-game grub and themed drinks.

With seven floors themed around an old school home, House Party delivers a different kind of night out. You can mingle in The Kitchen to secret DJs sets, sneak off to the Teenagers Room for retro gaming or head up to The Parents Bedroom to jump on the bed and belt out karaoke.

Up on the roof, there's views over the city and space for beer pong and BBQs. Wherever you end up, expect retro touches, themed decor and drinks served in iconic red cups.

Injecting a little pizzazz into Theatreland's cocktail scene is TSQ Playhouse. Not only is this venue offering up throwback interiors, including plush seating and karaoke rooms, but there are also tasty bevvies up for grabs. With themes from an enchanted forest to aquaria.

An immersive cocktail bar in Southwark, Cahoots Postal office is a whimsical experience set in a 1940s post office. You'll be transported back to the past with swing music, ration books, vintage mail carts and more, accessible via the life-sized postbox entrance.

This place features the world-first pneumatic cocktail delivery system, sending drinks whizzing across the room in air-powered tubes. Sip themed tipples like the Ginger Rogers or a Suspicious Cargo, paired with scrumptious light bites. Not in the area? They also have a venue in Soho hidden in an underground tube station.