NQ64 Shoreditch
On the hunt for cool bars in East London? NQ64 is where it's at. The venue will be supplying all the video game action from 4-player Mario Kart to basketball and snowboarding. As for drinks? Their themed cocktails are super quirky.
Looking for a cool bar in this neighbourhood is like trying to find a fish and chip shop by the seaside - they're everywhere. To make things easier, we've rounded up the weirdest and wildest watering holes in the area. From ping pong palaces and mixology meccas to circus-themed hangouts and live music-loving legends, here are our top quirky bars in Shoreditch.
On the hunt for cool bars in East London? NQ64 is where it's at. The venue will be supplying all the video game action from 4-player Mario Kart to basketball and snowboarding. As for drinks? Their themed cocktails are super quirky.
It's a ball pit that serves booze. Need we say more? This wacky venue has proved to be one of the most unique bars in Shoreditch. Boasting a million plastic balls for you to roll around in, as well as cocktails for days, Ballie Ballerson takes gold when it comes to quirky haunts.
Platform is a bar dedicated to video games and e-sports. You'll get the chance to re-live those good ol' days of retro fun, with the likes of Mario Kart and FIFA on the cards, all while tucking into mouthwatering slices from Happy Face Pizza.
A stone's throw from Shoreditch High Street, this is one of the maddest drinking dens in the city. The Cocktail Club makes a habit of hiring the coolest, most talented bartenders around, so expect a fab lineup of boozy concoctions, as well as loud music and a whole heap of fun. And if you're more Old Street way? Then check out their house party-inspired venue complete with an open-plan dancefloor, bedroom nook and games room to boot.
@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: London on Various dates from Thursday 7th May 2026
One of the city's most notorious cocktail experiences, Alcotraz Shoreditch is the kind of bar you don't mind being behind. Smuggle in your own liquor and have the crooked (but very talented) guards knock up unique drinks for you and your fellow inmates.
A famous, circus-themed drinkery in the heart of Shoreditch, Trapeze brings the party every night without fail. Head down to the Great Eastern Street hub to get stuck into burgers and cocktails before throwing yourself into the dancefloor throng.
Nestled away in the heart of Spitalfields market, Alfi is one of the few Italian natural wine bars in London. With a focus on biodynamic bottles, you'll find some classic styles from small growers alongside more adventurous varieties and production methods.
There's plenty to tuck into with your tasty tipples too. We're talking classic pastas like cacio e pepe, plus deliciously topped pizza and grilled specials like baby chicken or ribeye steak.
Curve Club brings a fresh hit of glamour to Shoreditch's ever-evolving nightlife scene. Housed in a former fire station with two centuries of history behind it, this luxe venue balances old-school character, with exposed brick and roaring fireplaces, and also with a refined, modern aesthetic.
It's ideal for those looking to hire a space that feels both intimate and impressive. With adaptable layouts for standing parties or seated gatherings, Curve Club fits seamlessly into Shoreditch's cool-and-quirky crowd while offering a level of polish that elevates any event.
Eccentric in every sense of the word, Callooh Callay is one of those bars that you just need to see for yourself. Sporting sultry interiors and even a secret hangout found behind a wardrobe door, this is the booze-fuelled Narnia you need to discover.
Broody, moody and dripping with cool, Old Street Records is the ultimate hangout for audiophiles. Fronting walls lined with vinyl albums, plus showcasing regular live music nights and a buzzing atmosphere, it really is a quirky bar in East London.
Follow the neon lights to Hoxton Square and you'll stumble upon Gigi's, a unique bar that's made quite the name for itself. Home to live music, comedy and drag alongside cocktails and tasty plates, it's sheer perfection for brunch, as well as a post-work booze-up.
If you're on the hunt for cool Brick Lane bars, this joint promises a luxe bowling experience, complete with trendy US-style decor, lip-smacking cuisine and heady drinks. Venture over to All Star Lanes for a brilliant night out trying to hit that strike.
An East gem, NHow London is a top-notch spot to enjoy a few drinks. Oh, but this isn't like any other bar... as this Shoreditch venue is decked out with vibrant interiors, from wacky neon signs to hanging lights, alongside hosting some cool events. Think dog-friendly afternoon tea.
You've probably spotted the neon glints of Loves Company on your way into Old Street Station, and the time has come for you to saunter inside. Here, they'll provide you with the slickest drinks on the strip, alongside seriously pretty interiors.
Drinks in a shipping container complex? In Shoreditch, it can only be the uber cool BOXPARK. Head here to wash a load of different street food from international vendors down with concoctions galore, all while live sport or musicians play.
For those of you after a quirky Shoreditch bar, be sure to check out The Cornershop. From club nights to live boxing events and delicious American-inspired eats, this crackin' drinking den has it all. Our favourite on the menu? It has to be the loaded nachos.
It doesn't come any cooler and quirkier than The Cocktail Club on Worship Street in Shoreditch. This fun den is open until 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, whipping up signature sips for you to enjoy in its disco kitchen or cosy bedroom space with your mates. Look forward to enjoying Solero Sundaes and refreshing mojitos, especially two for £14 during happy at this buzzing spot, famed for its house parties and bottomless brunches.
If you fancy an evening of quirky cocktails and a buzzing ambience, check out Simmons on Curtain Road. Enjoy a tonne of different offers from mojitos on Mondays to a generous happy hour every Sunday. Plus, there are other Shoreditch locations on Brick Lane and Old Street.
Bringing a slice of Latin America to Shoreditch, Barrio is the beaut bar fronting colourful pergolas and vibrant, tiled walls. And when you're not tipping back the signature cocktails or munching on Mexican-inspired bites, make sure to check out the fun roster of events.
Hidden away down Ravey Street, this cool cocktail bar in Shoreditch is possibly the tiniest of the lot. Manned single-handedly on some evenings, Found rustles up masterful concoctions for you to enjoy in one of its cosy alcoves that are ideal for intimate date nights.
Hosting regular club nights and exhibitions, Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes has some of the most colourful interiors in the area. If you're looking for Shoreditch's cool bars, check this one out, as it totes a range of unique libations, perfectly prepared pizzas and killer DJ sets.
A fun pop-up beer hall in the heart of Shoreditch, Brick Lane Tap Room is one of the coolest bars to visit. With a mammoth array of craft pints and delicious food to choose from, it's an ideal location for soaking up tasty tipples.
Hijingo is one of the best bars in Shoreditch and an absolute must for group nights out in the area. Head on over for Tokyo Nights-inspired interiors, high-stakes bingo gaming, cracking cocktails and street food as you attempt to win epic prizes.
Sure, this area is a mecca of quirky bars, but there's one we've really got our eye on. Check out Shoreditch Balls next time you're in East London and you'll find a laid-back space with sublime signature cocktails and top-quality mini-golf courses.
@ Hexmoor: London on Various dates from Thursday 7th May 2026
Hexmoor is the ultimate fusion of fantasy and immersive theatre, offering the world's first wizarding prison bar experience. From the moment you arrive, you'll be transformed into an inmate, complete with your official jumpsuit, and locked up with a group of dark wizards who thrive on chaos and charm.
With live actors weaving a rich narrative and opportunities to interact, uncover secrets, and plan your escape, this is a night of magical mayhem you won't forget. Your ticket includes more than just entry—choose from three tiers: £49.50 gets you three magical cocktails, £57.50 includes four, or for £77.50, you'll receive four cocktails and a custom wand, delivered to you during the experience by Willbott's Wand Shop.
For something truly cool and quirky in Shoreditch, Shuffle Club is your go-to bar. With its original shuffleboard tables and laid-back yet energetic vibe, it's the perfect place to hang out with friends, enjoy some competitive fun, and sip on fresh seasonal cocktails.
The menu is packed with delicious small plates and sourdough pizzas, plus their famous Bottomless Shuffle Brunch is the ultimate weekend treat. It's a quirky experience you won't want to miss.
Queen of Hoxton is one of the best rooftop bars in Shoreditch, with its sky-high terrace taking on seasonal themes throughout the year. But if you don't want to brave the weather? Inside is just as cool, sporting unusual installations and neon-lit seating.
Its winter installation features a giant heated yurt, open fires and glowing lights, complete with seasonal themed cocktails aplenty.
The Old Blue Last is the spot for premium beers and free gigs featuring top artists like Arctic Monkeys and Amy Winehouse. The no-frills bar has a vibrant and storied history that dates back to the 1700s and is perfect for a raucous night out. Get ready to rock and roll.
Flight Club is a super slick, tech-savvy darts venue that reimagines everything you thought you knew about the traditional pub sport. With real-time scoring and touch-screen interfaces, as well as killer cocktails, this quirky Shoreditch bar is ideal for fun nights out with pals.
Home to an outrageous array of unique events, as well as one mighty disco ball, Colours Hoxton is a popular choice for tipples with a twist. This joint has also been known to host themed pop-ups in its Green Room, so keep an eye out for those.
A world away from the busy, overcrowded watering holes that litter much of the city, this elegant little haunt is a must-visit for any discerning drinkers. Armed with regular live jazz and swing nights, plus unusual tipples, it really is a cool cocktail bar in Shoreditch.
Chiave beautifully blends mixology and music on Shoreditch's Redchurch Street. Each of its handcrafted cocktails is linked to a QR-coded playlist, leaving you in no doubt that this place takes its tunes as seriously as its tipples.
In its cosy yet sophisticated bar, you can sip your way through smoky tequila-meets-mezcal margaritas, delicate espresso martinis with Turkish coffee and herb-infused signatures like cherry-thyme vodka blends. To soak up the liquor, there's perfectly paired plates of olives, vine leaves, charcuterie and Italian-inspired bar snacks.
A clandestine cocktail bar hidden behind a Smeg fridge, The Mayor Of Scaredy Cat Town is, let's say, unique. Inside, the bustling boozer is made up of bare-brick walls, exposed piping and vintage photographs. Make a visit to indulge in top-quality tipples and bottomless brunches.
This Prohibition-style pub is making a name for itself on the Shoreditch scene, blending bootlegger vibes with whisky mastery. Nancy Spains is located on Curtain Road, only a short walk from Old Street station and offers a fab 2-4-2 happy hour on its signature cocktails like the Gangs of New York (think a pina colada mixed with a strawberry daiquiri) and an espresso martini with notes of honey. Come for live music, DJ sets and more, then stay for it's impeccable range of authentic Irish whisky.
If you're hunting for something stylish, eclectic, and just a touch unusual, Mad Cats is a no-brainer. Vinyl crackles through 22 hi-fi speakers, low lights accentuate mid-century brass touches, and a chessboard sits ready for thoughtful competition in the lounge.
From tequila martinis with za'atar to peach-gin cocktails, and sushi rolls alongside 48-hour beef short ribs, it's a bar that's all about music, flavour, and personality.