This city is one of enthusiasm and extravagance, and when a bar with a theme comes to London, they really go all out. Dedicated to wowing their guests and showcasing some of the funniest events the city has to offer, these unique bars vary from secret 1920s speakeasies to bars with entertainment that’ll take you back to the circus. There’s no end to the possibilities, so take a look at our recommended themed bars in London and get planning your next night out.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Bat, how I wonder what you're at. Borrowing its name from the famous Mad Hatter's poem, Little Bat is a quirky, Wonderland-themed cocktail bar in London, run by the same masterminds behind the successful Callooh Callay. Expect a playful and imaginative atmosphere complemented by superb cocktails and attentive service at Angel's new neighbourhood bar.
On London's oh-so-sophisticated Sloane Square, The Knox is a speakeasy-style throwback to 1970s and 80s underworld glamour. Think Studio 54 meets Scarface.
In its plush velvet booths, you can spend your night nibbling on small plates while sipping your way through a painstakingly curated list of signature cocktails. Over on the dancefloor, your resident DJs serve up an equally nostalgic playlist of disco, funk and soul that spans the decades.
Taking darts and turning it on its head is Flight Club, one of the most unique experiences in the city. Brimming with fairground interiors and oches aplenty, this is darts like you've never seen them before, in a wholly imaginative setting.
Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, this North-African restaurant fuses quirky interiors with indulgent dishes and Morrocan charm. Think long dining tables, belly dancing performances, Arabic music, shisha and more.
Secretly hidden away in Soho, Opium is a stylish, chic cocktail den that combines the opulent vibes of metropolitan nights out with the allure and mystery of Asia's sleepy opium dens. Elegantly decorated with classic antiques and a number of detailed, traditional paintings, the venue rolls back the clock and transports guests far away to a distant, often forgotten land. Complementing the bar's decadent, yet secretive ambience, beautiful teapots and dry ice help bring the impressive line-up of cocktails to life.
If you're on the hunt for fun bars in London, then Monopoly Lifesized is a great shout. The venue slings out an immersive experience, complete with building houses and other activities based on the board game. Plus, there's themed cocktails, oh and the millionaire cheesecake is divine.
Munich Cricket Club, with venues in Canary Wharf, Tower Hill and Westminster, is home to London's largest German Bier Garten and Bavarian classics including their famous footlong bratwurst, five different types of schnitzel and a large selection of steins. For those wanting to dance, the spot also hosts a weekly oompah band.
The Cocktail Club's venues always have a cool and quirky theme, including a 'gangster tequila paradise' and a trip to the circus. It's obvious that everything from the decor to the drinks is going to be outrageous here, with late night opening hours to keep the party going too.
Two for one on Mojito, Pina colada, Strawberry daiquiri and Miami vice
London isn't short of cocktail bars, but few can transport you as quickly and completely as The Beachcomber. This Bayswater gem goes big on Polynesian vibes, think bamboo, tiki carvings, flower garlands and a drinks list designed to surprise and delight.
The team here know how to keep things festive, whether you're just popping in for a couple of rum-heavy cocktails or booking out the whole space for a staff party, summer do or Christmas bash. It's one of the capital's rare authentic tiki haunts, and it's guaranteed to leave you with sand-between-your-toes energy (minus the actual sand).
The ale and port house is nestled on the charming Tooley Street, only minutes from London Bridge. Soak up all the beer, wine and chow down on a great selection of small plates, light snacks and locally sourced dishes.
Based in the headquarters of a the secret society that ran Victorian London, The Escapologist is styled as a 19th century men's club / Masonic Lodge hybrid. The bar pays homage to the scandal and controversy surrounding the infamous Baron, whose every action prompted outrage on the streets. Brought to London by the same team behind Adventure Bar and Dub Jam, this is a basement bar serving cocktails and cheese-drenched pizzas in intriguing and engaging surroundings.
Enter a modern Alpine lodge, adorned with wooden features, sparkling lights and tables decked with piles of logs as you venture through the doors of Bavarian bar Albert's Schloss Soho. Located within the heart of London, this venue is an entertainment hub thanks to its roster of live performances, seven days a week. Delight in imported beers from across the world, as well as moreish fare, like schnitzels and gooey fondue, and let the fun begin.
This circus themed London bar is a regular haunt of the glamorous IT girls and movie stars. With exciting live acts that include fire eaters and aerial performers; it's popularity is hardly a mystery. With the newest and hottest playlists of hip hop, house and party music you'll find yourself getting into the act and dancing on the tables for all to see. Opulent and sleek, you'll feel like royalty in this wonderfully weird Central London venue.
Join the street party at Floripa, the Brazilian beach themed bar in London. With tiki decoration, a hedonistic attitude to the night and exotic cocktails, you'll find yourself instantly hooked. Get in the spirit and start to celebrate the feel-good party vibes at this stunning themed venue.
Trapeze is an incredible circus-inspired bar in the heart of Shoreditch that's just a stone's throw away from Old Street station. Set over two levels, the first floor is a cool cocktail bar, whipping up some amazing concoctions, whilst the basement houses a riveting club area that kicks into life after 10pm.
Visit The White Haus and you're instantly transported to an après-ski lodge in the middle of London. From the cuckoo clocks to vintage cable cars and rustic wooden interiors, every corner is packed with character.
The food matches the setting, offering twist-on-pub classics that pair perfectly with the bar's inventive cocktail menu, while the space regularly hosts events like brunches, DJ nights, and small private parties, making it a playful, themed experience that works day or night.
A unique destination found inside The Bloomsbury Hotel, The Bloomsbury Club Bar is a stylish space filled with gorgeous greenery and twinkling golden lights. Their cocktail menu is themed around Ancient Egypt, offering 12 bespoke concoctions that range from dark and bitter to light and floral.
You can also catch live jazz performances here for free every Wednesday and Saturday. What's more, they also serve delicious snacks like truffle fries and 28-day aged beef sliders.
Patch East is a new cocktail bar based in the City of London that captures the creative and quirky character of Shoreditch. The venue has a number of different rooms and seating areas, all decorated with distinctive themes and a random collection of furniture. Whether you're gulping down drinks in the Ski Lodge room or taking in all the charm of the neon-heavy Shinjuku area, you're certain to leave this themed bar in London with a smile on your face and a spring in your step.
Decked out in wall-to-wall leopard print, you don't have to think for long about the theme of this Bloomsbury bar. With a relaxed atmosphere, elegant cocktails, jazz night and a very fine wine selection, it's one of the best spots for a few post-work drinks, or a great way to kick-off a date night.
The Sherlock Holmes Pub is a Victorian gem tucked away near Charing Cross, perfect for history buffs and fans of the world's most famous detective.
Wander upstairs to explore Holmes and Watson's study, complete with authentic props and memorabilia from the 1951 Festival of Britain. Back downstairs, enjoy traditional British food alongside inventive themed ales, all while soaking up an atmosphere brimming with charm, storytelling, and a touch of mystery.
One of the quirkiest nights out in the city, you'll find Cahoots Postal Office close to London Bridge. This immersive bar is themed around a 1940s post office, featuring vintage décor like ration books and old-school mail carts, hidden behind a life-sized post box entrance.
Be sure to check out its world-first pneumatic cocktail delivery system, which zips your drinks to you through air tubes. Sip theatrical, themed tipples like the Cary Grant or a Marilyn Monroe, paired with a selection of tasty nibbles.
Step into a world of David Bowie-inspired charm at The Starman, where the Ziggy Stardust magic comes alive in the heart of London. Situated on Heddon Street, where the iconic album cover for The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars was shot, this bar offers more than just drinks - it's an immersive homage to Bowie's legacy.
From cocktails named after his hits to decor that reflects his eclectic style, every inch of this venue celebrates the David Bowie spirit. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just looking for a fun, themed night out, The Starman is the perfect bar to pay tribute to the Starman himself.
