Alternative Nights Out in London

Organising everything from birthday parties through to corporate events, Retro Events are putting the fun back into partying. The group specialise in themed bashes, expect everything from magicians and singers through to sounds of the swinging '60s.

Get silly on your next night out and head to the Bloomsury Bowling Lanes for an evening of bowling, karaoke, cocktails and ping pong. A great idea for birthdays, team parties or even just a dull Friday, this venue in central offers one of the best alternative nights out in London.

T.T Liquor's cocktail-making class gives small groups of mixers their very own custom-built bars to work with (alongside providing each individual with their own equipment) - so there's no taking turns here; this is two hours of continuous mixing and tasting! Master the basics before learning more complex techniques. By the end of the class, have a crack at making 'the best cocktail of the day!'

Did you know that London is haunted? The city is thousands of years old and a lot of it is bloody, and with the help of some paranormal tools, you'll might just encounter ghosts, poltergeists and other weird happenings. Visit London's largest execution site, abandoned goals that house some of the most gruesome serial killers in the land and more as you uncover the paranormal side to the capital.

Your mates + a darts board + plenty of drinks = a great night out; it's not rocket science. Well actually, it is. Flight Club's pioneering approach fuses real-time scoring, animated features and a slick interface to bring something completely different to London's social scene. A night of fun and games at Flight Club in either Shoreditch or Bloomsbury is a ground-breaking, interactive night out rivalling the wave of ping-pong bars you can find about town. There's classic cocktails and sharing dishes to help keep the party flowing 'til late.

Dancing gets tough on the feet so having an alternative grand time is always a good idea. Look no further than The Bat and Ball in Stratford. This venue has two bars, a pizzeria, a deli, and did we mention more ping pong tables than you thought a venue could fit? The 'Games Hall' may just take center stage in your heart for a night out in London. Redefine rally at this East London nightlife alternative. Dancing will commence after victory though.

Look, most of us love a glass of prosecco and going a bit crazy on cocktails in a club, but sometimes you just want to sit down and indulge in some delicious chocolate. That doesn't mean sitting at home, though, as MyChocolate offer a range of nights that takes a playful, creative, and charming chocolate creating experience.

The London Cabaret Club puts on one of the most unique nightlife experiences in Central London. Combining a traditionally British fine-dining experience with an innovative live show, this is a night that you won't forget anytime soon. A cast of the West End's biggest cabaret performers deliver an excellently choreographed show whilst the kitchen here rustles up a menu of truly delectable dishes.  

Guaranteed to get you all hot under the collar and on the edge of your seat, Forbidden Nights is London's hottest male variety show held at the majestic Clapham Grand. Boasting an all-star line-up of talented performers who have been picked from across the UK, take in a live show with a Channing Tatum lookalike and an X-Factor finalist in its ranks at this classy but fun girls night on the town.

Roof East is a bar in Stratford where you can enjoy cocktails, creative events and open air movie nights all while you gaze out at views of the Olympic Park and the rest of the city. It's a must-visit come the summertime, when their signature cars are crammed with plant pots filled with fresh lavender and everything from fitness classes to workshops are held from the play zone. There's lots of quirky things to try as well as great-tasting cocktails and a street food menu from a Hawksmoor chef.

Take a walk on the weirder side at this curious Catford watering hole. Inspired by festival culture, you'll find a range of unique spaces within the Tardis-like venue, as well as some immersive entertainment to keep you occupied.

If you're after quirky things to do in London, head north of the river where Camden Oktoberfest is bringing you traditional bites from Herman Ze German, beers flown over from Germany and live music courtesy of 10-piece band The Old Dirty Brasstards.

With a name that suits, Oddbins offer an unusual night out in London for those who fancy themselves as lovers of le vino, or those who just love to learn a bit more about their drinks. Expect bespoke party packages with wine, beer or spirit tastings and even an opportunity to pitch your own tutored tasting experience. Oddbins will cater to you. 

Ultimate Power is coming into town and bringing with it a whole lot of air guitaring and sing along fun. Join the club night for a massive party that features epic tunes, confetti canons and lots of dress up.

Combing the best of soulful jazz with high energy swing dancing, the team at the Arcola Theatre seem to understand what a fun Friday night is all about. With dance classes for both beginners and experienced dancers, and a wide choice of dances - from the lindy hop to the Charleston - things are nicely rounded off by a sparkling live Jazz show. 

Join the jive party for a night of cool retro fun at the Rivoli Ballroom, complete with a live band, DJs, a beginner's dance lesson and an amazing 50s and 40s attitude.

It's never just a standard night at Queens. Sure, you can just come for the MEATliquor food and cocktails from the bar, but you'd be missing out on the ice skating rink and 12 bowling alleys.

Your nights out lacking some Pat Butcher style? What about weird crockery? Rectify that immediately with Little Nan's, the quirky cafe and restaurant that has opened in Fitzrovia for cocktails, meals and afternoon teas.

Do something really different with Bunker 51, where you can take part in everything from paintball to laser tag and airsoft – or even get immersed into their scary and interactive zombie SWAT experience.