Something A Little Different In London

The capital is packed to the rafters with bars - big bars, small bars, sports bars, cocktail bars, chain bars and independent bars. While this is great most of the time, finding something off the beaten track, something a little different in London, is often easier said than done. Never fear, when it comes to the more unique venues in the city we've kept our ears to the ground and rounded up a selection of cool London bars to help you on your hunt. 

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 18th June 2025




Ballie Ballerson London

A ball pit is definitely our idea of something a little different in London. Dive into one million different balls, enjoy unlimited pizza and drink two hours of bottomless prosecco on Saturdays or join the ball pit and cocktail bar madness. 

Alcotraz London: Cell Block Two-One-Two

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: London on Various dates from Saturday 21st June 2025

Come to Alcotraz, the high security prison that's hiding an alcoholic secret. Get in your orange jump suit, smuggle your favourite bottle of alcohol in, and Don't. Get. Caught. Then the fun can begin as one of the inmates shakes you up tailored cocktails from Shoreditch to Covent Garden.

Flight Club

Social gaming and drinking just got a whole lot more fun, as did your repertoire of unusual things to do in London; this is the new revolution, the new era of darts. Changing all pre-conceptions of what you think darts is about, it's not all balding men in waistcoats here. It's the darts digital age where you play games and your score is calculated for you. Now that's a bullseye. 

The Big Bakes

Perfect for any amateur bakers out there, The Big London Bake is a quirky event taking place this summer, revolving around all the yeast-based fun of baking. Guests will be split into teams of two before being set a handful of baking tasks. Pipe your way to the top with this quirky event in South London.

The London Cabaret Club

More than just an events venue, The London Cabaret Club combines fine dining with an innovative, interactive cabaret experience. Boasting a traditionally British theme that runs throughout, both the menu and the show here celebrate the rich heritage of British culture; both past and present. With exquisite dishes and a show packed full of West End stars, this promises to be quite the quirky night out in London. 

XT Events - Soul Supper Immersive Dining Experience

Soul Supper Immersive Dining Experience's events are the ideal way to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a unique date night. Tickets include a night of unbeatable live music along with a two-course dinner featuring chicken supreme, harissa-spiced cauliflower and signature cupcakes, as well as a welcome glass of fizz.

Avora: A New-World Cocktail Experience

@ Roscorp Laboratories on Various dates from Saturday 21st June 2025

Explore a whole new world at Avora, the mystical immersive experience created by the team behind Alcotraz and Moonshine Saloon. This magical location in Shoreditch is filled with luminous woodlands, where you'll find interactive actors and a mesmerising set design that changes from day to night. 

Don your custom jumpsuits and set off on on your mission, which begins with a briefing at Roscorp Laboratory. You'll take part in all kinds of scientific challenges and tasks, while sipping on three unique cocktails included in your ticket price.

TAXIDERMY WORKSHOPS

A Field Guide Taxidermy are hosting a range of cracking workshops in London, taking place at Park Avenue Studios in Finsbury Park. These unique sessions are led by a master taxidermist, who'll teach you about the process before guiding you as you do it yourself.

There's a choice between animals, including rabbits, insects and more. Tickets start from £50 per person, including all your materials, and you'll be able to enjoy drinks and snacks while you work.

Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes

For all the art lovers out there, be sure to head to Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes in Shoreditch where their quirky London bar lies in wait. Bursting full of character and beautifully decorated, this cosy nook combines delicious cocktails and stoned baked pizzas with beautiful art installations and inspiring exhibitions. Expect fantastic colours, irresistible drinks and a night you won't forget anytime soon. 

GAMESHOW SPECTACULAR

Tired of the same old nights out? Step into the wonderfully weird world of Gameshow Spectacular, an immersive comedy chaos hosted by the hilariously unpredictable Dominic Blarke. This is an experience where you'll team up with strangers, don silly costumes, and dive into absurd challenges.

Expect belly laughs, bizarre games, and moments you'll be quoting for weeks. If you're craving something offbeat, outrageous, and unforgettable, this is your golden ticket.

Silent Sounds Boat Party

@ The Silent Disco Boat on Saturday 28th June 2025 and 7 other Saturdays

Silent Sounds takes the London party scene to new heights - or should we say waves? Board The Dutch Master, a two-deck boat, for an unforgettable silent disco as it cruises past the city's iconic sights, including Tower Bridge and Big Ben. Tickets start at just £27 per person for this one-of-a-kind experience.

Choose your soundtrack from three music channels, each offering something different, from disco grooves to house beats. When you need a break, grab a drink at the bar and soak up the Thames-side views. And for those who never want the night to end, your ticket could include free guest list entry to Ballie Ballerson, London's legendary ball pit bar.

The Tacover Taco & Tequila Festival 2025

@ Richmond Athletic Ground on Friday 15th August 2025 and 2 other dates

Whether you're after a fun day out with friends, a quirky date idea or just a way to eat lots of delicious Mexican food, The Tacover Taco and Tequila Festival 2025 is just the thing for you. This is Europe's biggest taco festival, promising a wide variety of street food vendors competing for the titles of best margarita and greatest taco.

Prices are capped at £4 per taco and £10 for cocktails, making it an affordable event too. Once you've had your fill of food and drink? head to the stage, where you'll find live entertainment and competitions, from the Tortilla Slap Challenge to a Hot Taco Challenge.

Live Band Karaoke

Sing your heart out with Live Band Karaoke in the West-End and Peckham Rye. Enjoy the electric atmosphere as you sing solo or duet with your pals on stage, and feel true musicianship with the backing of sensational five-piece band.

Biscuiteers: Various Sites

One of the most unique things to do in London, Biscuiteers are cafes offering you twee afternoon teas, delicious cakes and late-night icing sessions. A picture-perfect location through and through, it's ideal for hen parties, baby showers and friendly get-togethers.

Urban Missions

Some of the city's most dangerous criminals are getting ready for their next offence - will you be able to step up the challenge of saving London? Urban Missions, which has immersive experiences across the capital, sees you recovering lost items, solving mysteries and so much more.

Lucky Voice Karaoke - Venues in London

Strong cocktails, a dressing up box and tons of power ballad anthems makes for one lively night out in London. Get your mates together and engage your inner pop-star; there's thousands of songs for you to pick between and an adoring crowd awaits. Naturally perfect for fun-loving birthday shindigs, you can also add a cocktail masterclass to your package and make a real event of it.

Sounds Familiar Music Quiz

Less of a pub quiz, more of a rowdy disco, Sounds Familiar is great fun from minute one. Useless trivia is no good here, it's all about scribbling down songs and artists played out loud, and having a right old sing-along in the mean time. A unique night out in London for the extroverts, Sounds Familiar will have you dancing on the tables and belting out your favourite tunes long into the night.

The Five Points Brewing Co

If you're looking for something different in London, The Five Points Brewing Co have got you set with plenty of activities. From stand-up sessions to cheese tastings and epic tours of breweries, there won't be a single dull moment with their events.

The Absinthe Parlour At The Last Tuesday Society

If you like your cocktails with a side of strange, this place might just be your spiritual home and the answer to all unusual things to do in London. Displaying all kinds of weird stuff; The Last Tuesday Society is part Natural History Museum, part car boot sale and part nightmare. In the downstairs bar, suitably stiff drinks such as The Geneva Martinez with chocolate bitters are being served in abundance alongside tapas and bar snacks. 

Venn St. Records

Happy Hour

Bringing some variety to the Clapham nightlife scene is Venn Street Records, a vinyl-clad, rock 'n' roll drinkers den fitted with vintage music memorabilia. Track down the large neon sign outside and follow the sounds of the live bands and DJ sets inside, there's happy hour offers every day and #CheapDate deals that offer 2 drinks and 2 pizzas for £15 between Sundays and Wednesdays.

Jimmy's BBQ Club - 2025

@ The BBQ Club on Various dates from Saturday 21st June 2025

Looking for something fun to do this summer? Then check out The BBQ Club, an outdoor pop-up that's all about cooking over fire. You'll be given a table with your very own grill, where you'll prepare and enjoy a six-course tasting menu with the help of their expert chefs.

For £60 per person, you'll receive locally sourced delicacies like Wye Valley Asparagus, melted bone marrow and chalk stream smoked trout, and there are lots of organic wines to try on top of that. And if that wasn't enough? You'll have some pretty great views of the river as well.

The Liquid Love Experience

Taking place at Old Street, The Liquid Love Experience is a great shout if you're looking for something a little more intimate. At your own comfort, you'll get to explore your own body, sexuality and human connection using warm olive oil.

Sky Garden

Feel on top of the world over at Sky Garden, one of the best rooftop bars going. This stunning, buzzing hangout is hosting all kinds of fabulous events. Kick start your day with a breakfast watching the sunrise, enjoy a cute date night enjoying live music and so much more.

Musical Bingo - The Soho Show!

@ O'Neill's Wardour Street on Thursday 17th July 2025 and 2 other Thursdays

Make your way to Behind The Bridges in Southbank for the two-day-long Musical Bingo 15th Birthday event. Expect a warm-up party on the 30th of June, followed by the main event on the 21st of July, and expect two classic rounds of the much-loved game, along with some surprises.

Fairgame Canary Wharf

Could this be London's most unique bar? Fairgame Canary Wharf and St Paul's reimagines childhood fun in an immersive, fairground-inspired experience that's sure to unleash your inner big kid. The virtual leaderboard tracks your scores, making for an extra competitive night out, as you play the likes of Skeeball, Whac-A-Mole and Shoot the Clown.

Perfect for date night or a group activity, the colourful, Instagrammable spot provides hours of competitive fun. There's delicious street food available from vendors like Rudy's Pizza, Burger & Beyond or Taco Collective, paired with unique cocktails such as the gin and marshmallow Helter Skelter or a popcorn old fashioned.

The Elgin - Maida Vale

The Elgin is the kinda joint you stumble upon; inquisitively stepping through the door, beaming with delight as you explore the many eccentric nooks and crannies. Not just any old boozer, it's a wonderland of quirky interiors, fun characters and, of course, lots and lots of booze. Try on this cool London bar for size and see whether the diverse range of music on offer is your cup of tea.

THE DOUBLE R CLUB

Taking place at Walthamstow Trades Hall, The Double R Club is one of the best cabaret events around. Hosted by the mystifying Benjamin Louche, this sinister, nightmare-inspired show promises talented performers showcasing everything from burlesque to live music and comedy. Tickets to their events start from as little as £10 per person, promising a spooky night full of fun.

Quiz Boxing

Get your gloves, metaphorically, and book your spot at Quiz Boxing Camden, an interactive game that combines the elements of a TV quiz show with the rush of an arena bust-up. For teams of up to 12 players across three rooms and customise your play by picking a percentage of each theme, from music, sports, TV and more. There's also a 100% naughty package for those looking to up the raucousness of their day. 

Firmdale Hotels

After something a bit different? Firmdale Hotels are bound to impress. Think insights into bee-keeping, drinks tastings, rooftop yoga and floating HIIT classes with brunch afterwards. Whether unique food or fitness is more your thing, these guys deliver.

Inamo Covent Garden

Unlimited Asian tapas & sushi with free-flowing wine or beer £59.95 per person and 2 other offers

With orders placed via sleek tablets and tabletops that you customise with your own images, Inamo is the place to be for an interactive dining experience in London. Check in on executive chef Jon Claro and his team via chef cam, you'll find them conjuring up all kinds of pan-Asian tapas plates as well as a healthy choice of sushi and sashimi options. Check in at the downstairs bars for Oriental-themed cocktails afterwards.

Little Nan's

A venue boasting quirky teapot cocktails and exposed brickwork, Little Nan's is a great choice for weekends out with your pals. Enjoy everything from a bottomless brunch with sharing platters and endless booze through to tipsy afternoon teas.

The Most Indulgent Drag Night

@ The Chocolate Cocktail Club on Friday 27th June 2025 and 4 other dates

Get ready for The Most Indulgent Drag Night, taking place at The Chocolate Cocktail Club in Farringdon. Expect delicious drinks and high-energy entertainment, courtesy of talented drag queen Solero Summers.

There'll be fun, games and plenty of sass thrown into the show, with lots of interactive elements along the way. Nab tickets for only £20 per person, including a drink on arrival. Chocotini anyone?

Party n Paint

Party N Paint is your go-to class that combines sipping with art, meaning you get bubbles, will participate in a competition to see who created the best masterpiece and have a DJ bringing all the tunes. Plus, you can take your work home with you afterwards.

London Cabaret Carnival

Looking for a fantastic Saturday night show to keep you entertained for hours? Then head to London Cabaret Carnival, which takes place at Jamboree in King's Cross on a monthly basis.

There's a new lineup of performers each time, including live singers, burlesque acts, drag queens and comedians. Plus, tickets start from as little as £15 per person.

Slice-O-Mania Pizza & Cocktail Festival

@ Richmond Athletic Ground on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th July 2025

The Slice-O-Mania Pizza & Cocktail Festival is taking place at Richmond Athletic Ground this July, promising a delicious day out. There'll be up to 20 different pizza vendors battling it out, as well as bartenders competing for the very best cocktail awards.

Slices cost just £3 each, and you might even find some pizza-themed cocktails. That's not all though - the main stage will be filled with entertainment, alongside DJ sets, games and competitions, including the UK Pizza Eating Championships.

London Dreamtime

From The Highgate Vampire to the Ghost of Christmas and The Snow Queen at the Asylum Chapel, London Dreamtime is coming in hot this winter with a tonne of spooktactular events. Horror fans will revel in these scary affairs all taking place in a super secret location. 

Hand Of Glory

Giant maypoles, wicker masks and brass icons converge to create an eccentric spirit at the Hand of Glory. Projecting a colourful exhibition of British folk culture, it's your place for rural ciders from some of the UK's best independent brewers, a cocktail menu fronting Seven Deadly Gins and a fresh menu influenced by award-winning chef Mark Edwards. They don't get much cooler than this.

The Escapologist

Happy Hour and 3 other offers

In 1848, the infamous Baron fled to London shrouded in scandal, his every action prompting outrage on the streets. He landed a date with the gallows - only to escape and develop his mythical reputation by befriending the likes of Disraeli, Brunel and Nightingale. Popularly referred to as The Escapologist - he now has a bar paying homage to his exploits - a basement bar styled as part Victorian men's club, part Masonic Lodge. Expect cocktails, authentic design and cheese-drenched pizzas at this inventive and intriguing Covent Garden drinking joint.

Barrio - Bars

Come over and get your fix of Latina flair at this gem of a Soho party bar. With flamboyant interiors, exotic tequila drinks and a lovely choice of Spanish bites, Barrio is a tropical oasis with a lovely atmosphere making for a quirky place to drink in London. Share a few plates with your mates, knock back a few of their corking cocktails or find your way to the dance floor, where a mix of live bands and DJs play until 1am.

plonk

From Hackney to Borough Market, plonk is bringing you a variety of locations for your next crazy golfing sesh. These colourful dens combine crazy courses with your own competitiveness to create the perfect date night or group outing.

REWIND: SERIES, An Immersive Cocktail Experience

Get a complimentary snack with your first cocktail!

Step into the groove at REWIND: SERIES, an Immersive Cocktail Experience, where each track from the Top 100 list is a headliner and every cocktail is a tribute to its sound. Aures London has set a new standard for nightlife, curating a genre-led journey through the roots of funk, disco, soul, and more.

Guests can sip on liquid tributes like Oye Como Vato, a fiery nod to Latin jazz fusion, or lose themselves in violet-tinged ambience while Purple Rain hums in surround sound.

HAUS OF DE LA CROIX

@ One Ninety Four on Sat, 30th Aug 2025 @ 19:00 - 23:30

Step into a surreal world of vintage glamour and theatrical wonder at Haus of De La Croix, an immersive cabaret experience like no other, hosted at the atmospheric Neon 194. With tickets ranging from £25 to £55, guests are treated to a dazzling mix of burlesque, circus, fire performance, live music, and comedy, all set within a dreamlike space that feels suspended in time.

From velvet drapes to flickering candlelight and immersive characters, this is more than a show - it's a full-sensory escape into a world where the ordinary is left at the door.

Ayllu Restaurant

Enjoy cuisine like no other at Ayllu in Paddington, with a menu that takes the best of Peruvian and Japanese dishes and creates a fusion. They offer all sorts of events too, everything from tasting menus to bottomless meals and live music.

Paintvine

Feel like spicing up your usual night out or weekend antics? Then be sure to check out Paintvine at various locations across London for their awesome range of events, where painting and sculpture meet booze. This is definitely one not to miss.

 

Garage Brunch™

Combining beats and brunch into one amazing experience, Garage Brunch is a must if you're looking for something a little different in London. Enjoy a two-course meal with tipples and tunes in a top secret location. 

Bustronome

If you're looking for a truly unique way to dine in London, check out Bustronome where you'll get to feast on fine dining delicacies expertly paired with delicious wines, in an unparalleled setting. The glass-topped top deck is sure to provide the perfect surrounding for your dinner. 

Albert's Schloss Soho

For something a little unusual, head to Albert's Schloss in the heart of Piccadilly for a raucous, bier-fuelled time. You can catch live entertainment every time of the week in its cool Alpine-inspired dining room, and dance until the early hours of 2am. Enjoy cool, themed cocktails like the Apple Strudel made with spiced rum, and tuck into delicious eats like curried wurst, schnitzel and pots of fondue, perfect for sharing. 

The London Cabaret Club

Bored of the same ol' things? The London Cabaret Club has got you covered. This Holborn hotspot boasts a fabulous array of live and immersive entertainment from its talented cast, alongside a tasty meal. On top of that? You can expect Champagne to be involved.

God's Own Junkyard

God's Own Junkyard is a neon wonderland in Walthamstow - step inside and you'll be surrounded by dazzling signs, quirky installations, and retro pop culture pieces that make every corner a photo opportunity. Set inside an old industrial yard, it's part art gallery, part hangout spot, and entirely unforgettable.

The venue opens Friday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm, and is home to the Rolling Scones café, offering strong coffee, creative cocktails, and snacks that go down easy while you soak in the atmosphere. 

FRAMELESS Lates

@ Frameless on Various dates from Saturday 21st June 2025

Looking for a cultural experience after dark? Located in Marble Arch, Frameless is an immersive experience that's open after dark for over 18s, so you can sip drinks while admiring the multi-sensory masterpieces.

The experience is split into four unique rooms, which bring to life the works of Van Gogh, Monet, Cezanne and many more artists. Plus, tickets start from just £20 each.

Fish N Gigs - Live Music From Poppies Of Camden

@ Poppie's Fish & Chips, Camden on Every 1st Friday of the month

Fancy dinner and a show? Then grab yourself a table over at Poppies of Camden, where its Fish N Gigs events bring you a cracking lineup of top-notch live music acts. Taking place on the first Friday of the month, this will see you chomping on a tasty tea, all while listening to original tunes and covers of your favourite hits.

Bridge Command

@ Bridge Command on Various dates from Saturday 21st June 2025

If you've ever dreamed of travelling through space, then Bridge Command is just the thing for you. This is a unique immersive experience that combines the thrill of gaming with live-action theatre, with professional actors guiding this unscripted, interactive performance.

Expect state-of-the-art technology, stunning visuals and engaging storytelling, with plenty of opportunities to get involved yourself. This takes place in the Vauxhall area, and tickets start from only £40 per person.