Something A Little Different In London

Kiera Chapman's profile picture
By Kiera Chapman Junior Editor Expert in food and drink, with 5 years in editorial, including bylines in Marie Claire. Last updated on 19th March 2026

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. 




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.

Albert's Schloss - Soho

Guinness on draft

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. 

Alcotraz London: Cell Block Two-One-Two

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: London on Various dates from Saturday 21st March 2026

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.

Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison

@ Hexmoor: London on Various dates from Saturday 21st March 2026

Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison redefines what it means to enjoy a night out with a fully immersive, wizarding prison experience unlike anything else in London. Step inside a mystical world hidden beneath the city, where you're assigned a jumpsuit and thrown into a story alongside dark arts criminals. The film-quality sets, magical special effects, and unique storyline combine to create an extraordinary and interactive evening.

With three magical cocktails included, designed and served by master hexologists, it's the perfect choice for those seeking something truly different. It's an immersive theatre show, a cocktail bar, and a magical escape all rolled into one unforgettable experience.

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 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. 

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 Sublime Society

The Sublime Society is a celebration of sensuality as art. Nestled in London's West End, this seductive salon invites you to explore fantasy, touch, and connection in a setting where elegance meets the erotic.

From interactive installations to live acts that will stir your soul, every moment is designed to arouse curiosity and heighten intimacy. With Paris and Berlin editions on the horizon, London is just the beginning.

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.

An Audience With Rozalla

@ The Hippodrome Casino on Sun, 26th Apr 2026 @ 18:00 - 20:00

Make a date with one of the UK's most iconic entertainment venues, Hippodrome Casino, for an evening with dance music icon Rozalla. Hosted by TV presenter Hayley Palmer, this intimate “Audience With” will see Rozalla share stories from her incredible career. 

Expect to hear tales of dominating the charts and the story behind her epic anthem Everybody's Free (To Feel Good). You'll even get the chance to put your questions to this living legend. Tickets start from just £11.

The Most Indulgent Drag Night

@ The Chocolate Cocktail Club on Saturday 21st March 2026 and 5 other Saturdays

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?

The Magic Hour

Taking place at the Sheraton Grand Park Lane, The Magic Hour is a captivating magic show that has been selling out shows since 2013. Master magician Snoic will be hitting the stage, dazzling the audience with slight of hand and mid reading.

A finalist in The Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year 2018, you can count on Sonic for a fantastic show. Tickets start from £49, and you can also enjoy a sumptuous meal in their restaurant beforehand.

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. 

Bendy Candle Making Workshop

Hosted by Harri at Habit Haus, the Bendy Candle Making Workshop gives you the opportunity to make candles with a twist. Literally. Book into a session in Dalston, Pimlico or Vauxhall to dip, sculpt and squeeze your creations into any shape you can imagine, within reason. 

For the £41.80 ticket price, you get everything you need to get creative, including wax, wicks, decorations and a bag to transport your candles to their new pride of place.

Barrio - Bars

Come over and get your fix of Latina flair at this gem of a 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.

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.

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. 

Musical Bingo - The Soho Show!

@ O'Neill's Wardour Street on Thursday 9th April 2026 and 2 other Thursdays

Make your way to O'Neill's on Wardour Street for Musical Bingo, a buzzing night packed with great tunes and plenty of laughs. Mark songs off your bingo card as you go, with every round following a unique theme - whether it's a particular decade, a music genre or something a little more quirky.

There are some brilliant prizes up for grabs, and you'll encounter all sorts of unexpected fun along the way. Expect dance-offs, on‑stage challenges, bursts of confetti and more, all guided by the high-energy hosts.

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. 

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.

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.

Ballie Ballerson London

Discounts available on certain events

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. 

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.

Game Show Experience in London!

@ Be At One Regent Street on Saturday 28th March and Saturday 25th April 2026

The Game Show Experience is much more than a quiz. It's a full-scale, high-energy night of TV glitz, epic games and comedy competition. 

In a team of six, you'll battle it out against the competition over Spin the Wheel, Our Survey Says and Higher or Lower. Whether you're coming solo, as a couple or with mates, you'll be shouting answers, slamming buzzers and laughing out loud from start to finish.

Cabaret & Cabernet: A Wine Tasting Soirée

@ L'oscar London on Sat, 21st Mar 2026 @ 19:00 - 23:00

Do something different with your Saturday night at Cabaret & Cabernet. As you make your way through delicious dishes and sommelier selected wine, you'll watch all kinds of immersive acts.

We're talking contortionists as you sip champagne and sword swallowers while you quaff Pagodes de Cos Rouge 2019. Tickets to this uber intimate night in the Committee Room are all yours for just £210.94.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

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. 

Electric Star Pubs 18th Birthday Pub Crawl

@ The Star of Kings on Sat, 18th Apr 2026 @ 12:00 - 1:00

See the city a little differently on The Big Electric Star Pubs: 18th Birthday Pub Crawl. You'll make your way through nine of its best boozers, from The Star of Kings to The Heathcote & Star.

Every stop serves up something special, from DJs and dancing to fun freebies and birthday drinks deals. Tickets start from just £5.50 and get you a goodie bag packed with crawl essentials and limited edition surprises.

Floating Hot Tub Tour of London's Docklands

@ Skuna Boats on Every Wednesday

If you're looking for an experience that genuinely stands out from standard London attractions, this floating hot tub tour delivers something refreshingly unexpected. You'll board a purpose-built hot tub boat and drift through the docklands while soaking in warm water and taking in the city from a low-level, waterside perspective.

The experience is guided rather than self-led, giving structure and context to the journey, while the relaxed pace allows plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings. Grab your tickets now from £39 per person.

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. 

The Escapologist

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.

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.

Sounds Familiar Music Quiz - London

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.

⚡️ Ancient Grease ⚡️

@ The Vaults Theatre on Various dates from Saturday 21st March 2026

Save 25% on ticket Silver Zone with discount code OLYMPUSDMN
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With writhing Gods and jiving nymphs, The Unofficial Grease Parody is not your normal musical. Expect intoxicating tunes, divine dance numbers and a cracking cast of celestial beings.

From the producers of Stranger Sings, Mulan Rouge and a host of critically acclaimed productions, this epic stage show tells the story of Olympus High - a school where every lesson is lustful. Grab your tickets to join the action from just £50.76.

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.

Laoxa’s Creative Ground

After a wholesome outing with a friend or partner? Then check out this Rug Tufting Workshop, led by expert guide Lucy from arts brand Laoxa. This is an intimate session for just two people at a time, taking place from Friday to Sunday each week.

Across the four-hour class, you'll learn how to create your very own rug, with step-by-step guidance throughout. Choose your design and get tufting, with all the tools and materials provided as part of your £150 ticket.

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.

House of Burlesque...SPEAKEASY

@ QT at The Middle Eight Hotel on Every Saturday

Underneath the city streets is London's best kept secret - the House of Burlesque Speakeasy. Expect gin-soaked fun, feathers and fabulousness.

The Burlesque Queen, Tempest Rose, will guide you through a night of sensational performances from fan-dancing divas and tempting tassel-twirlers. Stick around post-show, and you can dance the night away at the after party.

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.

The Psychology of Dating Apps: Why we swipe, ghost and hope

@ The Old Street Gallery on Mon, 23rd Mar 2026 @ 18:30 - 20:30

Get under the surface of the dating game at The Old Street Gallery. At Ideas on Ice, relationship expert Vicki Pavitt unpacks the psychology of swiping culture, from attachment styles and choice overload to rejection and hope.

Why do we swipe so instinctively? Why does ghosting feel so common? And why, despite burnout, do we keep coming back? She'll answer all this and more over an aperitivo or two. Tickets are just £35 and include a welcome drink.

Fengzhen Supper Club

Looking to dine out a little differently? Get on over to My Home for the Fengzhen Supper Club. Chef and host Jay will be serving up his signature blend of Chinese and southeast Asian inspired flavours across ten incredible courses.

Get on down to tuck into the likes of homemade beef baos with spicy chilli sauce, chicken satay skewers, prawn grapefruit salad, and sea bream in banana leaf. Tickets to this fantastic feast start from just £70.20.

Fairgame Canary Wharf

Book an event this Easter and the fizz is on us and 1 other offer

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.

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.

Silent Sounds Boat Party

@ The Silent Disco Boat on Various dates from Friday 27th March 2026

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.

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.

The Murdér Express Part Deux -Jewel Of The Empire

@ Pedley Street Station on Various dates from Saturday 21st March 2026

Spruce up your plans with The Murdér Express at Pedley Street Station. This awesome immersive dining experience involves a murder mystery, along with a brilliant three-course meal served in your train carriage while you try to solve the mystery. Need we say more?

Black Market Knees-Up

@ Cahoots on Saturday 21st March 2026 and 34 other Saturdays

Transport yourself back to the 1940s with a trip to the Black Market Knees Up at Cahoots, taking place at the Soho venue every Saturday. Keep your lips sealed as you enter an underground, infamous cocktail bar, where illicit sips and gambling reign supreme.

Meet the escaped prisoner show master on arrival, who'll be leading your entertainment for the night. Expect a 1940s-style pub quiz and other fun games, as well as rationed snacks and quirky cocktails - with the option for bottomless drinks too.

The Lucky Ducky Gameshow

@ The Bedford on Sunday 5th April 2026

Trivia meets chaos, luck and duck racing at The Lucky Duck Gameshow. Round up your team to compete in a series of fun and fast-paced quiz games, all while cheering your little quacker to victory.

Expect music challenges, picture puzzles and all kinds of quick-fire rounds along the way. Your incredible host, Call Me Jamezy, is on hand all night to keep the energy high and fun ridiculous.

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.

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. 

Avora: A New-World Cocktail Experience

@ Roscorp Laboratories on Various dates from Saturday 21st March 2026

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.

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.

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.