Unusual Bars You Can’t Miss In 2025

This fair land of ours? It's rampant with peculiar underground taverns, kooky cocktail haunts and offbeat watering holes. And don't even get us started on the drinks. We've scoured up and down the coastline to find the most unusual bars in the UK where tin can tipples and cloister-brewed beers are all the norm - from Edinburgh to London and beyond.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 9th October 2025




Newcastle: ChaChaBuchi

ChaChaBuchi in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne offers sophistication and glamour in the form of bark-lined walls, a chalet-inspired private room and a glowing golden staircase. If that wasn't enough, there's a cosy firepit to get excited about too on the terrace, perfect for enjoying an Alpine-inspired food menu around. Drinks-wise, you'll find classic sips like pornstar martinis as well as beers, ciders and all your favourite spirits. 

St Albans: The Snug

Striking the perfect balance between a laid-back lounge and an elegant cocktail bar, The Snug is a top drinking destination in St Albans. There are plenty of cosy corners to relax in, in a space decorated with colourful signs and neon lights.

The talented bar team are whipping up all sorts of creative cocktails, and you can even get two for £14 during their happy hour. Plus you'll find live DJs here every Friday and Saturday.

Lake District: BAHA

Head to Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District to discover BAHA, a three-storey venue that promises quirky interiors and unforgettable nights out. It's a bar, restaurant and live music venue all in one, regularly hosting a range of talented artists.

You can get involved in everything from cocktail making classes to private karaoke bookings here, with a varied selection of cocktails on offer. Hungry? Get stuck into the likes of teriyaki chicken, Korean beef tacos and vegan katsu curry.

UK-Wide: Ballie Ballerson

Upgrade to bottomless 🍕🍕

Ballie Ballerson is a nostalgic playground in the form of a ball pit combined with a bar, karaoke room and live DJs. Tickets for all-day pit access start from £6.50 and you can also treat you and your mates to one of its iconic bottomless brunches across its Edinburgh venue too, which features 90 minutes of unlimited bubbles and two hours of unlimited Neapolitan pizza. Cocktail-wise, you can expect to get your lips around Instagrammable beauties like the Dibbie Dabberson, topped with dip dab lollipop and th e bubblegum flavoured Hubba Hubba Bubba.

London: Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison

@ Hexmoor: London on Various dates from Friday 5th December 2025

Hexmoor is the ultimate destination for magical mischief, offering the world's first immersive wizarding prison bar experience. Upon arrival, you'll be issued your official inmate jumpsuit and locked up with a group of dark wizards who aren't afraid to bend the rules of magic. With live actors, immersive storytelling, and the chance to work with characters to orchestrate your escape, this is a theatrical experience like no other.

You can tailor your night with three ticket options: £49.50 includes three magical cocktails, £57.50 includes four, or for £77.50, you'll receive four cocktails and a custom wand, hand-delivered to you by Willbott's Wand Shop during the experience.

Leeds: The Maven

The Maven Christmas Carol Tasting Menu

The Maven is a Prohibition-style speakeasy found within The Calls and fronting an air of Gatsby-inspired interiors and etiquette. The award-winning venue is brilliant for serious cocktail lovers who are keen to try something a little different, while also enjoying a roaring party vibe thanks to live DJs. The menu is ever-changing, but summer specials have included the likes of Alpine strawberry vermouth mixed with prosecco, and POD pea vodka with elderflower cordial, topped with mint. 

UK-Wide: The Alchemist

With venues from Newcastle to Birmingham and beyond, The Alchemist is always a great shout for cocktails. Their bar in Monument, London is particularly impressive though, as it features the UK's first permanent Negroni Bar by Campari, which serves seven unique twists on the iconic cocktail.

Expect dark, sultry interiors and a killer menu of both food and drink. From juicy burgers to international small plates ad boozy brunches, this place has got it all.