16 Cool and Quirky Bars and Pubs to Visit in London

23 Jul, 2022

16 Cool and Quirky Bars and Pubs to Visit in London

Jul 23, 2022

London boasts many exciting things to do. If you’re looking for an unusual and exciting bar experience while in London, you’ll want to check out some of the city’s quirkiest bars to add to your London at night activities. From themed venues that will take you back in time, to trendy spots with outrageous décor, there’s a little something for everyone when it comes to nightlife in London. So get ready to drink in style at one of these unconventional watering holes!

1- Escapologist, London

Looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of London? Look no further than the Escapologist bar. This hidden gem is tucked away in a basement near Leicester Square, and it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed drink or two. The decor is inspired by vintage escape rooms, with eclectic furnishings and retro games.

 

The menu boasts an impressive selection of cocktails, all of which are named after famous escape artists. And if you’re looking for something to nibble on, there’s a tempting range of small plates to choose from. So whether you’re looking to escape the heatwave or the daily grind, the Escapologist bar is the perfect place to do it.

2- Alcotraz Shoreditch: Cell Block Two-One-Two

Alcotraz Shoreditch: Cell Block Two-One-Two is a unique bar located in London’s East End. The brainchild of two former prison guards, the bar is designed to resemble a typical prison cell block. Guests are “arrested” upon arrival and placed in one of the cells, where they can enjoy a variety of cocktails and wines. 

The bar’s drinks menu is inspired by classic jailhouse recipes, and the bartenders are experts at crafting perfect drinks. The atmosphere at Alcotraz Shoreditch is electric, and the experience is unlike any other. If you’re looking for a truly unique night out, Cell Block Two-One-Two is the place for you.

3- Ballie Ballerson Shoreditch

Shoreditch has always been known for its vibrant nightlife, and in recent years, it has become even more of a hot spot for clubbers and party-goers. One of the newest additions to the Shoreditch nightlife scene is Ballie Ballerson, a unique venue that combines a nightclub with a ball pit. 

The brainchild of entertainment entrepreneur Steve Bence, Ballie Ballerson opened its doors in 2017 and has quickly become one of the most popular clubs in London. Located in an old warehouse on Curtain Road, the club is spread across two floors and features a giant ball pit filled with over 1 million balls. 

The balls are made from biodegradable material and are illuminated with UV lighting, making them glow in the dark. Guests can purchase tickets for one-hour sessions, during which they can enjoy music from DJs, take part in games, and socialise with other guests. With its fun atmosphere and unique concept, Ballie Ballerson is sure to keep Shoreditch swinging long into the night.

4- Otherworld VR

If you’re looking for a truly immersive experience, you need to check out Otherworld VR Bar in London. There’s nothing quite like being transported to another world, and with virtual reality technology, that’s exactly what you can do. Whether you want to explore a haunted house or battle aliens, there’s a VR experience for you. 

And if you get hungry while you’re playing, no problem! The bar has a full menu of food and drink for you to enjoy. Just be careful not to spill your drink while you’re fighting off zombies! Otherworld VR Bar is the perfect place to escape the mundane world and have some fun. So what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and head on over!

5- Waxy’s Little Sister

Waxy’s Little Sister is a pub in London that is known for its quirky decor and delicious food. The walls are covered in wax candles, and the menu features traditional British dishes with a twist. The pub is also known for its friendly staff and lively atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a pint or a meal, Waxy’s Little Sister is the perfect spot.

6- Cahoots 

Cahoots is a bar in Soho, London, that is inspired by the underground clubs of the 1940s. It is a housed in a converted air raid shelter that protected Londoners during the blitz. The décor is authentically vintage, and the menu features classic cocktails like the gin rickey and the daiquiri. But what really sets Cahoots apart is its commitment to immersive entertainment. The staff are all decked out in period dress, and the music and dancing are strictly from the era. 

Even the restrooms are designed to transport guests back in time, with old-fashioned urinals and washbasins. In a city that is constantly changing, Cahoots offers a unique chance to step back in time and experience a bygone era.

7- The Last Tuesday Society

The Last Tuesday Society is a quirky little club in the heart of London that’s just the thing for anyone with a taste for the unusual. Founded by artist and author Viktor Wynd, the Society is dedicated to celebrating all things weird and wonderful, from taxidermy and entomology to natural history and curiosities. 

Every Tuesday night, members and guests are treated to a selection of oddities on display, along with lectures, films, and other entertainments. With its unique blend of the macabre and the absurd, the Last Tuesday Society is the perfect place for anyone who likes to step off the beaten path.

8- Burlock Rum Room

Burlock Rum Room is a haven for rum lovers in the heart of London. This cosy bar is decked out with dark wood furnishings and Cuban-themed decor, and it stocks an impressive selection of rums from around the world. Whether you’re a tropical cocktail enthusiast or a sucker for a classic daiquiri, there’s something on the menu for you. 

The bartenders are knowledgeable and passionate about their spirits, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations. And if you’re feeling peckish, Burlock also offers a delicious selection of small plates inspired by Caribbean cuisine. So whether you’re looking to try something new or simply enjoy a taste of the tropics, Burlock Rum Room is the perfect spot.

9- Callooh Callay

Callooh Callay, one of the most unique bars in London. Housed in an old Victorian building, the bar is spread across two floors with Alice in Wonderland-themed decor. Downstairs you’ll find the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, complete with mismatched furniture and ticking clocks, while upstairs you’ll find a more traditional bar area serving up delicious cocktails. 

Whether you’re looking for a quirky night out or just a great place to enjoy a drink, Callooh Callay is the perfect spot. So what are you waiting for? Head over there and show yourself a good time!

10- The Lucky Pig Cocktail Bar

The Lucky Pig is a magical place, where the cocktails flow like wine and the patrons dance the night away. But what makes this bar so special? Is it the intimate setting, with its low lighting and velvet chairs? Is it the impeccable service, or the fact that they serve up some of the best cocktails in London? Whatever the reason, The Lucky Pig is definitely worth a visit. Located in the heart of London’s West End, this hidden gem is perfect for a night out on the town. 

And with a menu that features classics like the Negroni and the Old Fashioned, as well as creative new concoctions, there’s something for everyone at The Lucky Pig. So next time you’re looking for a night of fun and drinks, be sure to check out The Lucky Pig Cocktail Bar. You won’t be disappointed.

11- Churchill Arms

Cool bars in London: Churchill Arms

The Churchill Arms in London is one of the most iconic pubs in the city. The pub dates back to 1750, and is now named after Winston Churchill, who was born in 1874 in a nearby townhouse. The pub is known for its beautiful floral displays, which are created by the talented team of gardeners who work there. The pub also has a large collection of Churchill memorabilia, including paintings and photos. In addition to being a popular tourist spot, the Churchill Arms is also a local favorite, thanks to its delicious food and friendly staff. If you’re looking for a traditional British pub experience, then the Churchill Arms is the perfect place to visit.

12- TT Liquor

TT Liquor is a hidden gem in the heart of London. This small cocktail bar in a converted old police station is tucked away behind an unassuming door on a busy street, but inside, it’s a whole different world. The walls are lined with bottles of rare and vintage spirits, and the bartenders know how to make a mean cocktail. If you’re looking for a truly unique drinking experience, TT Liquor is the place to go. Just be sure to make a reservation in advance – this place is always packed!

13- Cellar Door

Aldwych might be best known for its appearances in a number of films and TV shows, but it also has a more unusual claim to fame: it used to be home to a public toilet built in 1894 and served as a public toilet until it was closed in 2007. However, it was given new life in 2017 when it was transformed into a cocktail bar called Cellar Door. The Cellar Door is now a popular spot for pre-theatre drinks, and its unique history adds to its charm. So next time you’re looking for a place to have a drink near Aldwych station, don’t be afraid to venture down into the cellar.

14- Little Nan’s

Little Nan’s is a bar in London that bills itself as a “nostalgia den.” The décor is inspired by the kitschy, over-the-top interiors of 1970s British pubs, and the menu features classic English comfort foods like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips. The real star of the show, however, is the drinks menu. In addition to an impressive selection of beers and wines, Little Nan’s also offers a range of “fancy pants cocktails” made with everything from gin to crème de menthe. Whether you’re looking for a cozy place to enjoy a pint or a festive spot to celebrate a special occasion, Little Nan’s is sure to please.

15- Evans & Peel Detective Agency

London is a city of many mysteries, and there’s no better place to solve them than at the Evans & Peel Detective Agency. This top-secret bar is hidden behind a bookcase in an unassuming shopfront door and has a gangster-style speakeasy vibe.

In order to enter, guests must first prove themselves worthy by answering a series on questions. They will actually question you, make some notes, and may be, if you are lucky, they will show you a secret door. Don’t expect to get there without a reservation.

The Evans & Peel Detective Agency is the perfect place for those who are looking for an immersive and unique experience. So next time you’re in London, be sure to stop by and see if you can solve the case.

16- Ladies and Gents Bar

Tucked away in a secluded corner of London is the Ladies and Gents Bar. This small, unassuming establishment is easy to miss, but those who find it are in for a treat. The bar is decorated with an eclectic mix of vintage furniture, and the walls are lined with bookshelves crammed with books. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the bartenders are knowledgeable and passionate about their drinks. The menu features a wide selection of unique cocktails, as well as an impressive selection of wine and beer. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening out or a night of adventure, the Ladies and Gents Bar is the perfect place to be.

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