Weird and Wonderful Bars in London

You'll be hard-pressed to find a wackier bar than Hokus Pokus, which is like an apothecary-turned-cocktail spot in King's Cross. Head over to this bizarre drinking den adorned with odd creatures and quirky props to knock back molecular mixes made with unique ingredients.

From the secret room in a wardrobe through to the street art cocktail menu, Callooh Callay is all about the unusual. The quirky Shoreditch bar has got date night vibes written all over it, with intimate nooks to curl up in and a drinks menu that will have you swooning.

Looking for weird and wonderful places to drink? The Cocktail Club is a must-visit, serving up their popular concoctions in a themed setting. With themes dedicated to the circus, famous movies, tequila and more, you're bound to find the perfect spot for you.

If only a secret spot will do when you're after something weird and wonderful? Check out Evans & Peel Detective Agency. Head through the secret door to a 1920s joint, where jazz and bootlegged liquor await.

Behind a striking mirror is the Looking Glass Room, a clandestine drinking hole where abstract photos line the walls and everything is not as it seems. Get up close and personal with the cocktail card as each libation is made with only the finest ingredients and prepared with a passionate flair.

A hidden speak-easy that'll transport you back in time to the days of Prohibition, BYOC City is nestled in the basement below James Cochran EC3 restaurant. Step back and relax as BYOC's bartenders work their magic on a bottle of your favourite booze by adding stunning bitters, infusions and syrups to your chosen spirit. The possibilities are endless.

Inspired by 1950s Hong Kong, Lucy Wong is not only quite the looker with its relaxed, speakeasy feel, but there's a whole load of cocktails to accompany. Think twists on the classics, like a cherry blossom Manhattan, alongside signatures packed with yuzu gin and lychee.

From the guys behind Callooh Callay, Little Bat is the stunning space that takes inspiration from museums and libraries. Expect chandeliers, pop art and rustic wooden floors across the space, making it the ideal destination for some signature cocktails.

London's weirdest bars? Considering that the entrance to this one is via a Smeg fridge and you need to know the password to be admitted, we'd say that The Mayor Of Scaredy Cat Town is up there. Once in, you'll find a captivating underground drinking space and delicious cocktails.

Part cave-inspired bar and part Victorian gentlemen's club in styling, The Escapologist takes its secret society vibes seriously. From the kooky cocktails to the fun tunes, you'll be able to part like it's 1899 here.

Laki Kane is the tropical den that's got you covered for delish drinks and fun vibes. Expect live entertainment, Polynesian vibes, Thai food and a range of cocktail-making or masterclasses to try when you're after something a little different.

A throwback to the 1920s Havana heydays, Burlock is one of the UK's most impressive rum houses. With more than 200 different types of the spirit and a selection of authentic Cuban and Caribbean food to tuck unto, this beauty is a no-brainer for fun nights out.

When it comes to a unique night out in London, we highly doubt you've tried anything quite like Flight Club. Not only the perfect place to catch up on pizza, cocktails and brunch should the weekend take you, book an oche and get down to some serious darts action alongside drinks. 

With a focus on fantastic, bespoke cocktails and interesting design, Nightjar is well worth seeking out. Head below the Shoreditch streets where you'll encounter an archetypal 1920s scene, tin cup cocktails and candlelit tables, while jazz and swing bands are on hand to provide soothing tunes.

This emporium of oddity - be it human, animal, vegetable or mineral - is a glorious insight into the stranger things in life. The Last Tuesday Societ showcases brilliantly bizarre taxidermy and trinkets along with a number of absinthe cocktails that will put hairs on your chest.

Paying homage to Prince Albert's heritage as well as his passion for music and art, Albert's Schloss Soho keeps the party going with live performances every night. You'll never have a dull moment at this trendy Alpine-themed hotspot, complete with cosy log fires, twinkling lights, and an abundance of delightful beer imported from Germany and Berlin.

The Star By Liverpool Street is a karaoke, live sport and party-filled modern pub that's got everything you need for a lively ol' time. Plus, there are stunning pink or jungle-themed rooms, alongside Chuck Burger delving out delish food.

The King's Head Members Club boasts some of the quirkiest interiors in East London. From their lounge bar to their private rooms, you'll find a wealth of taxidermy, attention-grabbing tiles, chandeliers and kitsch decorations.

For something a little different, head to this hidden bar within Merchant House and have the whole place to yourself. With a personal bartender and your own music selection, you can soak up cocktails in unique surroundings.

Call Me Mr Lucky is the speakeasy cocktail bar that's hidden inside Breakfast Club's venture in London Bridge. Expect kitsch decor, hanging lanterns and a fun-filled menu of cocktails to fuel your visit.

A basement hangout hidden away from the hustle-bustle of Portobello Road, Trailer Happiness is packed with character. Taking inspiration from the chilled Californian mid-60s, the bar brings quirky decor, tiki influences and innovative cocktail concoctions.  

100% weird and 100% wonderful, Reverend J W Simpson is the subterranean drinking den in Fitzrovia that you need to have on your radar. Named after its previous inhabitant, it holds many of its original stylings, from the wallpaper to the tiles, with kooky cocktails to match.

Boasting a taxidermy and Wiccan theme throughout, the Hand of Glory is one of London's most weird and wonderful pubs. More than just its decor, this pub is renowned for serving a fantastic selection of the best ciders around.

One of the most unique places to drink in London, Four Quarters in Peckham is your one-stop shop for games nights. Alongside retro arcade sets and craft beers, there's also a speakeasy bar nestled downstairs.

From the New York-inspired loft interiors to its Andy Warhol-themed vault, quirky drinking den The Little Scarlet Door is one Soho hotspot. Think unique cocktails and DJs on the weekends, topped off by a secret location marked only by a red door.

A bar with noticeable retro vibes, Simmons is a quirky neon-clad little number that's decked out with various knick-knacks and adorable deocr. Patrons come by for its killer happy hours, where they can sip on drinks served from tea cups sporting the Queen's face.

Pink and a girl-power attitude - that's what to expect from your trip to Tonight Josephine, whether you head to the Waterloo, Shoreditch or Clapham location. Expect glitzy booths, Instagrammable neon signs and late-night vibes, alongside a whole load of themed brunch events too.

Inconspicuously located along Chinatown, Opium is an opulent dim sum parlour and cocktail bar that knocks up a stunning selection of theatrical tipples. Track it down and immediately reap your rewards, with three floors of cocktails, food, nooks and crannies awaiting.

The Piano Works Farringdon and in the West End are two of the best places for quirky antics in our fair capital city. Hand your requests to the waiters, who will slip them to live musicians - think six-piece bands, piano vocalists and more.

Apples and Pears is a lively joint where funk, soul, old school hip hop, 80s or 90s hits, and party classics await on records to keep you grooving. Not only that, but there's quirky, candyfloss-topped cocktails and live music through the week.

Turn up the volume on quirky cocktails and '70s chic at Bobby Fitzpatrick. The North London cocktail bar specialises in all things retro with vintage wallpaper, signed photographs and a drinks list that's inspired by lost loves.