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 2nd December 2024




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 Sunday 22nd December 2024

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. 

Inamo Covent Garden

Unlimited Asian tapas & sushi with free-flowing wine or beer £54.95 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.

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.

Soul Supper Immersive Dining Experience 2024 - LONDON EMBANKMENT FRIDAYS

@ Eight Embankment on Friday 24th January 2025 and 10 other Fridays

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.

IMMERSIVE JOURNEYS - FITZROVIA

After something a little out of the box? We thought as much. So be sure to check out the Tantra Sound Club's immersive experiences and workshops. Get ready to unwind and improve sleep patterns, all while adopting sound healing techniques and vibration therapy. 

Albert's Schloss London

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. 

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.

 

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. 

plonk

From Hackney to Shoreditch and 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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

The Candlelight Club

@ The Candlelight Club on Various dates from Tuesday 31st December 2024

You can always rely on The Candlelight Club at a secret Central London location for a quirky night out. Not only are there Prohibition-themed cocktails and three-course menus up for grabs, but there's also plenty of live entertainment, from the likes of jazz and cabaret.

Lost In Light

@ Curtain Call on Sunday 22nd December 2024 and 5 other dates

Every Thursday to Saturday, head to Curtain Call in Shoreditch to discover Lost in Light. This amazing immersive experience brings together the audience and performers to create a unique event that combines the real and virtual worlds. A collaboration between Squidsoup and DJ Four Tet, expect creative uses of light and sound here, costing £23 to attend.

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 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.

Avora: A New-World Cocktail Experience

@ Roscorp Laboratories on Various dates from Sunday 22nd December 2024

From the creators of popular immersive experiences Alcotraz and Moonshine Saloon, Avora is a film-like adventure where you'll discover a magical new world while sipping on three delicious cocktails. You'll engage with a cast of talented actors throughout, beginning at Roscorp Laboratory where you'll get your very own jumpsuit to complete your missions in and continuing your journey through the magical woodland which follows. The drinks here are just as mesmerising as the brilliant set design, and a tree is planted for every ticket sold so you'll be doing some good here too.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

The Escapologist

Christmas Happy Hour

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.

Musical Bingo - The BIG Xmas Parties

@ O'Neill's Wardour Street on Thursday 13th February 2025 and 7 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Paranormal Activity Tour

@ Outside Farringdon Station (Infront of Timpson) on Friday 27th December 2024 and 3 other Fridays

Travel across London and uncover the bloody past of the city. With the help of Ouija boards, K2 meters, you will search for spirits and poltergeists in some of the scariest places in London, from abandon goal cells formally hosting the world's worst serial killers to mountains of bodies that commuters walk on every day.

Venn St. Records

Happy Hour and 1 other offer

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.

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.