Unusual Bars You Can’t Miss In 2024

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 Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 7th November 2024




London and Liverpool: Moonshine Saloon

Bring your own liquor and become a part of the illicit moonshine smuggling gang with this immersive cocktail experience across London and Liverpool. Tickets start from £36.50 to Moonshine Saloon - you'll step foot right into the heart of the covert gang led by Clyde Cassidy and rub shoulders with local characters while donning a dashing Western wardrobe yourself. Enjoy four bespoke tipples crafter from what you've brought and make sure not to spill the beans when the Sheriff comes knocking.

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. 

Edinburgh & Glasgow: Fayre Play

Fayre Play will take you back to your childhood fairground days with its selection of classic games and sweet cocktails. Located in Edinburgh and Glasgow, its Scotland's first experience of its kind of adults and features the likes of Skee-Baw, Slam Drunk and more. On the drinks menu? Signature concoctions reign supreme like Who Gives A Duck, made with Havana 3 and apple juice, and the fruity Beach Baller.

Sheffeild: Shuffle Shack

Home to all the shuffleboard you can dream of, Shuffle Shack is a fun games bar that can be found in Sheffield, sporting a retro interior and warm vibes. It's a great place to visit with friends if you're looking to get a little competitive with each other and there's a cracking food and drinks menu to keep you going too. Wash down ten-inch pizzas with disco tipples like Irn-Bru Old Fashioneds and frozen cocktails for £7.50 each. 

UK-Wide: Ballie Ballerson

Create Your Own Package! 🫧

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: Call Me Mr Lucky

Happy Hour 5-8pm - 241 Cocktails & £3 Sol

You'll find Call Me Mr Lucky tucked away underneath The Breakfast Club in London Bridge, fronting multi-coloured strings of lights and playful interiors. It also happens to be Tom Daley's favourite bar so hit up to see why. Happy hour starts from 5pm 'til 8pm from Tuesday to Saturday where you can nab 2-4-1 on all cocktails and £3 bottles of Sol. Up for sipping? The Odeon, made with vodka and popcorn syrup, June Bug featuring Malibu and banana liquor, and an Elderflower Collins. 

Leeds: The Maven

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.