London’s Best Cocktail Experiences

London isn’t short of cool cocktail bars, but it’s also home to a number of immersive experiences where you get more than just a drink. There’s the secretive prison-themed Alcotraz; the flaming zombies at Heads & Tails and even the immersive rockstar experience WeJam, where you get to form a band with your friends.

Alcotraz

Alcotraz is a unique, immersive cocktail experience that has taken London by storm. The original bar in Brick Lane opened in 2017 and made a name for itself as one of the most unique bars in the city. It also became a viral sensation, spawning a fervent obsession for prison-themed cocktails around the world.

Inspired by Hollywood movies and TV that have brought to life prison stories, Alcotraz has become one of the most popular immersive drinking experiences in the UK. From your very own orange jumpsuit upon entry, to the real metallic cells, it combines the best of theatrical immersive with world-class cocktails and creates a truly unique night out. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hen or stag, date night or just want to enjoy some time behind bars, Alcotraz is the perfect venue for you.

The original Alcotraz opened on Brick Lane in 2017 and made a name for itself amongst London’s drinking enthusiasts as an immersive bar that brought the prison story to life with cocktails included. After its success, the bar is expanding into another site on Hackney Road. The new site is three times bigger than the previous location and will feature three full Cell Blocks, 30 individual prison cells and seven secret rooms.

Don your orange jumpsuit and enter this secret prison to smuggle your own booze past the Warden and into the hands of some of the “longest-serving” inmates who will transform it into their bespoke, delicious, contemporary and classic cocktails. Once in the secret speakeasy, you’ll encounter a cast of shady characters and a notorious bootlegging gang who will transform your contraband into a range of cocktails using a variety of syrups, juices, bitters and liquor.

With some of Alcotraz’s most characterful inmates taking on the role of mixologists, you can expect a night filled with entertainment and challenges. They will take your smuggled liquor and craft you a personalised menu of four delicious, tailored cocktails.

With a 4.8* rating on Google across over 2,000 reviews, you can rest assured your group will have an incredible evening at Alcotraz. It’s the perfect gift for any friend or loved one who enjoys an immersive drinking experience, and it will be sure to get you noticed!

Moonshine Saloon

From the team behind the pop-up prison bar Alcotraz, Moonshine Saloon is a unique cocktail experience that transports you to the Wild West. It’s one of London’s most popular drinking experiences and features a world-class cocktail bar, immersive theatre, and a Wild West street.

It’s 1904 in the rugged town of Cold Water and you are filled with hope of making a fortune in the illicit smuggling trade. You’ll join the gang and become a Moonshiner working in cahoots with Clyde Cassidy to make your own illegal liquor. You’ll be suited up in Stetson Hats and Cowboy gear to ensure that you don’t attract the attention of the local sheriff.

Once you look the part, you’ll get exclusive access into a shady spirit making business and be taken downstairs to the Saloon where you’ll be able to try your luck at card and dice games and share stories of life in the West. You’ll also be able to enjoy personalised cocktails prepared by their world-class team of bartenders.

Before your evening can begin, you’ll need to smuggle a bottle of your favourite booze into the bar and hand it over to the bartenders without drawing attention from the Sheriff. They’ll then turn your liquor into four personalised drinks for you to drink.

This quirky, Wild West cocktail experience is a great way to have a night out with friends and family. It’s perfect for hen parties, birthdays and team days in London and is a fun experience that is sure to keep your guests entertained.

You’ll be seated within an interactive storyline which unfolds around you and you will be surrounded by actors playing characters such as the Sheriff, Clyde Cassidy and Lady Ada (all played by actors). These characters will help you to immerse yourself in this fantasy western bar as they chat with you as though they are real.

When you’ve had your fill of cocktails, you can take a walk down the Wild West street or visit the general store and rub shoulders with the residents as you get to know them. You may even be lucky enough to be invited into Clyde Cassidy’s infamous moonshine distillery!

Wizard Exploratorium

The Wands & Wizard Exploratorium is a quirky venue that’s both a science museum and an immersive cocktail experience. It’s located in Soho, just in the heart of London and is an enchanting place to explore magic & science.

This is a really unique, exciting and fun experience that’s perfect for a group of friends or family. It’s also an incredibly immersive way to spend an afternoon.

When you arrive, a magical assistant will guide you through the process of making your own magical potion. You’ll be able to choose from a selection of potions and you’ll receive a wand that will help you complete your project.

After you’ve chosen your potions, a wizard will show you how to use the wand and unlock a mystical chest of ingredients that will enable you to create your own drink. You’ll then be able to enjoy your delicious potion with your friends and family.

There’s an enchanted retail shop on the ground floor which sells magic-wand interactive, DIY and educational products as well as unusual sweets and homemade ice cream. All the merch is pretty cool, and it’s definitely worth popping in for a quick look at what’s on offer.

Depending on your wand choice, you’ll be able to brew two different types of drink! Adults can make alcoholic drinks while little witches and wizards can brew non-alcoholic options.

You’ll be given a full set of instructions and a wand to use in the experience, so you won’t have any trouble following them. You’ll also be able to take your creation home with you, which is a nice bonus!

The Potions Experience is a great opportunity for families with kids to get involved and learn about the science of creating a drink. It’s a self-guided session that’s suitable for children and adults alike.

It’s a really cool experience that’s sure to please any fan of magic. It’s a bit pricey though and it’s best to book ahead, so you don’t miss out on the chance to try this awesome drink-making experience! It’s also not suitable for pregnant women or people with certain medical conditions.

Cell Block Two One Two

If you’re looking to enjoy a night on the town in London, then you should check out Cell Block Two One Two. This Brick Lane bar is a glitzy, immersive experience that’s not for the faint of heart. The venue boasts replica prion cells where you can put on an orange jumpsuit, pass a metal detector and drink a cocktail in the dark.

Located in Hackney, this boozer offers something the likes of which you don’t see everyday. The glitzy experience features replica prion cells that can house up to 50 people (or more) and a fancy-pants libations menu. The most impressive part of this nifty bar is the fact that it is the city’s first ever prison themed cocktail bar.

The aforementioned cocktails are crafted with a secret supply of liqueurs, homemade bitters and syrups to create some impressively tasty beverages. They are dispensed in a range of stylish glassware that resembles prison cells and will no doubt be the envy of your friends.

In addition to the aforementioned cocktails, you’ll also find a host of other entertainments. Not only does this brick Lane establishment have the coolest swag, it also has an interactive light show that illuminates the walls of its replica cells in a flash. There are also several interactive games that will test your reflexes and teamwork.

The aforementioned cocktails are matched by the best of the rest on the menu. From the aforementioned drinks to classic pub fare, there’s plenty here to keep you entertained and coming back for more.