London is one of the best places in the world for a drink. You've got your classic pubs, your late night lounges, and countless bars from no frills dive bars to upscale rooftops. There's something for everyone, and more besides. But something the city does really well, is unusual and quirky bars. There's bars in strange locations, weird and wonderful drinks, and immersive experiences taking you to a whole new world for the evening. I've rounded up five of my favourite quirky bars in London for your next tipple with a twist.
01. Cahoots
When it comes to quirky bars in London, Cahoots is somewhat of a London institution. It's the ultimate immersive experience, taking punters back in time to the 1940s, with themed drinks and live music. But what makes it so unique is the setting, which used to operate as a bomb shelter during the blitz. It's kept the theme, with plenty of nods to the era through servers with victory rolls in their hair, and drinks served in Winston Churchill mugs. But the real draw is the space itself, which has been converted into a vintage underground tube station. There's also a ground floor "ticket hall" and the newest addition, the "signal station", all of which have their own little twists. Though the underground is the OG, they're all worth exploring!
02. Little Nan's
Found under the railway arches in a far flung corner of South London (okay Deptford, but for a North Londoner, it feels far!) is legendary London cocktail bar Little Nan's. Set across two spaces, it's a wacky memorabilia filled venue that's part Grandmother's house, part shrine to Eastenders icon Pat Butcher. Why, you ask? Erm, I have no idea.
The cocktail menu is extensive, with fairly potent drinks in unsurprisingly kitschy vessels. They also do afternoon tea and boozy brunches. With a soundtrack of classic divas and pop icons, it's a great place to start your night with the girls.
03. Mr Fogg's
You can't write a list of quirky bars in London and not mention Mr Fogg's. It would just be rude. The bars are themed around the adventures of Phileas Fogg from Around the World in 80 Days, and there are several venues around the city bringing Victorian-era London to life. Head to Mayfair to explore The Residence, surround yourself with weird and wonderful artefacts in Soho's Pawnbrokers, or enjoy floral drinks and surrounds at The House of Botanicals in Fitzrovia. They're also some of the prettiest, most Instagrammable bars in London!
04. Bandra Bhai
Whilst some of the bars on this list are undeniably gimmicky, Bandra Bhai takes a more subtle approach. Hidden under a Fitzrovia Indian restaurant, this cosy bar is inspired by the smugglers drinking dens of 70s Bombay. There's plenty of kitschy nods to the theme, such as black and white vintage Indian photographs and animal print furnishings, however when it all comes together it's surprisingly chic. It's also a great spot for a drink - the cocktails are sophisticated and will satisfy even the most "serious" of drinks connoisseurs. Oh, and make sure to save room for the Indian bar snacks!
05. Lounge Bohemia
Whilst molecular mixology is nothing new these days, Shoreditch cocktail bar Lounge Bohemia was one of the pioneers, and is still one of the best. The interiors are influenced by the owner's Czech past, immersing visitors in a retro communist era living room. The drinks themselves, however, are the real spectacle. Expect alcohol in the form of vapours, foams, and smokes. These are served in receptacles such as lightbulbs, miniature bathtubs, and even alcoholic gummy bears. If you're rolling your eyes, I get it, but it's actually a whole lot of fun and the drinks are very good. And if you're really not convinced, they also serve classic cocktails. It's by appointment only, so make sure to book in advance.
Let me know if there are any other quirky bars in London that you recommend! And if you go to any of these, do let me know what you think in the comments below, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
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