Step into a world where the ordinary is left at the door, and eccentricity takes center stage. In this blog post I’ll tell you about quirky bars – those delightful corners of the city where the unexpected is celebrated – in London.
From hidden speakeasies adorned with peculiar curiosities to cocktail joints that defy the laws of mixology.
Whether you’re a seasoned bar-hopper or someone seeking a unique night out, London is THE place to be. These quirky establishments promise an experience beyond the ordinary.
1. DRAUGHTS
Grab your friends, order some drinks and choose from over 1000 games.
Draughts is a board game cafe located in Haggerston, East London and has London’s biggest collection of Board Games.
Here you can socialise, have drinks and dinner as well as take part in events.
Info:
📍 Hackney: 41 Kingsland High St.
📍 Waterloo: Arch 16, Leake St.
⏱️On weekends they’re open from 10am to 12am*
🎟️You should book a time slot (as it’s a popular place) and gaming is limited to 3 hours.
💸£7 admission fee both places
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
2. THE LAST TUESDAY SOCIETY BAR
An absinthe bar hidden in a museum.
Choose from the absinthe-inspired cocktail list (don’t worry there are plenty of other choices too) before venturing downstairs to Viktor Wynd’s Museum of Curiosities to discover the strange, exotic, shocking and sometimes macabre collections.
Info:
📍Cambridge Heath (The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, 11 Mare St, E8 4RP)
⏱️On weekends they’re open from 12pm to 10pm*
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
3. PLATFORM CANARY WHARF
Turn-taking and screaming words of encouragement is highly recommended.
In case you haven’t heard of it, Platform is a small chain of London-based gaming bars giving guests the chance to play, eat and drink all in one space. The menu is all about crowd-pleasing favourites with a selection of customisable pizzas and nachos to keep you going. A maximum of 8 people can play in the large player booths for 90 minutes.
Info:
📍Canary Wharf (1 Crossrail Place, E14 5AR)
⏱️On weekends they’re open from 12pm to 12am*
🎟️Booking ahead is a good idea
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
4. FLIGHT CLUB
At this darts club, anyone can play, no matter their ability.
Join for Brunch from Thursday to Sunday with a whole bottle of prosecco and bottomless pizza, where you’ll have sharing plates in your own playing area. Or grab a friend or two for a fun game and drink.
Info:
📍Shoreditch, 2a Worship Street, EC2A 2AH
📍 Bloomsbury, 55 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1BS
📍Islington, 56 Upper Street, N1 0NY
📍Victoria, 6 Sir Simon Milton Square, SW1E 5DJ
⏱️They’re open every day from 11.30am to midnight*
🎟️Booking is mandatory
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
5. FOUR QUARTER ARCADE BAR
Like old-school games? This is it.
Gather for a friendly Maria Kart tournament or binge on your favourite arcade game, at this old-school video game dedicated bar. Four Quarters opened in June 2014 as London’s first arcade bar, and today it offers a range of classic games, drinks, events and private party spaces.
Info:
📍Hackney Wick, Unit 8 Canalside
📍Elephant & Castle, 20 Ash Avenue
📍Peckham, 187 Rye Lane, SE15 4TP
⏱️On weekends they’re open from 12am to 12 midnight*
🎟️Booking ahead is a good idea
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
6. BARTS
Travel back in time as Barts brings 1920s Chicago to 21st-century London.
Ring the bell, offer the secret password and step inside to sample a riot of cocktails and quirky cartoon decor. Enjoy their secret garden and other dedicated areas.
Info:
📍Chelsea (Chelsea Cloisters, Sloane Ave, SW3 3DW)
⏱️Open every day from 5pm to 1/2am*
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
7. MAGGIES
The 80’s are back!
This cool disco bar is a 1980s themed nightclub named after the late prime minister of Britain, Margaret Thatcher
Info:
📍329 Fulham Road, London, SW10
⏱️Open on weekends from 10am to 3am*
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
8. CAHOOTS
Dress in vintage and drink from rations.
Cahoots is a 1940s themed bar located in Kingly Court, made up of three spaces: the underground, ticket hall & signal station. Step back in time, sit and sip in an old train carriage.
They also host several experiences. For example Bootlegger Breakout which includes an escape room-styled puzzle at the signal station + a guided cocktail masterclass
Info:
📍Via Kingly Court, W1B 5PW
⏱️Open every day but weekends from 1pm to 2am*
🎟️Events need to be pre-booked
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
9. MR FOGG BARS
This is the world of the explorer Phileas J. Fogg who inspired the novel “Around the World in 80 Days”.
This bar will transport you back to the Victorian era with horrible flower fabrics and fun drinks.
They have a total of 10 locations in London:
3 locations in Covent Garden
📍Gin Parlour
📍Mr Fogg’s Tavern
📍Society of Exploration
3 locations in SOHO
📍Pawnbrokers
📍Hat Tavern
📍Gin Club
👗DRESSCODE: because of the nature of the Mr Fogg’s bars visitors are requested to wear elegant yet informal clothes.
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
10. BUNGA BUNGA
Metre-long pizzas, live entertainment and late-night karaoke – what’s not to like?
Bunga Bunga is an Italian inspired restaurant with live entertainment, often associated with a one-stop shop for drinks, dinner and dancing.
Together with weekly events they host “Buff Brunch” every saturday – which is literally male strippers performing to the biggest bangers from different boy bands. (Other events include Pizza Making Parties and private karaoke rooms). If you don’t want to be a part of their shows, you can book a bar table from 10.45pm.
📍Covent Garden, 167 Drury Lane
⏱️Open Wednesday to Saturday*
🎟️Booking is required
🔞Strictly 21+ year old venue
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
11. THE SHERLOCK HOLMES PUB
This pub near London’s Charing Cross Station, is much like the countless other pubs in the area. But the interior is full of references to the many books and films Sherlock Holmes featured in and when you step upstairs there is a life-size copy of the apartment shared by Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
Originally the pub was named the Northumberland Arms but when its owners were able to purchase the entire Sherlock Holmes exhibit after it returned from a world tour in 1957, the bar changed into a theme pub.
Info:
📍10 Northumberland St, London WC2N 5DB
⏱️Open every day from 11am to 11pm*
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
12. CHURCHILL ARMS PUB
Do you know your Churchill history?
The pub has a history dating back to the late 18th century and was originally known as the “Church-on-the-Hill”. During the 1800s, Winston Churchill’s Grandparents were regular visitors which eventually led to the naming of the pub after World War 2 – in honour of Churchills grandchild, the wartime Prime Minister from 1940-1945 (and again from 1951-1955) Winston Churchill.
One of the most striking features of the Churchill Arms is its exterior, which is decorated with flowers and greenery. The pub is famous for its beautiful floral displays, including hanging baskets and flower-covered walls, and has earned the nickname of “London’s most colourful pub.” The interior of the Churchill Arms is filled with an extensive collection of Churchill memorabilia, including photographs, paintings, and other things.
In addition to its typical pub menu, the Churchill Arms is also known for its Thai restaurant, which serves authentic Thai food. This combination of British and Thai culinary offerings adds to the pub’s unique character (and they even have an outdoor beer garden).
Info:
📍119 Kensington Church St W8
⏱️Open daily from 11am to 11pm (kitchen from 12-9.30pm)
🎟️Booking in advance is a good idea
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
13. FLIPPER’S ROLLER BOOGIE PALACE
Think skating around the rink to live music, following it up with a trip to the American diner and bar.
The iconic Flippers Roller Boogie Palace, originally opened in 1979 in Hollywood and in November 2022, Flipper’s opened a flagship venue in the heart of White City, London.
Info:
📍Ariel Way, W12 7SL, West London
⏱️Open Thursday to Sunday*
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
14. PUTTSHACK
Puttshack has taken mini golf to the next level.
Each ball at Puttshack is equipped with a microchip, and the courses are embedded with sensors. This technology enables instant scoring and adds a layer of excitement to the game. While mini-golf is the primary attraction, Puttshack also offers a selection of food and drinks to enhance the overall experience.
(If it’s your birthday you get one FREE game to use on bookings of 4+ players)
Info:
📍Puttshack White City Westfield, Ariel Way
⏱️Open every day from 12pm*
💸One game £12,5
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
15. BUSSEY ROOFTOP BAR
In the mood for a little rooftop refreshment?
Head on up to this covered terrace to enjoy all the classics.
Info:
📍Block B Rooftop Unit B3.1, The Bussey Building 133 Rye Lane London
⏱️Thur-Fri: 5pm – 10:30pm & Sat-Sun: 12pm – 10:30pm
🎟️Recommended to pre-booking a table
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
16. TSQ PLAYHOUSE
This Fairytale themed karaoke bar is famous for its bizarre cocktails, lively atmosphere and whacky interiors. And there’s not one but two decadent karaoke rooms
Info:
📍TSQ Playhouse – Covent Garden, 166-170, Shaftesbury Ave,
⏱️Only open saturdays 6pm-12am*
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
17. BALLIE BALLERSON
Your favourite Ball Pit cocktail bar
Not your typical bar as there’s a full blown ball pit but also a dancefloor, flair bar, karaoke room, games and a photo booth. In addition they offer Brunch – and I’ll let their website speak for themselves:
“Whether you choose seated or standing tickets on our weekend brunch sessions, your squad will enjoy bottomless prosecco, pornstar martinis and pizza for the first 90 minutes, and you’re also welcome to get balls deep for the whole 2 hour session.”
Info:
📍Ballie Ballerson London, 97-113 Curtain Road
⏱️Open Tue-sun 6pm-1am*
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
18. THE COCKTAIL CLUB
In total they have 10 Cocktail Clubs and the London venues serve happy hour sunday-friday until 7pm.
📍The Cocktail Club Goodge Street, 61, Goodge Street,
Notorious for unusual cocktail creations and interiors (think giant ships, circus styling and Star Wars) and happy hour sunday-friday until 7pm.
They don’t offer food BUT have popcorn free of charge!
📍The Cocktail Club Old Street, 63, Worship Street, Shoreditch,
It’s the ultimate escapism playground with full-on secret garden party festival vibes.
📍The Cocktail Club Shaftesbury Avenue, 224a, Shaftesbury Avenue,
Buried deep in the heart of the theatre district, with old school tattoo artwork and eclectic run-related antiques, this venue is a non-stop party.
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
19. FOUR THIEVES
A bar that has all the fun you need.
Their own website says it best: “Is it the only pub on the planet with a huge arcade, weekly comedy nights, a bequiffed quiz master, Karaoke, a cosy Gin Yard and a Pizzeria? Probably.”
This huge venue has converted the upstairs Victorian style Music Hall into a huge games and chill-out spot where they offer the world’s first in pub Virtual Reality station, as well as Moonshine Raceway which is a full size race track where up to 10 drivers can race their remote controlled mini car with real steering wheels and pedal controls to drive to victory. And if you’ve watched the kissing booth you know StepManiaX! There’s so much to do here.
Info:
📍The Four Thieves, 51, Lavender Gardens,
⏱️Open every day from 12pm to midnight*
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
20. ESCAPOLOGIST BAR
Need something new?
This basement bar in Covent Garden is designed to be an escape from the ordinary, and has a vibe of an eccentric Victorian-era men’s club. They host lots of different themed parties and even throw a famous Mamma Mia bottomless brunch every Saturday!
Info:
📍The Escapologist in Covent Garden, 35, Earlham Street
⏱️Open every day from 4pm to midnight*
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
21. ELECTRIC SHUFFLE BAR
Hidden bar inside London Bridge station.
Inside the arches of London Bridge Station, Electric Shuffle is a fantastically immersive and entertaining venue. Electric Shuffle has transformed the traditional shuffleboard game into a fun social event that enables groups of up to 16 to compete. With Electric Shuffle Tournaments, they can connect shuffle tables and make a competitive experience with all players (imagine 320 guests battling for Electric Shuffle victory while keeping track of the live leaderboards)!
Info:
📍Electric Shuffle London Bridge, 10 Bermondsey Street,
⏱️Open daily from 11.30am to midnight*
🎟️Booking a shuffleboard in advance is recommended
💸They require the gaming fee to be paid in advance (£10 pp)
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
22. SWINGERS CLUB
Crazy golf, cocktails, street food or all 3?
Don’t get confused by the name and go back to the 1920s English countryside inspired golf club. Absolutely fabulous set up. Entry is free to enjoy their street food and bar.
Swingers have 2 venues:
📍Swingers City 8 Brown’s Buildings, London
⏱️Open from 12pm to midnight*
📍Swingers West End, 15 John Prince’s Street
⏱️Open from 12pm to midnight*
At the West End venue you can book a “sunday set” aka. Bottomless brunch consisting of 90 minutes of unlimited drinks, a reserved area, unlimited crazy golf and epic street food.
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
23. COPPA CLUB TOWER
Imagine cozying up in your own private igloo, perched high above the city lights.
Coppa Club on Lower Thames Street’s snow domes are so fashionable that they have their own distinctive drink, the Igloo Fizz, made with Piper-Heidsieck, gin, Maraschino, and mint. Coppa are most known for offering service in igloos on their terrace. The igloos are equipped with heating, plush furnishings, and festive decorations perfect for all seasons. And you have a perfect view of The Tower Bridge.
Info:
📍3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street
⏱️Open daily from 9am to 11pm*
🎟️ Because of limited igloos – booking in advance is a must
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
24. BOUNCE
Whack some balls and enjoy craft cocktails.
A buzzing underground spot made for eating, drinking and playing ping-pong late into the night, featuring 17 ping-pong tables and seating for having a laid back dinner. Bounce hosts several events including bottomless brunch, drag shows and ping pong tournaments and leagues, adding an extra layer of competition.
Info:
📍Bounce, Old Street, 241, Old Street
⏱️Open every day but weekends 2pm to midnight*
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
25. MONOPOLY LIFESIZED
An immersive, physical version of the world’s favourite family game.
Complete escape-room style challenges, take a chance, try to build your very own houses and even attempt to escape jail. Each 80-minute game is played on a 15m x 15m board, featuring 8 Properties, 2 Utility Companies, 2 Train Stations, Jail, Free Parking etc. and each board can host between 8 and 24 people split into 4 teams, all playing against each other with your favourite tokens – The Boot, Scottie Dog and Race Car.
If you’re not interested in playing (or need to fuel up before / after a game) go to they Top Hat Restaurant & bar.
Info:
📍Monopoly Lifesized, 213-215 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7PN
⏱️Open daily from 12pm to 11pm*
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
26. PIZZA PILGRIMS
Pop in for a drink, a pizza and some big kid fun.
Pizza Pilgrims in Canary Wharf, has a sunny terrace overlooking the skyline, and a games room area called the Pizza Playground. The Playground has an Arcade (including Nintendo Switch with Mario Kart), old school board games and a 16-player foosball table.
Info:
📍Canary Wharf, Pizza Pilgrims, 12 Hertsmere Rd
⏱️Open daily from 11.30am to 10.30pm*
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
27. NORDIC BAR
Scandinavian Live Sports and Party bar.
What do they offer? Let them tell you: “Step into nostalgia with our retro arcade tables, test your aim and camaraderie with a round of beer pong, or unleash your daring side as you spin the shots wheel.” In addition, all the big sports events are being played on huge screens and lays the atmosphere for an epic night out.
Info:
📍Nordic Bar, 25 Newman Street, Soho, W1T 1PN
⏱️Open every day 12pm/4pm to midnight/2am*
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
28. SALSA TEMPLE
Salsa is an authentic South American themed nightclub and bar by Temple Underground Station where getting involved with salsa lessons is a must (for all levels). They host several events such as Cuban Sundays, Tropical Wednesdays
And Latin Thursdays. Happy hours also keep things affordable with half price drinks between 5pm and 8pm every day, making Salsa a great place to stop and grab some pre-dinner drinks.
Info:
📍Temple Place, Victoria Embankment, WC2R 2PH
⏱️Open every day 12pm to 2am*
🎟️Free entry before 8pm
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
29. EXHIBIT BAR
A bar, restaurant, cinema, karaoke and event space all in one.
This picturesque venue spans three floors with outside spaces.
“No day at Exhibit is the same with a range of events including; stand up comedy, poetry, live music, bingo, quiz nights, life drawing, bottomless brunches and drag nights. Whether you are dancing the night away at our late night bar, singing your heart out in our Lucky Voice Karaoke Suite or relaxing in our Boutique cinema – a night at Exhibit is one that you will never forget.”
Info:
📍the Exhibit, 12 Balham Station Road, SW12 9SG
⏱️Open Wednesday to Sunday from 12/4pm to 2am*
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
30. HIJINGO
The future of Bingo.
This is not just bingo but bingo topped off with special effects, crystal clear sound design, hilarious live hosts and show-stopping refreshments. Combine that with the chance to win prizes, ranging from drinks, to cash, to a holiday. A full game session (six rounds of bingo) is £16 and they also offer Bingo Bottomless brunch.
Info:
📍90 Worship Street, EC2A 2BA
⏱️Open every day 5pm to 11.30pm*
🎟️Booking a table in advance is recommended
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
31. PLAYERS SOCIAL BAR
Games, food, drinks, live music – what’s not to like?
Try traditional Shuffleboard, ping pong or bonzini foosball. On Thursday & Friday, the venue hosts a 3-piece live jazz band, and on Saturdays, a live vinyl DJ. Join Sunday Social which is an all day brunch from 10am or Shuffleboard Social Tournament Every Tuesday or a ping pong tournament every wednesday from 7pm.
Info:
📍Crispin Place, Spitalfields, E1 6DW
⏱️Open every day from 12pm to 11pm*
🎟️Free games every day 10am to midday
🐶Dogs are allowed
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
32. LONDON SHUFFLE CLUB
Home of the supercharged game of shuffleboard!
The only UK venue with both lane and table shuffle! There’s 6 indoor shuffle lanes, as well as our 2 outdoor lanes which can be fully covered if it rains and the basement speakeasy bar, Crazy Eight, houses 4 table shuffle tables which can also host up to 8 shufflers each. Go for a fun night or a bottomless brunch. 12” pizza included ;))
Info
📍London Shuffle Club, 4 Ebor Street, E1 6AW
⏱️Open every day from 12/4pm to 11pm*
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
33. NEVERLAND
This is no ordinary venue.
Play Shuffleboard and darts as well as arcade basketball and beer pong. Be a part of their many events such as drag bingo and bottomless fondue.
Enjoy your evening in a Ski Lift Bubble, a Bar Cabin, an Igloo or in a Cabin.
Info:
📍Wandsworth bridge road, london SW6 2TY
⏱️Open thur-friday*
🎟️Entry is free but seating is not
(*make sure to check opening times beforehand)
Want to know more? Check out their website HERE
