London doesn’t just have bars-it has entire worlds inside them. Walk into a hidden speakeasy behind a fridge in Shoreditch, and you’re suddenly in 1920s New York. Step through a neon-lit door in Soho, and you’re dancing on a spaceship above Mars. This isn’t fantasy. It’s a Tuesday night in London. The city’s themed bars and parties aren’t just gimmicks-they’re immersive experiences that turn a drink into a story.
Secrets of the Speakeasies
London’s speakeasy scene didn’t start with Instagram. It began in basements, behind unmarked doors, where only those who knew the password got in. The Blind Pig in Soho still operates like it’s 1927. No sign. No menu. You whisper a code to the bouncer, and if you get it right, you’re led down a narrow staircase into a dim room with velvet booths and jazz playing low. The cocktails? Handcrafted with house-infused spirits. The Old Fashioned here uses smoked maple syrup and a single cube of ice that takes 20 minutes to make. It’s not cheap-£18 a drink-but you’re paying for the ritual, not just the alcohol.
Another gem is The Alchemist in Borough. It’s not just themed-it’s theatrical. Bartenders wear lab coats and mix drinks with dry ice, liquid nitrogen, and edible gold. Order the ‘Bubbling Cauldron’ and your cocktail arrives in a glass beaker, swirling with smoke. A waiter lights it with a torch. It’s the kind of thing you film on your phone, then realize you forgot to drink it until it’s half melted.
Time Travel on Tap
If you want to skip the 20th century entirely, head to The Dickens Inn in Covent Garden. It’s a full Victorian re-creation: gas lamps, wooden benches, waiters in waistcoats, and a menu of mulled wine and spiced beef pies. On weekends, actors roam the room as Charles Dickens characters. One night, a man in a top hat sat next to me, recited poetry from A Tale of Two Cities, then asked if I’d like to join a ghost tour after my pint. It’s not a bar. It’s a living museum.
For a jump to the 80s, 80s Retro Night at The Box in Camden is the real deal. No filters. No nostalgia apps. Actual 1985 music-Depeche Mode, Prince, Duran Duran-played on vinyl. Everyone’s in leg warmers, shoulder pads, and neon. The DJ doesn’t just play songs-he tells stories between tracks. ‘This one? My sister danced to it at her wedding. Then she left him for the drummer.’ You don’t just dance here. You remember who you were.
Themed Nights That Turn Into Events
London’s best parties don’t stay in one place. They take over whole buildings. The Vagina Monologues isn’t just a play-it’s a monthly party at The Old Blue Last in Shoreditch. Every last Thursday, the bar transforms into a surreal, glitter-covered space where drag queens host trivia, and the cocktail menu is named after feminist icons. ‘The Gloria Steinem’ is a lavender gin sour with edible glitter. ‘The Audre Lorde’? A spicy tequila punch served in a test tube. The crowd? Artists, writers, queer activists, and tourists who stumbled in and never left.
Then there’s Midnight Masquerade at The Vaults under Waterloo Station. It’s not just a party-it’s a mystery. You buy a ticket, get a mask, and are given a clue to solve before midnight. The venue is a network of abandoned railway tunnels lit by candlelight. Waiters in velvet cloaks serve champagne from silver trays. The music? Live string quartet playing electronic remixes. You don’t know who you’re talking to. That’s the point.
Animal Kingdom Bars
Londoners love animals. So they built bars where you drink with them. Bar K in Camden is a dog-friendly pub with a rooftop garden where you can sip a pint while your pup chases a tennis ball. The staff knows every dog’s name. The menu? ‘Puppy Pilsner’ and ‘Biscuit Burger’-yes, it’s real food for humans, but the dog treats are free.
For something wilder, try The Monkey Bar in Notting Hill. It’s not named after primates-it’s decorated like a jungle. Monkeys hang from the ceiling (realistic ones, not real). The cocktails? Named after endangered species. ‘The Pangolin’ is a smoky mezcal drink with chili and lime. ‘The Snow Leopard’? A frozen gin martini with edible silver. The bar donates 10% of profits to wildlife conservation. You’re not just drinking-you’re helping.
Food-Themed Nights That Go Beyond the Menu
London’s foodie culture spills into nightlife. Spice Market in Brick Lane doesn’t just serve Indian food-it recreates a Mumbai street market. You sit on low stools, eat from metal trays, and order from a trolley that rolls between tables. The bartender mixes masala chai cocktails with vodka and cardamom. The playlist? Bollywood remixes from 2003. It’s loud, messy, and perfect.
At The Pizza Club in Hackney, every Friday is ‘Pizza & Prosecco Night.’ But here’s the twist: you don’t pick your pizza. The chef picks for you. You get three slices-each from a different region of Italy. You get a glass of Prosecco for each. No menus. No choices. Just trust. It’s the only bar I’ve been to where people argue over who got the best slice, then hug it out.
What to Wear, When to Go, and How to Avoid the Crowds
Themed bars in London aren’t casual. They expect you to play along. At The Alchemist, you’ll feel out of place in joggers. At 80s Retro Night, jeans and a t-shirt won’t cut it. Dress like you’re going to a costume party-even if it’s just a bold jacket or glitter eyeliner.
Timing matters. Weekends are packed. If you want space, go on a Wednesday or Thursday. Many themed nights only run once a week. Check Instagram or Eventbrite. Don’t rely on Google Maps-it’s often outdated. Follow the bars directly. Some don’t even have websites.
Book ahead. Even if it’s not advertised. Speakeasies like The Blind Pig take reservations for groups of four or more. Walk-ins? You might wait an hour. Or get turned away.
Why This Isn’t Just Another Night Out
London’s themed bars work because they don’t pretend to be something they’re not. They’re not trying to be fancy. They’re trying to be unforgettable. You don’t leave with a hangover-you leave with a story. The time you danced with a stranger who turned out to be a former opera singer. The cocktail you ordered that came with a handwritten poem. The bar where you met your best friend because you both got the same weird drink.
This is nightlife as theater. As art. As community. And it’s all happening right now, behind unmarked doors, under railway tunnels, and above dog parks. You just have to walk through the door.
Are themed bars in London expensive?
Yes, many are pricier than regular pubs. Cocktails at places like The Alchemist or The Blind Pig range from £16 to £22. But you’re paying for the experience-craft ingredients, theatrical service, and exclusive settings. For the price of two drinks at a chain bar, you get a night you’ll remember for years.
Do I need to dress up for themed bars?
It depends on the bar. Speakeasies like The Blind Pig prefer smart casual. Retro nights like 80s Retro Night expect full costumes. Some, like The Monkey Bar, are more relaxed but still appreciate effort. When in doubt, check their Instagram. They often post photos of guests in outfits. If you see glitter and velvet, bring your own.
Can I go to themed bars alone?
Absolutely. Many regulars are solo. Staff at places like The Vagina Monologues or The Vaults know how to make newcomers feel welcome. You’re more likely to strike up a conversation here than at a normal pub. The theme breaks the ice.
Are these bars kid-friendly?
Most aren’t. Themed bars in London are 18+ or 21+. Even dog-friendly spots like Bar K have strict age limits. If you’re with kids, stick to family-friendly pubs or afternoon tea spots. Nightlife here is designed for adults seeking escape, not childcare.
How do I find the latest themed nights?
Follow bars on Instagram. Many post their weekly themes there. Sites like Eventbrite and Time Out London list events, but they’re often outdated. The best info comes from the venues themselves. Bookmark 5-10 favorites and check their pages every Monday.
Are themed bars worth it if I’m only in London for a weekend?
If you’re here for one night, pick one. Don’t try to do three. Choose a bar that matches your vibe-whether it’s retro, mysterious, or animal-themed. One great experience beats five mediocre ones. You’ll remember the bar where you laughed with strangers more than the one where you just drank.
