London doesn’t just have bars-it has entire worlds inside them. One night you’re sipping cocktails in a 1920s speakeasy behind a fridge door, the next you’re dancing under neon fish in a submerged ocean-themed club, or shouting over jazz in a hidden basement where the bartender knows your name. Themed bars and parties in London aren’t just about decor-they’re immersive experiences that turn a night out into a story you’ll tell for years.
Hidden Speakeasies and Prohibition-Era Secrets
London’s speakeasy scene is still thriving, and the best ones don’t advertise. The Blind Pig in Soho is one of the most talked-about. You’ll find it behind an unmarked door next to a Chinese laundry. Inside, it’s all dim lighting, leather booths, and bartenders who mix drinks like they’re performing magic. Their signature cocktail, the Blackout, combines smoked bourbon, black walnut bitters, and a hint of orange peel-served with a side of mystery. No menu. Just tell the bartender your mood, and they’ll craft something unforgettable.
Another gem is The Nightjar in Shoreditch. It opened in 2012 and still holds the title for best cocktail bar in the UK by Drinks International. The theme? 1920s jazz club meets aviation lounge. Each drink is named after a famous pilot or flight route. The Lost in the Clouds is a gin-based cocktail with elderflower, lime, and a floating sugar cube that dissolves like a cloud. Live jazz plays every night, and the staff wear vintage uniforms. You won’t find a single selfie stick here-this place demands presence.
Underwater Worlds and Ocean-Themed Nights
If you want to feel like you’ve dived into the deep sea without leaving the city, head to The Mermaid Inn in Camden. The entire interior is designed like a sunken shipwreck. Walls are lined with coral, fake seaweed drapes from the ceiling, and the bar itself is carved to look like driftwood. The lighting shifts slowly from blue to green, mimicking sunlight filtering through water. They serve cocktails in fishbowls, and the ice cubes are frozen with tiny plastic sea creatures inside.
On Friday nights, they host Mermaid Madness-a themed party where guests are encouraged to wear mermaid tails, glittery scales, or anything aquatic. A live DJ spins tropical house music, and the bar offers a free seaweed shot for anyone who brings a fake pearl necklace. It’s not highbrow, but it’s pure, unfiltered fun. Over 300 people show up most weekends, and the line snakes down the street by 10 p.m.
Space, Sci-Fi, and Alien Encounters
For those who crave the future, Bar 100 in King’s Cross is the place. The entire venue is designed like a 2150s space station. The ceiling is a moving starfield, and the tables are lit from below with holographic projections of alien landscapes. The drinks? All named after planets or cosmic phenomena. The Black Hole is a dark rum cocktail with activated charcoal and edible glitter that swirls like a galaxy.
Every Thursday is Alien Night. Staff dress as extraterrestrials, and guests get a free alien badge upon entry. A robotic bartender serves drinks from a glowing console, and there’s a VR zone where you can “walk” on Mars. The crowd is mostly 20s to 30s, tech-savvy, and into immersive experiences. It’s not cheap-cocktails start at £16-but the atmosphere is unlike anything else in London.
Comedy, Cabaret, and Chaotic Parties
Not all themed nights are about visuals. Some are about pure, chaotic energy. The Comedy Vault in Covent Garden is a basement bar that doubles as a late-night comedy club. Every Wednesday, they host Drunk Improv Night. Audience members pick a random object from a box-a rubber chicken, a toaster, a ukulele-and comedians have to build a sketch around it. Drinks are served in test tubes, and the house rule is: if you laugh, you get a free shot.
For something more theatrical, try The Box Soho. It’s a cabaret-meets-burlesque-meets-nightclub hybrid. Performers dance on ceilings, swing from chandeliers, and interact with the crowd. The theme changes monthly-last month it was Gothic Circus, with fire-eaters and masked clowns. Tickets are £25, but you get a free cocktail and entry to the after-party. It’s not for the shy. But if you want to feel alive, this is it.
Seasonal and Pop-Up Events You Can’t Miss
London’s themed bar scene is always evolving. Right now, Christmas at The Wizarding World is running at a pop-up venue near Leicester Square until January 5, 2026. It’s not just decorations-it’s a full interactive experience. You can order butterbeer, ride a broomstick simulator, and get your wand chosen by a magical staff member. There are live performances by “students” from Hogwarts, and the bar serves 12 different wizarding cocktails, including a floating pumpkin spice latte.
Another pop-up, Disco Inferno, is taking over a warehouse in Bermondsey every Saturday in December. Think 1970s disco, but with laser grids, fog machines, and a DJ spinning only tracks from 1975-1985. Everyone gets a free glitter vest. The dress code? Silver, gold, or anything shiny. Last week, 800 people showed up. The dance floor was packed until 4 a.m.
How to Pick the Right Night Out
Not every themed bar works for every mood. Here’s how to choose:
- If you want quiet conversation and great drinks → go to The Nightjar or The Blind Pig
- If you want to dance and be seen → Mermaid Madness or Disco Inferno
- If you want to laugh until you cry → The Comedy Vault
- If you want to feel like you’re on another planet → Bar 100
- If you want seasonal magic → Christmas at The Wizarding World
Book ahead. Most of these places don’t take walk-ins on weekends. Reservations open at 9 a.m. on Mondays for the following weekend. Use their websites-don’t rely on third-party apps. Some, like The Nightjar, have loyalty programs. Sign up and you’ll get priority access and free drinks on your birthday.
What to Wear and How to Behave
Themed bars aren’t costume parties-unless they say so. At The Blind Pig, a nice shirt and jeans are fine. At Mermaid Madness, you’ll stand out if you’re in a suit. At Bar 100, people dress in futuristic gear, but it’s not required. The key? Respect the vibe.
Don’t touch the props. Don’t take flash photos. Don’t scream into the mic unless it’s an open mic night. These places invest heavily in atmosphere, and a single loud group can ruin it for everyone. Tip your bartender-they’re often trained performers, not just mixologists.
Final Tips for a Perfect Night
Start early. Most themed bars get packed after 9 p.m. Arrive at 7:30 to snag a good seat. Bring cash-some places still don’t take cards for drinks. Check the weather. If it’s raining, you’ll want to avoid places with outdoor patios or open entrances.
And most importantly: don’t try to do too much. Pick one bar. Stay there. Let the theme pull you in. London’s best nights aren’t about hopping from place to place-they’re about sinking into one unforgettable moment.
Are themed bars in London expensive?
Some are, some aren’t. Speakeasies like The Nightjar charge £14-£18 for cocktails, while pop-ups like Disco Inferno have £10 drinks with free entry. Mermaid Inn is mid-range-£12-£15 per drink. The key is to know what you’re paying for: experience, not just alcohol.
Do I need to dress up for themed bars?
Only if the event says so. The Blind Pig and The Nightjar have no dress code beyond “no sportswear.” But for parties like Mermaid Madness or Alien Night, wearing themed clothing gets you better service and free drinks. It’s optional, but it enhances the experience.
Can I book a table in advance?
Yes, and you should. Most popular themed bars only take walk-ins on weekdays. For weekends, book at least 3 days ahead. Use their official websites-not third-party apps. Some, like Bar 100, let you reserve a booth with a drink package.
Are these places safe for solo visitors?
Absolutely. London’s themed bars are generally very safe. Staff are trained to spot trouble, and the crowd tends to be friendly. Solo visitors are common, especially at jazz bars and comedy clubs. Just avoid places with no lighting or no clear exits-stick to the well-reviewed spots.
What’s the best time to go?
7:30-8:30 p.m. is ideal. You’ll beat the rush, get better service, and enjoy the full atmosphere before the crowd turns rowdy. Most bars start getting loud after 10 p.m. If you like quiet conversation, go early. If you want to dance, stay late.
