London doesn’t just have bars-it has time machines, underwater caves, secret speakeasies, and zombie cocktail lounges. If you’re looking for a night out that feels like stepping into a movie, you’re in the right city. Forget generic pubs with flat beer and loud music. The real magic happens where the theme isn’t an afterthought-it’s the whole point.
The Alchemist: Science Meets Spirits
The Alchemist in Soho isn’t just a bar. It’s a laboratory where cocktails come with dry ice, smoke, and lab-coated bartenders. Their signature drink, the "Elixir of Life", arrives in a glass test tube and is poured over a sphere of frozen gin that melts as you sip. You don’t order a drink here-you experience a performance. The walls are lined with vintage scientific equipment, and the playlist mixes ambient electronic with old-school BBC science documentaries. It’s not just a bar; it’s a sensory experiment. Locals come here for birthdays, proposals, and when they want to impress someone who thinks they’ve seen it all.
The Locksmith: A Speakeasy Hidden Behind a Bookshelf
Find the right book on the shelf in Shoreditch, pull it, and a hidden door swings open. Welcome to The Locksmith, a 1920s-style speakeasy that doesn’t just pretend to be secret-it actually requires a password. You get the password by solving a riddle on their website or by being recommended by a regular. Inside, it’s all velvet booths, brass lamps, and cocktails named after forgotten inventors. Their "Tesla’s Dream"-a gin-based drink with lavender foam and edible silver-tastes like midnight in a 19th-century laboratory. No phones allowed. No photos. Just conversation, jazz, and the quiet thrill of being in on the secret.
Shibuya London: Tokyo Nightlife in the Heart of Soho
Step into Shibuya London and you’re instantly in a neon-lit Tokyo alleyway. The walls pulse with animated manga projections, karaoke booths line the back wall, and the staff wear kimono-inspired uniforms. The menu? Japanese street food meets cocktail innovation. Try the "Yakitori Old Fashioned"-smoked with cherry wood and served with a skewer of grilled chicken. On weekends, the dance floor turns into a live DJ set blending J-pop, house, and traditional taiko drums. It’s loud, colorful, and completely immersive. You don’t just drink here-you participate. Groups of friends book private booths for themed nights like "Cosplay Thursday" or "Anime Karaoke Friday."
Bar 61: A 1960s Underground Party
Hidden beneath a nondescript door in Camden, Bar 61 feels like a time capsule from the Summer of Love. Think psychedelic murals, vintage vinyl spinning on a turntable, and cocktails named after 60s counterculture icons. The dress code? Whatever you wore to Woodstock. Tie-dye, bell-bottoms, flower crowns-it’s encouraged. Their signature drink, the "LSD Martini" (no actual LSD, just a trippy mix of blue curaçao, elderflower, and lemon), comes with a glow-in-the-dark straw and a tiny painted stone that you keep as a souvenir. On Friday nights, they host "Psychedelic Disco" with live light shows synced to Pink Floyd and The Doors. It’s not just a party-it’s a nostalgia trip that actually feels alive.
The Zombie Bar: A Night of the Living Dead
Every Saturday night, The Zombie Bar in Brixton turns into a full-on zombie apocalypse. Staff wear rotting makeup, the walls are covered in fake blood and cobwebs, and the music is a mix of horror movie soundtracks and dubstep remixes. The cocktails? All named after undead classics-"Brains on the Rocks," "Coffin Shot," "Gore-rita". Each drink comes with a plastic finger, a fake eyeball, or a tiny skull. The real draw? The "Zombie Dance-Off." Guests compete in choreographed routines while being "bitten" by actors who then join the dance. Winners get free drinks for a month. It’s messy, ridiculous, and unforgettable. If you’ve ever wanted to party like you’re in a George A. Romero film, this is your spot.
Secret Cinema Presents: The Night Out That Becomes a Movie
Secret Cinema doesn’t just host parties-it turns entire buildings into immersive movie worlds. One month, you’re wandering through a post-apocalyptic wasteland from The Road. The next, you’re sipping champagne in 1920s Paris during a screening of The Great Gatsby. Tickets cost £60-£100, but you get a costume, a storyline to follow, and real actors who interact with you as if you’re part of the film. You might be asked to deliver a message to a spy, sneak into a hidden room, or dance with a character who later saves your life. It’s not a bar. It’s a 4-hour movie you live inside. Bookings sell out weeks in advance, and you’ll need to dress the part. No exceptions.
How to Plan Your Themed Night Out
Themed bars in London aren’t walk-in affairs. Most require reservations, dress codes, or advance tickets. Here’s how to make sure you don’t get locked out:
- Book ahead-Especially for Secret Cinema, The Alchemist, and The Locksmith. Tables fill up fast.
- Dress to impress-Some places have strict themes. Show up in jeans to Shibuya and you’ll feel out of place. Bring a costume if it’s advertised.
- Check the event calendar-Many bars have weekly themes. Bar 61 has "Psychedelic Disco" on Fridays. The Zombie Bar is only fully alive on Saturdays.
- Go with a group-These experiences are better shared. Plus, you’ll need someone to take your photo when the bartender pours liquid nitrogen over your cocktail.
- Bring cash-Some spots, especially hidden ones, don’t take cards.
What to Avoid
Not every bar that calls itself "themed" is worth your time. Skip the ones that just hang up fairy lights and call it a "fairy party." Real themed bars invest in details: custom glassware, staff training, original cocktails, and immersive sound design. If the menu looks like every other pub’s, and the music is just top 40, walk away. London’s best themed spots don’t just decorate-they build worlds.
Where to Go After
After your themed night, you might want something quieter. Head to The Little Bird in Soho for a late-night espresso martini and jazz. Or try Wagamama’s late-night ramen bar if you’re craving something warm and salty. The city never sleeps, but your feet might.
Are themed bars in London expensive?
Prices vary. Standard cocktails at The Alchemist or Shibuya cost £14-£18. Secret Cinema tickets range from £60 to £100, but that includes food, drink, and an entire immersive experience. The Locksmith is more affordable at £12-£15 per drink, but you need a password to get in. Most themed bars charge more because the experience is part of the cost-not just the alcohol.
Do I need to dress up for themed bars?
Some do, some don’t. The Zombie Bar and Bar 61 strongly encourage costumes. Shibuya London expects guests to wear Japanese-inspired outfits. The Alchemist and The Locksmith have no dress code, but you’ll feel out of place in sweatpants. When in doubt, check the bar’s website. If they mention "theme night," bring the outfit.
Can I take photos in these bars?
It depends. The Alchemist encourages Instagram shots. The Locksmith bans phones entirely. Secret Cinema allows photos-but only before the show starts. The Zombie Bar loves photos and even has photo booths. Always ask the staff. Some effects, like dry ice or smoke, are ruined by flash.
Are these places safe for solo visitors?
Yes. London’s themed bars are popular with solo travelers and locals alike. Staff are trained to make guests feel welcome, and most venues have security. The Locksmith and Secret Cinema are especially known for being friendly to solo visitors. Just avoid going alone to very late-night spots after 2 a.m.-stick to the well-known venues.
What’s the best time to go?
Arrive between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to beat the crowds and get the best seats. Most themed bars get packed after 10 p.m., especially on weekends. Secret Cinema starts at 8 p.m. sharp-you’ll miss the intro if you’re late. The Zombie Bar only hits full energy after midnight.
Final Tip: Don’t Just Drink-Experience
London’s themed bars aren’t about getting drunk. They’re about getting transported. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail under a glowing jellyfish ceiling or dancing in a zombie apocalypse, these places turn a night out into a story you’ll tell for years. The best part? You don’t need a time machine. Just a reservation, an open mind, and a willingness to play along.
