London doesn’t just have bars-it has entire worlds inside them. Walk into a basement in Shoreditch and suddenly you’re in a 1920s speakeasy with jazz playing and gin cocktails served in test tubes. Step into a warehouse in Peckham and you’re dancing under neon fish in a submerged ocean party. These aren’t gimmicks. They’re experiences designed to pull you out of your routine and into something wilder, weirder, and way more memorable.
What Makes a Themed Bar in London Actually Good?
A good themed bar doesn’t just slap on a costume and call it a day. It builds a full world. The lighting, the music, the staff’s costumes, even the napkins-everything has to serve the theme. You can tell the difference between a place that spent six months designing the experience and one that just bought a pirate hat from Amazon.
Top spots in London nail the details. At The Alchemist in Soho, cocktails come with dry ice smoke, potion bottles, and lab-coated bartenders who explain each drink like a scientific breakthrough. At Bar 61 in Camden, you’re in a 1960s underground nuclear bunker-complete with flickering Geiger counters and Soviet-era propaganda posters. The theme isn’t background noise. It’s the main event.
Top 5 Themed Bars You Can’t Miss
- The Alchemist (Soho) - A science-lab cocktail bar where drinks are served with molecular magic. Try the ‘The Evolution of the Universe’-a layered drink that changes color as you sip. Staff wear lab coats and carry clipboards. It’s theatrical, but the drinks are seriously well-made.
- Bar 61 (Camden) - A Cold War-era bunker with dim red lights, hidden tunnels, and cocktails named after spies. The bartenders don’t break character. Ask for the ‘KGB Espresso Martini’ and they’ll hand you a fake dossier with your order.
- The Hideout (Shoreditch) - Hidden behind a bookshelf in a vintage bookstore, this 1920s speakeasy requires a password (text them before you go). Inside, jazz plays on vinyl, guests wear vintage gear, and the menu is handwritten on old typewriters. No phones allowed past the door.
- The London Plane (Brixton) - A jungle-themed bar with real plants hanging from the ceiling, live birds chirping, and cocktails served in hollowed-out pineapples. The vibe is relaxed but immersive-like a tropical oasis in the middle of South London.
- Underground (Hackney) - A 1980s arcade party bar with over 30 retro games, neon lights, and a DJ spinning synthwave. You can play Pac-Man while sipping a neon-blue cocktail called the ‘Pixel Punch’. It’s loud, colorful, and perfect for groups who want to play as much as they drink.
Best Themed Parties in London Right Now
Bars are great, but the real magic happens when the crowd shows up in costume and the whole place turns into a living movie.
- Neon Masquerade (Every Friday at The Box, Soho) - A high-energy masked party where everyone wears glitter, feathers, and full-face masks. The music is a mix of house, disco, and electro-pop. Entry includes a complimentary mask and a champagne toast. Dress code is strict: no plain clothes. You’ll see people dressed as cyborgs, angels, and aliens.
- Under the Sea (Monthly at The Old Blue Last, Shoreditch) - A full ocean immersion. The bar is filled with fake coral, LED jellyfish, and staff dressed as mermaids and deep-sea divers. Drinks come in glass bubbles. The playlist is all 90s beach pop and tropical house. Bring your own snorkel if you want to be extra.
- Time Traveler’s Ball (Last Saturday of the month, The Windmill, Brixton) - Each month has a different decade. January 2026 is 1977-disco, bell bottoms, and ABBA covers. You get in free if you’re dressed for the theme. The bar serves cocktails named after iconic songs: ‘Dancing Queen’ (vodka, lemon, glitter), ‘Stayin’ Alive’ (rum, ginger, lime).
- Comic Con After Dark (Bi-monthly at The Electric Ballroom, Camden) - Not just for fans. It’s a full superhero and villain party with live actors, photo booths, and themed cocktails like ‘The Hulk Smash’ (blue curaçao, pineapple, soda). Cosplay is encouraged, but not required. The energy is electric.
How to Pick the Right Night Out
Not every themed night suits every mood. Here’s how to match your vibe:
- Want romance? Go to The Hideout. The dim lighting, quiet jazz, and no-phone rule make it perfect for deep conversation.
- Want to dance hard? Under the Sea or Neon Masquerade. Both have DJs who know how to keep the floor packed until 2 a.m.
- Want to laugh with friends? Comic Con After Dark or Underground. The games and costumes turn the night into a group game.
- Want to feel fancy? The Alchemist. It’s the only place where your cocktail comes with a printed recipe card and a mini science lesson.
Pro tip: Book ahead. These places fill up fast. Some require RSVPs. Others have strict dress codes. Don’t show up in jeans and a t-shirt to a masquerade party and expect to get in.
What to Wear (And What Not To)
Themed bars in London take dress codes seriously. Here’s what works:
- Do: Wear something that matches the theme-even if it’s just a hat or a statement piece. A velvet jacket for a 1920s bar. A glowing accessory for a neon party. A pair of fishnet tights for Under the Sea.
- Don’t: Show up in full cosplay unless the event asks for it. You’ll stand out in a bad way. Also, avoid wearing anything that looks like a Halloween costume from a supermarket. These bars have real design teams. They’ll notice.
Some places offer costume rentals. The Alchemist has vintage lab coats. Neon Masquerade sells handmade masks at the door. Don’t be afraid to ask.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices vary. Most themed bars charge £12-£18 for cocktails. Entry to themed parties can range from free (if you dress the part) to £25 for VIP access. Some places include a drink in the ticket price.
Underground and Comic Con After Dark are usually £10-£15 entry, with drinks at £10-£14. The Alchemist is pricier-cocktails start at £16. But you’re paying for the experience, not just the alcohol.
Pro tip: Go early. Most themed bars have happy hours from 5-7 p.m. with discounted drinks. If you’re on a budget, start there and move to the party later.
Why London’s Themed Scene Is Different
Other cities have costume bars. London has immersive storytelling. The city’s history of theater, underground culture, and creative rebellion means themed nights here aren’t just trends-they’re art forms.
Think about it: London has over 200 bars that change their entire interior every few months. Some even rotate themes seasonally. You might visit a bar in March that’s a Victorian greenhouse, and return in July and find it’s a post-apocalyptic desert.
That’s not marketing. That’s passion.
Final Tip: Bring a Friend Who Loves Weird Stuff
Themed nights are better with someone who’s just as excited as you are. They’ll laugh at the fake lava lamp, take the weirdest photos, and remember the night for years. And if you’re going solo? Pick a bar with a strong vibe-The Hideout or The Alchemist are perfect for solo explorers.
London’s nightlife doesn’t just serve drinks. It serves stories. And the best ones? They start with a door you have to knock on three times to open.
Are themed bars in London expensive?
Cocktails at themed bars usually cost £12-£18, with some premium spots like The Alchemist charging £16-£22. Entry to themed parties ranges from free (if you dress the part) to £25 for VIP. Happy hours (5-7 p.m.) often offer discounts, so timing your visit can save money.
Do I need to dress up for themed bars?
It depends. Places like The Hideout or Neon Masquerade have strict dress codes-you won’t get in without a vintage look or a mask. Others, like The London Plane, encourage but don’t require costumes. Always check the venue’s website or social media before you go. When in doubt, bring a statement piece-a hat, a glitter jacket, or bold makeup.
Can I go to these bars alone?
Absolutely. Bars like The Alchemist and The Hideout are popular with solo visitors because the atmosphere is immersive and quiet enough to enjoy on your own. You’ll still meet people, but you won’t feel pressured to socialize. Just pick a spot with good lighting and a comfortable vibe.
How do I find out about new themed parties?
Follow local event pages like Time Out London, London Nightlife, and Secret London on Instagram. Many venues also post their monthly themes on their own social media. Sign up for newsletters-some bars send out exclusive invites for early access to tickets.
Are themed bars safe at night?
Yes. Most themed bars are in well-lit, busy areas like Soho, Shoreditch, and Camden. Staff are trained to handle crowds and keep things secure. Many have ID checks and security at the door. Stick to well-known venues, avoid carrying too much cash, and use licensed taxis or the Tube after midnight.
