If you’re heading to the UK’s capital city for a weekend or a longer break, there are plenty of themed London bars to choose from. It can be difficult separating the must-visit bars from those which you should probably avoid – luckily I’ve created this handy list of themed London bars where you’re practically guaranteed to have a great night.
1 Evans and Peel Detective Agency, Earl’s Court
This bar’s quirky website is the first clue that your visit here will be anything but ordinary, and it makes the top of my must-visit list! Tucked away in a dark basement on Earl’s Court Road, this speakeasy operates a cloak and dagger style entrance – ring the buzzer and you’ll be led into a detective’s office where you’ll be greeted by a rather dapper chap sat behind a desk, who will ask you what name you booked your appointment under and to tell him some more about your case! It’s all very tongue in cheek, and reservations aren’t mandatory, but it adds an air of elicit fun to any night out! Inside you’ll find traditional cocktails and American snacks such as pulled pork and corn on the cob. This is one of the best themed London bars!
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2 Trailer Happiness, Portobello Road
Part American retro, part Tiki twist, this cool underground bar on Portobello Road is out of this world! Enjoy the retro chic '70s décor and try the Don Zombie cocktail – a potent mix of cherry, absinthe, Rums and other delicious ingredients served in a zombie head! You’re guaranteed a great night out at Trailer Happiness – retro outfits strictly optional.
3 Mahiki, Dover Street
Say aloha to a night out at Mahiki – it’s definitely not a bar for serious types. Its mock-Polynesian décor, international bar staff and kitsch cocktails guarantee some serious fun! Try a Dark and Stormy or a Bikini Blast (for three to share). Just make sure you arrive early as the bar charges an admission fee of up to £15, depending on what time you arrive! Turn up for early evening drinks and munchies and you can stay as long as you like!
4 Nordic Bar, Soho
For a taste of Scandinavia, come to the Nordic Bar in London’s Soho, and enjoy delicious flavored schnapps, gravad lax, rye bread and smorgasbords to share. There’s a party vibe here, with regular events such as ping pong competitions ensuring your night will be fun – but be warned, it’s not a place for a quiet, intimate date! Make sure you don’t miss out on their cocktails – Nordic Fizz is a divine blend of elderberry and elderflower syrup finished off with some fizz!
5 ICEBAR, Heddon Street
This themed bar offers an experience with a difference – the whole bar is made out of ice! The walls, tables, bars and even your glass are all sculpted from ice, and you’ll be given a special fur-lined jacket and gloves to wear during your visit. Just don’t stay too long as it can get rather chilly indeed!
6 Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, Artillery Lane
This new basement bar beneath East London’s famous ‘Breakfast Club’ diner has a rather hush-hush nature; it’s a secret speakeasy venue which, despite its elusive qualities, has gained a lot of publicity lately! Once you’ve found the (slightly hidden) entrance – which is unusual enough in itself in that it’s a SMEG fridge door – you can indulge in the secret delights inside! With an extensive cocktail and beer list, you could spend all night trying out tempting combinations such as ‘Gatsby’s Rose’ with rosemary and grapefruit bitters or a Chili and Lemongrass Margarita with agave syrup and lime juice. Wow!
7 Roadhouse, Covent Garden
Renowned as having the best party atmosphere in London, Roadhouse is also in the perfect location for anyone visiting the city, situated in the heart of Covent Garden. This late-night bar offers regular Rockaoke, live bands on stage every night of the week and blends the feel of a 1950s diner with the grit of a set straight out of Sin City. Nights out here are always fun – if you like glitter, retro music, cocktails and traditional American burgers and fries, you’ll love Roadhouse!
All this talk of themed bars is making me long for a night out, and I reckon at least one of these bars will be on my list of places to visit! If you’ve ever been to London, you’ll know just how many great bars and clubs there are to choose from – so share with me some of your favorites?
