London doesn't mess around with nightlife. If you're bored by standard pubs, you're in the right city for something way, way wilder. Here, you can sip cocktails in an old tube carriage, solve a murder mystery in a vintage living room, or even hunt ghosts between drinks. Forget the usual night out — London’s themed bars and parties get creative, and that means your Instagram will look epic.

Want a tip? Don’t just walk into any place. Some of the best spots are hidden, literally underground or behind bookshelves. If you’re planning a fun evening, dig a little deeper — locals love the thrill of finding a bar with a ‘secret’ entrance or a party with a weird dress code. Following a map or clues posted on their socials makes the whole experience feel like you’re part of the theme.

• Themed Bars That Never Feel Boring
• Hidden Speakeasies and Secret Entrances
• London's Must-Try Themed Party Nights
• Tips for Scoring the Best Night Out

Themed Bars That Never Feel Boring

If you haven’t been to Cahoots, you haven’t done London nightlife right. Set in a fake 1940s underground station, everything from the train carriage seating to the jazz playlist screams vintage. Try to get a booth inside the ‘tube’ if you can—the photos are worth it. People love the classic swing dancing on weekends, but heads up: booking is smart because walk-ins often queue for ages.

Next up, jump into the wild side at Ballie Ballerson. Yes, it’s packed with giant adult ball pits, neon lights, and cocktails named after childhood sweets. No one takes themselves too seriously here, so wear something comfy (and leave the high heels at home unless you’re really committed). The ball pit is surprisingly deep, and there’s an actual risk of losing your shoe. You’ve been warned.

For a Pirates of the Caribbean vibe, The Pirates of Regent’s Canal offers a floating bar experience. The whole thing takes place on an actual barge, and you get pirate hats and themed grog cocktails. They even do the occasional treasure hunt on the water, so watch for event nights. The best spots for a group are out on the deck.

Prefer something low-key but quirky? Head to The Four Quarters in Peckham or Hackney. These bars are lined with vintage arcade games, and the drinks are named after retro favorites. Order a Space Invader and challenge a mate to Pac-Man while you wait. There’s a rotating list of themed gaming nights with prizes if you’re feeling competitive.

When it comes to weird and wonderful themed bars, London is stacked. Double-check opening hours and make a reservation where you can—some of the best places get packed quickly, especially on weekends.

Hidden Speakeasies and Secret Entrances

In London, speakeasies aren’t just for history buffs — they’re an answer to anyone who wants a night out that actually feels like an adventure. Some of the best bars keep things under wraps, and finding them is half the fun. Want to show off your insider knowledge? Start here.

London nightlife legends like Cahoots are impossible to forget once you’ve found them. Cahoots, tucked away in a former underground air raid shelter near Carnaby Street, goes all-in on the 1940s vibe: staff in period outfits, swing music, and cocktails served in mugs or upcycled milk bottles. To get in, you literally head down the station steps and follow signs for ‘To the Trains.’

Then there’s The Looking Glass, hidden behind a bookcase in Shoreditch. Push the wall and step through — no password needed, just a bit of nerve. Their cocktails are creative and their burlesque nights get packed, so book ahead if you want a seat with a view.

Don’t sleep on Evans & Peel Detective Agency, either. The entrance looks like a plain door, but you’ll be grilled in character by the ‘detective’ before you sit down. Bring a fun, fake mystery to tell them — it’s all part of the game.

• Cahoots: Kingly Court, Soho. Reservations recommended, especially weekends.
• The Looking Glass Cocktail Club: Hackney Road, Shoreditch. Try the ‘secret’ absinthe menu.
• Evans & Peel Detective Agency: Earls Court Road. Play along with the detective shtick for extra fun.

One cool stat: According to a 2024 Time Out poll, over 65% of Londoners said their favorite bar nights happened in places with hidden entrances or secret themes. The whole secrecy thing isn’t just a gimmick — it changes the vibe and fuels the excitement.

Pro tip: Always check each bar’s socials before you go — some hidden bars change entrances or passwords depending on the night. And if you show up looking lost? Don’t be surprised if an in-the-know Londoner winks and points you in the right direction.

London's Must-Try Themed Party Nights

If you're after a night that’s got way more going on than just music and drinks, London delivers in spades. These parties sell out for a reason—they’re packed with wild costumes, crazy games, and playlists that don’t quit. There’s literally something for everyone, so you can skip ‘same-old’ and try a party most cities only dream of.

One standout is Dreamland Imaginarium at Colours Hoxton. Think oversized neon props, interactive performers, and each month with a different theme. Book in advance, because entry is tight and the crowd is always up for a good time. DJs spin house and disco till late, but there’s always some weird twist—pillow fights, bubble machines, or a silent disco inside a tent.

Then you’ve got Guilty Pleasures at KOKO Camden, a monthly bash dedicated to the cheesiest pop and singalongs, where the dress code is “as over the top as you can manage.” You’ll see feather boas, inflatable guitars, and people who seriously commit to Backstreet Boys karaoke. It’s all about having zero shame and loving every minute of it.

Fans of 1920s glam and a side of mystery should try The Candlelight Club, an underground speakeasy with live jazz, flapper outfits, and a password at the door. Places vanish and change every month, so you feel like you’ve stumbled on a real secret.

Not into vintage? Join a Naked Disco or a “Bingo Loco” rave—yes, bingo but with dance battles, stage challenges, and confetti cannons. No two events in this city are the same, and tickets for the weirdest ones go quick.

Over the last year, attendance at themed party nights in London has jumped, showing folks are way more into unique experiences. Check out some quick numbers:

If you want in, check party socials for ticket releases, sneak preview videos, and last-minute themed outfit ideas. Most events offer coat checks, but the main thing? Turn up ready to play along—people go big, from 80s wigs to feathered masks, and if you half-commit, you'll feel left out. Want the best night? Bring friends, opt for group tickets, and prepare for a late one—these parties rarely wrap before 3am.

Tips for Scoring the Best Night Out

If you want a night to remember, not just another pub crawl, you’ve got to play it smart in London. These themed bars and parties get busy, especially on weekends, and nobody wants to queue for hours just to get turned away. Here’s how to level up your night and get the most out of the London nightlife scene.

• Book ahead, always: Some of the best spots, like Cahoots (the 1940s underground bar) or The Cauldron (yep, you make your own ‘potions’), fill up fast. Booking online is the safest bet, even if it’s just for drinks.
• Check the dress codes: Some events require themed outfits or won’t let you in if you turn up in scruffy trainers. Alcotraz, for example, actually gives you an orange jumpsuit to wear (and expects you to sneak in your own booze!).
• Look for weekday deals: Monday through Thursday sees more happy hours, discounted entry, or drinks specials. Bars like Ballie Ballerson (yes, the one with a playground for grown-ups) often have half-price sessions midweek.
• Arrive early for events: Londoners are pros at getting in early to avoid cover charges (which can hit £10–£20 at some party nights). Aim for before 8 pm, especially at places like Tonight Josephine.
• Use apps and websites: Apps like DesignMyNight and Time Out pull together the latest pop-up events, secret bar launches, and ticket info in real time. You’ll spot last-minute deals that don’t show up elsewhere.

Curious about how packed these places get? Here’s a quick look at typical waiting times for some of the most popular themed bars and parties in 2025:

If you’re going on a Friday, you’ll definitely want to plan ahead or risk queuing almost an hour at some spots. Go for off-peak times if you hate standing around. And never underestimate the power of friendly banter with a bartender — sometimes, that’s all it takes for a little freebie or a tip on the night’s secret afterparty.