11 Quirky London Bars You Have to Visit

Oriole Cocktail
Oriole Cocktail | Courtesy of Oriole
Nicholas Atkins

These are no ordinary watering holes. Think taxidermy unicorns, nineties music and lots and lots of crazy cocktails. These are London’s quirkiest bars.

Oriole Cocktail

Satan's Whiskers

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub Grub

The exterior of this wonderfully dark east London hotspot doesn’t give much away, but step in through the doors and be welcomed by the friendly staff into a fantastically esoteric and well-run cocktail bar. There’s taxidermy all over the place and even a unicorn skeleton. Mainly, this is a place that does fantastic drinks. You get what you pay for with specially made, boozy cocktails including the Satan’s Manhattan, which like the bar itself is small, but packs a punch.

Burlock

Bar, Pub Grub

This faux colonial rum bar is just pulsing with character. Settle in for rum and cocktails among the flowery wallpaper and quirky old style knick-knacks, like vintage sewing machines. With tasty treats to nibble like jerk chicken and empanadas, you’re transported to another world.

WM Barker and Co

Charcuterie, Cocktail Bar, Pub Grub

One of the City’s best kept secrets, this underground cocktail bunker is a haven for city boys and hipsters alike. There’s a creative and unusual cocktail list, gourmet toasties and cheese and charcuterie boards to keep you going. This is a place run by people who are passionate about hospitality and will happily talk you through the drink they are lovingly shaking up for you.

Oriole

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Market, European

Another bird-themed winner from the team behind Nightjar. Make sure to book a table to ensure a seat to enjoy the slightly tropical, exclusive-feeling cocktail spot. The drinks are not cheap, but they are nothing if not creative. Think botanical bits and bobs being set alight on top of your drink and herby and boozy ingredients you would never think to put together. The immaculately glinting bar is surrounded by jungle wallpaper and if you stay late enough, you’ll be able to catch some live music too.

The Bootlegger

Bar, European

Step into the prohibition era with this secret spot hidden between a Nando’s and a dry cleaners. It’s hard to spot from the street, so you’re guaranteed that anyone you meet in there is in the know. The interior boasts bare brick walls and vintage photography, all warmly lit by copper lamps and candles. The other retro details include an old fashioned till, gramophone and an exclusively jazz era playlist. Even the staff are dressed in quirky 1930s style get up.

Powder Keg Diplomacy

Powder Keg Diplomacy

Another period piece, although which era isn’t exactly clear. The bar staff dress in flat caps and waistcoats and the vintage touches across the room bring to mind an eclectic mix of the Victorian, Edwardian and Colonial. As well as a very individual set of complex and carefully thought-out cocktails, there is delicious food on offer and live music on a Sunday night. A real blast from the past.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Powder Keg Diplomacy, 147 St John’s Hill, London, +44 20 7450 6457

The Escapologist

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Italian

With a grand hall behind a secret door and a secret vault, this underground Victorian-themed bar is not about understatement. The story behind the name comes from a Victorian scallywag whose last wish before being hanged was to have a drink in one of London’s brew houses. Believe it or not, he managed to escape and along with gaining his freedom, he provided this dimly lit gentleman’s club style bar with an intriguing name. There’s an excellent selection of cocktails and a daily happy hour between 5pm and 7pm. When you need to sober up, it’s time to grab one of their tasty (non Victorian) pizzas.

Last Tuesday Society

Bar, Cocktail Bar, British

The Last Tuesday Society
© Nick Cunard / REX / Shutterstock

Last Tuesday Society | Courtesy of LTS © Oskar Proctor

You could walk past this place and never realise what it is. With crazy knick-knacks, taxidermy and freaky oddities, it’s as if the The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art and Natural History has outgrown its space and started to spill artifacts up into the bar. Not for the faint of heart, there’s a whole menu devoted to absinthe, two pages of cocktails and a selection of wine and beer. While you’d find it hard to cobble together a whole meal here, there are a tasty selection of bar snacks and nibbles to stop you falling off your stool.

Little Nans

Bar, Pub Grub

This fantastically trashy niche of kitch nineties memorabilia located in the vaults beneath the Rio Cinema certainly stands out from the crowd. Book yourself in for a two hour slot, drink teapots of booze and gobble down popcorn and pic’n’mix sweets to your heart’s content. There’s a prop room with giant glasses, wigs and the like, so when the nineties pop music takes over your soul, it’s time to get up, get kitted out and seriously spice up your life.

Cirque

Bar, European

Surrounded by vintage circus posters, and sitting on a Rubix cube stool, you’ll wonder just exactly what kind of looking glass you stepped through to find yourself at Cirque. There are also zebras/unicorns and model planes dotted about the place, giving it a kind of madcap Fear And Loathing feel. The cocktails are cold and the dance floor is always packed, so after overcoming the initial shock to the senses, you’ll certainly want to run away with this circus.

Ridley Road Market Bar

Bar, Market, African

You’d never expect to find this crazy and crowded Tiki bar halfway down a market street in Dalston, but here it is. Inside, it’s bright, kitsch and tropical, and punters and staff alike are infectiously friendly. The DJ booth at the back keeps the dance floor jumping into the early hours and the reasonably priced cocktails flow freely. Hot and sticky good clean-ish fun.
culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article