Best Themed Bars and Parties for a Night Out in London

London doesn’t just have bars-it has time machines, underwater caves, secret speakeasies, and disco balls that never stop spinning. 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 stiff beer and loud music. The real magic happens in places where the walls tell stories, the drinks come with costumes, and the bartenders know your name before you even walk in.

Step Into a 1920s Speakeasy at The Blind Pig

You won’t find a sign on the door. Instead, look for the unmarked red door behind a bookshelf in a quiet corner of Soho. Push the hidden lever, and the shelf swings open. Inside, jazz plays softly, men wear bow ties, and women sip gin martinis from crystal glasses. This is The Blind Pig, one of London’s most authentic 1920s speakeasies. The bartenders don’t just mix drinks-they perform. Try the Prohibition Punch, a blend of bourbon, apple brandy, and smoked maple syrup served in a vintage flask. No reservations? You might wait an hour. But if you get in, you’ll feel like you’ve slipped into a Scorsese film.

Dance Underwater at The Underdog

Walk into The Underdog and you’ll swear you’ve been shrunk. The entire bar is designed like a submerged submarine, with glowing blue lights, fish tanks lining the walls, and ceiling panels that mimic rippling water. Staff wear diving masks and floaty vests. The music? Deep house mixed with ambient ocean sounds. The cocktails? Named after sea creatures. The Kraken’s Bite is a smoky mezcal drink with black salt rim and edible seaweed. It’s not just a drink-it’s an experience. Crowds here are young, creative, and dressed to impress. You’ll see people in sequined wetsuits and neon fins. Don’t worry-you don’t need to dress up. But you’ll want to.

Party Like a Vampire at The Nightjar

Tucked away in Shoreditch, The Nightjar doesn’t just serve cocktails-it tells stories. Every month, they launch a new theme. In December 2025, it’s Vampires of the Velvet Underground. The bar is dimly lit with crimson lanterns. Waiters carry trays of blood-red cocktails wrapped in lace. The playlist mixes 80s goth rock with modern electronic. The signature drink? Blood Orange Noir, a mix of blood orange liqueur, mezcal, and activated charcoal that turns your tongue black. It’s theatrical, yes-but it’s also delicious. People come here not just to drink, but to become part of the show. Bring a friend who loves drama. And maybe a change of clothes-some guests leave with lipstick stains on their collars.

Enter a Candyland Nightmare at The Sugar Factory

If you’ve ever dreamed of falling down the rabbit hole into a candy-coated fever dream, The Sugar Factory is your portal. The walls are lined with giant lollipops, the ceiling drips with edible glitter, and the bar is made of hardened caramel. Drinks come in test tubes, candy jars, and chocolate-covered cups. The Gummy Bear Mule is a spicy ginger beer mixed with raspberry syrup and served with a gummy bear on a stick. It’s sweet, messy, and unforgettable. This place is packed on weekends with groups of friends taking selfies in front of the chocolate fountain. Kids aren’t allowed after 8 PM, but the vibe is pure childlike wonder-just with more alcohol. Come hungry. Leave sticky.

Time Travel at The Electric Ballroom

Every Friday night, The Electric Ballroom in Camden turns into a different decade. One week it’s 1977 punk rock, the next it’s 1992 rave. The dress code changes weekly. Last month, it was Neon Nights-everyone wore fluorescent spandex, leg warmers, and glow sticks. The DJ spun real vinyl from the 80s and 90s. No playlists, no loops. Just raw energy. The crowd? A mix of old-school clubbers who remember the real thing and Gen Z kids who’ve only seen it in TikTok clips. The drinks are cheap, the dance floor is sticky, and the bass shakes your ribs. If you want to feel what London nightlife felt like before it got polished, this is it. Show up early. The line forms by 9 PM.

Secret Garden Soirées at The Alchemist

The Alchemist isn’t just a bar-it’s a science lab crossed with a fairy tale. Located in Covent Garden, it’s known for theatrical drink presentations. One night, you might get a cocktail that’s set on fire and served in a glass that turns color as you sip. Another night, your drink arrives with a tiny paper parachute that lands on your napkin. The theme for December 2025 is Winter Garden. Ice sculptures glow under UV light. The bar is decorated with frozen flowers and mist machines. The Midnight Frost cocktail is served with a snowflake-shaped ice cube that dissolves into lavender syrup. It’s elegant, surprising, and quietly magical. Don’t expect loud music. Expect hushed awe.

What to Wear (And What Not To)

Themed bars in London take dress codes seriously. At The Blind Pig, jeans and a t-shirt won’t get you past the door-opt for something with a bit of vintage flair. At The Sugar Factory, you can wear anything, but most people go all-out with glitter and pastels. The Electric Ballroom? If you show up in a suit, you’ll stand out. In a good way. But if you wear a costume? You’ll be the star. The rule of thumb: if the bar has a theme, match it. Even a little. A red lip at The Nightjar. A bowtie at The Blind Pig. A pair of neon socks at The Electric Ballroom. It’s not about being perfect-it’s about joining in.

When to Go (And When to Skip)

Weekends are packed. Always. If you want space to breathe, go on a Thursday. Most themed bars launch their new events on Fridays, so Thursday nights are quieter but still fun. Sunday nights are surprisingly good too-locals who’ve been out all weekend are winding down, and the vibe is more relaxed. Avoid Saturday after 1 AM unless you’re okay with waiting 45 minutes for a drink. Lines get long. So do the queues for the bathroom.

How Much Will It Cost?

Cocktails here aren’t cheap. Expect £14-£22 per drink. Some places charge extra for theatrical presentations-The Alchemist adds £5 for the smoke or fire show. But here’s the thing: you’re not just paying for alcohol. You’re paying for the story, the lighting, the music, the costume, the moment. A standard pub drink costs £8. A themed bar drink costs £18. But one gives you a memory. The other gives you a hangover.

What to Do After

Most themed bars close at 1 AM or 2 AM. But London doesn’t sleep. If you’re still buzzing, head to The Ten Bells in Spitalfields for a quiet pint and live acoustic music. Or walk to St. Katharine Docks for a midnight view of the river with string lights over the water. If you’re feeling bold, grab a kebab from Wahaca at 3 AM-it’s the only thing that’ll fix your stomach after three sugar cocktails.