Blame Gloria
With two gorgeous floral paradises across town, Blame Gloria is the ideal destination for some quirky antics. Expect bottomless brunches at both their Covent Garden and Clapham locations, bringing themes like ABBA, karaoke and the 00s.
We've visited London's wackiest and weirdest spots, had a nosy at alternative nightlife, and sourced secret pop-ups to bring you a list of cool and quirky things to do. Whether you want cool cabaret, immersive supper clubs whipping up meals and murder mysteries to remember, or fancy baking masterpieces in a tent with your friends, this list will make sure that no London night out is ever normal again.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 17th December 2024
With two gorgeous floral paradises across town, Blame Gloria is the ideal destination for some quirky antics. Expect bottomless brunches at both their Covent Garden and Clapham locations, bringing themes like ABBA, karaoke and the 00s.
Looking for something a bit different in the city? Well then, how does a ball-pit bar sound? One of London's most sought after activities, Ballie Ballerson are leaders when it comes to an unusual night out with cocktails and antics aplenty at their Shoreditch location. You'll find epic, themed brunches packed with free-flowing drinks for 90 minutes and unlimited pizza from £35 per person.
@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: London on Various dates from Friday 27th December 2024
Prison isn't too bad when you've got cocktails. Sneak your favourite bottle of alcohol into this high-security prison and one of the inmates will shake you up something special. But in this immersive drinking experience, you better not get caught.
For an afternoon full of delicious cocktails and even better Southern-inspired food, head to the Hip Hop Brunch, an event that'll completely change the way you see lazy Saturday afternoons. Alongside an amazing dining experience, guests will have the chance to unwind to the sound of their favourite urban tracks and even practice spitting lyrics in a hip hop karaoke session. As fun-loving events go, this is definitely near the top of the list.
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@ President Hotel on Various dates from Thursday 9th January 2025
Join Basil, Sybil and Manuel for a shambolic evening of dining as the incredibly popular immersive theatre event hits London. Based on the hit TV show, the night will be just as funny, only this time you're one of the guests.
Celebrate the best in UK garage as Garage Brunch takes over London with an array of music-fuelled epic celebrations. Serving up delicious breakfast dishes along with bottomless drinks, a banging soundtrack and live appearances, it's a must for garage lovers.
@ Roscorp Laboratories on Various dates from Wednesday 25th December 2024
Fancy exploring a whole new planet and sipping creative cocktails along the way? Then head to Avora in Hoxton, an immersive experience from the creators of Alcotraz and Moonshine Saloon. This mystical event begins in Roscorp Laboratory, where you'll be given a purpose-built jumpsuit and briefed on your mission, before journeying through magical woodlands which become bioluminescent as it turns from day to night. You'll even get to sip colour-changing concoctions, all for just £42.50 per person.
@ The Silent Disco Boat on Saturday 25th January 2025 and 13 other Saturdays
Offering you a night out with a difference, this Silent Sounds boat party sees you cruising down the River Thames while shimmying and shaking to a load of dancefloor killers, all while taking in the jaw-dropping views of London's landmarks.
Searching for something a little out of the box? The London Cabaret Club is a great choice. Located in Holborn, this quirky venue has an epic lineup of immersive shows to enjoy in the glamorous space, all complemented by lovely fine dining plates and Champers.
Promising an off-the-chain daytime event of nostalgic merriment, The 90s Brunch gang invite you to their retro-themed parties. To start with there's to be an hour of bottomless Mimosas, as well as a delicious spread of 90s-inspired grub served in sharing platter style. There's a full-on 90s dress-up box, a playlist full of classics from the decade and prizes for the winner of the lip-sync battles.
@ Pedley Street Station on Various dates from Sunday 29th December 2024
In need of something cool and quirky? We've got the thing for you. Head along to The Murdér Express at Pedley Street Station for an immersive dining experience, with a four-course feast and top-notch entertainment.
If you haven't already, make sure to check out Sky Garden, a gorgeous venue found at the top of The Walkie-Talkie building in the City of London. Found rubbing shoulders with the clouds, this buzzing hangout is keeping you entertained with a killer roster of events, from sunrise sessions through to music nights, yoga in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows and breakfasts to boot.
@ Moonshine Saloon on Friday 27th December 2024 and 3 other dates
Head to the Wild West world of East London for this cowboy pop-up where the choice of booze is entirely up to you. Smuggle in your favourite bottle of hooch and let some expert mixologists whizz you up some stunning cocktails at this cool and quirky London event.
If you're looking for unique immersive experiences in London, make sure to check out Jury Games' events. Whether you choose Jury Duty or The Inquest, you'll work as a team to question actors and unravel clues in the hopes of solving the mystery at hand.
For a thrilling evening of surprises and intrigue, snap up tickets to The Magic Hour. Located at Sheraton Grand Park Lane, this dazzling performance will certainly keep you on your toes, showcasing mind-reading, sleight-of-hand and so much more, with a spectacular event over at Andaz London too.
Proud Cabaret's City of London venue boasts a jam-packed schedule of unusual events, from mesmerising burlesque performances to raucous drag brunches with bottomless cocktails. All of their shows come with the option of a mouthwatering two-course meal and delicious drinks to match, while their cabaret performances promise to be some of the best in London.
When in need of quirky activities for adults in London, Barrio Bars are sure to impress. Boasting Latin venues across the city, there are plenty of cool events to enjoy. Think music-fuelled events to throwback karaoke, musical bingo and Cardi B-themed brunches.
When it comes to exciting and quirky happenings in London, Tonight Josephine has all the fun you need. Explore the fantastic lineup of events happening in its neon-drenched space, from Scream Queens-inspired bottomless brunches to karaoke extravaganzas and side-splitting singalongs.
The Ministry - members' club and sister venue to the famous Ministry of Sound, is the place to fill up your calendar with cultural events ranging from comedy and live music to wellness. Think Wednesday music nights for emerging talent, life drawing classes for all skill levels, VOGA (a fusion of fashion, yoga and dance), poetry and improv, and more.
@ The Truman Brewery on Friday 27th December 2024 and 4 other dates
Humbug: The Immersive Christmas Dive Bar is a festive affair that's bound to amuse even the strictest of Scrooges. Venture down to the tinsel-filled wonderland in The Truman Brewery, head through a secret door and discover the jolliest haunt in town, with tickets from £35 per person.
There'll be eggnog, mischief and more, as this year there's plenty of surprises like Howard's mailroom and a massive shrine to the queen that is Mariah Carey. Hit up this jingle bell bash for singalongs, DJ sets, and confetti-filled activities that'll warm the coolest of heats and grumpiest of Grinches.
@ Curtain Call on Friday 27th December 2024 and 3 other dates
Taking place at Curtain Call in Shoreditch from Thursday to Saturday each week, Lost in Light is a brilliant immersive experience that uses light and sound to mesmerise the audience. This unique performance is a collaboration between artists Squidsoup and renowned DJ and musician Four Tet that's been in the making for eight years, costing £23 for an hour-long visit.
London Cabaret Carnival is hosted at Wonderville, just of Leicester Square, on Friday nights. Expect to see a vibrant variety of acts ranging from circus like aerialists, contortionists and more to drag comedy performances, burlesque, magicians and more.
Tickets for allocated seating on arrival cost £25 per person, or for an extra £35 you can upgrade to premium, pre-reserved seating. Better yet, you can also add on a pre-theatre meal at a nearby restaurant to make a full night of it.
Inject your plans with a little quirkiness at Tantra Sound Club's workshops and immersive experiences. Its meditative events will have you learning how to use Nepali chakra balancing techniques, healing rituals and vibration therapy to unwind.
@ Freemasons Arms on Various dates from Saturday 4th January 2025
In the mood for something a little quirky or out of the box? The Covent Garden Comedy Club is sure to have you laughing. Taking place at the Freemasons Arms on Long Acre, this unique event brings world-renowned acts to the stage, who will be showcasing their best work.
@ Control Room B on Various dates from Saturday 28th December 2024
Escape The Power Cut at Control Room B is a great activity for friends, family or colleagues in groups of up to six people. You'll have 90 minutes to solve the puzzle and fix the electricity, with two specially crafted included in the price of your £55 ticket.
Raucous fun from the first minute, Sounds Familiar (across Soho, Islington and beyond) is more of a rowdy disco than a pub quiz. There's no need for sneaky Wikipedia checks on your smartphone here, as your task is to identify the name and artist of famous songs instead. You'll be up on the tables, dancing and belting out the tunes in no time at all.
If you're looking for something a bit alternative, how about you try bingo with a twist: Musical Bingo? There's even Gospeloke where you can sing your heart out and embrace your inner Whitney or Tina, plus a chance to test your music knowledge with Not Another Quiz Night.
It's big, it's messy and it's hella fun; this is one of London's best club nights and it's bringing a whole host of mad events. Join Supa Dupa Fly as they host their legendary RnB night across some of the city's best venues.
Flight Club across Shoreditch, Islington and Victoria have unique down to an art. Not only can you expect fairground interiors that light up the space, complete with rocking horses and littered in lights, join them for interactive darts games like never before alongside pizzas and trophy cocktails.
@ Secret London Location on Saturday 28th December 2024 and 50 other Saturdays
Get your brunch with a West End twist, as you experience one hour of bottomless booze, tasty brunch dishes, performances from theatre stars and five whole hours of show tunes to keep the brunch party going. All of this and more at West End Musical Brunch.
@ Mr Fogg's Apothecary on Various dates from Saturday 28th December 2024
For those quirky events in Mayfair, Mr Fogg's Cocktail Experiments will impress with its afternoon of mixology. Don your lab jacket, as you'll get to witness magicians performing spells across the space, all while you whip up and test the best colour-changing antidotes.
@ The Candlelight Club on Various dates from Tuesday 31st December 2024
Hidden in Central London, The Candlelight Club is a hub for all things cool and quirky. Step into this 1920s-themed retreat for an evening of glamour - think Prohibition-style cocktails, sultry three-course menus and an epic roster of live entertainment, such as cabaret or jazz.
Not your standard boozy brunch, Electric Shuffle's take on our favourite weekend pastime pairs pizza and prosecco with plenty of shuffleboard action. On top of that, there's live music providing the soundtrack to a lively afternoon alongside unique industrial and neon interiors across London Bridge and Canary Wharf.
@ Mr Fogg's Botanical Tavern on Saturday 28th December 2024 and 46 other Saturdays
After a cool and quirky brunch event? Then you'll want to get down to Mr Fogg's Botanical Brunch on Saturdays, where you'll be able to nab two courses of food spanning pink pancakes, French toast and more, all while taking in the stunning setting and sipping bottomless bellinis.
@ Temple Underground Station on Wednesday 8th and Wednesday 29th January 2025
Do you love all things that go bump in the night? This haunted London pub tour will take you to some of the city's creepiest drinking holes, where ghosts and ghouls are rumoured to reside. There'll even be a chance to grab a tipple and calm your nerves.
@ The Two Brewers, Clapham on Sunday 16th February 2025 and 2 other Sundays
When it comes to quirky events, The Two Brewers in Clapham has just the thing. Nab a ticket for Clandestine Cabaret and expect live burlesque performances from the likes of ZeeZee Stardust to Aya L'Storm, alongside a roster of video entertainment and much more.
@ Bush Hall on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th July 2025
Mark your calendars for the 11th and 12th of July as the World Burlesque Games 2025 brings its unparalleled extravaganza to London's Bush Hall. Featuring show-stopping performances and unforgettable moments, this competition highlights the very best in burlesque artistry. From seasoned stars to rising talents, prepare to be dazzled, delighted, and utterly entertained.
Located in Deptford, Little Nan's is a great place for your weekend shenanigans. Get stuck into disco fries and endless booze at a bottomless brunch or have fun at an afternoon tea featuring some seriously delish homemade cakes.
Looking for cool and quirky events in the capital? Dabbers is doing the lord's work and throwing some of the best bingo parties in London - think crazy challenges, hilarious hosts and the chance to win some very slick prizes.
Offering some of the most unique events in Shoreditch, Trapeze Bar is back with a lineup of incredible entertainment throughout the spring and summer. Get ready for bottomless brunching, Thursday evening circus and proper club nights from the East London haunt.
After a seriously successful (and delicious) pop-up, The Chocolate Cocktail Club is here to stay, having made a home for themselves in Farringdon. Head over for unique, Instagrammable mixes, such as their lip-smacking Chocotini number. Entry costs just £10, including your first drink, or you can try out their 90-minute cocktail masterclasses and delicious afternoon teas instead.
Ever wanted to be a rockstar for the night? Now's your chance. Live Band Karaoke is taking over venues across the city to bring you a night of singing and dancing to all of your favourite tunes, with a live band to back you up as you channel your inner Mick Jagger.
In the mood for something a little bit different? The Rosemary Branch Theatre in Islington has quirky events in spades, with everything from award-winning theatre performances to puppetry and podcasts taking place in its studio upstairs.
@ London Stadium, on Friday 25th July 2025 and 2 other dates
When it comes to unique things to do in the yearly calendar, only the ever-returning and popular London Wing Fest event can compare. You'll get the chance to try up to 45 contestants and 90 types of wings, voting for your favourites across a number of categories.
And if you fancy a bit of competition yourself? Whether you think you can eat hot wings or just eat the most wings, there's something for you here. As for other entertainment, expect live music, DJs until late, cooking demos, free axe throwing and even a brand new splash zone.
Situated in Fitzrovia, Monopoly Lifesized is super jam-packed with immersive activities based on the board game. We mean building your own houses and getting stuck into escape room challenges. Head to the restaurant after for Hustle For The Wings and a slice of Mr. Monopoly's millionaire cheesecake.
Evans & Peel Detective Agency is a mysterious, 1920s-style speakeasy that invites you to crack a case while trying out some tasty drinks. The biggest criminals on the planet have mingled among its walls, so keep an ear out for illicit plans and enjoy some jazz while you're at it, too.
Albert's Schloss Soho is the place to be for free and exciting live performances. Reserve a table at the bar or restaurant to savour delicious alpine cuisine, German beers, or creative variations of classic cocktails while taking in the acts on the bier palace's stage. From request-based pianists to lively cabaret and the haus band performing popular tunes alongside DJs and dancing, they've got it all.
Think you've got what it takes to beat your friends in a high-energy quiz? Then take to the podium at Quiz Boxing in Camden, where you'll answer a series of questions in their interactive gameshow experience to prove that your knowledge is the very best. With up to 12 players at a time, you'll be given rounds on music, sport, history and more, coming in at just £25 per person for an hour-long game. But it's not just your straightforward quiz, as there are plenty of opportunities to sneak ahead throughout.