Discover these 10 eccentric, playful and wonderful Quirky London bars, perfect for first dates, impressing your mates or an after work cocktail with the something a bit more special and secret…
Baranis 115 Chancery Lane WC2A 1PP http://www.baranis.co.uk/index.php
What’s the quirky attraction? Indoor Pentaque Court bar
Check out this unique South of France themed bar with the UK’s only drink and indoor Pentaque court. This fun and playful bar has great ambiance with laid back soft music and friendly attentive staff. Set inside a former auction house with beautiful vault cellars and discreet booths, Baranis is decorated with chic sun kissed Provence ladies paintings and bright green pillars. Challenge your friends to a game of Pentaque, originated in the South of France 1907, a form of boules where you throw hollow metal balls as close as possible to the small wooden jack played on hard gravel.
The Blind Pig 58 Poland St W1F 7NR www.socialeatinghouse.com
What’s the quirky attraction? Knock the blindfolded pigs head ‘doorknocker’ to enter
You will find this mysterious bar on Poland St under the opticians’ signpost, head through the large wooden door up the stairs above social eating house. Enter the classy lounge bar, described as electric interior full of character with a vintage twist, mirrored ceiling and reclaimed wooden chairs. The cocktails are fun and innovative with well named drinks on the menu such as Rye n’ Air, Rum DMC and don’t leave without trying the ‘Thermo Nuclear Daiquiri’. The bar is long with stools to sit at, there’s also more intimate rooms hidden behind bookcases. Enjoy some tasty bites including duck fat chips, pork belly sliders or delicious sicilia olives.
Happiness Forgets 8-9 Hoxton Square N16 NU http://happinessforgets.com/
What’s the quirky attraction? Tucked away basement bar
This basement bar has good vibes, jazzy music, not pretentious with reasonably priced sumptuous cocktails, a dark and seductive atmosphere prefect for date night. Upon entry you will be greeted by prompt waitress service and shown to your table where your glass of water will be continuously topped up. High end cocktails are served in a simple classic style, nothing too fancy – try out ‘the perfect storm’. The bar is uncomplicated, cosy and informal where you can enjoy a drink and talk without having to shout over the music, here everything comes together perfectly.
Lounge Lover 1 Whitby Street E1 6JU www.loungelover.uk.com
What’s the quirky attraction? Quirky Art and Design at its finest
Follow the Whitby Street art towards the neon red flashing heart where sits a defunct meat packing factory bar known as the tasteful Lounge Lover. The long bar is decorated amongst themed areas including the cage, gold room and baroque for guests to have a different experience every time they visit. The quirky art includes unique trinkets, tall vases, a stuffed hippos head and vintage palm-frond chandeliers. Lounge Lover offers an array of cocktails ideal for pre drinks before a night out.
The Nightjar 129 City Rd EC1V 1JB www.barnightjar.com
What’s the quirky attraction? Charming Old school glam prohibition theme
Descend into this hidden live music 20s vibe jazzy basement bar offering top service in a very special atmosphere, there’s no wonder why this sophisticated bar was placed number 2 on the 2013 Worlds Best Bars list. The Nightjar is never overcrowded with a no standing policy, each table is served with fresh water and popcorn. Amazing cocktails are presented served with class and joy alongside an enticing tapas menu. Open into the early hours, Once you’ve had a flavor of the authentic Nightjar ambiance and character you’ll definitely be coming back for more.
Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town 12-16 Artillery Lane E1 7LS www.themayorofscaredycattown.com
What’s the quirky attraction? Enter the bar through a Smeg Fridge door
Through the Breakfast Club fridge door follow the neon fairground thrills sign down the stairs to a little underground novelty bar. Upon taking your seat read the Mayors words of advice to make your stay more pleasant, follow his rules and respect them. Choose from the inventive and potent cocktail menu which is held in a tin can next to the cat candle, amongst the fun décor and exposed brickwork. Toilets are located behind the no heavy petting sign and are a new experience in their own right, next to Randolph the reindeer with a rotating disco ball, vintage frames and old school posters of smash hits magazine and 80’s superstars. Remember never depart via the fridge!
Zigfrid Von Underbelly 11 Hoxton Square N16 NU www.zigfrid.com
What’s the quirky attraction? Mishmash of quirky artefacts
Situated in trendy Hoxton Square this bar is decked with funky eclectic interiors including a jukebox, totem poles, music memorabilia, rocking horses, upside down bicycles and surfboards – even the loos are decorated with random cut glass walls! Take a seat on the stylish aged sofas and enjoy a sharing platter of your choice cocktail in hand in this lively setting next to the DJ booth and dance floor.
Callooh Callay 65 Rivington Street http://www.calloohcallaybar.com/
What’s the quirky attraction? Enter through a wardrobe door
Callooh Callay is an innovative bar offering an evolving fun atmosphere. Book your table area in advance and strut through the wardrobe door into a Lewis Carroll Jabberwocky bonkers wonderland. Quirky décor includes retro tapes plastered on the toilet walls, gramophones on the bar, palm tree lights, beautifully quirky funky chairs and a jubjub room upstairs. Choose from the amusing yearbook cocktail menu your favourite tipple.
Barrio North 45 Essex Rd N12 5Q www.barrionorth.com
What’s the quirky attraction? Sip your drinks inside a 1970s vintage caravan
Barrio North is inspired by Latin American decor with colourful tiles, reclaimed materials, umbrellas and fairy lights. Slap bang in the middle of this drinking den is a full sized 1970s vintage caravan for you to kick back, relax and listen to the DJs, music and urban poets. There is a selection of tapas for you to enjoy and an array of Latin American inspired cocktails.
King of the Ladies Man 5-9 Battersea Rise SW11 1HG www.thekingofladiesman.com
What’s the quirky attraction? Enter through the sliding hidden wall inside a laundrette
Slide back the laundry sauna wood panel doors at the back of the Breakfast club and step into the kings bachelor pad. You will be greeted by waiters in Hawaiian shirts and presented with the king of the ladies little black book, full of funky cocktails and some blank pages at the back for you to leave your own doodles and messages for future patrons. Disco tunes play in full swing with 70s inspiration surrounded by cheesy décor including vintage playboys. During happy hour disco balls light up inside the washing machine for you to get your grove on. Lock up your daughters! and collect your souvenir pin badge on the way out.
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