From fantasy caverns to flavour chambers, here’s the best in alternative drinking
Words Julia Krupska
Ever get tired of a cocktail down the local and a surrounding that gets more lifeless each time you visit? Absolutely have the remedy. We’ve found the places where ordering a martini comes with a side of adventure and a hearty dish does more than tickle your taste buds. From sea voyages to seasonal cabarets, shake up your Saturday night with our pick of the best eclectic nights out.
Beyond the Waterfall by Bompas & Parr
Sail through Bompas and Parr’s immersive odyssey, quite literally – entry means voyaging across a lagoon and through a waterfall – for the ultimate in playful nostalgia with a grown up twist. Stories of legend and fantastical characters will guide you through to a cocktail cavern, where mermen and signature drinks await. It’s an ambitious project for sure, but one that’s executed brilliantly.
Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush.
Tickets can be purchased online at bompasandparr.com
Sexy Fish
With a resident DJ from Wednesday through to Saturday, Sexy Fish is the most attractive seafood restaurant you’ll ever lay eyes on. The swanky, art-filled space is also home to the Coral Reef Room – a private drink and dining area which only seats 48. Finned friends are not just on the menu but also in company, as it hosts one of the largest live coral reef tanks in the world.
Mayfair, W1J 6BR
Chamber of Flavours by Gingerline
Currently being refurbished for another season of multidimensional dining, Chamber of Flavours blurs the boundaries between concepts and courses. An experience certainly not for the faint-hearted. What appears a kooky drinking joint to start, is actually the backdrop to an utterly immersive supper club. Jump into Gingerline’s magical machine where you’ll journey across unusual spaces and chow through a secret set menu.
Various locations around London.
Tickets for April 2017 are available to purchase on Thursday 15th December at chambersofflavour.co.uk
Cahoots
If you can’t quite get enough tube action on your morning commute, why not head over to Cahoots in Soho for a quintessential blitz experience. Set underground in an abandoned Kingly Court station, the famous patterned seating takes on something of allure whilst the throng of commuters are thankfully swapped for all the alcohol you can drink.
Carnaby, W1B 5PG
Live at Zédel
Intimate cabaret with a twist; Live at Zédel is an altogether more festive fare this season. From Gary Williams and his stunning renditions of White Christmas and Let it Snow to Anne Reid’s Christmas Special of hilarious and witty anecdotes based on her life in and out of show-business – it’s a selection that’ll surely leave you feeling frivolously festive.
Soho, W1F 7ED
Christmas performances available from 14th – 24th December. For more information or to book tickets visit brasseriezedel.com.
B.Y.O.C
For intimacy head over to B.Y.O.C. Arrive with a bottle of your favourite spirit and indulge in a bespoke 1920s affair. This interactive drinking experience combines the knowledge of skilled bartenders with your personal preferences to create custom-made cocktails for you and your party. Whether you prefer to play it safe, or opt for a little adventure, this tailor-made tasting session will have taste buds tingling all round.
Soho, W1D 7LB
Lady Chastity’s Reserve, Handmade Mysteries
Lady Chastity presents a pulse-racing eve of twisted mysteries for you and a group of friends to solve. An infamous bottle of reserve wine is the prize, so it’s essential you gather the best brain power of the bunch. Venture through an hour of hilarious case-cracking for a winning bonding experience.
Various locations.
For more information and to book visit handmademysteries.com.
