Where to go out for Halloween in London

It’s clear from the name why this cocktail bar would make a brilliant choice for a few moody drinks on October 31^st… The venue is actually themed around the underground speakeasies of the Prohibition era, and is full of intriguing decor and dark corners, while the menu is dedicated to some pretty subversive characters. The tipple of choice for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas writer and hedonist Hunter S Thompson is imagined as a blend of tequila, chamomile, violet, grapefruit and spiced tonic, while Captain Blackbeard’s is a potent mix of bourbon, Rittenhouse Rye, Cazcabel Coffee and orange vermouth. Definitely not for the faint-hearted…

This Halloween, The Cauldron is back with its much-loved Halloween Potion Making experience where you’ll have the opportunity to embrace your inner witch or wizard – complete with a robe and magic wand! Practice your sorcery skills by brewing cocktails in your own enchanted cauldron, and enjoy a free drink on arrival, with the option of Prosecco or The Cauldron’s delicious HallowCream Cider. This interactive and immersive experience is great for all types of guests; with discounted student deals, child-friendly activities, and non-alcoholic drink options, everyone can enjoy the fun. 

Halloween festivities can be traced all the way back to an ancient festival called Samhain, when it was believed that the soul of the dead returned home. So where could be better for fans of the celebration to spend the day than in a literal crypt?! At St Mary le Bow, you’ll find a fascinating cafe located down in the church crypt, beneath ancient ceiling vaults. You could head there for a very on-brand breakfast or lunch date and perhaps even sip on a glass or two of red wine to really get into a vampiric mood!

Not only is this historic pub named after one of Henry VIII’s very unfortunate wives, but it also dates back to 1900 when it was a favourite haunt among Victorian Londoners. Its recent refurbishment (which features a saloon bar, a carriage bar and a ladies’ bar), is inspired by grand Victorian gin palaces, where, as you can imagine, all sorts of debauchery and sinfulness likely took place! It’s all a little more civilised now, with a tempting globally influenced food menu, however there’s still boat loads of character to enjoy.

This family-friendly immersive experience celebrates the more magical side of Halloween. Within this five-floor, pink Victorian townhouse in Soho, you’ll find a labyrinth of weird and wonderful interactions. Adults can brew their own drinkable yet potent potions with a working magic wand, while families could conjure up some unusual teas and try some truly fantastical treats, including sand-witches and elven scones… Around Halloween, the experiences become a little more ghoulish too, so you can expect a few spooky surprises.

The dark and edgy Troubadour is just the place for celebrating Halloween coolly and has welcomed plenty of well-known rebels through its doors over the years, from Bob Dylan to Hendrix. The menu encourages vices rather than virtues and features decadent dishes such as a slow braised brisket burger, baked camembert, and a saccharine sticky toffee pudding. There are plenty of slick cocktails to sip on while you enjoy some live music too, including a Gimme Shelter Gimlet and a signature classic martini.

Head on down to Hiver Taproom on Bermondsey’s famous beer mile for a folky shindig this Halloween! Hiver’s inaugural sell out Sea Shanty event is always a hit, and this year’s Halloween Hiverfest on Friday 26th October will be no different. Featuring live folk, funk and soul music, sing-a-longs, craft beers galore and all-round good vibes, this is a Halloween event that’s not to miss! Tickets start at just £10, which will give you event access, a branded glass, plus your first half pint on the house – which is rather fang-tastic if you ask us.

The Athenaeum Hotel really gets into the spirit of things when the end of October rolls around, and its classic afternoon tea taken in the striking setting of its 116 restaurant often gets a spook-tacular makeover — you might discover creepy edible eyeballs or some pumpkin-flavoured morsels… Why not make a day of it and get involved with some of the hotel’s other Halloween-themed activities, or enjoy a decidedly autumnal walk around the nearby sprawling spaces of Green Park and Hyde Park?

LGBT-friendly East London venue, Dalston Superstore typically puts on a fabulous selection of events around Halloween each year which always bring the vibes. At past events there’s been live music from resident DJs, house-of-horrors affairs, club nights, dress-up parties and plenty more frightful action. On the food menu, you’ll find plenty of Brazilian-inspired vegan comfort food delights, plus there’s a vibrant cocktail menu with timeless classics as well as some rather ‘camp and colourful’ creations! Be sure to check the events page closer to the time for more details on upcoming Halloween extravaganzas. 

TGI Fridays regularly go all out for Halloween with fancy dress encouraged amongst diners, and it typically unleashes a special Halloween cocktail menu which has previously included spooky, seasonal tipples such as the Pumpkin Spiced Zombie, the Black Forest Martini (made with the oh-so goulish Dead Man’s Finger cherry rum), the Pumpkin Colada and the non-alcoholic Pumpkin Spice Shake, which will be sure to get you in the Halloween spirit. For little ones, TGI Fridays has often provided Halloween-themed snap and memory games, plus fun-filled children’s packs available at restaurants too. Stay tuned to discover TGI Fridays’ Halloween tricks (and treats) this year!