Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Liverpool

If you’re looking to spice up your evening in Liverpool, a visit to Alcotraz might just be the ticket. This isn’t your average bar crawl—it’s an interactive, theatrical cocktail experience that throws you into a playful prison setting, complete with orange jumpsuits, guarded cells, and the chance to craft your own drinks using smuggled-in liquor. From the moment you step through the door, you’re part of a lively, immersive adventure that’s perfect for groups who love a good laugh and a bit of mischief.

What really catches our eye about Alcotraz is how it combines theatre and cocktails in a way that’s both engaging and fun. We love how the staff stay in character, making you feel like a real inmate or guard, and the fact that you get to bring your own booze adds a personal touch that many other experiences don’t offer. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that your experience depends heavily on the actors and the storyline, which some reviews suggest could be more fleshed out. Still, if you’re after a quirky night out and enjoy interactive entertainment, Alcotraz makes for a memorable visit.

This experience is best suited for adults who enjoy a bit of theatre, cocktails, and lively socialising—bachelor or bachelorette parties, friends’ nights, or anyone wanting something truly different. Just remember, it’s about the experience, not a traditional bar or cocktail class. If you’re comfortable with a degree of role-play, this will be right up your alley.

Key Points

• Immersive experience with a playful prison theme that feels authentic thanks to actors and setting.
• Bring your own alcohol to create four personalized cocktails, adding a fun, interactive element.
• Great for groups and especially suitable for celebrations like hen or bachelor parties.
• Authentic acting and set design contribute to an engaging atmosphere.
• Cost-effective considering you get four custom cocktails plus the entertainment.
• Booking well in advance (average 43 days) is recommended, so plan ahead.

A Closer Look at the Alcotraz Liverpool Experience

What Is Alcotraz?

Alcotraz is Liverpool’s first immersive theatrical cocktail bar, inspired by Hollywood movies and TV shows about America’s infamous prison stories. It’s designed to make you feel like an inmate sneaking in alcohol and navigating a quirky, playful prison environment. From the moment you arrive at 36 Seel St, you’re greeted with orange jumpsuits, and the story begins as you become part of a “prison break” scenario.

Set in a speakeasy-style space with real metallic cells and themed decor, Alcotraz isn’t just about drinking—it’s about participating. The staff, dressed as crooked guards and inmates, stay in character, creating a lively atmosphere where your role is to smuggle your own alcohol and help craft your cocktails.

Setting and Ambiance

The environment is designed to feel like a Hollywood prison. The bar’s setup with barred cells, gritty decor, and prison props makes for an engaging backdrop. You’ll be immersed in the storyline from the start, with actors playing their parts well—some reviews highlight how believable and funny the characters are. One review even mentions that the “actors in there didn’t break out of character,” which adds to the authenticity.

How It Works

You begin by bringing your own liquor—generally around 35cl per two people seems to be the recommended amount. Once inside, you’re assigned “inmate” status and given the task of smuggling your alcohol past the guards. The staff provide all other ingredients—bitters, syrups, purees—to craft four unique cocktails, tailored to your preferences.

There’s a light-hearted system where you can hide your contraband with the help of inmates like Cassidy, or try to sneak your liquor past the guards, who are playing their roles wonderfully. The process feels like a fun game, with lots of opportunities to get involved and laugh along.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

The experience lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes. It’s a mix of interactive gameplay, acting, and cocktail making. As you engage with the storyline, you’ll find yourself making cocktails with the ingredients provided, creating drinks that are both personal and delicious.

Some highlight moments from reviews include seeing your smuggled-in liquor combined with syrups and bitters, and the challenge of hiding your alcohol from the guards—adding a playful, competitive edge. The actors keep the energy high, often cracking jokes and involving everyone.

The Cocktails

While the liquor is brought in by participants, all other ingredients are included. Expect to make four cocktails during your visit, which can be customized based on your preferences. Reviewers mention that the cocktails are “delicious,” and that the experience of making them adds a lot of fun.

However, some folks noted that the cocktails themselves aren’t necessarily fancy or complex, but the entertainment and novelty more than make up for it. If you’re a cocktail enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the process, and if you’re just in it for the laughs, you won’t be disappointed.

The Actors and Staff

Judging by reviews, the performance aspect is a highlight. The staff generally stay in character and are praised for their humor and believability. One reviewer said, “The acting was amazing. They were so funny,” which sums up how much of the fun is driven by the performers.

On the downside, one review mentioned a less-than-stellar moment with the manager’s attitude, which reminds us that experiences can vary depending on staff interactions. But overall, most praise the actors and staff for creating a lively, engaging atmosphere.

Price and Value

At around $57.82 per person, this experience offers a good deal considering you get four cocktails, the immersive environment, and the fun of role-playing. This isn’t a typical bar experience—it’s a theatrical event, so the price reflects the entertainment factor as well as the drink-making.

Many reviews highlight that it’s well worth the money for the fun, laughs, and memories created. Plus, since you’re bringing your own alcohol, you control the budget on that front.

Booking and Practicalities

Booking is recommended about a month or more in advance (average 43 days). The experience starts at 36 Seel St, with the activity lasting about 1 hour 45 minutes. It’s suitable for most travelers and near public transportation, making it convenient for visitors.

You should bring your own bottle of liquor—about 35cl per two people is suggested—so plan your purchase accordingly. Remember, the experience is geared toward adults, and participation is mostly about role-play and cocktail creation.

What Could Be Better?

While most reviews rave about the fun and authenticity, some mention that the storyline could be more developed. It’s more of a playful, interactive setup than a deep narrative. Plus, the experience relies heavily on actors staying in character, which can vary.

Finally, one minor consideration is that if you’re not into role-playing or theatrical environments, this might not be your cup of tea. It’s definitely a themed experience, so it’s best approached with an open mind and sense of humor.

Who Is Alcotraz Perfect For?

This tour is particularly suited for groups of friends looking to do something different. It’s ideal for celebrations—like hen or bachelor parties—or anyone who enjoys interactive theatre and making their own cocktails. If you’re after a light-hearted, memorable night that involves a bit of role-play, you’ll love Alcotraz.

However, it’s not designed for children or those uncomfortable with immersive acting or role-playing scenarios. It’s an adult experience focusing on humor, cocktails, and a playful prison setting.

Final Thoughts

Alcotraz offers a unique blend of theatrical fun and cocktail crafting that’s perfect for a lively night out in Liverpool. It’s a chance to get involved, get creative with your drinks, and share plenty of laughs with friends. The fact that you can bring your own booze adds a personal touch that makes each visit feel tailored to your preferences.

The staff’s dedication to staying in character and creating a believable environment makes this more than just a bar—it’s a theatrical journey you’ll talk about long after. Whether you’re celebrating, just looking for a different way to enjoy drinks, or want an activity that’s sure to generate some memorable stories, Alcotraz ticks all those boxes.

While the storyline could be a bit leaner for some, most reviews confirm that the overall experience is hilarious, engaging, and great value for money. Just remember to plan ahead and bring enough liquor to get the most out of your time behind bars.

FAQs

Do I need to bring alcohol?
Yes, you should bring your own bottle of liquor—about 35cl per two people is recommended—so you can create your four personalized cocktails.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the role-play, cocktails, and fun interactions.

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, this experience is designed for adults, given its theme and role-playing nature.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the activity. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is booking in advance necessary?
Definitely. On average, bookings are made 43 days ahead, so planning ahead ensures you get a spot.

Are the actors and staff in character throughout?
Most reviews affirm that the actors stay in character, which adds to the fun and authenticity of the experience.

What if my storyline feels a bit thin?
Some guests suggest the storyline could be more developed, but most find the overall entertainment, humor, and drinks make up for it.

How many people can join?
Up to 50 travelers can participate, making it a great choice for larger groups.

Is the price good for what you get?
Considering the cocktails, immersive environment, and entertainment, many find it worth the cost for a memorable night out.

If you’re after a night of laughs, role-playing, and delicious drinks, Alcotraz in Liverpool could be exactly what you’re looking for. Just remember to book early, bring your own booze, and get ready to serve your time in style!