If you’re looking for a quirky, engaging way to spend an evening in London, Alcotraz’s immersive prison-themed cocktail experience might just be your cup of tea. This isn’t your average bar crawl or mixology class — it’s a theatrical adventure that puts you right in the middle of a playful ‘prison’ scenario, complete with characters, storytelling, and plenty of opportunities to get your hands dirty (or rather, your hands mixing cocktails).
What really draws us in about this experience are the interactive nature and the chance to bring your own alcohol for personalized drinks. Plus, the actors playing roles like the Warden and inmates are said to be hilariously convincing. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that you’ll need to bring unopened bottles of alcohol, so plan ahead if you’re traveling light or don’t want to carry extra baggage.
This experience is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of theatrical fun, love cocktails, and don’t mind a little mischief. Whether you’re a couple, a group of friends, or a solo traveler looking for something different, Alcotraz offers a memorable night out — especially if you’re into immersive entertainment and creative cocktails.
London: Alcotraz Immersive Prison Cocktail Experience Ticket
“I went yesterday with my partner and we really loved the experience! the actors were amazing and you feel like in a real prison. the cocktails were…”
Key Points

- Interactive experience with actors bringing the storyline to life
- Personalized cocktails made from alcohol you smuggle in
- Theatrical setting styled as a prison, with costumes and photos
- Duration of about 105 minutes with flexible start times
- Cost of $66 includes four drinks, but you need to bring your own alcohol
- Suitable for travelers over 18; not ideal for children
Alcotraz London is a distinctive blend of themed bar and theatrical experience. It’s not just about drinking; it’s about participating in a playful, story-driven adventure where the audience becomes part of the plot. This is, in essence, London’s first interactive, theatrical cocktail bar, making it stand out from more traditional pub or bar experiences.
The concept is simple but clever: you arrive at the prison set, don an orange jumpsuit, and settle into a storyline involving smuggling in alcohol, secret missions, and character interactions. The setting? A prison-like environment with a movie-quality set, complete with Prison Radio and actors playing the roles of guards, inmates, and the Warden.
The goal? To smuggle in your own alcohol past the Warden and serve your time with a series of bespoke cocktails crafted by the talented mixologists. The experience lasts about 105 minutes, giving plenty of time for fun, mischief, and, of course, sipping on delicious drinks.
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Entrance and Setting
Getting into Alcotraz is part of the fun. You’ll line up below the metal detector and enter through what looks like a real prison door, into Cell Block Two-One-Two. The whole environment feels authentic — with prison-style decor, dim lighting, and the hum of prison radio, setting the tone for an evening of playful rebellion.
The storyline and actors
Once inside, the characters come to life. You’ll meet The Warden, the Guards, and Inmate Cassidy, all played by actors who are surprisingly convincing. Their interactions are lively, humorous, and sometimes cheeky, adding a layer of theatricality that makes the experience more than just drinking cocktails.
Reviews repeatedly mention how well the staff embody their roles. Sofia, for example, said, “the actors were amazing and you feel like in a real prison.” The actors aren’t just there to entertain; they guide you through the storyline, giving you secret missions and keeping you engaged throughout.
Smuggling your alcohol
This part is crucial. You’ll need to bring unopened, sealed bottles of alcohol to the experience. This isn’t just a fun rule — it’s the core of the concept: you’re a sneaky inmate trying to get your booze past the Warden. You can make this as simple or as elaborate as you like; some may hide their bottles in their clothes, while others might try a more covert approach.
There’s an added perk: the bootlegging gang has their own system for hiding contraband, and the Guards sometimes turn a blind eye — if you play your cards right. It’s a playful challenge that adds an element of mischief.
More Great Tours NearbyCocktail Making
Once your alcohol is smuggled in, it’s time for the creative part. The staff will help you craft tailored cocktails using your own liquor combined with liqueurs, bitters, and homemade syrups. The good news is, you get four cocktails per person, and the reviews confirm they’re pretty tasty.
Victoria mentioned that “the cocktails were good too,” and Sofia raved about how “all four were great.” The experience is designed so you can enjoy both classic and contemporary drinks, customized to your preferences. The mixologists are said to be skilled, making sure your cocktails are both visually appealing and flavorful.
Dress and Photos
If you’re into costumes, you’ll be happy to hear that you’re provided with orange jumpsuits to dress the part. This adds to the fun and photo opportunities. Many guests take advantage of this for memorable snapshots, making the night more than just about the drinks.
Duration and Atmosphere
The experience lasts around 105 minutes, which is enough time to enjoy several cocktails and participate in the storyline without feeling rushed. The set design and sound effects (like prison radio) give it a movie-like vibe, immersing you in the environment.
Sofia’s review captures the overall vibe: “we really loved the experience! the actors were amazing and you feel like in a real prison. the cocktails were so tasty.” She also appreciated the chance to make her own drinks with her own liquor, which added a personal touch.
Victoria highlighted the immersion factor, noting it’s “a lot more immersive than I thought but really good fun,” and praised the staff for their humorous roles. Luanne’s feedback emphasizes the overall quality: “The experience is impeccable from start to finish, all the staff are masterful characters,” and the drinks “were perfect.” These reviews suggest the staff’s performance is a key part of the enjoyment.
At $66 per person, the price includes four personalized cocktails, the costume, and the immersive experience. The catch? You must bring your own alcohol, which might be inconvenient if you’re traveling light or unsure about carrying sealed bottles. But if you’re organized and love the idea of customizing your drinks, this price is reasonable for a unique, theatrical night out.
In comparison to regular bar experiences, you’re paying for more than just drinks — you’re paying for the entertainment, storytelling, costumes, and immersive environment. Many guests find it well worth the cost, especially considering the high level of engagement and fun.
This experience is ideal for adults who enjoy theatrical settings, creative cocktails, and a touch of mischief. It works well for couples, groups of friends, or even solo travelers craving something out of the ordinary. It’s not suitable for children under 18, and you’ll want to arrive on time and prepared to follow the rules about bringing sealed alcohol bottles.
If you’re after a fun night with a playful storyline, memorable photos, and good drinks, Alcotraz offers a one-of-a-kind experience in London. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, straightforward bar outing or are not comfortable with the idea of sneaking alcohol, it might not be your best fit.
All in all, Alcotraz’s immersive prison cocktail experience stands out as a creative, entertaining way to spend an evening in London. The blend of theatrical acting, hands-on cocktail making, and playful rule-breaking creates an atmosphere that’s both fun and memorable. The actors’ performances are often highlighted as a highlight, and many guests rave about the quality of the drinks.
This experience is particularly suited to those who appreciate storytelling, enjoy trying unique activities, or want to add a bit of adventure to their night out. It’s not just about drinking — it’s about participating, playing a role, and sharing a laugh. The cost is fair for the level of entertainment and personalization involved, making it a worthwhile choice for an unusual night in London.
For anyone curious about combining a bit of theatrical fun with cocktail craft, Alcotraz offers an experience that’s as lively and playful as it is well-executed. Just remember to plan ahead for bringing your own sealed bottles, arrive on time, and get ready for a night behind bars — literally.
Do I need to bring my own alcohol?
Yes, you need to bring unopened, sealed bottles of alcohol for your cocktails. It’s a core part of the experience — smuggling in liquor past the Warden.
Is this experience suitable for children?
No, it’s only for guests over 18 years old due to the nature of alcohol and the theme.
How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 105 minutes, giving ample time for fun, storytelling, and drinks.
Can I book this experience for a specific time?
Yes, check the availability for start times. The experience offers flexible scheduling, but arriving more than 20 minutes late may result in no entry.
Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code, but you’ll be provided with orange jumpsuits to dress the part, which enhances the fun and photos.
Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for more guests.
Hopefully, this gives you a good sense of what to expect. Whether you’re into theatrical nights, cocktails, or just looking for a fun story to tell, Alcotraz’s immersive experience offers something a little different — and definitely memorable.
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