Inside: A review of an unforgettable night at Alcotraz London
When we were invited along to review Alcotraz London, we knew we were in for something out of the ordinary. A speakeasy hidden behind shuttered doors, where you smuggle in your own liquor, wear bright orange prison jumpsuits, and sip cocktails from inside a cell? It sounded theatrical, immersive, and most importantly – fun.
Date nights don’t come around all that often for my husband and me, so when they do, we like to make them count. Alcotraz turned out to be exactly what we didn’t know we were looking for: imaginative, brilliantly executed, and thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end.
Tucked away behind a deliberately unmarked front in the heart of London, Cell Block Two-One-Two is easy to miss unless you’re in the know – which is all part of the experience. There’s no signage or traditional welcome. Instead, you’re processed like new inmates: lined up, questioned by guards, and handed your own orange jumpsuit to wear over your clothes. Within moments, we were fully immersed.
Led to our cell, a moody space shared with a couple of other “inmates”, we met one of the key characters for the evening, an actor posing as a fellow prisoner “Cassidy”. And that’s where Alcotraz really begins to shine: the cast.
Every actor we encountered was completely committed to their role, blending improv comedy, storytelling, and just the right amount of chaos to keep the experience moving without ever feeling overwhelming.
The heart of the concept is simple: bring your own spirit (we brought rum), and the mixologists – disguised as inmates working the “canteen” – will create four bespoke cocktails tailored to your tastes. There’s no menu; instead, you’re asked a few quick questions about flavour preferences, and then the team works their magic.
Each cocktail we had was imaginative, perfectly balanced, and totally different from the last. The drinks are just as much a part of the storytelling as the characters themselves, and they were genuinely excellent.
While the cocktails would be reason enough to visit, it’s the immersive layer that makes Alcotraz so unique. Storylines unfold around you, guards make sudden appearances, and you’re gently pulled into the plot of the evening. We never felt pressured to “perform,” but the more we leaned in, the more fun we had.
At one point, we were taking in for a meeting with the prison warden. I pleaded my case for parole – whilst offering a bribe through my many connections as Moneybags, head of The Dogs gang.
While the warden said aloud that my parole had been denied – he then passed me a book and told me to read it cover to cover. It seems bribes work well when you are head of The Dogs. The whole night felt spontaneous and exciting, like being part of a living theatre production.
The setting itself is beautifully done – gritty enough to feel authentic, but still comfortable and well-paced. The low lighting and barred cells really add to the atmosphere. I particularly liked the filthy toilets in each cell. The attention to detail is what truly made it feel real.
There are several ticket options available, depending on how much you want to include. We had the “Rookie” experience, which comes with the immersive show and four cocktails. “The Associate” adds a fun keepsake mugshot-style Prison Record Card, while “The Boss” package includes sweets from the canteen and a branded Alcotraz mug to take home.
Although Alcotraz is often booked for birthdays, stag and hen parties, or group celebrations, we found it worked brilliantly as a date night. There was plenty of time to chat, laugh, and enjoy the drinks between scenes – and the actors make sure everyone, whether you’re in a pair or part of a big group, gets drawn into the action.
Verdict: 5/5 stars
A wildly creative, genuinely immersive night out that blends theatre and cocktails to brilliant effect. Alcotraz is one of the best London activity bars I have visited and is the kind of experience that reminds you just how fun London can be when you try something new.