Tired of your usual haunts? Looking to spice up your evenings? Looking for quirky places to explore? It can be a challenge to break out of your comfort zone and do something different, but, oh, when you do, there’s so much on offer! Our community have explored some fantastically quirky places. Conquer that feeling of mundanity and repetition with a trip to some of them. Here’s our guide to your favourites.
Shunt Vaults, London Bridge
Shunt Vaults under London Bridge, is one of London’s best hiddeen gems. Curated by different artists, it’s always different and eclectic. kellytron thought it was: “jaw dropping excellent… live music, art, pinball machines, cheap booze and even a truck with chairs on the tray to sit in. I actually passed about 30 minutes pretending to drive this truck and honking the pretend horn - but this isn’t compulsory”.
Garlic & Shots, Soho
Garlic ice cream, garlic bread, garlic vodka and bloodshots served in a basement bar with some goth metal, Swedish style, Garlic & Shots is a one off and has to be tried. thamshere loved it: “best garlic bread in town”, it’s also “a superb place to get steaming. The bloodshots have to be downed to be believed. The atmosphere in the garden out back is always condusive to having a superb night out.”
Dans Le Noir, Farringdon
Dining in pitch darkness, served by a blind waiter, Dans Le Noir is certainly a unique experience! For Ladis19 it was: “one of the most exciting dining experiences I have ever had. It’s one of those Marmite places, some will love it, others will hate it but you just have to try… The conversation at dinner was also completely different. A lot more comments about the food, what are we eating? Who’s nicked my wine? (btw Melanie that was me:)) where’s the water?”
Tiroler Hut, Notting Hill
German beers, cowbells, lederhosen and fondue? All in an evening’s entertainment at The Tiroler Hut in Notting Hill. Lizzweee gave it 5*: “What a fantasic hidden gem. This traditional Austrian restaurant has everything you could want, from traditional wooden decor, cow bells and laderhosen! The fondue is superb, served with a tasty variety of breads (usually washed down with a steiner of beer) and the chocolate variety for pudding is a must.”
Marathon Kebab, Chalk Farm
If I told you that Marathon Kebab is a kebab shop that sells alcohol and turns into a jazz club after dark, would you believe me? I expect not. papayoyo says: “Ever found yourself stumbling down Camden High Street after being turfed out of every pub at closing time but still with the will to party driving you on into the night? Welcome to the Marathon Bar, Camden’s hazy crazy last chance saloon! Is it a kebab shop, is it a bar, or is it the final resting place for Camden Town’s die hard alcoholics and desperados? Herein you will find all manner of drunken cheerfulness.”
Absolut Ice Bar, Mayfair
Imagine a bar made entirely of ice, set at minus five degrees where you don an enormous furry jacket, thermal gloves and drink vodka from a glass made of ice, and all in central London. Sounds appealing? Check out the Absolut Ice Bar. ablair9999 thought it was great: “Sure it’s a gimick, sure it’s different, and it sure it’s cold! It is also fun, unusual and a great place to try some fab vodka cocktails.”
The Viaduct Tavern, Farringdon
Fancy a good scare? The Viaduct Tavern is built on the site of an old remand prison and is rumoured to be haunted. The staff took andybrown on a tour of the old prison below: “I went down into the cellars, and it was all very interesting, and they took me round, and showed me the cells, and the cell numbers, and we got to cell where they stored lime cordial and somesuch other liquids, she opened the door, I went to enter… and i couldn’t. it was as if something was holding me there, pushing me. that’s the only way i can describe it. like a forcefield. and, try as i might, my legs wouldn’t obey.”
Bom Bane’s, Brighton
Like musicals? Like good food? You’ll like Bom Bane’s then. foodrambler thought it was great: “Food, music and poetry are all mixed up in beautiful jumble of a place. I recommend going along for “Bom-Banes: The Musical”, which is performed three or four times a month. It consists of a three-course set meal for £25, eaten whilst the staff sing and play their hearts out.”
Renaissance Rooms, Vauxhall
Spandex, leg warmers, seventies music and soul, expect this and more at The Renaissance Rooms Roller Disco in Vauxhall. lclancyau was impressed: “I went here on a Friday night for some roller disco action. Being a skating novice I was worried about the amount of people that’d be in my way (or vice versa)… this was unfounded as it didn’t get massively crowded… Recommended for those who like skating and cheesy music. Dressing up a bit is also recommended =]”
Ciro’s Pizza Pomodoro, Liverpool St
Why not eat pizza in a Turkish bath? A legacy of Victorian London, this restaurant is housed in an old mosque-like Turkish bath. You won’t see many nude men, but the pizza comes recommended by princessjasmine: “The atmosphere was very good and the restaurant is adorned with photos of its many famous customers. Nice location and although close to the city, very traditional and not at all “city” like. Food (2 courses) with wine and water worked out about £22 per person (5 dining). Would probably come back to try another pizza!”
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