The London Fiver – Five London Bars Based on Television and Film To Visit

There are literally hundreds of pubs and bars all over London, and while many have a great British charm to them, sometimes you might be looking for something different.  If you’re anything like me, you love movies and TV shows.  You also love an immersive experience from your favorites in both mediums.  As it so happens, there are several bars in London that can provide you wish just such an experience, regardless of whether you want drama, comedy, or a little bit of magic.  Let us know some of your own favorite themed bars in London and all over the world.

The Cauldron

If you find yourself in London and looking for a Harry Potter-themed event, you’re not likely to get any alcohol if you do the WB Studio Tour.  However, The Cauldron is the perfect place for aspiring witches and wizards to get sloshed (that is if they’re of legal age).  Similar to the Bletchley Park-themed bar in the city, you have to do a little work for your cocktail as the staff teaches you how to brew your own potions.  More than just your average mixology class, The Cauldron gives you a magical experience.

ABQ

Changing out magical potions for scientific concoctions, ABQ is based on everyone’s favorite drug show, Breaking Bad.  You won’t find Walter White or Jesse behind the bar; you will find a replica of Walter’s RV and be able to make your own, perfectly-legal remedies.  Jesse’s soundtrack also plays while your work on your mixologist skills and you get to suit up in your own yellow jumpsuit for the experience.  Make sure to book in advance so you can ensure your own station is available or even Saul Goodman won’t be able to help talk your way into the bar.

Mr. Fogg’s

It’s certainly possible to travel around the world in much shorter time than 80 days now, but those wanting to relieve one of the most memorable global adventures in literature and on screen can check out Mr. Fogg’s at four locations in Mayfair, Covent Garden, and Fitzrovia.  In keeping with protagonist Phineas Fogg’s eccentricity, the interior of the bar is full of Victorian bric-á-brac from Fogg’s travels.  In addition to the unique cocktails, each Mr. Fogg’s location offers different experiences including afternoon tea (both with and without alcoholic beverages), brunch, Sunday lunch, and a gin tasting.

Roadhouse

A bar where the bartenders always follow Dalton’s golden rule to “be nice,” Roadhouse is London’s attempt to emulate one of Patrick Swayze’s most memorable films.  In the spirit of a real roadhouse, this London bar isn’t just a place for drinks; it regularly hosts musical acts and DJs to get you our on the floor to rock or dance the night away.  If you want to sing yourself, twice a week it hosts a karaoke competition where you can lip-synch with a live band backing you.  What’s more, Roadhouse hosts flair competitions amongst the city’s top bartenders to see who can serve your drink with a little razzle-dazzle.

Secret Cinema

More of an immersive movie experience, you can get alcohol here and the bar like everything else with Secret Cinema is part of the event.  This special theater in London changes its location and theme, typically basing both on whatever movie it’s showing.  So far this year, shows have included the original Blade Runner and William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, so it’s not hard to imagine a futuristic concoction or a Shakespearean drink in your hands while to plunge straight into a classic film.  There’s little telling what the schedule will bring, so keep your eyes on their website for the next show.