Fancy spending time in a cell wearing orange jumpsuits? Throw in some smuggled alcohol and actors, and you have Alcotraz – London’s only prison cocktail bar. Located on Hackney Road, my partner and I received a PR invite to review this unique date night activity.

What happens at Alcotraz?

Alcotraz is an immersive and theatrical experience where you interact with actors while sitting in a realistic jail cell.

After checking in, our guard led us down to our cells. We received orange jumpsuits to wear and bibles to help smuggle alcohol. You’re given your own cell for the evening, which could include other inmates depending on the number of people at the prison.

In your cell, you’ll hand your smuggled alcohol to the bartenders (canteen-working inmates) who will create four cocktails based on your preferences.

The actors will keep you occupied during your stay with secret missions, escape plans and spontaneous cell checks. Notorious liquor smuggler Cassidy, wanted to know what it felt like to be outside again.

Alcotraz London Review: Is it worth going?

If you’re looking for a unique date idea that’s more thrilling than a standard bar, you should absolutely try Alcotraz. I’ve reviewed several unique ideas over the years, but nothing in London is similar.

The cast remained in character throughout and put on fantastic performances. The Warden had us laughing as he checked our cells and came across my ‘Prado’ bag. Everyone is encouraged to engage with the actors and participate, but there is no embarrassment or fear of looking awkward. It’s all about having fun and being part of the storyline.

You can sit back and watch the show or speak up and ask questions. It’s most fun when you relax and allow yourself to get into your role. You can pretend you’re a fellow actor or really imagine that you’re in a hidden London prison.

We both loved the experience. I’m not in a rush to overthrow the Government again, but it was fun for my alias ‘Angel’ to commit this crime.

Key details to know

You must bring your own alcohol. They only accept closed, unopened, and sealed bottles, so don’t grab an old vodka. A mini Tesco and a Sainsbury’s are nearby. You’ll want to factor your alcohol as an extra cost. The cheapest ticket costs £48.50 as The Rookie while The Boss costs £65.94 and comes with prison sweets from the canteen, your own Prison Record Card souvenir and a branded Alcotraz mug.

Alcotraz recommends 1 x 35cl for every two inmates and 1 x 70cl bottle of spirit for every 3-4 inmates. A large group would benefit from a few variations of spirits. You’ll get back whatever alcohol they haven’t used. They provide all the juices, syrups, bitters, etc.

For your outfit, consider boots or trainers. Wearing fancy heels doesn’t exactly go with the orange jumpsuit aesthetic.

You must book in advance as they don’t accept walk-ins. When you register, you’ll fill in a prison card to select your alias, state the crime you committed and upload a mug shot. Alcotraz has a professional mugshot room, which was a lovely touch.

Your experience lasts for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Book Alcotraz here.

Disclaimer: This experience was gifted in exchange for a review. Read my privacy policy here.

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