London is always buzzing this time of year, with terraces open for the season, summer cocktails on menus everywhere and friends and family from far away planning trips to the city. And if you’re looking for an experience that goes above and beyond the ordinary, we’ve got our eyes on a very cool London bar that’s brought a taste of the Wild West to the city. Look no further than Moonshine Saloon – a Western cocktail experience that puts a fun spin on an ordinary bar night.
Moonshine Saloon comes from the creators of two other spectacular immersive experiences in London – Avora (which whisks you away to another planet altogether) and Alcotraz (a prison experience where you’re literally put behind bars).
So you know you’ll be well taken care of by a team that really knows what they’re doing when it comes to curating a seriously entertaining drinking experience.
A classic Wild West experience
Leave the busy streets of London far behind as you walk through the swinging doors of Moonshine Saloon. Put on your best cowboy core outfits (hats and tassels at the ready), and join in the fun as you interact with fellow “outlaws” and try your luck at card or dice games.
You will be given your own Stetson hat and Western attire to wear, so you’ll blend in perfectly with the others as you join in the antics in this pretend world. It’s all part of the illusion: suddenly, you’re in the 1900s, deep in the Wild West. The team behind Moonshine Saloon are masters of theatrical escapism, blending storytelling, set design, and mixology into one unforgettable journey. Dodge the law, sip expertly crafted (and covertly served) cocktails, and fully embody the role of a bootlegging outlaw while you’re here.
Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, a quirky date night, or just a memorable night out with friends and colleagues, it offers something that makes a bar night a lot more entertaining and creative.
The attention to detail, from the costumes and props to the audience-actor interactions, makes it feel more like stepping onto a movie set than entering a drinking den.
Bespoke drinks for the group
The bar has a ‘bring your own liquor’ policy, but that just adds to the fun – hand over your “smuggled” alcohol to the bartender, and you will be presented with four delicious, bespoke cocktails using an assortment of bitters, syrups, liqueurs and garnishes. Plus, if you don’t drink, there are non-alcoholic options as well – just say the word, and your bartender will whip up the perfect mocktail for you.
All about the theatre
Drinks are just the beginning. The saloon will also have talented actors taking on some exciting roles – you’ll see sheriffs, smugglers, and outlaws, who draw you into a slow-burning tale featuring plenty of corruption, betrayal, and high-stakes deals. You’re free to play along or sit back and watch it unfold, but the more you lean in, the more fun the experience becomes.
Interacting with the actors is all part of the experience.
You can expect to deal cards and roll the dice with bootleggers and outlaws here. Some of the actors you might bump into include the sheriff or the mayor (spoiler: he’s a secret player in the bootlegging business here).
The ideal special-occasion spot
The venue is decked out in authentic, rustic decor – think swinging saloon doors, wooden tables and low-hanging lamps. We’d highly recommend this spot for a special occasion or a group night out, whether it’s a birthday, work party or hen/stag night. Make the star of your group feel even more special by assigning a character to them, and you can watch them play out their part with a special costume. There are also regular live music nights planned throughout the year where you can watch some incredible country acts. For a night that promises a dose of escapism and fun, Moonshine Saloon really sets the bar for immersive experiences in London.
Visit the website to get a taste of this Wild West experience in the heart of East London.
> thehandbook.com
