Alcotraz Brighton: Immersive Theatrical Cocktail Experience

If you're looking for a genuinely quirky night out in Brighton, you might want to check out the immersive theatrical cocktail experience at Alcotraz. It’s not just a bar; it’s set up as a secret speakeasy prison known as 'Cell Block One Three' located right on Kings Road. When you attend, you become an 'inmate' for the night, which means you’ll be issued the mandatory orange jumpsuit and fully immersed in the life behind bars, interacting with talented actors and realistic sets for the duration of your 'sentence,' which lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The most important thing to understand about Alcotraz is how the drinks work, because they don't sell alcohol on site. It operates under a strict BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) system. You need to smuggle in your own closed bottle of spirits—think vodka, gin, rum, tequila, or whisky—with the help of the guards, all while trying to avoid the Warden. The ticket price covers the mixologists (who are also inmates/bartenders) who will use your contraband along with their secret supply of mixers, syrups, fruits, and other ingredients to create four bespoke cocktails or mocktails for you during your stay. For guidance on quantity, they suggest bringing about a 35cl bottle of spirits if you're going as a pair, or a 70cl bottle if there are four of you.

If you're planning a visit, whether it’s for a birthday or just a unique date night, remember that it is strictly 18+. The experience is available year-round, running Tuesday through Sunday, though the specific hours vary (Saturdays often run late, sometimes until 11:15 PM). Capacity is limited to around 50 'inmates' per session. Prices are a bit variable depending on where you book, ranging from about £32.50 per person up to £59 per person for certain packages. A couple of quick heads-ups: they don't serve food, so it’s recommended you eat before you go, and unfortunately, the venue is currently not accessible for wheelchair users.