Escaping the world with a drink isn’t usually the sort of behaviour we’d encourage, but in the context of Avora—a one-of-a-kind cocktail experience in Hackney—it’s precisely what we’d recommend. Calling it a bar is quite the undersell, really – a ‘theatrical cocktail experience’ would be a far more accurate description. Step inside and get ready to leave Earth behind, as you’ll be whisked away to a whole new world through some extravagant set design and 10/10 acting – all while you enjoy unique cocktails.
From the team behind Moonshine Saloon and the famed Alcotraz cocktail experience, these guys certainly know a thing or two about immersive entertainment. You’ll get dressed up in a custom Avora jumpsuit, collect your cocktail ingredients, and partake in a theatrical storyline that will keep you thinking long after you’ve gone home.
What to expect from the Avora cocktail experience
If Avatar’s Pandora had your head in a spin, Avora is sure to conjur a similar feeling – and, film lovers, the set design really does feel like something out of a movie. Without giving too much away, you’ll start your journey at ‘Roscorp Laboratories’, briefed on an urgent mission regarding an environmental freeze, entering the world certain you’re just a visitor. As you venture through to forage elixirs for three distinct cocktails, Roscorp’s cover story begins to unravel. Caught amidst the escalating tension between Dr Shelly and Mason’s growing suspicions, you’ll slowly realise you might not be the outsider after all.
Winter special experience
This festive season, Avora is plunging into a sub-zero mystery with Avora: Frozen Realm. Running for ten weeks from November 3 in Shoreditch, this theatrical adventure invites guests to step into Roscorp jumpsuits, pass through a digital gateway, and explore a bioluminescent alien world now blanketed in glowing teal and violet frost.
While Roscorp’s lead scientist, Dr Shelly, insists the sudden arctic freeze is merely seasonal, head of security Mason Kriel suspects a darker cover-up – and the native Avorians aren’t saying a word. Guided by live actors, recruits must navigate the frozen landscape to uncover the truth, sipping three bespoke, temperature-shifting winter cocktails along the way, culminating in a sloe gin and apricot brandy creation that glows from within the glass.
As everything unfolds, you’ll be hard-pressed not to admire the otherworldly set around you, featuring gorgeous greenery and stunning ‘bioluminescence” – it truly must be seen to be believed. You can read the full review of our experience at Avora here.
The story touches on deeper themes reflecting earth’s climate crisis, and the team behind Avora have taken steps to make sure that’s respected throughout the entire production. As for the cocktails themselves, they’ve been co-created with the Sustainable Restaurant Group to ensure the highest possible sustainability standards are met.
The Avora experience is perfect for a fun evening with mates, a first date, or even for colleagues wanting to do something a little different. Avora: New World Cocktail Experience is open Tuesday to Sunday, with slots lasting one hour and 45 minutes throughout the afternoon and evening.
