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’, owned by a greedy CEO, where you’ll be briefed on an important mission before you enter Avora. You’ll be tasked with sourcing secret elixirs for three different cocktails before being faced with a moral dilemma: do you continue to support the plans of the billionaire, or rebel and protect this new planet?
As everything unfolds, you’ll be hard-pressed not to admire the other-worldly 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. They’ve partnered with UK environmental organisation, Ecologi, and will be planting a tree for every Avora experience ticket sold. 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.
