Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Brighton

Brighton’s Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience offers something quite different from your typical bar crawl. For around £66.49 per person, you can spend nearly two hours getting a taste of Hollywood-style prison life while crafting your own cocktails behind bars. Located at 13 Kings Rd, Brighton, this interactive show combines theatrical acting with mixology, making for an evening of laughter, creativity, and surprises.

What we love most about Alcotraz is the unique setting—the real metallic cells and orange jumpsuits instantly transport you into a fictional prison universe. Plus, the personalized cocktails—crafted from your own smuggled liquor—add an engaging, hands-on element that turns drinking into an adventure. The lively cast of actors truly bring the experience to life, making it feel both authentic and fun.

One possible consideration is that you’ll need to bring your own base spirits (gin, rum, whisky, etc.) if you want to enjoy the cocktails. The price includes all the mixers, syrups, and garnishes, but not the alcohol itself. This setup encourages a bit of creativity and adds a layer of anticipation—what will you smuggle in, and how will you hide it from the guards? It’s perfect for those who enjoy a playful challenge and a theatrical atmosphere.

This experience is ideal for curious travelers looking for an offbeat night out that combines entertainment with hands-on cocktail making. It suits those who appreciate a good story, enjoy theatrical settings, and don’t mind a bit of role-playing fun. Whether you’re visiting Brighton with friends, a couple, or even solo looking to meet others, Alcotraz promises a memorable, lively outing.

Key Points

• Interactive storytelling and theatrical performance enhance the experience.
• Personalized cocktails made from your own smuggled liquor add a fun challenge.
• Authentic prison setting with real metallic cells and orange jumpsuits creates an immersive environment.
• Lively actors keep the energy high and make the night entertaining.
• Pre-booking is recommended, with an average of 56 days in advance.
• Suitable for most travelers with a maximum group size of 15, making it intimate and engaging.

An Unusual Night Out in Brighton

Brighton isn’t just about pebble beaches and fish and chips; it’s also home to one of the UK’s most inventive cocktail experiences—Alcotraz Prison. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill bar. Instead, it’s a theatrical adventure where you get to step into a Hollywood-style prison while enjoying expertly crafted cocktails. The experience lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes, starting promptly at 7:05 pm from 13 Kings Rd. It’s designed for small groups—no more than 15 participants—so you’ll get plenty of interaction with the actors and fellow inmates.

What Makes Alcotraz Stand Out?

What immediately grabs your attention is the setting. Upon entering, everyone is dressed in bright orange jumpsuits, and the environment is set with real metallic cells and prison decor. The ambiance feels authentic, but it’s also playful since everyone is in on the joke. The theatrical element is more than just background; actors bring to life the characters of guards and inmates, making you part of a lively story that unfolds throughout the evening.

Another highlight is the cocktail-making aspect. Unlike most bars where you’re handed a menu and just choose, here you’re encouraged to smuggle in your own liquor—think gin, rum, whisky—and work with the staff to turn it into four personalized drinks. The mixologists use a variety of liqueurs, bitters, and homemade syrups to craft drinks that match your tastes. It’s a clever way to combine interactive fun with craftsmanship.

The Experience Itself: What to Expect

Once inside, you’re handed an orange jumpsuit and introduced to the storyline—probably involving sneaky smuggling, daring escapes, and humorous interactions with the cast. The staff and actors are praised for their know-how and humor—one reviewer mentioned how “the actors are amazing and super funny.” The evening includes four cocktails, each personalized based on the liquor you’ve smuggled in and your flavor preferences.

You’ll find yourself both participating in the fun and observing the antics of fellow inmates. The story often involves hidden contraband, secret systems of hiding liquor, and the ever-watchful guards. It’s a blend of comedy, storytelling, and bartending—a true theatrical experience that’s more immersive than just sitting at a bar.

Authenticity and Engagement

Travelers who love interactive shows will find this especially appealing. The cast is talented, and their improvisation skills keep the story lively and unpredictable. We loved the way the actors make everyone feel involved, encouraging banter and playful mischief. As one reviewer put it, “the cocktails were beautiful and tasty,” which is no small feat considering they’re made from your own smuggled liquor.

Pricing and Value

For £66.49 ($66.49), you get all ingredients necessary for your cocktails—excluding the base spirits. This means that your main expense is bringing your own liquor, but the experience of making four bespoke cocktails and participating in a theatrical story offers good value, especially considering the intimate group size and high entertainment level.

When to Book and Practical Tips

The experience is quite popular, with bookings typically made around 56 days in advance. It’s wise to reserve early, especially if visiting during peak times or weekends. The activity begins at 7:05 pm, so plan to arrive on time. The meeting point, 13 Kings Rd, is easily accessible via public transportation in Brighton, making it convenient for most travelers.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This experience is perfect for adventurous spirits who enjoy a good laugh, storytelling, and a bit of role-playing. It’s also great for couples, groups of friends, or even solo travelers who want to meet others in a lively, theatrical setting. If you’re tired of traditional pubs and want a memorable, interactive night out, Alcotraz hits the mark.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• You’ll need to bring your own base liquor if you want to enjoy the cocktails.
• The maximum group size of 15 ensures a personal experience but means early booking is recommended.
• Since the experience involves acting and role-play, a willingness to participate enhances the fun.
• The free cancellation policy provides flexibility if your plans change.

The Alcotraz Brighton experience appeals most to travelers who are looking for something uniquely fun and interactive. It’s ideal for those who enjoy theatre, storytelling, and DIY cocktail-making. If you like the idea of smuggling in your own spirits and creating customized drinks in a lively, theatrical setting, this tour is a perfect fit. It suits groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers eager to meet others in a small, intimate environment.

It’s also a good choice for visitors who want a more memorable and personalized experience compared to standard bar visits. If you’re an enthusiast of Hollywood prison movies or TV shows, you’ll find the theme especially amusing and well-executed.

Do I need to bring my own alcohol?
Yes, you should bring your own base spirit such as gin, rum, or whisky if you want to enjoy the cocktails. The experience provides all other ingredients like liqueurs, bitters, syrups, and garnishes.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, starting at 7:05 pm and ending back at the original meeting point.

Is this suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but since it involves alcohol and role-play, it’s best suited for adults. The experience is designed for those 18 and over.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, bookings are made about 56 days ahead. It’s recommended to reserve early to secure your preferred date, especially during busy periods.

What is included in the price?
The ticket price includes all ingredients for your cocktails, such as liqueurs, bitters, syrups, and garnishes. It does not include the base spirits, which you need to bring.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, the maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate and engaging atmosphere.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably; the experience involves role-playing in a prison setting, so wearing something casual and easy to move in is best.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there is a free cancellation policy if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.

To sum it up, Alcotraz Brighton delivers a creative twist on the traditional cocktail night out. It combines theatrical storytelling, comedy, and DIY mixology to create an experience that’s both engaging and memorable. Perfect for those craving an offbeat, interactive evening, especially if you enjoy a good story and a bit of playful mischief. While bringing your own alcohol requires a small extra step, it’s a small price to pay for the fun of crafting your own bespoke drinks in such a lively and immersive setting. If you’re visiting Brighton and want a night that’s different from the usual pub crawl, Alcotraz offers a highly entertaining alternative that you’ll talk about long afterward.