Brighton: Alcotraz Immersive Prison Cocktail Experience

If you’re looking for a night out that blends theatrical fun with creative cocktail making, Alcotraz Brighton might just be your next highlight. This isn’t your typical bar visit—think secret missions, role-playing, and a dash of mischief, all set within a prison-themed environment. For those who enjoy a bit of storytelling and interactive entertainment, it promises a unique way to enjoy drinks and a memorable experience.

What we love about Alcotraz Brighton is how it transforms the act of cocktail drinking into an engaging, theatrical adventure. The chance to don an orange jumpsuit and play a character adds a playful edge, making it perfect for groups of friends, hen parties, or anyone wanting an unconventional night out. However, do keep in mind that this experience requires some participation—you’ll be asked to smuggle alcohol past a witty warden, so a sense of humor and willingness to get into character are key.

This experience suits those who enjoy immersive theatre, humor, and interactive social activities. If you’re after a traditional cocktail evening, this might not be for you. But if you’re open to a playful, theatrical journey with bespoke cocktails created using your own alcohol, Alcotraz Brighton offers an engaging alternative to standard pub nights.

Key Points

• Interactive Role-Playing: Dress as an inmate, smuggle in alcohol, and complete secret missions.
• Theatrical Setting: Experience a movie-like prison environment with live actors playing characters.
• Personalized Cocktails: Your own alcohol is crafted into four bespoke drinks during the session.
• Duration & Pricing: Approximately 105 minutes for $66 per person, offering good value for a fun, memorable activity.
• Authentic Experience: Knowledgeable guides and actors enhance the immersive storytelling.
• Best for: Groups, hen parties, birthdays, or anyone seeking a playful, unconventional night out.

What to Expect from the Alcotraz Brighton Experience

The Entrance and First Impressions

From the moment you arrive at Alcotraz Brighton, you’re greeted by the sight of a cleverly themed, movie-set-like prison interior. The staff, dressed in character, set the tone for a fun, slightly mischievous experience. Guests are encouraged to dress in orange jumpsuits—adding a layer of fun and photo opportunities—making the event feel more like stepping into a theatrical production than just another bar night.

The Role-Playing Begins

Once inside, you’ll meet characters like The Warden, Guards, and Inmate Cassidy, all portrayed by actors who bring energy and humor to the storyline. You’ll be assigned a role, and the plot revolves around smuggling in alcohol to make cocktails—an activity that is both silly and interactive. Reviewers note how guides like “the guards” have their own schemes, adding a layer of authenticity and humor.

The real charm here is how well the guides and actors keep the story engaging without it feeling forced. Claire mentions, “they put on a great show and were so nice and helpful,” which highlights the quality of the staff and the level of spontaneity involved.

The Mission: Smuggle and Sip

The core of the experience involves smuggling your own unopened, sealed alcohol bottles past the warden and guards to create your own cocktails. You’re encouraged to be creative—try an American accent or come up with secret code words to enhance the role-playing. The staff are understanding and playful, making it easier to get into the spirit (pun intended).

Lewis describes the evening as “hilarious,” emphasizing how the fun comes from the playful interaction rather than just the drinks. Expect to be guided through making four personalized cocktails using your own liquor, combined with liqueurs, bitters, and homemade syrups. The process is interactive, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities for photos—especially since everyone looks great in an orange jumpsuit.

The Set and Atmosphere

The prison set feels authentic enough to keep you immersed, with details like prison radios and themed decor. You’ll move between different areas—visit the Warden’s office or the laundry room—each designed to add to the storyline and give you a full sense of being behind bars. Guests mention the set design as a highlight, with one reviewer noting how the production “puts on a great show.”

The Cocktails and Their Quality

The highlight for many is the ability to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails made with your own alcohol. The mixologists are praised for their creativity, balancing flavors and presentation. Megan recommends this experience for celebrations like hen parties or birthdays—an activity ideal for groups wanting to do something different and memorable.

Duration and Logistics

The experience lasts around 105 minutes, which is just right for an evening activity—long enough to enjoy the story and cocktails without feeling rushed. The cost is $66 per person, which includes tickets, the theatrical environment, and four personalized cocktails. Keep in mind, the only thing not included is the alcohol you bring in, so plan accordingly.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, and booking through Get Your Guide is simple, though the actual ticket confirmation comes directly from Alcotraz. Make sure to arrive on time—more than 20 minutes late and you may lose your spot, per reviews.

Authentic Reviews and Insights

Guests consistently praise the staff’s enthusiasm and knowledge. Claire states, “they put on a great show and were so helpful,” and Lewis calls it “hilarious,” emphasizing how much fun they had. Megan highlights its suitability for celebrations, recommending it for hen parties or birthdays, especially for groups wanting a lively, shared experience.

The reviews reveal a consistent theme: the combination of theatrical storytelling, friendly guides, and creative cocktails makes Alcotraz Brighton a truly memorable outing. The overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 from ten reviews shows a high level of satisfaction, especially considering the interactive nature of the activity.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Dress code: Wear comfortable clothes, and don the optional orange jumpsuit for photos.
• Alcohol bottles: Bring unopened, sealed bottles; no alcohol is provided, so plan your selection accordingly.
• Timing: Arrive at least 20 minutes early to avoid missing your start time.
• Participation: Be prepared to get into character and participate actively—it’s part of the fun.
• Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible, so check with staff if needed.
• Group sizes: Best suited for groups, especially for those celebrating special occasions.

Is Alcotraz Brighton Worth It?

Absolutely, if you’re after something different than your usual bar crawl or cocktail night. The experience offers more than just drinks—it’s a theatrical journey that combines storytelling, humor, and creativity. The staff’s enthusiasm and the detailed set design make it a truly engaging environment. For around $66, you get four bespoke cocktails, a memorable story, and plenty of photo opportunities—making it excellent value for a fun night out.

The fact that guests have raved about the guides’ helpfulness and the lively atmosphere means you’ll likely be in safe hands, regardless of your level of role-playing enthusiasm. It’s perfect for groups wanting to share a laugh, celebrate a special occasion, or simply try something out of the ordinary.

However, it’s worth noting that the experience is participatory—if you’re shy or prefer a more relaxed night, it might not suit you. It’s best enjoyed by those who love role-playing, humor, and an interactive environment.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking an unconventional way to indulge in cocktails and enjoy a playful story, Alcotraz Brighton hits the mark. It’s a smart pick for groups, birthday celebrations, or hen parties that want to make memories together. The theatrical environment, well-guided storyline, and personalized cocktails make for a fun, immersive evening that’s hard to forget.

While it’s not a traditional bar experience, that’s part of its appeal—here, you’re not just a spectator, but a participant in a lively, humorous story. The attention to detail, the engaging staff, and the chance to dress up make this a standout outing in Brighton’s vibrant entertainment scene.

If you’re open-minded, enjoy role-playing, and appreciate crafted cocktails, this activity will leave you with stories to tell—and plenty of photos to prove you’ve had a night behind bars.

FAQ

Is there an age restriction for Alcotraz Brighton?
Yes, the experience is not suitable for children under 18 years old, so plan accordingly.

What should I bring for my cocktails?
Bring unopened, sealed alcohol bottles; no alcohol is provided as part of the package.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 105 minutes, making it a perfect activity for an evening outing.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking through GetYourGuide is recommended. Arrive on time, as arriving more than 20 minutes late might mean missing out.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Alcotraz Brighton is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers entry, the theatrical environment, the four personalized cocktails, and costume options like orange jumpsuits.

Can I participate if I don’t want to role-play?
The activity is designed to be participatory, but you can choose to stay in a more observational role if preferred.

Are the cocktails good quality?
Guests rave about the mixologists’ creativity and the quality of the cocktails, which are made using your own alcohol and fresh ingredients.

Is there an opportunity for photos?
Absolutely. The costume, set, and fun atmosphere make for plenty of great photo moments.

Would this be a good activity for a celebration?
Yes, many reviews suggest it’s ideal for hen parties, birthdays, or fun weekends with friends.

If you’re after a night that combines comedy, theatre, and expertly crafted cocktails, Alcotraz Brighton offers a memorable journey behind bars that’s worth every penny.