The Alcotraz Experience: From Gladrags to Orange Jumpsuits

Prepare to rub shoulders with fugitives, as you swap your gladrags for an oh-so-flattering orange jumpsuit at Alcotraz!

Welcome to the Alcotraz drinking experience, where the line between reality and fantasy gets delightfully blurred. This isn't just a night out; it's a wild ride through the most infamous prison in history, with a cocktail or two to help you survive the stretch. If you've ever wondered what it’s like to sip on delicious cocktails while pretending to be a hardened criminal, you’re in for a treat.

What is the Alcotraz Experience?

The Alcotraz experience is an immersive cocktail experience available in several cities across the UK, including London, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, Brighton, and Liverpool. Here, you become part of an immersive theatre show set inside a fictional version of the notorious American prison. Expect to be locked up, interrogated, and (if you're lucky) plied with bespoke cocktails by crooked guards. It’s an unforgettable night of role-playing, comedy, and some seriously good drinks, all while dressed in that unmistakable orange jumpsuit.

The Story of Alcotraz

The Alcotraz experience is more than just a themed night out—it's a dive into a gripping narrative where you play a key role. The story begins as you’re “convicted” and sent to serve time in the infamous Alcotraz prison, a place where the law is as flexible as the drinks menu. Run by a corrupt warden and his band of crooked prison guards, Alcotraz is no ordinary jail. Here, the guards turn a blind eye for the right price, allowing inmates like you to smuggle in liquor and transform their dreary time behind bars into a night of illicit fun.

Inside these walls, every inmate has a story. You might be a notorious bank robber, a slick con artist, or a wrongly accused innocent—whatever your backstory, it’s up to you to live it out while interacting with the guards and your fellow prisoners. The talented actors bring this story to life, creating an atmosphere thick with suspense, humour, and the thrill of dodging the law. Whether you’re scheming an escape, bribing a guard, or simply trying to survive your sentence, the story of Alcotraz pulls you in and keeps you hooked from start to finish.

What Are Immersive Experiences?

Immersive experiences are all about diving headfirst into a different world, where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. These experiences can take many forms, from interactive theatre performances where the audience becomes part of the story, to escape rooms that challenge your wits in a fully themed environment. One of the most cutting-edge forms of immersive experiences is the virtual reality experience, where you can explore digital landscapes and interact with 3D characters as if they were right in front of you. Whether it's stepping into a live-action role-playing game, journeying through a historical reenactment, or losing yourself in a virtual world, immersive experiences offer unforgettable adventures that engage all your senses and transport you far beyond the ordinary.

What is an Immersive Cocktail Experience?

An immersive cocktail experience is more than just sipping on a fancy drink. It’s a fully-fledged adventure where you’re not just an observer but a participant. Imagine a play where the audience is part of the cast, and the bar is the stage. These experiences often involve elaborate sets, talented actors who stay in character, and plenty of opportunities to engage with the storyline. At the Alcotraz drinking experience, you'll be smuggling in your own booze, dodging the warden, and laughing your way through the whole experience.

What to Expect During the Alcotraz Experience

From the moment you step inside, you're no longer yourself; you're an inmate. Expect to be greeted by gruff prison guards who will show you to your cell—aka, your seat for the evening. But don’t worry, they’re not all bad; once you successfully smuggle your liquor past the crooked prison guards, they’ll transform it into personalised cocktails tailored to your taste, with the serving inmates acting as your bartenders. As the night unfolds, you'll interact with a cast of characters, each with their own quirks and backstories, all while trying to stay out of trouble (or not).

What You Need to Know Before You Go

• Bring Your Own Booze: Yes, you heard that right. You bring the spirits, and the expert mixologists do the rest.

• Dress the Part: Don’t worry about your outfit; you’ll be provided with a jumpsuit on arrival.

• Plan Ahead: The Alcotraz experience is a hot ticket, so make sure to book in advance.

• Locations: The Alcotraz immersive experience is available in London, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, Brighton, and Liverpool.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

1. Get Into Character: The more you embrace the role, the more fun you'll have.

2. Chat with the Actors: They’re hilarious and can guide your experience in unexpected directions.

3. Keep an Eye Out for the Warden: He’s always lurking, and getting caught might mean a little time in the cooler.

4. Share the Experience: It’s even better with friends, so bring your fellow inmates along.

Alcotraz FAQs

Before you don your orange jumpsuit and step into the world of Alcotraz, you might have a few questions about what to expect. We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your time behind bars and make the most of this immersive experience.

• Is it reservations only, or can we just walk in?
  Inmates at Alcotraz must be "convicted" in advance, meaning you need to book your tickets before arrival. No walk-ins allowed!

• Do the Alcotraz bars serve food?
  Unfortunately, there’s no food on offer at Alcotraz, so make sure you eat before or after your sentence!

• How long does the experience last?
  Your time behind bars will be approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. During this time, you'll be issued with your very own orange jumpsuit to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

• Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
  There’s no minimum group size, so whether you’re coming alone or with friends, you’re welcome. For smaller groups of 2 or 3, Alcotraz will do its best to provide a private cell, but sometimes you might end up sharing with another small group. Each cell can hold a maximum of 6-7 guests. For larger groups, up to 30 for public sessions, they’ll try to keep you in adjacent or opposite cells.

• How many drinks are included?
  As an inmate, you’ll receive around four custom-made cocktails, expertly crafted by the mixologists using the liquor you smuggle in. The ticket price covers all the extras like liqueurs, bitters, and syrups—just bring your own spirits!

• Are non-alcoholic drinks available?
  Absolutely! If you prefer not to drink alcohol, you’ll still get four expertly crafted mocktails, all included in your ticket price—no smuggling required.

• What's the minimum age?
  The minimum age for this experience is 18, so make sure you bring your ID to prove you're old enough to do time!

If you’re looking for a night out that’s a little different, the Alcotraz drinking experience is sure to hit the spot. It’s one of the best immersive experiences in London, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, Brighton, and Liverpool, offering a blend of humour, drama, and top-notch cocktails. The whole experience is carefully crafted to ensure that from the moment you step inside, you're fully immersed in the world of Alcotraz.

But why stop there? Once you’ve mastered the art of prison escapes and smuggling, check out our other immersive drink experiences: Avora experience, where you’ll explore a mystical land, and Moonshine Saloon, where you’ll step back in time to the Wild West. Each offers a totally different vibe, but the same promise of a night to remember. Whether it's the fantasy realms of Avora or the gritty frontier of the Wild West, these adventures guarantee more unforgettable stories and bespoke cocktails to enjoy.