Inside wacky themed pubs – from gothic haunt to gamers’ paradise & Middle-earth

Want to venture further than your local pub as lockdown restrictions lift?

If you’re after a change of scenery, you should consider heading to one of these quirky boozers.

The UK is home to an abundance of unusual themed bars – and there really is something for everyone.

Metal-heads can head to a Grade II listed gothic building, while gamers can play Super Mario at Pixel Bar in Leeds.

There are also pubs dedicated to Harry Potter, The Hobbit, Breaking Bad and the Stone Roses.

To celebrate the Daily Star’s Great British Booze Off competition, we’ve rounded up some of best spots out there. And as ever we're inviting you to crown the nations top pubs by using our poll below.

The Hobbit in Southampton

Inspired by J. R. R. Tolkein’s 1989 book, The Hobbit pub is located in the Bevois Valley area of Southampton.

It has the appearance of a tiny Hobbit house and serves cocktails based on the fantasy novel.

Options include the bright blue Gandalf tipple, green vodka Gollum and blonde Legolas.

Its fun theme helps it stand out from the crowd and it’s won “Best Pub” awards in the past.

There’s a large pool table area upstairs and spacious beer garden where you can get the beers in.

Pixel bar in Leeds

Gamers, rejoice.

Pixel Bar is a great place to eat, drink, game and be social all at the same time.

There are PCs and console booths that hold PS4s, Nintendo Switches and Xbox Ones.

Popular games include Tekken 7, Fifa 21, Mortal Kombat, Call of Duty and Super Mario.

Then to make the atmosphere even more exciting, you can order signature cocktails that come with Pokemon cards.

There are cocktails dedicated to Pikachu, Eevie, Jigglypuff and many more!

Stone Roses pub in York

This quirky Britpop-themed pub is the perfect place to watch indie bands.

You can cast your eyes over the plethora of memorabilia on the walls as you enjoy a pint.

Customers also have the option of posing on zebra crossing lines on the floor to get that classic Abbey Road-style snap for Instagram.

There are also pool tables, a jukebox and a big screen that punters can watch sport on.

ABQ London

This London bar is inspired by popular TV series Breaking Bad.

ABQ is an abbreviation of Albuquerque, which is the city where the show is set.

And to make you feel like you’re on the set itself, there’s an RV motorhome inside the venue.

Expect to listen to hip-hop tunes as you “cook” and infuse your own drinks at the immersive molecular bar.

There are also masks, aprons and other fun touches to make you feel like Walter White.

The Cauldron, Edinburgh

Listen up, Potter heads.

There’s a magical bar in Edinburgh with colour-changing drinks, smoking cauldrons and robes that wouldn’t look out of place in Hogwarts.

Muggles from far and wide can gather for potion making classes where they brew molecular cocktails.

Or for another interactive experience, you can try Wizard Afternoon Tea.

Expect to rustle up tea using the art of transfiguration and summon up bubbles from a magical creature.

Pit and Pendulum, Nottingham

Unleash your inner goth at the Pit and Pendulum.

The pub gets its name from Edgar Allen Poe’s short horror story that was published in 1842.

The tale follows a tortured prisoner during the Spanish Inquisition, which has inspired decor at the Grade II listed boozer too.

There’s dungeon elements, as well as gothic arched windows, grand fireplaces and ornate chandeliers.

Cocktails are bang on brand too – and include Seven Deadly Sins and Apocalypse tipples.

And we’ve heard the atmosphere is to die for…

Steinbeck and Shaw, Cardiff

This Cardiff pub is themed around the edgy streets of East London.

It gives off a real artsy vibe as it features graffiti-covered walls, skull imagery and modern sculptures.

There’s also neon lighting and a dance-floor where you can bust a move to hot DJs.

Or for those who prefer a quieter night, there are plush booths where you can indulge in fun cocktails.

Insta-ready drink options include Butterfly Effect pink gin and Prosecco or the award-winning blueberry smash.

Blind Tyger, Manchester

Want to replicate lockdown drinks outside the house?

Blind Tyger is a speakeasy hidden beneath St Ann's Square.

In true roaring twenties style, it’s dimly lit and has little alcoves where you can enjoy a tipple or five in private.

It’s also packed with art deco features, flocked wallpaper and antique mirrors.

And every month, there are exclusive gin events where guests can sample plenty of different spirits.

Fab Cafe Bar, Leeds

Fab Cafe is a cult TV and movie themed bar with venues in Leeds and Manchester.

It offers up a menu of nostalgic British dishes you can imagine tucking into on your sofa – think Pot Noodles, beans on toast or Heinz soups.

Then the decor fulfils all our cheesy cravings.

Think film posters, glittering disco balls and figurines that look like they’re from a low-budget movie set.

Peaky Blinders Bar & Food Court, Liverpool

Many of these scenes in Peaky Blinders were filmed in Liverpool.

And if you’re a fan of the period crime drama, you can step back in time to the roaring 20s at Peaky Blinders by visiting the city’s iconic Cains Brewery Village.

The venue has a real 1920s feel and often hosts live music events with blues, jazz, folk, indie and funk options.

There’s also flapper nights and plenty of excuses to dress up in flat caps and smart suits.

So book a table – by order of the Peaky Blinders!

There's never been a better time to toast the UK's finest drinking establishments, and we want your help to find Blighty's very best in the Daily Star's Great British Booze Off.

Over the next few weeks, we'll be saluting Britain's pubs in a series of articles.

As part of it, we're running a competition to identify the best boozers in 10 categories.

We want YOU to nominate your favourite pubs in the form below in as many categories as you like.

Individual category winners will receive a trophy, special Daily Star front page and £100.

The Britain's Best Pub winner will get a trophy, Daily Star front page and £500 cash prize.

You have until May 31 to get your nominations in.

We'll then shortlist in each category, with voting open from June 7 to 30, and winners announced in the week beginning July 12.

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