Themed Restaurant Rules: What You Need to Know Before You Dine in London

When you walk into a themed restaurant, a dining experience built around a specific concept, like 90s nostalgia, pirate ships, or underground cabaret. Also known as immersive dining, it’s not just about the food—it’s about the whole vibe. But here’s the thing: most people show up ready to party and end up confused because they didn’t know the rules. You can’t just roll into a venue where everyone’s in 80s neon and wear jeans and a hoodie. That’s not just awkward—it’s often against the policy.

Themed restaurants in London don’t just throw on a decoration and call it a night. They build entire experiences around dress code, a set of expectations for what guests should wear to match the theme, behavior norms, how guests are expected to interact, whether that’s singing along, dancing, or staying quiet, and photo policies, whether you’re allowed to record, flash lights, or post live. At Haus of Cabaret, you’re expected to dress sharp and keep your phone away during the show. At All Star Lanes, you can belt out Bon Jovi in your neon tank top—but if you’re filming the whole night with a ring light, you might get asked to stop. These aren’t arbitrary rules. They’re what keep the experience fun for everyone.

Some places have strict theme enforcement, a policy where staff check your outfit before letting you in. You might think it’s overkill, but if you show up to a 90s karaoke night in a business suit while everyone else is in flannel and jelly shoes, you’re not just standing out—you’re breaking the spell. And at places like The Begging Bowl or Nandine, where the theme is cultural authenticity and community, rules around respect and noise level matter just as much as what you’re wearing. This isn’t about being rigid. It’s about being part of something bigger than your Instagram post.

There’s also the unspoken stuff: don’t hog the spotlight during group games, don’t ask for the theme to be changed for you, and don’t treat the staff like props. These places hire performers, bartenders, and hosts who are there to make your night magic—not to be your personal entertainers. The best nights happen when you lean into the theme, not fight it.

Below, you’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there—whether it’s how to dress for a bottomless brunch that’s secretly a drag show, what to ask before booking a themed dinner, or why your phone might get confiscated at a karaoke joint. No fluff. Just what works in London’s wild, wonderful, and sometimes weird dining scene.