Avora: Cocktail bar aiming to ‘become world’s first carbon neutral immersive experience’ to launch in London

A new cocktailbar that has promised to “become the world’s first carbon neutral immersive experience” is coming to London this autumn.

Avora, which opens in Hoxton this November, is the latest venture from the people behind Alcotraz, the prison-themed bar in Shoreditch, and Moonshine Saloon, the Wild West-styled venue in Aldgate.

Guests at Avora will don jumpsuits before entering a “magical”, Avatar-esque world, which is being exploited for its natural resources by a fictional billionaire. Joined by a cast of actors, attendees will then have to choose whether to continue working for the billionaire, or to rebel against him in order to save the “natural wonder” of Avora.

Drinks will range from a colour-changing “antidote” cocktail — to help explorers acclimatise to Avora’s atmosphere, the story goes — to a drink made with otherworldly ingredients foraged within the experience.

With themes of environmentalism at the heart of Avora’s story, the venue itself has partnered with UK organisation Ecologi to plant one tree within reforestation projects for every ticket sold.

The cocktail menu, meanwhile, has been created in partnership with the Sustainable Restaurant Association, focusing on low-waste, low-carbon and plant-based options. One drink will be served in a biodegradable, fully edible cup developed by manufacturer Stroodles.

The venue’s owners have committed to completing a carbon footprint assessment by the end of the year, and to becoming carbon neutral by 2024.

Sam Shearman, creator of Avora and founder of Inventive Productions, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be bringing a brand-new concept and immersive experience to London and especially one with a narrative that speaks to what is happening in the world today.

“Our hope is that people have a fun and amazing time during their experience but also give a little more thought to the issues we are facing in our real world. We really can’t wait to open the gateway to Avora this November.”

The experience will last for one hour and 45 minutes, and tickets, which go on sale at 12pm on September 28, are priced from £40. Three cocktails are included with each ticket.

Avora, Rosewood Building, Hackney Road, E2 8GY, opens November 2022; avora-experience.co.uk