News

This year’s Annual Bartender Competition, proudly sponsored by Bacardi and Patrón Tequila, was a whirlwind of creativity, teamwork, and flair. We kicked things off with over five of our incredibly talented semi-finalists from across our venues, who battled it out over three intense rounds for a place in the final.

The competition was electric, featuring two individual challenges where our mixologists showcased their unique styles. The energy then shifted for a spectacular team round, with bartenders partnering up with colleagues from any venue to create show-stopping collaborative cocktails. The synergy was incredible to watch! The buzz at Bacardi’s HQ was amazing. What made it truly special? The incredible support! The venue was packed with colleagues cheering on their teams, and we were delighted to welcome bartenders’ families too, thanks to our live stream, everyone could join the action.

And now, the moment you have all been waiting for…
A massive congratulations to Robert Capon of Cahoots Postal Office, who blew our judges away and has officially been crowned our 2025 Cocktail Champion! Robert’s winning creation will soon be featured on menus across all Inception Group venues for a whole month, with proceeds going to a charity of his choice. As his grand prize, he will also be jetting off on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Hacienda Patrón in Mexico, alongside exclusive gifts from our fantastic partners.

Join us in raising a glass to Robert and every single bartender who made this competition unforgettable. Their passion and talent are what make our venues so special. Stay tuned, Robert’s winning cocktail will be on our menus very soon!

Soho was buzzing with excitement as the streets came alive for the legendary Soho Waiters Race, part of the 50th Soho Village Fete! The event brought together some of Soho’s finest bartenders and waiters, each navigating the vibrant streets with trays balanced high with Champagne, glasses, and ashtrays.

Our intrepid team from Mr Fogg’s Pawnbrokers took to the course and claimed victory! Stara Padda, was the first female to cross the finish line, bringing home the victory!

Whether you’re looking for unique things to do in Soho, the best bars in central London, or just a place where magic happens, Mr Fogg’s Pawnbrokers continues to deliver top-notch experiences for all who enter!

Step into the 90s at Bunga 90’s brand-new immersive bottomless brunch, launching this September in the heart of Covent Garden. Packed with high-energy fun, this unforgettable London brunch experience brings together karaoke, live singers, and 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails or beer. From Britney bangers to Tamagotchi throwbacks, it’s the ultimate nostalgic party brunch – and a must-do weekend activity in London.

What to Expect:
– Live singers belting out your favourite 90s anthems
– Karaoke moments for those brave enough to grab the mic
– A giant 20-inch American-style pizza to share (per 2 guests)
– 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails or beer, served in pitchers and jugs
– Non-alcoholic options available
– Set in a fully themed 90s interactive playground, right in central London

Whether you’re planning a birthday brunch in London, organising a hen do in Covent Garden, or just looking for a fun bottomless brunch with friends, Bunga 90 will serve up one of the most playful and nostalgic brunch experiences in 2025!

Looking to level up your weekend plans? Whether you’re local or visiting, London is full of immersive experiences that go far beyond your typical dinner and drinks. From underground escape rooms to theatrical cocktail adventures, these activities blend storytelling, interaction and atmosphere in the most unforgettable ways. Here are four unique immersive experiences in London that are perfect for groups, dates or anyone who loves a little drama with their drink.

1. Bootlegger Breakout
Location – Cahoots Underground, Kingly Court, Soho
Time – Saturdays at 2pm
An escape room-style adventure with a cocktail-making twist. Step into a vintage 1940s underground station, solve puzzles to unlock the secret bar, and finish with a hands-on cocktail masterclass.

2. Cocktail Experiments in the Elixir Room
Location – Mr Fogg’s Apothecary, Mayfair
Time – Saturdays 1pm & 3pm
Hidden beneath the Apothecary lies the Elixir Room – a secret lab where you’ll sip, stir, and experiment your way through three theatrical cocktails under the guidance of the resident ‘Pharmacists’.

3. Escape the Power Cut
Location – Control Room B, Battersea Power Station
Time – Saturdays at 11am, 1pm, 3pm & 5pm | Sundays at 11am & 1pm
Fix the blackout before it’s too late. Set inside the historic Control Room B, this 90-minute escape room-style, code-breaking mission is packed with cryptic clues and cocktails.

4. Topsy Turvy Tea
Location – Mr Fogg’s Pawnbrokers, Soho
Time – Saturdays from 2:30pm
Afternoon tea – but flipped upside down. Situated in a Victorian ‘pawnbrokers’ with a bizarre display of unique artefacts, expect cocktails disguised as sandwiches, sweet treats hidden within tipples, and an imaginative menu where nothing is quite as it seems. Includes four curious cocktails and perfectly paired bites.

We’re thrilled to announce the return of one of our most beloved venues ‘Bunga Bunga’ reimagined and reborn as Bunga 90, an immersive celebration of all things 1990s! Launching on Thursday, 18 September, this bold new chapter will open its doors on Drury Lane as a multi-sensory time machine to the decade that brought us karaoke classics, dial-up tones, teen pop icons, and unforgettable fashion.

Guests will step into a nostalgic video rental store facade filled with retro references, from cult film posters to neon signage. Behind the scenes, expect a full-blown 90s adventure. From our signature karaoke and pizza to retro cocktails, draft beer, and a lovingly recreated Anglo-American family home (complete with chintzy décor and the unmistakable sound of dial-up internet), Bunga 90 brings the decade to life in every detail.

Venture downstairs into a teenager’s bedroom packed with fairy lights, posters, and 90s fashion, before reaching the main bar – the beating heart of Bunga 90. Here, a wall of old-school TVs plays a non-stop stream of music videos, movie scenes, and iconic adverts from the era. Every Saturday, join us for a bottomless 1990s brunch, featuring live music that delivers the ultimate throwback soundtrack.

This relaunch is more than a revival – it’s a love letter to the 90s and a celebration of the fun, vibrant spirit that made Bunga Bunga a London favourite since 2011.

We can’t wait to welcome you back – 90s style!

Earlier this year in May, over 60 members of the Inception Group team set off on our annual company trip to Marbella, Spain. Joining us were venue managers, heads of department, and team members who have been with the business for five years or more, a celebration of dedication, teamwork, and the brilliant people who help bring our venues to life.

True to Inception spirit, the trip was packed with energy, creativity, and unforgettable moments. This year marked our first-ever beachside away day, setting the tone for a sun-soaked adventure filled with fun and camaraderie. Highlights included our annual treasure hunt, spirited games of Padel tennis, and a host of other exciting team activities.

Evenings were just as memorable, with drinks, dinners, and plenty of laughter shared under the Spanish sky. From team challenges to late-night laughs, it was a fantastic few days that brought us closer together and reminded us why we do what we do!

We’ve just wrapped the first stages of our 2nd annual cocktail competition, and it’s bigger and better than ever. This year again, we’re proud to be sponsored by Bacardi again, this year excitingly featuring Patrón Tequila! From an internal venue-level showdown to a high-energy semi-final hosted at Mr Fogg’s Apothecary, the passion and talent on display has been incredible.Over 40 of our team entered the competition, bringing incredible energy and creativity across two action-packed days. Each participant crafted a signature cocktail that reflected both their personality and the spirit of the venue they worked at. The event featured high-paced speed rounds, where contestants raced to make 3 Tequila classics in record time! Throughout it all, there was an outpouring of support from our teams, many of whom tuned in via our live streams to cheer from home.

Our 5 finalists – Robert Capon, Mariia Biriukova, Joshua Cleasby, Charlie Galarza and Aaryan Tamilselvi will also get to experience a Patrón masterclass at Bacardi HQ on 3rd July, before battling it out in the grand final on 18th August!

The prizes?

– A once-in-a-lifetime trip to Hacienda Patron, Mexico.

– Their winning cocktail featured across all Inception Group venues for a month with a delicious bonus paid per cocktail sold.

– Donations to a charity of the winner’s choice.

– Exclusive gifts from Patrón and Inception Group.

A huge thanks to Simone, Alex, Andrea and Lexa for being the greatest judges. And a massive thanks to Lee, Miko and Jan for organising such a splendid event.

Cheers to raising the bar!

At Inception group, we’re all about celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the magic that happens when passion meets talent. We’re thrilled to introduce ‘A Scoundrel’s Story’—a bold, imaginative, and utterly delicious cocktail created by none other than our very own Head Bartender at Cahoots, Alex Cabella. Alex recently took home the crown as the champion of our first-ever cocktail competition, and it’s easy to see why. His winning creation is a masterpiece of flavor and innovation, blending the exotic warmth of saffron with the sweet, vibrant notes of strawberries. But ‘A Scoundrel’s Story’ is more than just a drink—it’s a testament to bold ambition, artistry, and the power of a great idea.

To celebrate Alex’s incredible achievement, ‘A Scoundrel’s Story’ will be featured across all our venues this month. And here’s the best part: for every cocktail sold, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Alex’s chosen charity, The World Food Programme. That means every sip you take helps support a meaningful cause, making this cocktail not just a treat for your taste buds, but a way to give back. So, whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or simply someone who loves a great drink with a greater purpose, we invite you to join us in raising a glass to Alex, his creativity, and the incredible work of The World Food Programme.

Here’s to great drinks, great causes, and the brilliant minds behind the bar. Cheers! ✨

We’re beyond proud to share that, thanks to our incredible team and thousands of generous guests, we raised an astounding £42,721 for StreetSmart through the £1 on every bill initiative this past festive season. StreetSmart partners with restaurants across the UK during November and December, collecting voluntary £1 donations that go directly to trusted charities supporting people facing homelessness. With all admin costs covered by sponsors, 100% of every pound goes to those who need it most. This amazing total was made possible across all Mr Fogg’s, Cahoots, Bunga Bunga, Barts, Maggie’s, and Control Room B venues—and we’re honoured to have raised the second-highest amount in the UK, receiving an award in recognition.

Thank you to every single person who contributed. Your kindness is powering real change—and we’re already looking ahead to beating our total in 2025!

On Monday, 6th January, we brought everyone together for a much-deserved Christmas celebration at the Arcade Foodhall in Battersea! This evening was our way of thanking our hardworking teams for their dedication and celebrating a hugely successful 2024! The night was alive with energy as a live band kept the dance floor packed, while guests enjoyed an endless variety of drinks and dishes from a stunning array of cuisines. The dress code? A nostalgic nod to the 90s, inspiring show-stopping outfits that ranged from Men in Black agents to colourful Spice Girls tributes and everything in between!