The top 3 paint in the dark experiences in London

Painting in the dark experience

What paint in the dark experience is best for me?

That is not something this blog is going to decide for you, it only serves to show you the different options and the differences between the three. 

However no matter which one you choose, you will have a great night, I am sure of that. Painting in the dark just has that special touch to it, making you remember this night out for the months to come. 

Enough chatter, let’s get on to the list: 

1. Rembrandt van Wine

Sip and paint in the dark London
  • Pricing: 38,50 (including all drinks)
  • Duration: 2 Hours
  • Location: Islington Studios (near Finsbury Park)
  • Group size: 15-25
  • Art instructor: Yes + a host present
  • Private group option: Yes
  • Website

Rembrandt van Wine offers a one-of-a-kind painting experience at their permanent art studio, conveniently located near the Finsbury Park station. As soon as you step inside, you’re instantly transported into a world of glowing creativity. The studio is fully equipped with painting materials, and each guest receives a branded apron. The black lights are expertly positioned to bring every brushstroke to life in a radiant display of neon colours.

Each workshop accommodates around 20 people, with two staff members from Rembrandt van Wine on hand to guide and entertain. An art instructor teaches the techniques needed to create the painting of the day, while a host ensures your glass is always topped up, provides music, and keeps the atmosphere lively.

A particularly enjoyable thing that stood out during the workshop is that there are cards with icebreaker questions laying scattered on the table, making it a perfect setting for meeting new people. 

The reason for these cards is that they are passionate about combating loneliness in London. While Rembrandt van Wine is popular with groups of friends, families, and colleagues, they also encourage individuals to attend solo offering an environment where people can come together and enjoy a shared creative experience.

If you do already have your group planned, you can purchase multiple tickets, or even book a private session for team-building events, hen parties, or birthday celebrations.

2. Neon Brush

neon brush London
  • Pricing: 39,- (including 1 welcome drink)
  • Location: The Joiner on Worship Pub in Shoreditch
  • Duration: 1,5 hours
  • Group size: 30-40
  • Art instructor: No
  • Website

Neon Brush hosts their painting in the dark experiences at The Joiner on Worship in Shoreditch and offers a different take on the ‘painting in the dark’ experience. However, this version leaves something to be desired for those seeking a more guided and personal touch.

Group sizes at Neon Brush (previously named Paint in the Dark) are somehow larger, with 30 to 40 attendees. This can make the experience feel less personalised, as there’s noticeably less individual instruction from the art team. If you’re someone who enjoys painting with clear direction or needs guidance to explore your artistic side, you might find this setting less supportive. While some guests may appreciate the looser structure, it works best if you already have a vision for your painting and don’t need much help.

Another difference with Rembrandt van Wine is the drink service, as drinks are not served freely. Neon Brush offers one welcome drink, with additional beverages (of course) available for purchase. This small difference does make quite the difference, giving it a more transactional and less careless feel. 

The regular stuff is all perfectly in order, you get an apron, an easel, a canvas and all the painting equipment you need to create a glow in the dark masterpiece. 

3. Paintvine

Paintvine London
  • Pricing: 45,- (excluding drinks)
  • Location: People’s Park Tavern in Hackney
  • Duration: 1,5 – 2 hours
  • Group size: 20-30
  • Art instructor: Yes
  • Website

Like Neon Brush, Paintvine hosts their painting workshop in a pub. While this can be fun for those who like variety in venue, it does lack the immediate immersion and continuity of a dedicated space like Rembrandt van Wine. 

One of the perks of Paintvine is that you can order food while you paint, meaning you don’t have to think about eating before the workshops starts.  However, having the event in the pub also means every drink must be purchased separately, as no complimentary beverages are included in the ticket price. Though the ticket price doesn’t differ much from the other painting in the dark experiences, the lack of even one included drink might make it feel less generous compared to Rembrandt van Wine, where drinks are part of the package or Neon Brush, where you get 1 welcome drink. 

The painting sessions themselves are professionally led, and the instructors guide the entire group step-by-step through the creative process. The paint is of decently high quality, and so are the brushes you use during the event. 

What to do now?

Well, only 1 right answer here, book your tickets to a painting in the dark experience in London. No matter which one you will choose, you will have a blast! And why even make a choice, why not visit all three?

More in the mood for a ‘regular’ sip and paint, we wrote a whole article explaining the most fun sip and paints in London too. 

Enjoy and let me know about your experiences! 

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About the author:

Picture of Sjors Brandsma

Sjors Brandsma

Sjors was a painter before he could walk, preferring to hold a brush over his mother's hand. Living in London since 2021, and since tried every artistic experience there.

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