The top 3 paint in the dark experiences in London

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 has that special touch, and it'll make you remember this night out for months to come.

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

1. Rembrandt van Wine

• Pricing: 42,- (including all drinks)
• Duration: 2 Hours
• Location: Islington Studios (near Finsbury Park) or Angel (near Angel)
• Group size: 15-25
• Art instructor: Yes + a host present
• Private group option: Yes

Rembrandt van Wine offers a one-of-a-kind painting experience at their permanent art studios in Angel & Finsbury Park. 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 colors.

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

2. Paintvine

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

Paintvine hosts their painting workshop in a pub. While this can be fun for those who like venue variety, it lacks 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 workshop starts. However, holding the event in the pub also means you must buy every drink separately, as the ticket price includes no complimentary beverages. 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.

3. Neon Brush

Update: Neon brush is no longer active, we will make sure to find a good 3rd painting in the dark experience to add to the blog soon!

• Pricing: 43,- (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 personalized, as there’s noticeably less individual instruction from the art team. If you enjoy painting with clear direction or need 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 makes a big difference, giving it a more transactional and less carefree 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.

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 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. Do you want to know the best options per London neighborhood instead? That is covered in the same blog article 🙂

Enjoy and let me know about your experiences!