9 Of The Best Activity Bars In London
BEST FOR A GUYS’ NIGHT OUT
Four Quarters
If your idea of a fun night out involves challenging the guys to games on retro arcade machines, book a playing slot at Four Quarters, which has sites in Peckham, Elephant & Castle and Hackney Wick. With original arcade machines – including Nintendo, Sega and PlayStation – vintage console booths and projection gaming areas, it’ll feel like stepping back into the 90s. Once you’ve set a new high score, hit the bar for craft beers, burgers, hot dogs and loaded fries. On Friday and Saturday nights, the bars stay open until 2am.
Various sites
Visit FourQuarters.Bar
Draughts
The original Draughts is located in Waterloo’s famous Leake Street Graffiti tunnel, near legendary venue House of Vans. There’s also a second outpost in Hackney with a cool outdoor area for gaming sessions. The clue is in the name – it’s all about draughts and retro boardgames that will transport you back to your childhood. There are over 800 games on the shelves to challenge your mates to, including Battleship, Clank, Galaxy Trucker, Kerfuffle and Pass the Pigs. There are also eight different versions of Monopoly like Star Wars and Game of Thrones. Gamers can order tacos, nachos, burgers and more, as well as ciders and craft beers.
Arch 16, Leake Street, Waterloo, SE1 7NN; 41 Kingsland High Street, Hackney, E8 2JS
Visit DraughtsLondon.com
NQ64
Arcade bar NQ64 recently opened its first London outpost in Soho. There are over 50 games and retro arcade machines to challenge your friends on, from Guitar Hero and Mario Kart to Pac-Man and Aku Aku Fruit Punch (based on Crash Bandicoot) – plus 30 original arcade and console games to have a crack at. Every night, DJs play hip hop at the neon-splattered bar, while mixologists serve character-inspired drinks and craft beers until the early hours. There’s even a private room for parties.
53 Berwick Street, Soho, W1F 8SP
Visit NQ64.co.uk
BEST FOR TEAM SOCIALS
Clays
Need a team building night out? This slick bar in Moorgate was made for City folk who want to let off steam after a day at the office. Upon arrival, one of the hosts will take you to your peg to pre-order small bites, cocktails and beers from the bar so there’s no queuing. You can then compete with your colleagues on interactive clay target games on huge screens. Each peg accommodates up to 20 for 60- or 90-minute sessions.
55 Moorgate, City, EC2R 6LL
Visit Clays.bar
Birdies
Crazy golf bar Birdies has two outposts in London: Battersea and, more recently, Angel. At both locations, groups can tackle each course spread over different neon rooms to score a hole in one. Once you’ve settled the scores, head to the bar for cheeseburgers and loaded patties, washed down with a couple of cocktails or beers. For a midweek session, players can get a golf game and burger for £20 on Wednesdays at the Angel site.
Level 1, Angel Central, 31-32 Parkfield Street, Angel, N1 0PZ; 6 Arches Lane, Nine Elms, Battersea, SW11 8AB
Visit PlayBirdies.com
OWEN B PHOTOS
Sixes Cricket
Competitive types should make a beeline for Six Cricket in Fitzrovia, Fulham or Westfield White City. Created by Andy Waugh and Calum Mackinnon, teams of up to 15 can bat on cricket simulators in boxed-off nets and try to make it onto the leader board. Net bookings come with an adjoining table where you can order food and drinks during the game – think feasting spreads comprised of sausage rolls, mac ’n’ cheese croquette bites and roast pork shoulder, washed down with beers from the bar. At the Fulham site, you get a free net when you buy at least four burgers.
Various sites.
Visit SixesCricket.com
BEST FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Hijingo
Hijingo opened its doors last year and it’s already established itself as a high-octane night out East. From the team behind Bounce and Puttshack, guests can expect a high energy, multisensory bingo experience with live entertainment, stadium grade lighting, and cool music and audio effects to ramp up the drama. You’ll be on the edge of your seat during games of bingo which are fast-paced and adrenaline pumping. Once you’ve completed a game, tuck into a selection of Asian street food dishes and burgers, as well as slushy drinks, craft beers and cocktails.
90 Worship Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 2BA
Visit Hijingo.com
London Shuffle Club
If you’re a shuffleboard novice, meet the guys at London Shuffle Club in Shoreditch to battle it out on table boards, or a huge shuffleboard inside or on the terrace. Made for players split into two teams, it’s suitable for groups of up to 16 – and the hosts will guide you through the rules if it’s your first time. Groups can book boozy brunches at the weekend or head to the venue after work to battle it out and settle the scores over pizza and pints.
4 Ebor Street, Shoreditch, E1 6AW
Visit LondonShuffle.com
Heart of Gaming
This is London’s biggest gaming venue, home to over 60 arcade machines, 20 consoles and two pool tables. From retro consoles like N64, Megadrive and NES to newer consoles including PS4s and Nintendo Switch, you can challenge your mates to a couple of games before hitting the bar for beers. Players can buy a one-day wristband to play as many games as possible. You can even hire the venue for private events.
44-46 North End Road, Croydon, CR0 1UG
Visit HeartOfGaming.co.uk
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