A few drinks with friends is always a great laugh but sometimes you want to inject even more fun into your evening. Visiting a bar with activities in London lets you enjoy yourself, get competitive, and maybe even try something new. From axe throwing to video games and escape rooms, there’s loads going on in the capital. We’ve got some top tips for planning a night out with a difference – have a look at our guide to the best activity bars in London.
Guide to activity bars in London
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The best activity bars in London
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1Whistle Punks Throw axes, drink beer
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2Bat & Ball Ping pong party
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3Ballie Ballerson The ultimate in throwback fun
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4Toca Social One for football fans
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5Clays Try a traditional country sport
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6Flight Club Contemporary darts bar
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7Four Quarters Arcade games and events
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8Swingers Buzzy mini-golf bar
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9Bounce Modern spot for games
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10Bar Kick Sports-themed bar
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11Meltdown London Gaming and exclusive drinks
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12Fairgame Adults-only fun fair
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13Sixes Social Cricket Modern cricket bars
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14Shuffle Club Contemporary shuffleboard bar
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15Plonk Crazy golf for all abilities
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16Birdies Surrealist mini golf
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17Boom Battle Bar Big choice of activities
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18Hijingo High-tech bingo games
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19Strike Luxury bowling and bar
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20Loading Bar Japanese-inspired gaming bar
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21Escape Bar A place to escape
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22Urban Golf Suave golf simulator
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23Draughts Reinventing board games
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24Electric Shuffle The excitement of shuffleboard
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25Baranis Discover French traditions
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26The London Art Bar A bar for creativity
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27Four Thieves Neon activity bar
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28Shoreditch Balls East London crazy golf
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29Cahoots Cocktails and an escape room
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30NQ64 Game on!
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31Bermondsey Bierkeller Bringing Germany to London
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32F1 Arcade Floor it
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33Hop Kingdom Pints and skating
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34180 Club Play darts in Camden Town
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35The 411 New York-inspired bar
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The best activity bars in London
London's best bars for games, activities and gaming
Throw axes, drink beer
Visit Whistle Punks if you want to try out axe throwing. This modern venue is an axe-throwing centre with a bar to enjoy afterwards. Whatever your level of experience is, you can take part in a tournament, learn trick shots, and then indulge in cocktails, beer, and pizza at the bar.
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53 Eastcastle Street, Fitzrovia
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Ping pong party
Play lively table tennis at Bat & Ball. This fun and modern space has a party vibe and combines games with drinks. Compete at ping pong, darts, beer or prosecco pong, pool, or have a go at karaoke. The mouthwatering bar menu includes cocktails, beer, and wine, plus burgers and pizza.
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2 Montfichet Road, Newham
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Website
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Bat & Ball
020-305 830 20 - Read more on Thatsup
The ultimate in throwback fun
Remember when you were younger and you loved playing in a ball pit? You can do it again at Ballie Ballerson, and this time there are drinks involved. Frolic amongst the glowing balls or relax in the bar area. There are signature cocktails and pizzas if you need some extra energy.
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97-113 Curtain Rd, Shoreditch
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Try a traditional country sport
Clays brings a country tradition to London. You can do virtual clay target shooting on mammoth 4K screens, and order food and drinks to your playing area so there's no disrupting the fun. Food is made for sharing, with options like loaded breads, plus a big choice of drinks.
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55 Moorgate, The City/City of London 1 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf/Tower HamletsClays The City
55 Moorgate, The City/City of LondonClays Canary Wharf
1 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets -
Clays The City
clays.barClays Canary Wharf
clays.bar/canary-wharfClays The City
020-301 148 40Clays Canary Wharf
020-301 148 40 -
Clays The City Clays Canary Wharf
Contemporary darts bar
Enjoy the classic pub game darts but with a stylish contemporary twist at one of Flight Club’s four locations. You’ll get a semi-private booth equipped with a state-of-the-art dartboard. It’s classy but still cosy and comfortable, and there’s a list of inspiring cocktails to help get you in the mood.
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55 New Oxford Street, Bloomsbury 56 Upper St, Islington 2A Worship Street, Shoreditch 6 Sir Simon Milton SquareFlight Club Bloomsbury
55 New Oxford Street, BloomsburyFlight Club Islington
56 Upper St, IslingtonFlight Club Shoreditch
2A Worship Street, ShoreditchFlight Club Victoria
6 Sir Simon Milton Square -
Flight Club Bloomsbury
flightclubdarts.com/london/location-bloomsburyFlight Club Islington
flightclubdarts.com/london/location-islingtonFlight Club Shoreditch
flightclubdarts.com/london/location-shoreditchFlight Club Victoria
flightclubdarts.com/london/location-victoriaFlight Club Bloomsbury
020-301 930 93Flight Club Islington
020-301 930 93Flight Club Shoreditch
020-301 930 93Flight Club Victoria
020-301 930 93 -
Flight Club Bloomsbury Flight Club Islington Flight Club Shoreditch Flight Club Victoria
Arcade games and events
Visit Four Quarters to enjoy a drink whilst playing the retro arcade games you remember from back in the day. There are games dating from the late 70s to early 2000s, with favourites like Tekken, Street Fighter, and Ms Pac Man. Live music and comedy events are also on regularly.
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East Bay Lane 20 Ash Ave 187 Rye Lane, PeckhamFour Quarters East
East Bay LaneFour Quarters Elephant & Castle
20 Ash AveFour Quarters Peckham
187 Rye Lane, Peckham -
Four Quarters East
fourquarters.bar/location/arcade-bar-east-londonFour Quarters Elephant & Castle
fourquarters.bar/location/elephant-castle-arcade-barFour Quarters Peckham
fourquarters.bar/location/arcade-bar-south-londonFour Quarters East
075-911 825 19Four Quarters Elephant & Castle
073-997 720 24Four Quarters Peckham
0794-336 60 02 -
Four Quarters East Four Quarters Elephant & Castle Four Quarters Peckham
Buzzy mini-golf bar
Swingers brings together a choice of mini-golf courses, streetfood vendors, bars and private spaces, and a buzzy atmosphere. Inspired by English traditions, the elaborate nine-hole golf courses are full of challenges. There's also a modern food court with a great choice of nibbles, plus drinks for everyone.
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8 Brown's Buildings, The City/City of London 15 John Prince's Street, MaryleboneSwingers Crazy Golf City
8 Brown's Buildings, The City/City of LondonSwingers Crazy Golf West End
15 John Prince's Street, Marylebone -
Swingers Crazy Golf City
swingers.club/uk/venues/citySwingers Crazy Golf West End
swingers.club/uk/venues/west-endSwingers Crazy Golf City
020-384 632 22Swingers Crazy Golf West End
020-384 632 22 -
Swingers Crazy Golf City Swingers Crazy Golf West End
Modern spot for games
Play a variety of games and get competitive at Bounce. These bars are modern neon spaces with lots of entertainment - choose ping pong, wonderball, shuffleboard, or beer pong. Food and drinks are available before, during, and after games, including cocktails, a variety of beers and ciders, and nibbles like pizza and nachos.
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121 Holborn, Holborn 241 Old Street, Shoreditch Battersea Power Station, Vauxhall/BatterseaBounce Farringdon
121 Holborn, HolbornBounce Old Street
241 Old Street, ShoreditchBounce Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station, Vauxhall/Battersea -
Bounce Farringdon
bouncepingpong.com/locations/farringdonBounce Old Street
bouncepingpong.com/locations/old-streetBounce Battersea Power Station
bouncepingpong.com/locations/batterseaBounce Farringdon
020-365 765 25Bounce Old Street
020-365 765 25Bounce Battersea Power Station
020-365 765 21 -
Bounce Farringdon Bounce Old Street Bounce Battersea Power Station
Sports-themed bar
Head to Bar Kick whether you want to watch live sport or have a go yourself. The bar is equipped with multiple HD screens for all the sporting action, and there are foosball tables if you want to be a champion. Craft beer and cocktails are served, plus burgers and pub grub.
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127 Shoreditch High St, Shoreditch
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Website
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Bar Kick
020-773 987 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Gaming and exclusive drinks
If you love gaming and want to hang out with likeminded people, don’t miss a trip to Meltdown. This Islington bar is dedicated to electronic gaming, but there are also board games and regular gaming tournaments. There are themed signature cocktails and draft beer, including Meltdown’s own brand of lager.
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342 Caledonian Road, Islington
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Adults-only fun fair
Visit Fairgame, London’s adults-only fairground, for an activity bar unlike any other. You can enjoy all the fun of the fair with classic games like shooting ducks and whack-a-mole. Tuck into some streetfood, taste a boozy slushy, cocktail, or local craft beer, and grab some sweets like candyfloss infused with prosecco.
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25-35 Fisherman's Walk, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets
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Website
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Fairgame
020-459 933 66 - Read more on Thatsup
Contemporary shuffleboard bar
Get down to Shuffle Club for food, drinks, and games. This contemporary bar lets you play table shuffle and lane shuffle – whether you're a total beginner or a bit of a pro, the staff here will help you have a great time. They serve sourdough pizzas and sharing cocktails, plus bottomless brunch.
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19-23 Bethnal Grn Rd, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
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Website
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Shuffle Club
020-365 790 62 - Read more on Thatsup
Crazy golf for all abilities
There’s loads of fun at Plonk. Kick off with nine holes of crazy golf on the outdoor course that's suitable for all ages. The cosy bar serves cocktails, craft beer, and pizza, and there’s bottomless brunch too. You can carry on the fun in the bar with arcade games and board games.
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Arches B-E, Montague Close, Southwark Unit 63, The Stables Market, 842 Chalk Farm Road, Camden Town Arch 407 Mentmore Terrace, Hackney/Dalston 177 Hoxton Street, ShoreditchPlonk Borough Market
Arches B-E, Montague Close, SouthwarkPlonk Camden Market
Unit 63, The Stables Market, 842 Chalk Farm Road, Camden TownPlonk Hackney
Arch 407 Mentmore Terrace, Hackney/DalstonPlonk Shoreditch
177 Hoxton Street, Shoreditch -
Plonk Borough Market
plonkgolf.co.ukPlonk Camden Market
plonkgolf.co.ukPlonk Hackney
plonkgolf.co.ukPlonk Shoreditch
plonkgolf.co.uk -
Plonk Borough Market Plonk Camden Market Plonk Hackney Plonk Shoreditch
Surrealist mini golf
Enjoy a trippy game of mini golf as well as tasty food and drinks at Birdies. Make your way through the surreal golf course's nine holes at these slick and cool venues. Visit the cocktail bar afterwards for wine, craft beer, and cocktails, or to reward yourself with a juicy burger.
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21 Parkfield St, Islington 6 Arches Lane, Vauxhall/BatterseaBirdies Angel
21 Parkfield St, IslingtonBirdies Battersea
6 Arches Lane, Vauxhall/Battersea -
Birdies Angel
playbirdies.comBirdies Battersea
playbirdies.comBirdies Angel
020-301 111 88Birdies Battersea
020-301 111 88 -
Birdies Angel Birdies Battersea
Big choice of activities
There are bar activities for everyone at Boom Battle Bar. Pop along to one of these modern venues to have a go at crazy golf, shuffleboard, ping pong, axe throwing, darts, pool, or beer pong. These lively destinations also serve food and drinks, including pizza, beer, wine, and cocktails.
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Goodman's Fields, 19 Chaucer Gardens, Tower Hamlets Filmworks Walk, New Broadway, Ealing 23 Entertainment Avenue, Greenwich 2 Ram Quarter, 3 Barley Walk, Wandsworth Ground Floor 70, Basement and, 88 Oxford Street, Fitzrovia Atria Shopping Centre, 1 Charter Place, WatfordBoom Battle Bar Aldgate East
Goodman's Fields, 19 Chaucer Gardens, Tower HamletsBoom Battle Bar Ealing
Filmworks Walk, New Broadway, EalingBoom Battle Bar The O2
23 Entertainment Avenue, GreenwichBoom Battle Bar Wandsworth
2 Ram Quarter, 3 Barley Walk, WandsworthBoom Battle Bar Oxford Street
Ground Floor 70, Basement and, 88 Oxford Street, FitzroviaBoom Battle Bar Watford
Atria Shopping Centre, 1 Charter Place, Watford -
Boom Battle Bar Aldgate East
boombattlebar.com/uk/aldgate-eastBoom Battle Bar Ealing
boombattlebar.com/uk/ealingBoom Battle Bar The O2
boombattlebar.com/uk/theo2Boom Battle Bar Wandsworth
boombattlebar.com/uk/wandsworthBoom Battle Bar Oxford Street
boombattlebar.com/uk/london-oxford-streetBoom Battle Bar Watford
boombattlebar.com/uk/watfordBoom Battle Bar Aldgate East
020-374 507 54Boom Battle Bar Ealing
020-316 181 76Boom Battle Bar The O2
020-885 811 11Boom Battle Bar Wandsworth
020-347 580 78Boom Battle Bar Oxford Street
020-728 604 04Boom Battle Bar Watford
019-239 020 21 -
Boom Battle Bar Aldgate East Boom Battle Bar Ealing Boom Battle Bar The O2 Boom Battle Bar Wandsworth Boom Battle Bar Oxford Street Boom Battle Bar Watford
High-tech bingo games
Experience a unique game of bingo at Hijingo. Inspired by the high-tech bingo halls of Tokyo, this bar presents a multi-sensory experience with lighting, sound effects, live entertainment, and thrilling prizes. You can enjoy Asian-inspired snacks like spring rolls and bao, and drinks whilst you play, or join the bottomless bingo brunch.
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90 Worship Street, Shoreditch
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Website
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Hijingo
020-813 829 82 - Read more on Thatsup
Luxury bowling and bar
Strike is a boutique bowling alley and bar set in the country's oldest brewery. Play ten pin bowling or the lesser-known duckpin game, or go for games like darts and shuffleboard. The venue has a sophisticated clubhouse feel and you can enjoy food and drinks in the bar or as you play.
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74 Wandsworth High Street, Wandsworth
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Website
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Strike
020-302 616 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Japanese-inspired gaming bar
Inspired by games bars in Tokyo, Loading Bar is a great place to let off some steam with friends. Order a drink, settle in, and choose from the video and board games available. You can stay as long as you like at this laid-back location, with the bar offering games-themed cocktails.
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129 Stoke Newington High Street, Stoke Newington 120 Peckham Hill Street, PeckhamLoading Bar Dalston
129 Stoke Newington High Street, Stoke NewingtonLoading Bar Peckham
120 Peckham Hill Street, Peckham -
Loading Bar Dalston
loading.barLoading Bar Peckham
loading.bar -
Loading Bar Dalston Loading Bar Peckham
A place to escape
Tons of activities are going on at Escape, creating the potential for some serious fun. Fancy a pub quiz or a quiet night with a board game? You can do that here. Live music performances and open mic nights take place too. There’s a fun atmosphere and a big choice of drinks.
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25 West Ham Lane, Newham
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Suave golf simulator
Test your skills or arrange golf lessons at Urban Golf, a sophisticated gold simulator centre with a lounge-style bar. Have fun with some rounds of golf before relaxing on a leather sofa in the bar. Try out craft beer, wine, or cocktails, and choose from the tapas menu if you're hungry.
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12 Smithfield Street, The City/City of London
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Website
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Urban Golf
020-724 886 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Reinventing board games
Draughts transforms the humble board game into peak excitement. This place is modern and has food and drinks to go with your favourite games. Thousands of games are on the shelves so there's always something new to discover. The menu ranges from classic cocktails to draft beer, plus there are burgers and tacos.
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41 Kingsland High Street, Dalston Arch 16, Leake Street, South Bank/Lambeth/SouthwarkDraughts Hackney
41 Kingsland High Street, DalstonDraughts Waterloo
Arch 16, Leake Street, South Bank/Lambeth/Southwark -
Draughts Hackney
draughtslondon.comDraughts Waterloo
draughtslondon.comDraughts Hackney
0793-093 62 37Draughts Waterloo
0790-344 19 76 -
Draughts Hackney Draughts Waterloo
The excitement of shuffleboard
Discover the thrill of shuffleboard at Electric Shuffle. Book a semi-private space for playing games and enjoying tasty food and drink or explore the different bar areas available. Food is designed for sharing, with options like platters, small plates, and pizza. The drinks list includes cocktails plus beer, wine, and spirits.
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10 Cabot Square, North Colonnade, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets 10 Bermondsey Street, SouthwarkElectric Shuffle Canary Wharf
10 Cabot Square, North Colonnade, Canary Wharf/Tower HamletsElectric Shuffle London Bridge
10 Bermondsey Street, Southwark -
Electric Shuffle Canary Wharf
electricshuffle.com/london/location-canary-wharfElectric Shuffle London Bridge
electricshuffle.comElectric Shuffle Canary Wharf
020-805 941 63Electric Shuffle London Bridge
020-805 941 63 -
Electric Shuffle Canary Wharf Electric Shuffle London Bridge
Discover French traditions
Try the classic French game pétanque at Baranis. This labyrinth-like space is full of exposed brick and vibrant bursts of colour, plus artwork that adds to the mood. The venue has the country's only indoor pétanque court, plus a bar with a huge choice of wine, absinthe, and other drinks, plus food.
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115 Chancery Lane, Holborn
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Website
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Baranis
020-724 283 73 - Read more on Thatsup
A bar for creativity
Enjoy drinks and a creative activity at The London Art Bar. Explore your artistic side at one of the guided painting sessions whilst relaxing with a drink in hand. There are also sessions for unguided painting where you can work on your own masterpiece. The drinks list includes wine and cocktails.
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300 High Holborn, Holborn
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Neon activity bar
There's loads to do at Four Thieves. This modern destination is full of neon and has heaps of activities. Expect the conventional like comedy nights and karaoke as well as distinctive options like VR and arcade gaming and the moonshine raceway. The bar has a full range of drinks plus Med-inspired food.
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51 Lavender Gardens, Battersea
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Website
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Four Thieves
020-722 369 27 - Read more on Thatsup
East London crazy golf
Play nine holes of crazy golf in a course spread over two floors at Shoreditch Balls. This place is slick and modern with a lively atmosphere and cool music. At the bar you can enjoy pizza and a big choice of drinks. There are DJ sets on Saturdays too.
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333 Old Street, Shoreditch
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Website
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Shoreditch Balls
020-772 959 35 - Read more on Thatsup
Cocktails and an escape room
Cahoots is a cocktail bar with a distinctive blitz spirit. You can drop in just for drinks but the bar has its own escape room experience. Solve puzzles, unlock cocktail recipes, and finish with a cocktail-making masterclass before enjoying the spoils. Other activities like live music and cocktail tastings go on too.
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13 Kingly Ct, Soho
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Website
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Cahoots Underground
020-735 262 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Game on!
NQ64, a group of retro gaming bars that can be found in major cities around the country, lets you and your mates compete at different classic arcade and console games, for example Mario Kart, Double Dragon, dance-off games, and Guitar Hero. If you're finding things too easy for your leet skills, amp up the difficulty setting with the help of craft beers and themed signature cocktails.
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256, 260 Old Street, Shoreditch 53 Berwick Street, SohoNQ64 Shoreditch
256, 260 Old Street, ShoreditchNQ64 Soho
53 Berwick Street, Soho -
NQ64 Shoreditch
nq64.co.uk/shoreditch-4NQ64 Soho
nq64.co.uk/sohoNQ64 Soho
020-459 932 68 -
NQ64 Shoreditch NQ64 Soho
Bringing Germany to London
Bermondsey Bierkeller brings Oktoberfest to London with authentic beer, oompah bands, and games to play. The venue is cavernous and cosy with communal tables and German slogans on the walls. Get a stein, soak up the atmosphere or visit the games vault - you can try your hand at shuffleboard, pool, darts, table football, or ping pong.
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2-4 Tooley St, Southwark
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Website
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Bermondsey Bierkeller
020-740 363 33 - Read more on Thatsup
Floor it
With a staggering 60 full-motion racing simulators, F1 Arcade is the ultimate destination for Formula 1 enthusiasts seeking an exciting bar experience. This high-tech social gaming venue provides diverse racing challenges and competitions suitable for all skill levels, all while offering a menu of delicious food and cocktails. In addition, F1 Arcade is the ideal spot for official F1 Grand Prix watch parties and can be reserved for private events.
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1 New Change, The City/City of London
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Website
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F1 Arcade London
020-383 435 40 - Read more on Thatsup
Pints and skating
Near London Bridge, Hop Kingdom is a unique venue that's part skatepark part bar. You can visit this modern spot just for drinks but if you're paying to skate you get a drink for free. The indoor skate set-ups feature a range of challenging elements. Private skating lessons, adult beginner skating sessions, and equipment rental are all available.
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16 Druid St, Southwark
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Website
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Hop Kingdom
020-373 041 29 - Read more on Thatsup
Play darts in Camden Town
Get competitive with a game of darts at 180 Club in Camden. This place has a fun party atmosphere and there are a variety of darts games with digital scoreboards to try out. Cocktails are the speciality and there are plenty of mixes to choose from. If you're hungry, check out the food menu of small plates and burgers.
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75-89 Lower Walkway, Camden Lock Place, Camden Town
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Website
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180 Club
020-728 400 07 - Read more on Thatsup
New York-inspired bar
The 411 is a neighbourhood bar and kitchen that's bringing a slice of vibey New York to the streets of Islington. Their Wall Street Wednesdays is a popular night here, where drink prices fluctuate just like the stock market, or you can just come along to enjoy the resident vinyl DJs spinning a Manhattan-inspired soundtrack in the evenings. There are also beer pong nights as well as free American pool to enjoy. The food menu boasts comfort food like smash burgers and buttermilk fried chicken, while the drinks span everything from classic bourbon cocktails to American beer and hand-picked wines.
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411 St John St, Islington
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Website
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The 411
020-458 504 11 - Read more on Thatsup