Crave a good dopamine rush from a game? Or just a relaxing night out with your mates?
London’s got a dizzying array of places to choose from—trust us, we know.
As gamers ourselves, we’ve scoured the capital for the best gaming bars in London. Whether that’s a pub with an excellent tap or a hi-tech arcade, we know the importance of keeping a night—or a slow day—from fizzling.
Time to start the ball rolling!
1. Wapping Tavern
Media credit: wappingtavern
Website: https://wappingtavern.co.uk/
Address: 78-80 Wapping Lane
Contact details: 020 7709 0515
Opening hours:
- Monday – 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wapping Tavern is the neighbourhood pub to visit if you want a lovely night out with your mates or besties.
It’s a former spice factory reconstructed to its original charm, complete with industrial decor and a scattering of 17” TVs and projectors. This means it’s tastefully decorated, and you’ll always find a good game on—NFL, Premier Sports, F1—you name it.
If cardio is your thing, look no further with the tavern’s wide selection of physical games. This includes darts, ping-pong, and pool. Boomers will be elated to find they have pinball machines!
If being behind a console is best for you, try the Wii, Xbox, and Sega Mega Drive.
Drinkers of different lots will find their wide selection of spirits, including 28 different taps—a must-try!
The grub is another thing, though. Check out the 20” beast of a pizza!
Pro tip:
The pub is dog-friendly. If your pooch is sound-averse, go there before 5:00 PM, when the music volume is lowered.
2. Badger Badger
Media credit: badgerbadger_deptford
Website: https://www.badgerbadger.org/
Address: 139-145 Deptford High Street
Contact details: 0208 691 5642 ([email protected])
Opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Friday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 to 11:00 PM
Badgers are ferocious animals. So if you’re up for a little ferocity in socialising, try Badger Badger in Deptford for some old-time board games.
This pub boasts over 400 board games, so there’s always something for everybody.
From cards and jenga to 3-D board and dice games, just ask, and they’ve got it. Word nerds can also get in the fun with Scrabble and Cluedo.
If you’re looking for entertainment, they’ve got parties or cooperative games.
What’s more, the pub is host to different gaming events. This includes RPGs, playtesting, and queer mixers.
The food here is a mixture of Japanese fusion, so expect contemporary food with lots of Japanese flavours. Their miso caramel doughnuts are a must-try.
Pro tip:
If you’re a regular, you might want to consider the Badger Badger Membership. It costs only £5 per month. Plus, you get 30% off gaming fees or even tickets, among other discounts.
3. Pizza Pilgrims Canary Wharf
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Website: https://www.pizzapilgrims.co.uk/pizzerias/canary-wharf/
Address: 12 Hertsmere Rd
Opening hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Make no mistake. Pizza Pilgrims is a pizzeria chain first and foremost, as stated in their motto: In crust, we trust.
Punster motto aside, head to the east in Canary Wharf. This branch is not only the largest but also has all the toys that would make any gamer drool with envy.
In this branch, you can find all the glory of old-time gaming days: retro board games, arcade machines, and Mario Kart! What’s more, there are also Xbox 360 and PS2 consoles and foosball.
Sports TV buffs can revel in a game or two on the plasma TV screens around the restaurant.
So check out their aperitifs to fuel your gaming spirits, such as negroni and lager. Don’t forget to give their Napoli-inspired pizzas a go too!
Pro tip:
Groups of pizza pilgrims can book the outdoor terrace overlooking the Quay for a good time of giant games like Connect 4 and Jenga.
4. Fairgame
Media credit: wearefairgame
Website: https://www.wearefairgame.com/
Address: 25 – 35 Fisherman’s Walk, Canary Wharf
Contact details: 020 4599 3666 ([email protected])
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
- Thursday – Friday – 11:30 AM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday – 10:30 AM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 10:30 AM to 12:00 AM
Fairgame is the place for the kids at heart, but juveniles are off-limits here with all the boozy concoctions abounding.
Rather, this is the playground for adults who’ve never really parted with their childhood game favourites. This includes Alley Oop, Whackamole, and Skeeball.
There are also lots of street food grub to be had here: tacos, burgers, fries, and more.
Adding to the nostalgia that was once every parent’s nightmare are sugary staples like ice cream, cotton floss, and caramel popcorn.
For some serious booze, make a beeline to their bar. They have London craft beers, cocktails, and other spirits. You know you’re in good bartending hands when it’s time for “stir, not shake.”
Pro tip:
Fairgame does not accept cash.
5. Bar Kick
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Website: linktr.ee/barkick
Address: 127 Shoreditch High Street
Contact details: 0207 739 8700
Opening hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday – 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Fans of live sports will call Bar Kick home, as it keeps you up to date with all the latest sporting action. F1, World Rugby, Premier League—you name it!
You can get into the fan spirit with any of the 12 large screens installed all around the pub.
While you’re at it, throw in the basic sporting grub. Order some fried chicken and draft beer, and the game is on!
Music fans will love it here too, because of its Friday music events with the likes of Latin music and hip-hop gigs.
Still, if you’re looking for a good game or two before calling it a night, give a shot at foosball or interactive dart.
Pro tip:
Happy hours are from Mondays to Fridays, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. You can get 2 cocktails here for only £14.
6. F1® Arcade London
Media credit: f1arcade
Website: https://f1arcade.com/uk/london
Address: 1 New Change
Contact details: 02074399800
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Need for speed? Then pull over at the closest thing to the real deal: the F1® Arcade.
This sim racing arcade is equipped with advanced simulators and mimicry technology to provide the most realistic behind-the-wheel experience and motion of an F1 car.
Wannabe racers can choose their level and opt to play as a team or compete individually. From there, you can slug it out on the world’s most iconic race tracks!
You can fuel your adrenaline with the arcade’s Octane Bar, which slings out an array of cocktails, mocktails, and sparkling wines.
If you’re content with watching the races on screen, why not join the F1 watch party? Here, you can watch every Grand Prix™ on the big screens while digging into your favourite food.
Pro tip:
Booking slots at the F1® Arcade is strongly recommended. If you’re acting on a whim, worry not, for they have a limited number of slots for walk-ins. It’s first come, first served, though.
7. Puttshack, White City
Media credit: puttshackuk
Website: https://www.puttshack.com/
Address: Westfield, Ariel Way
Contact details: 020 7287 1979
Opening hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Thinking of a quirky date night or a new kind of girls’ night out? How about some family bonding? You might want to head over to Puttshack for a round of hi-tech indoor mini-golf.
Such tech allows the creation of a gamer’s profile, automated tracking of gameplay, and
computerised scoring. So effortless and cheat-less play.
There’s a game for everybody here too. Beginners can try their hand at golf which even 7-year-olds can do.
Meanwhile, serious putters can try challenging holes available.
You can even have your food and beverages served right up in your gaming area for uninterrupted fun.
There’s the usual gamer’s grub here, like burgers, fries, and pizza. Count in the sugar rush of cheesecakes and choco lava cake to your blowout.
Pro tip:
Food and dining Happy Hours at Puttshack: Monday to Thursday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. For the same days during the daytime, get 50% off on your second game.
8. Sixes Social Cricket
Media credit: sixessocialcricket
Website: https://sixescricket.com/location/london-bridge
Address: 50 Bermondsey St
Opening hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Wednesday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Nothing is more British than a game of cricket.
At Sixes Social Cricket, you can live out the culture and history of the game—even if it’s no longer summer.
Here, you can bat it out with their hi-tech simulators and cages, whether you’re a pro or a first-timer. There are 5 different levels to try!
Additionally, you can socialise in style or hone your athletic skills inside the tastefully decorated warehouse while being attended by the helpful staff.
Sixes also has venues for group events—small or large—such as corporate gatherings, kiddie parties, or wedding anniversaries.
Of course, no game is complete without beverages! We suggest exploring their impressive selection that includes spirited drinks, bubbly, and non-alcoholic options.
Pro tip:
Kids and teens 18 and below are no longer allowed in the venue after 6:00 PM, Thursday to Saturday.
9. Clays (Canary Wharf)
Media credit: clays_bar
Website: https://clays.bar/
Address: One Cabot Square, Canary Wharf
Opening hours:
- Monday – 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Is target shooting your cup of tea? You should visit Clays, the only place offering digitised clay shooting in London.
You can live out the quintessential countryside sport of the Britons on hi-def screens, all within posh interiors or exclusive private rooms—complete with a treehouse-style DJ booth!
Whether it’s your first time or you’re a pro, there are six levels of games to choose from. The highest one is simulated for the Olympic Skeet.
Other things to look forward to are the food and drinks, which are under the careful direction of the Ritz former director, Roger Olsson. You can expect pairings like Highlands whisky with venison and prosciutto.
Pro tip:
After finishing your game, stay at the bar area to dine, drink, and even dance!
10. Bounce Farringdon
Media credit: bouncepingpong
Website: https://www.bouncepingpong.com/
Address: 3121 Holborn
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 4:30 PM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday – 1:30 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday – 1:30 PM – 1:00 AM
- Saturday – 11:30 PM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 11:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Feel history in Bounce Farringdon, located in the same area where table tennis was born and the name “ping-pong” was patented in 1901. Today, it is conveniently located within a stone’s throw between Farringdon and Chancery Lane stations.
Here, you can show off your smashes and chops through an old-time game or a hi-tech set that involves AI-enabled gameplay trackers. This ensures accurate scoring—no more wobbly results.
Now that’s real competitive socialising!
If your idea of fun doesn’t include athleticism, make a run at beer pong and play until you’re tipsy.
Don’t forget to dig in with Bounce’s crowd favourite, sourdough pizza and chicken wings.
For a nightcap, head to their bar for a wide selection of drinks. This includes champagne, cocktails, and beer.
Pro tip:
Watch out for Bounce Farringdon’s Bottomless Brunch every Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
11. BrewDog Waterloo
Media credit: brewdogwaterloo
Website: https://drink.brewdog.com/uk/waterloo/bowling
Address: 5 Aldermanbury
Contact details: 55 Baylis Rd
Opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7:30 AM to 1:00 AM
- Friday – 7:30 AM to 2:00 AM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Tucked beneath the Waterloo station, BrewDog is one of London’s biggest, with an area equivalent to around 9 tennis courts.
Here, you can play to your heart’s content in the duckpin bowling lanes. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the giant slide!
It also has an onsite microbrewery that keeps the flow of craft beer from 60 tops fresh. If coffee is what keeps you alive, aim for the Grind Cafe.
The fun doesn’t stop there, for they have Korean wings, pizza, and salad. Plus, they serve large portions.
Finally, watch out for exciting events like the Tuesday Night Quiz or U25 Sunday Club for the ultimate fun and a good run for your money.
Pro tip:
Students get 25% off every day!
