The weatherman speaks of battening down the hatches, as sheets of rain cascade down and videos of people canoeing down your local high street in make shift boats circulate the internet. But if you thought a bit of rain meant there was no option but to stay in, then think again. London is packed full of bars and restaurants that are ideally suited to keeping you warm, cosy and entertained in adverse conditions. So grab your umbrella and head out to explore one of our recommended rainy day bars in London.
There's always something fun going down at the SINK - Paul Street. Both ping-pong and beer-pong tables are available to hire throughout the week, Wednesday sees dance lessons run by a selection of professionals, and poetry nights are on Saturday. Also there's free wifi, so you can keep tabs on the weather forecast from the comfort of the bar.
Head to Bounce in Holborn for a truly unique experience at a devoted ping-pong restaurant and bar. Whether you're a former Olympic champion or a complete rookie trying to figure out which end of the bat to hold, anyone is welcome to come and enjoy a game whilst sampling a great choice of food and drink. One of the best bars with indoor games the city has to offer.
One of our favourites for a rainy day in Clapham, The Four Thieves not only keep you busy with a covered beer garden, delicious pub bites and some of the best in craft beer, they've even got an escape room and a games room upstairs with consoles and arcades aplenty.
The overground have protected you from the battering rain, and you've only got to walk 5 minutes to find this Peckham favourite. From arcade games and vintage consoles to Americana meals and affordable cocktails, a rainy day in London is no match for the Four Quarters.
Looking for something to do on a rainy day in London? Looking to escape the hordes of umbrellas and puddles? Then hot foot it to Shoreditch where Flight Club welcomes you in with interactive darts, cocktails and plenty of pizza.
With ice rink, bowling alley and arcade games, this Notting Hill pleasure palace is the perfect place to while away a rainy afternoon in London. With MEATliquor running the food and drinks there's also cocktails and monster burgers to keep you entertained.
From pizzas to pool tables, if there's anyone that can help you on a rainy London day, it's most likely Heist Bank. Casual and calm on weekends, head on down for beer and pizza slices alongside a little game on the pool table for those sticking around.
Simmons has an array of board games to keep you occupied during a storm. But perhaps more significantly, happy hour lasts from 4pm until 9pm at this quirky cocktail bar in Camden, giving you a whole five hour window to drink to the extent that you completely forget it was raining anyway.
The White Bear may have the perfect summer garden, but they also know what's up when it comes to a rainy day in the city. Join this Kennington favourite for heart-warming pub classics and beer that will make you forget about the weather outside.
It's looking pretty damn crap out there, but that doesn't mean your day out should suffer. Not only does the restaurant at The Exhibit churn out interesting sharing plates and cocktails, they have an on-site cinema that you can leave the rainy day behind in.
When a rainy day dashes all hopes of sporting success, head down to Sixes in Fulham or Fitzrovia for a spot of cricket. Let your batting do the talking on the immersive nets, before heading to the bar for a few rounds and a sit-down meal.
