Whether you’re the Ronnie O’Sullivan of the pool world or still unsure exactly which end of the cue to hold, there’s nothing like a bit of competitive socialising on your night out. We’ve drawn up a list of recommended places with pool tables in London, and we’ve even let you know which ones serve food, are open all night, turn into nightclubs and have ping pong tables, too.
Hey there, party people. The Charlotte has got you covered with all sorts of fun and games - from private areas and pool tables to live music and spinning DJs. Offering a variety of pub grub, sharing plates and all kinds of booze, this Southwark haunt is about to become your go-to hang for after-work drinks or a chill Saturday night with all your mates.
Serving thirsty Londoners since the 1800s, this southeast boozer is one of Peckham's finest. Go for the tasty dining offering and stay for a pub quiz and pool table. If you're after something a bit more musical, then it's live jazz or DJs for you.
The Bat and Ball is perched in Stratford Westfield and in Covent Garden, catering for all your gaming needs alongside pizza, DJs and a mightily stocked bar. Challenge your mates to some chilled out games of pool and crown the champion.
One of the best bars in Bermondsey is also a great place to play pool in London. This quirky Bierkeller is bringing you a mammoth array of craft beers to try out alongside a set of full-size pool tables for you to challenge your friends.
Based in London's Victoria, Greenwood has drawn in crowds from across London with its offering of great food, ice-cold craft beer and a handful of fun pool tables. The food and drink menu is, of course, the headliner here, but it's the sports bar that's really caught out attention. With pool tables, big screen TVs and all your favourite drinks at the bar, you'll struggle to find a better place to shoot some pool with your mates in London.
With its abundance of pool and casino tables, Q Shoreditch is the ultimate stylish gaming destination. It features a chic lounge and a trendy club that regularly hosts top-tier DJs.
Want to elevate your experience? Book Q VIP, which comes with four English pool tables and casino tables for Poker and Blackjack, ideal for intimate gatherings of up to 80 guests.
Number 1 London offers quite a lot for the avid pool player: three American sized pool tables, two English pool tables, 12 50” Sport screens, great beer and wonderful cocktails. At night, they bring out their talented DJs for a genuine club experience, while they also have a foosball and ping pong tables for extra competitive entertainment.
Located in Vauxhall, the Griffin Belle is a flower-filled spot that's home to pool tables, pub quizzes, darts boars and more. Whether you came for a few games or fancy tucking into burgers and wings, there's a little bit of everything.
Perfectly lit under a grand brick arch and surrounded by street art, The Alexandra's pool table sits in one of the coolest spots in the city. Open since 1870, but redesigned with Brazilian flair, this meeting of the traditional and the modern continues right through the pub.
The menu is much the same. Treat yourself to Brazilian dishes, like feijoada or picanha, or tuck into British pub grub, pizza and sushi between games.
Looking to weild your cue in London? Get on over to 100 Liverpool Street for Poolhouse. From the brains behind Topgolf and Puttshack, it reimagines the classic game with cutting edge AI technology.
Its 21,000 sq ft venue packs in 20 full-sized tables, so you're sure to find a spot. To keep you refreshed between shots, there's cocktails curated by the team at Three Sheets, plus crispy tacos, fluffy bao, New York–style pizza, and plenty more from the Poolhouse Kitchen.
Offering one of the best spots to play pool in London, Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes is an all-singing, all-dancing palace of fun with amazing cocktails and activities for days.
Situated in Moorgate, Tokenhouse is a stylish pub that offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the City. Expect industrial interiors finished with vintage furnishings, cosy booth seating and a speakeasy-style cellar bar.
There's a pool table in the centre of the space, as well as a dartboard. Enjoy refreshing pints while you're here, alongside tasty eats such as chicken wings, pie of the day and hearty sandwiches.
@ Sebright Arms London on Every Tuesday
Situated in Bethnal Green, the Sebright Arms is a welcoming pub that hosts a weekly pool competition. This is totally free to enter, and takes place every Tuesday evening, giving you the chance to compete for a pitcher of beer and your photo on the Pool of Fame.
If you need some fuel to keep you going through the tournament, be sure to check out their pizza menu too. They serve giant 22-inch pizzas whole or by the slice, with toppings like portobello mushroom and diced chorizo.
There's plenty to hold your attention over at Sky Bar. Perched above Eltham High Street, you'll get views towards Shooters Hill when you're not slamming balls in the pockets.
As well as a well-placed pool table, there's six screens showing live sport, and a dart board. Peckish? No problem. Tuck into tapas, tacos, burgers and pizza.
One of the best places to play pool in London, this excellent Old Street sports bar is fronting a slap-up selection of craft beers to sip on between games, as well as American-inspired bar snacks and juicy burgers.
Offering a stunning interior design that features hunting lodge antler furniture, 1950s stained glass and an antique, silver-leafed billiard table, this is one spectacular place to play some pool (well, billiards to be precise). If only the most refined surroundings for your pool antics will do, The Billiard Room at the Sanderson Hotel is a must.
This bar and kitchen in Angel offers completely free games of pool. The 411 is a lively and welcoming venue with plenty of activities on offer, alongside a delicious New York-inspired menu of juicy burgers, delicious pizzas and so much more.
The Beehive has got to be one of the best places to play pool in London. But that's not all. You can also try your hand at darts or enjoy a number of board games while sipping on craft beers from breweries around the area. There's also a cool beer garden if you fancy a breather.
Styled like a New York pool house, 1920s Bar is a chilled bar with decking, lipstick red furniture and a fun-time party vibe. Their DJs kick up a storm on the decks with a mix of your favourite tunes from all genres, while you get competitive on their 8ft American pool tables.
Photo Credit: Dora Toreki Barnett Photography
If you're looking to enjoy a few games of pool over a couple of pints close to Victoria, it's all about Riley's. One of the leading sports bars in the city, there's no less than 5 snooker tables as well as 4 English and 12 American pool tables; plus, plenty of TV screens to catch all the professional action.
Known as one of the best pubs in London to watch live sport, Famous Three Kings comes out tops thanks to its wall-to-wall screens and full-sized pool tables. Swing by on the weekend to take full advantage of the tasty sharing plates on offer, from wings to nachos.
A unique blend between British pub and American sports bar, KERB Social Club is a great shout for competitive fun with friends. They've got a pool table to play on, as well as a dartboard.
Sip refreshing beers or cocktails from the bar, and check out their scrumptious street food menu too. We're talking loaded nachos, deep dish pizzas, hotdogs and much more.
If you're searching for a place to play pool and enjoy some late-night drinks, Afters in Clapham should be at the top of your list. With its dive bar charm, this spot offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can grab a cold pint, challenge your mates to a game of pool, and enjoy a mix of affordable drinks.
It's a place where the music's always on point, the vibe is laid-back, and the debauchery is always a possibility. So, roll in for some fun, stay for too many drinks, and head out around 2am with a smile on your face and no regrets.
Not only does this new sports bar boast one of Europe's biggest sporting screens, but it's also a hotspot for a little competition of your own. There's three pool tables available for hire, so you can have a drink, a bite to eat and a tournament or two.
The Victoria Tottenham is the ultimate spot for a game of pool. Nestled in the heart of Tottenham, just 10 minutes from Tottenham Stadium, the pub offers a classic, relaxed atmosphere perfect for a game. Enjoy a drink from a wide selection of local craft beers or go for a crowd-pleasing option.
It's the ideal place to unwind with friends, challenge your mates, or simply have fun. And with Yard Sale Pizza delivering right to your table, you won't go hungry while you play.
For anyone who considers themselves a pool shark, Sinners Social Club in Covent Garden is a playground you won't want to miss. The bar offers well-maintained pool tables set against a backdrop of raw, dive bar charm - think exposed brick walls, dim lighting, and an energetic crowd ready to compete.
Complement your game with a cold draught beer or a bold cocktail, and you've got the recipe for an unforgettable night. The atmosphere is loud, lively, and full of energy, with classic rock and hip hop keeping spirits high and the competition fierce.
Step up to the plate at Moonshot Social, the ultimate destination for food, fun, and fastballs in the heart of London. Whether you're ready to swing for the fences or simply kick back and enjoy the game, Moonshot offers an immersive American baseball experience that's perfect for any occasion.
It's more than just a sports bar - it's your own personal stadium, where you're both the player and the fan. Indulge in gourmet twists on classic American ballpark snacks, wash it down with an ice-cold Stateside brew or a killer cocktail, and immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere.
Head over to West London to discover quirky and cool venue, Heist Bank, a spot that mixes up industrial with homely touches. Located in Paddington, the bar serves stone-baked pizza, ice cold craft beer and has a pool table for a few games.
With its exposed industrial interior and bench seating, Forest Road Taproom serves up casual, craft beer vibes from under Hackney's archways. As you plot your way across the green baize, you can tuck into the signature POSH lager, keep it hoppy with a choice of IPAs or check out the equally exciting wine and cocktail lists.
To refuel post-pool, there's a choice of Asian-inspired tacos and sides, from jackfruit and spicy kimchi to chicken and pork.
If you prefer to play pool with a side of New York lounge bar vibes, get down to Silk Stockings. Its full size table is tucked away among the mood lighting, art deco touches and neon signs that give this place its charm.
There's plenty to keep you refreshed while you play, from frozen cocktails to ice bold beer and many a signature serve. Bar snacks and weekend small plates will see to your hunger too.
Looking for a friendly pub with games in Hackney? Okay so it's not exactly a pool table, but for those wanting to try a cue based game with a little bit of history behind it, playing some games of billiards at the People's Park Tavern should do the trick. Come for a few games in the summertime then head out to their suntrap beer garden on the fringes of Victoria Park.
Located in Covent Garden, Bloodsports is one of the quirkiest venues around. This is a combination between a classic American sports bar and an homage to the horror genre, with all sorts of unique decor throughout. And, of course, they've got a pool table.
That's not all though, as there's also karaoke, pinball and arcade machines - alongside 30 HD screens showing both live sports and horror films. There's also a tasty menu from MEATliquor, including everything from chilli cheese hotdogs to barbecue wings and tempeh burgers.
Putt Putt & Karaoke has it all - crazy golf, pool, air hockey, darts, foosball, and arcade games galore. Plus, if you're feeling brave, get up on stage and belt out your favourite tunes in one of their three free karaoke areas. Sign us up.
This Indian barbecue restaurant in the City has a pretty unique pool room with its very own self-serve whisky dispenser to sip form at you battle it out. To top it off, their menu of mouthwatering grilled eats includes a butter chicken wings and their iconic tandoori lamb chops.
The coolest hangout spot in town, Boom Battle Bar in Wandsworth and Aldgate East is home to pretty much any game you can think of, but if it's American pool your after, you can bet it delivers in that department, too. Book out the table for one whole hour – and don't worry about getting hungry or thirsty during the match, as there's some amazing food and drink on standby. Think pizzas, loaded fries and chicken burgers – with nothing costing over £11. Wash it down with shots, sharers and quirky cocktails from spicy mango margaritas to their signature Boom Punch. Grab six of your closest buds for a smashing game of American pool priced at just £20 per table for an hour-long, colourful, ball-filled bonanza.
