Just because you're working like a grown up in the big city, over the age of 18 and think more about your pension than playtime doesn't mean that the inner child in you is gone. After all, slush puppies are still as delicious as before, wet-break still sucks and we all secretly still love a go on the park swings - No, just me? Either way, London's the perfect playground for us big kids. With ping pongs bars, golf pop-ups and plenty of other frivolous spots across town, there's more than enough on offer. And better still, you can now enjoy all the games of your youth while gulping down an ice cold pint or enjoying a craft cocktail. Here are 4 great ways to drink and play like a big kid in London.
BallieBallerson, Dalston
If it weren't for the strong smell of feet and the disconcerting looks you'd provoke, we'd almost certainly dive into every ball pit that we come across. After all, who doesn't like going balls deep. The team at BallieBallerson feel the same way and have created a pop-up bar that's submerged chest deep in colourful plastic balls. No pesky children and no ear-bursting screams; just a DJ booth towering about the pit and a chilled out seating area covered in vibrant street graffiti. To offer the perfect big kid experience, the bartenders have really let their creative sides shine, producing a number of cocktails made using Wham Bars, Dip Dab Lollipops and bright Pink Shrimp Foam. Get lost in the balls and swoon in a sea of nostalgia at this characterful Dalston spot.
Grab a refresher cocktail from the bar and sink into all the nostalgic fun on offer at BallieBallerson.
Birdies, Peckham Rye
Mini golf never fails to put you in a good mood. Well, actually, it probably only puts one person in a good mood and has everyone else frantically downing their drinks and bending their clubs in anger. The team at Birdies seem to have the winning formula. Escaping the cold weather on Roof East and sitting comfortably in Peckham Rye, the venue offers up a nine-hole course of ramps, loops, half-pipes and even a terrifying 5 ft drop on the 6th hole. The bar does its very best to keep everyone warm, serving belly warming hot toddies and spiced mulled wines, and the many embracing sofas help to convert the South London warehouse into a easy-going, welcoming spot to unwind in with your friends. Whether you're putting for a green jersey or just up for a laugh, expect huge shots and a suitable amount of taunting.
Up the ramp, through the loop and down a rabbit hole; Birdies deals only in huge smiles and laid back vibes.
Bounce, Shoreditch
With a sister venue in Holborn, the team at Bounce in Shoreditch have set themselves the task of recreating the same frivolous atmosphere that's served them so well over the years in London. This underground venue is based on Old Street and regularly draws in crowds with its promise of Ping Pong hilarity and delicious pizzas. The venue's 17 tables offer the perfect setting to embarrass your mates and the bar is home to an impressive selection of craft beers and intriguing cocktails. Smash and volley your way to glory, or perhaps just sit back and watch as your sweatband-clad friend again takes things a bit too far.
With some of their tables actually featuring in the World Championships in Hong Kong, things are ironically pretty relaxed at Bounce.
Four Quarters, Peckham
Forget Batman and Robin; forget Goose and Maverick. None of these pairings come close to the wonderful duo of vintage arcade games and craft beer. From Tekken to Space Invaders, Four Quaters in Peckham houses all the arcade games that played such a huge role in our youth. The entire venue is drenched in nostalgia and has become something of a expert in inducing smiles on the faces of its guests. As with every great reminiscing experience, the booze are never too far. Featuring the creations of some of London's best breweries, guests can gulp down an ice-cold craft beer while they battle their way out of a perilous Pacman maze.
With a few craft beers thrown in for good measure, nothing quite evokes as much joy as vintage arcade games.
