There are a lot of things we inevitably grow out of as we age, playing games while we drink is certainly not one of them. If you're looking for a night of pure, unadulterated fun at some of the best bars with games in London, we feel you. Whether you're looking for a classic boozer with its own vintage arcade room, a rowdy Shoreditch ping-pong bar or a basement drinking den that's home to foosball and all kinds of board games, there's bound to be something here for you. Long live competitive socialising.
Last updated on 27th October 2023
Whether you fancy a competitive round of ping pong or want to show off your Super Mario Kart skills, The Loft Spitalfields has got what you need. Swing by this cool bar for all kinds of games, as well as cocktails, beers and pizza.
For something a little different in London, we've got just the place. Using high-tech, Clays is a shooting experience in London so you can game with your pals. Plus, it boasts a menu filled with charcuterie spreads and nachos.
Shoreditch is home to London's first dedicated video games and e-sports bar and restaurant. Whether you're on a first date, group night out or just fancied having a crack at Mario Kart, swing by and check out whet they've got to offer.
Turning good old fashioned mini golf on its head, this crazy gaming bar in West London uses cutting edge technology to bring you one of the best pub golf experiences in the city.
The Old School Yard has become a legend in South London thanks to its nostalgic decor and cheeky character. Based on Long Lane in London Bridge, the venue features Nintendo Games, vintage toys and classic comics, alongside a clock that is continuously set for 3:10 PM.
Nordic Bar provides Scandinavian comfort in the food and drink, but what about entertainment? Well, the bar has a cracking ping pong table, which – get this – is used for beer pong as well. That's two games for the price of one.
Over at Shepherd's Bush Market's hidden garden, The Hawk's Nest, you can find beautifully prepared pizzas that pair perfectly with the unique cocktail list. But if you're in need of some entertainment? Check out the pool table and other games.
As if The World's End wasn't a brilliant boozer already, with live music, sports screenings and some of the best pub food this side of the river - it also has a bunch of board games and table football to keep you entertained.
It's all about beer pong at Belushis Hammersmith, as the lively party keeps you up late with their fun attitude. Stop by this West London haunt, or sister sites in Greenwich, Camden and Shepherd's Bush, and grab American bites, pitchers, and major sporting events on the large screens.
Get on down to Boom Battle Bar in The O2 or Oxford Street and take advantage of their epic lineup of games. When you're not perfecting your aim at axe throwing or crazy golf, make sure to check out the fantastic menus, from bottomless brunches to wings and cocktails.
Plonk is shaking up London's drinking scene with its fun crazy golf pubs and bars. Hit up their spots in Camden, Peckham, London Fields or Forest Hill for a fun hands-on afternoon of drinking and putting your way to victory across the colourful courses.
This ain't your average pub with a board game or two, oh no. Electric Shuffle is a technological re-interpretation of the classic game of shuffleboard found in Canary Wharf and London Bridge. Adding food and drink to proceedings, it makes for one unforgettable experience.
Over at The Rabbit Hole in Clerkenwell, the signature cocktail menu is more than meets the eye - it's also an interactive board game that you and your friends can play. While you try it out, delve into the eye-raising collection of mixes, which takes inspiration from retro classics.
Anybody for a game of Backgammon inside one of Covent Garden's most snug and intimate hotel bars? With leather sofas, warm lighting and eccentric artworks adding some extra character, The Den is one mighty stylish and impressive spot to unwind with a drink and a board game or two.
Arcade machines, consoles and retro games are the least you can expect from one of the best bars with entertainment in London. Not only does this Peckham gem provide the ultimate in gaming fun, there's an American menu, quirky cocktails and a speakeasy in the basement to boot.
If you're looking for somewhere to hole up with a good game on a rainy day, look no further than Spit & Sawdust. This Borough-based boozer is known for its insane selection of craft beers, but it also just happens to home loads of retro games also - bring your gang and spend a day reliving your youth.
Going above and beyond what you'd expect from a bar with games, Hijingo is up there with some of the city's most thrilling experiences. Settle into the Tokyo Nights-inspired setting for high-stakes bingo with special effects, hilarious live hosts and massive prizes.
For London activity bars, Tank & Paddle Bishopsgate has to be right up there. Expect to munch through pizza and sip refreshing craft pints throughout, all while getting stuck into shuffleboard and board games to boot.
From foosball to pool, there's plenty to get stuck into at Craft House if you're after a London games bar. Better yet, there's a menu of Neapolitan-style pizzas, craft beer and cocktails to keep you refreshed throughout.
Head to West Hampstead where this cosy basement space keeps a few board games on hand for those wet weather days when all you want is to get some friends together and get a little competitive over a pint of two.
A mainstay on the London sports bar scene, this classic spot in Victoria is perfect if you're looking for some hearty grub and a couple of rounds of snooker, pool, darts or ping pong.
Fronting locations in Soho and Shoreditch, NQ64 has plenty to offer including all your favourite video games as a kid and themed cocktails to boot. Whether you fancy Street Fighter, PacMan or a round of basketball, the nostalgia factor will be real at this quirky joint.
Set within the vibrant Spitalfields market between Bishopsgate and Brick Lane, Players Social is the place to head if only the very best bar games will do. Here, you can play shuffleboard, ping pong and table football, all while checking out the extensive food menu or drinks list.
If you're after the chance to play darts in an underground drinking den, then Temple Brew House is where to head. This Holborn pub is fronting craft beer brewed on-site and a lineup of smokey dishes to tuck into in between games.
Talented chefs, mixologists and party-starters The Flatmates are taking over Notting Hill with Little Yellow Door. Expect fun and games aplenty as they teat you to boozy brunches, Sunday lunches and plenty of house parties in a plush, family-style setting.
If you're on the hunt for pubs and bars with games, Shuffleboard Bar London is a fabulous shout. Along with arcade games, shuffleboard and pool, you can get stuck into some boozy bevvies and mouthwatering pizza slices.
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When it comes to mega views in London? It doesn't get much better than Skylight Tobacco Dock. This converted car park is now an urban lawn club, complete with pétanque courts and croquet. Play with your pals whilst watching the sunset behind London's soaring skyscrapers.
With its very own Darts Club, The Alexandra is a real winner on the games front. Located in Clapham, this games-fuelled joint provides the perfect space to compete with friends, all before checking out the epic pizza menu. Thirsty? There are cocktails for that.
Head along to BOXPARK Wembley and take advantage of its epic games room. From shuffleboard and ping pong to skeel ball and retro arcade machines, there's plenty to get stuck into. Topping it off? The lineup of boozy bevvies and street food.
1920 Bar works hard to ensure pool lovers have the very best facilities available to them. With four full-sized, American pool tables to show your skills at, cloths and cushions are changed every six months to ensure those pristine orange tables are always in great shape.
Three Compasses is a beloveds North London pub with a friendly atmosphere and comfy furnishings for you to sink hours into. Whether you fancy hitting up the Foosball table or chowing down on a Sunday roast, they've got you covered.
Bounce is one of the best venues in London for ping-pong. It's an underground haven that's abuzz with the sounds of groups of mates holding their own tournaments, lay down the gauntlet to yours and bring them to this ping-pong palace.
For an unrivalled amount of entertainment, from classic card games to immersive shuffleboard, head to Aspers Casino in Westfield Stratford City. This bar also boasts a delicious menu, from sophisticated small plates to hearty sandwiches and 12-inch pizzas.
With pool and ping pong to enjoy in their beautiful interiors, The Heathcote and Star really is one of the best games pubs around. This Leyton watering hole is also screening BT and Sky, so you can catch some sport on the big screen while you play yours.
The Factory House is one of the best bars in London with games, more specifically shuffleboard. Enjoy getting competitive while wetting your whistle with a spicy marg or glass of wine, alongside some nibbles.
After a London darts bar? 180 Club is just the place, found tucked away in Camden Market. Expect to have a go in the high-tech lanes on cutting-edge boards, practising your aim before diving into Mexican food and cocktails.
Not only does the Hare & Hounds champion local breweries, stock a fabulous wine selection and promise burgers, wings and delicious roast dinners, but there's also a stunning outdoor garden and pool tables to keep you occupied.
Not sure where to head for a last-minute happy hour or a few rounds of table football? Check out Bar Kick for their sports vibe and delicious comfort eats. Chow down on chicken strips, halloumi fries and yummy sliders.
Located in Canary Wharf, Fairgame is a funfair-themed boozer slinging out some of your childhood favourite games, from Whac-A-Mole through to Shoot The Clown. You can also munch on street food and sip delish cocktails.
A fun and inventive bar that'll keep you entertained all night long, Flight Club brings social darts to the masses in a seriously attractive space. Games are simple, there's real-time scoring and plenty of food and drinks to enjoy throughout; just choose between Shoreditch, Bloomsbury, Victoria and Islington.
For bars with adrenaline sports games in London, check out F1® Arcade. The only venue of its kind in the world, this place for the official simulation racing experience is sure to get your heart pumping.
Vine isn't your average boozer, it's also home to a couple of shuffleboard tables where you can put your competitive skills to the test. While you thrash your opponents? Get stuck into elevated pub grub and refreshing tipples aplenty.
Love your games with a side of booze? Over at The Bat and Ball in Stratford, they offer two levels of pool, ping pong, DJs and live sport, as well as a fantastic selection of cocktails, craft pints and lip-smacking pizzas.
From darts and old school board games to pool, The Beehive has got you covered for entertainment. But if you fancy taking a more spectator role, you can also sit back and enjoy a live-screened match on one of the sports bars many indoor and outdoor TVs.
Much more than your average pub, Ninth Life is South London's most unique watering hole. With a sprawling courtyard serving up street food and DJs, they've got festival culture at their heart and a range of immersive entertainment to get invovled with.
Fancy a game to go with your tipple? Then make your way over to Platform Canary Wharf. This quirky bar is home to a number of different consoles from which to play Mario Kart, Just Dance and FIFA. Plus there's a range of liquid libations and tasty slices to get stuck into.
Whether you fancy beer pong, retro arcade games or a mini race track, The Joiner on Worship is a great choice of pubs with games in Shoreditch. Plus, if you're a sports fan, you can watch all the latest on their screens too.
Reasons to visit The Four Thieves in Battersea are plentiful, but their huge Games Room is arguably the biggest draw of the lot. Found upstairs, this grand art deco music hall features a whole host of retro arcade games, crazy golf, virtual reality and mini motor-racing.
Queens isn't just any normal bar. They've got an ice skating ring and 12 bowling alleys to keep you entertained, a delicious food menu of MEATliquor tastiness to keep your bellies full and a bar stocked with all the cocktails you need.
Head over Bermondsey where this German-inspired beer hall is bringing you a wealth of activities to get stuck into. Get competitive over rounds of shuffleboard, table football, pool and ping pong while you sip on an international selection of craft beers.
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Pizza Pilgrims are looking East, serving their customers great pizzas coupled with 16-person foosball, plasma screen TVs and vintage video games. The pizza maestros will, of course, be serving all the same Neapolitan pizzas that made them famous in the first place.
If you're looking for a quintessentially English game to play at the pub, then grab your mates and head down to cricket bar Sixes in Fitzrovia and Fulham. Enjoy a stint in the high-tech batting nets, followed by a pint and plenty of nosh of course.
Fancy testing or showing off your blackjack and poker skills? Head to probation-era inspired Nocturne basement bar in the heart of South Kensington, and try out their vintage game rooms and tasty cocktail menu.