Best activity bars in London: tried and tested favourites

Electric Shuffle serves up a high-energy, hi-tech take on the classic game of shuffleboard.

Powered by clever smart technology, you’ll play on sleek, futuristic tables where automated scoring tracks every puck, keeping the action fast, competitive and easy to follow – whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro. Choose from five thrilling game modes, including the crowd-favourite Amplifier, where landing pucks in high-scoring zones quickly ramps up the competition (things got seriously intense).

Set inside stylish, design-led venues, Electric Shuffle pairs its addictive gameplay with vibey DJ soundtracks, expertly mixed craft cocktails and iconic pizza paddles and sharing plates – perfect for fuelling a lively night out. The extensive menu is made for groups, featuring everything from tacos, sliders and wings to loaded fries, nachos and pizzas. Our top tip? Go all in on the Social Sharing platter – the cheesy garlic bread bites and crispy cod tacos are absolute standouts.

Best for: Groups of friends, dates and team socials.
Good to know: Keep the fun going by booking a spot in the bar for sharing plates, craft cocktails and DJ-led vibes. The next day, you’ll get a personal highlight reel with player scores and hilarious mid-game moments captured by the smart shuffleboards.

Flight Club reinvents the classic pub game with a vibrant, tech-driven spin on darts, turning every throw into a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud social experience.

Set inside beautifully designed venues with fairground-style decor, the social darts concept uses clever tracking technology to do the scoring for you – so you can focus on hitting the bullseye (or at least trying to!). With a range of fast, interactive games like Demolition and Killer, it levels the playing field, making it just as fun for complete beginners as it is for seasoned players.

The atmosphere is part of the appeal: think buzzing bars, playful interiors and a lively soundtrack that keeps the energy high from start to finish. Alongside the gameplay, Flight Club delivers a strong food and drink offer, with creative cocktails, craft beers and premium slushies, plus a menu of crowd-pleasing sharing plates. Expect everything from sourdough pizzas and burgers to indulgent fries and small plates designed for grazing between rounds.

Best for: Group nights out, team socials and competitive dates.
Good to know: Each booking includes your own semi-private playing area (known as an ‘oche’), and after your session, you’ll receive a sharable video highlight reel capturing your best throws and funniest moments – ideal for reliving the competition the next day.

Enjoy a taste of the French Riviera without leaving London at Boulebar, where relaxed competition meets great food and a sociable buzz.

Step onto the indoor gravel courts and try your hand at pétanque – the classic French game that’s easy to learn, gently competitive and perfect for unhurried evenings with friends. It’s all about precision, teamwork and conversation, with friendly staff on hand to talk you through the rules. You can even book a guide to play alongside your group, sharing tips, tricks and a little pétanque know-how.

Once the game is done, settle in at the laid back courtside bar and restaurant to keep the evening flowing. Expect French inspired plates, cocktails and wines – we loved sharing the cheese and charcuterie board post game, and the Lillet Rosé spritz is a fresh, fruity standout.

Best for: Group get togethers, friends and after-work socials.
Good to know: Pétanque is quick to pick up, and staff are happy to explain the rules before you start. Courts can be reserved in advance, which is recommended for evenings and weekends.

Enjoy a high-tech twist on mini golf at Puttshack, combining competitive gameplay with delicious bites, crafted cocktails and a buzzing atmosphere.

Using smart golf balls that automatically track your score, you can focus on the fun as you take on inventive courses designed with interactive elements including trivia and prize-winning wheels. The courses are designed for all skill levels, with some courses featuring ‘ball paths’ that suggest the best approach for tricky obstacles. You can expect a super fun vibe here, with live DJs spinning upbeat tracks and photobooths ready and waiting to snap memorable pics.

We recommend pre-booking a bar table to relax after your game of mini golf to enjoy tasty bar snacks and sharing plates. Check out the signature cocktails menu for a range of sumptuous cocktails, a team-favourite being the light and delicate Hugo Spritz.

Best for: Groups of friends, dates and after work socials.
Good to know: Unlimited mini golf is available to book between Sundays and Thursdays, with all-day access to as many games as you can handle.

Poolhouse takes the humble game of pool and dials it up into a high-energy, immersive social experience, blending classic gameplay with cutting-edge tech.

Inside this sleek venue you’ll find full-sized tables fitted with hidden projectors that bring the action to life, overlaying interactive games directly onto the surface. The gameplay is powered by smart AI technology to adapt to real time play, keeping things competitive, inclusive and addictive – whether you’re a total beginner or seasoned cue pro.

The vibe is just as impressive as the gameplay. Think retro Vegas glamour meets modern London nightlife, with cinematic interiors, private and semi-private play areas and a buzzing soundtrack that builds the energy as the night goes on.

Menus here feature globally inspired plates designed for sharing, from tacos and bao buns to pizzas and indulgent small plates. We recommend trying the 1009 layer potato stick served with nori mayo and lime. It's a clever play on the original 1000 layer, as 1009 turned upside down reads pool (clever, right?) You’ll also find a statement bar at the centre of the venue, pouring expertly crafted cocktails alongside a solid lineup of beers and wines.

Best for: Group nights out, birthdays and competitive socials with a twist.
Good to know: Each booking gets you your own table (or private suite for larger groups), with multiple game modes to choose from – plus smart scoring and performance tracking that lets you see exactly how you stack up by the end of the night.

Enjoy a fun-filled outing at QUEENS, an all-in-one multi-experience destination bringing together sport, games, food at nightlight energy all under one roof.

Hit the ice for a skating session on London’s oldest and only all-year indoor ice rink, line up a strike across 17 bowling lanes or mix things up with interactive darts and curling on real ice. You’ll also find a retro arcade for a nostalgic break between activities – and who doesn’t love a bit of air hockey?

Refuel with signature burgers, pizzas, wings and lane-side dining as you play. The venue has a great buzzy atmosphere with live DJs and all-round good vibes, making it the perfect all-in-one entertainment hub. Capture the nostalgic fun with your group in photobooths dotted around the venue.

Best for: Groups, rainy-day plans and nostalgic fun.
Good to know: Maximise your visit by booking activity combo tickets to combine bowling, darts, ice skating and more.

For a night out with a playful twist, NQ64 blends retro gaming with a lively bar scene, creating a neon-lit playground in the heart of London.

Step inside and you’ll find walls lined with vintage arcade machines and retro consoles, from Pac Man and Street Fighter to Mario Kart and Guitar Hero – all ready for a dose of nostalgic competition. Grab a handful of tokens (which can be pre-purchased or bought at the bar) and challenge your friends to driving, shooting and dance machines, or settle in at a free-to-play console for a more laid-back gaming session.

At the bar, expect game-inspired cocktails, craft beers and classic drinks, designed to match the nostalgic theme. With DJs on the decks and graffiti-splashed interiors, the vibe leans more underground cocktail bar than traditional arcade – making it just as much about the atmosphere as the games.

We recommend checking out the Shoreditch branch if you want to slide into the action feet first…

Best for: Group nights out, dates and nostalgic gamers.
Good to know: Under 18s are only permitted on Sundays between 11am–3pm – all other sessions are strictly 18+.

Turn a casual night out into a full-blown social playground at Lane7, packing multiple games, bars and hangout spaces into one buzzing venue.

Best known for its bowling lanes, this slick, urban spot goes far beyond ten-pin, with activities including pool, ping pong, beer pong, arcade games and more – so there’s always something to jump into between rounds. Whether you’re fiercely competitive or just in it for the vibes, it’s designed to keep groups entertained for hours.

Between games, refuel with a solid menu of crowd-pleasing comfort food, from burgers and loaded fries to wings and sharers made for the table. Behind the bar, you’ll find classic cocktails, beers on tap and easy-drinking options that pair perfectly with a night of friendly rivalry.

Best for: Big groups, team socials and mixed-ability gamers.
Good to know: Activities are bookable individually, but it’s worth planning ahead at peak times – especially if bowling is top of your list.

Turn the nostalgia dial all the way up at Fairgame, where classic fairground games are reimagined as a slick, high-energy experience.

This immersive playground is packed with reworked games like Skee-Ball, Whac A Mole and Roll A Ball, all powered by smart RFID wristbands that automatically track your scores and keep the competition flowing. Whether you’re laser-focused on winning or just in it for the laughs, every game is quick, accessible and surprisingly addictive.

The atmosphere is a big part of the appeal. Neon lights, bold colours and pumping soundtracks give the space a festival-like buzz, while the live leaderboard cranks up the friendly rivalry between players. Between rounds, refuel at the impressive street food lineup, featuring some of London’s most loved vendors serving burgers, tacos, pizza and indulgent sweet treats – perfect for sharing mid-game.

The bar matches the energy, pouring playful cocktails, boozy slushies and crowd pleasing classics that keep spirits high long into the night. A team favourite is the Fizz & Floss, a silky concoction of gin, Prosecco, citrus and candy floss.

Best for: Groups, dates and competitive nights out.
Good to know: Your RFID wristband logs every game and score, so you can see who really came out on top – and it’s adults‑only after 6pm, keeping the vibe firmly grown‑up.

Get ready for competitive games, cocktails and street food for an action packed night out at Boom Battle Bar.

This vibrant activity bar brings together a mix of interactive games under one roof, including axe throwing, crazy golf, shuffleboard, karaoke, beer pong and augmented reality darts – so you can bounce from challenge to challenge without the energy ever dipping.

The atmosphere is pure party mode, with bold interiors, pumping playlists and a buzz that builds as the night goes on. Between games, head to the bar for colourful cocktails, beers and sharers made for refuelling mid competition.

The food menu leans into indulgent comfort classics, with loaded fries, pizzas and snacks that are perfect for grazing between rounds. Don’t sleep on the carbonara bites – they’re deliciously addictive.

Best for: Big groups, birthdays and competitive socials.
Good to know: Activities can be booked individually or combined into a full games itinerary – ideal if you want to try a bit of everything in one visit.

Bounce takes the simple joy of table tennis and turns it into a full on activity experience, blending fast paced gameplay with DJ led energy and late night bar vibes.

With venues across London, it’s all about high octane ping pong played across dozens of tables, where rallies get competitive fast – whether you’re a casual bat swinger or secretly taking it very seriously. Expect quick games, plenty of laughs and just enough rivalry to keep things spicy.

The atmosphere is a big part of the appeal, with club style lighting, pumping playlists and a buzzy crowd that keeps the energy high between matches.

Work up an appetite and order plates designed for grazing between games, including burgers, pizzas and sharing plates, alongside expertly mixed cocktails, beers and prosecco to keep the momentum going.

Best for: Groups of friends, birthdays and energetic date nights.
Good to know: Tables can be booked in advance, and many venues host DJs and themed nights – ideal if you want your ping pong with a side of party.

Experience the thrill of cricket indoors at Sixes Cricket, reworked into a fast-paced, social activity that’s easy to jump into – no whites or prior skills required.

The sleek, design-led venues feature high-tech batting nets where smart bowling machines fire balls your way and automated scoring tracks every run, six and miss. Choose between a range of game modes and difficulty levels for a fun experience for both first-timers and die-hard cricket fans keen to show off their swing.

Off the pitch, the atmosphere is lively and laid back, with DJ soundtracks, big screens showing Sky Sports and a buzzing bar setting the tone for a competitive night out. You’ll find a strong food and drink offering here, featuring elevated bar snacks, sharers and crowd pleasing plates designed to fuel between overs.

Best for: Groups of friends, work socials and sporty date nights.
Good to know: Sessions are timed and bookable in advance, and you can keep the fun going by reserving space in the bar for post game food, drinks and friendly score settling.

Swap the cosy pub atmosphere for clanging prison doors at the Alcotraz Immersive Prison cocktail experience, London’s tongue-in-cheek immersive prison cocktail experience.

On arrival, don your orange jumpsuit and receive a briefing behind bars with your fellow inmates, before attempting to smuggle your chosen spirits past the ever-watchful Warden. Inside the theatrical prison set, crooked guards and expert inmate bartenders transform your contraband into a series of bespoke cocktails, mixed to your personal tastes. Watch live actors driving the narrative for a lively night out that’s part theatre, part cocktail bar.

Between drinks you’re free to explore the set – take mugshots, chat on prison phones or perch inside your cell as the storyline unfolds around you. We brought along gin and were treated to four inventive cocktails, each garnished with fresh fruit and tailored to our taste, making the whole experience feel personalised as well as playful.

Best for: Celebrations, group get togethers and anyone looking for a story driven drinking experience.
Good to know: As a general rule, bring a 35cl bottle of spirit per two people, or a 70cl bottle for groups of four. All mixers, syrups, juices, purees and garnishes are included in the ticket price.

Experience bingo like never before at Hijingo Bingo, reimagined through cutting edge tech, dazzling visuals and high energy host performances.

Set inside a futuristic bingo hall, mark your digital cards as games unfold on huge LED screens, with DJ led soundtracks and big prizes up for grabs including big cash prizes and holidays. Go classic with six rounds of bingo (and six chances to win big!) during the classic Hijingo Bingo experience ticket, or check out the themed shows including singalong bingo experience Anthems, and 80s, 90s and 2000’s takeovers.

We recommend turning the activity into a full evening of entertainment by ordering tasty street food bites, fully loaded fries and smash burgers straight to your seat. Don’t sleep on the frozen cocktails – they’re perfect for cooling down at this lively activity bar.

Best for: Groups of friends, birthdays and nights out with a difference.
Good to know: Arrive early to enjoy drinks at the Lucky Cat bar before the show officially kicks off.

Set within the iconic Battersea Power Station you'll find Control Room B, an immersive escape room experience built into a strikingly preserved 1950s control room.

Expect expertly designed escape room challenges, interactive puzzle experiences (and the odd prop or two!) designed to test teamwork, logic and creativity; all surrounded by original dials, switches and glowing panels. The 90-minute experience features a briefing from two theatrical power station workers who need your help to restore the power before it's too late – accompanied by two deliciously themed cocktails to help you along the way.

We recommend this escape room experience for anyone looking for an activity bar with a twist, offering classic games in a more relaxed, retro environment.

Best for: Friends, dates and nostalgic fun.
Good to know: You'll receive a welcome drink on arrival, and a themed cocktail of your choice will arrive mid-play to help fuel your puzzle solving.