The nightlife in London is vibrant and creative. During your stay, you’ll come across various activity bars in the city. These bars have helped change the conventional idea of bars. Activity bars have added more excitement to the concept of bar hopping. They allow people to experience entertainment and socialize.
Activity bars are not just places to grab a drink. The activity bars in London are destinations where patrons can take part in interactive games, themed experiences, and shared adventures. From classic arcade games to immersive cocktail experiences, each venue has its own distinct concept and ambiance, inviting guests to explore and enjoy.
Activity bars cater to different interests and preferences of people. They can spend quality time and get entertained. The visitors cannot just witness the music and performances but also take part in different activities. Therefore, you can get memorable experiences by indulging in different activities in these bars.
The main purpose of this guide is to uphold the top activity bars in London so that you can choose from them and get a memorable experience. The readers will also get insights into the city’s nightlife by getting a description of the 11 topmost activity bars.
Table of Contents
Understanding Activity Bars
Activity bars in London blend the social atmosphere of bars with an engaging environment. There are lots of activities and themes in these bars. You will have splendid experiences visiting these bars. The focus is not just on drinking, there are a lot of options for entertainment.
The ambiance of such bars is usually based on a theme. Some activity bars are based on retro gaming, while some feature exclusive games. The themes of the activity bars of London can range from historic nostalgic settings to futuristic concepts.
- The most common atmosphere of an activity bar in London is the nostalgic one. Most activity bars have their ambience inspired by bygone eras and have elements of classic entertainment, vintage decor, etc. You can also come across themes like old-school board games and retro arcade games in such bars with activities London has.
- Another theme that you can come across in most activity bars is escapism. They feature an exotic theme so that the patrons can get into a different world based on fantasy as soon as they step into it. It can be based on a wonderland, jungle-themed themed or having a sci-fi ambience.
- The other type of theme that you may witness in bars with activities in London is the luxurious theme with sophisticated ambience and elegant decor.
Overview of Entertainment Offerings and Features
The entertainment offerings at any activity bar depend on different aspects and the theme on which the activity bar is based. However, there are a few common features that most activity bars have. Some of them include:
- Games and Activities: Most activity bars have a huge variety of games and activities for visitors. Such games include traditional games like darts, chess, etc. and unconventional ones like golf, adult ball pits, and others.
- Food and drinks: Besides entertaining, visitors can get food and drinks from several activity bars.
- Themed Environments: Most activity bars have suitable environments so that the patrons can escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and feel relaxed.
- Live Performances: Some activity bars feature live performances that may be comedy shows, music performances, etc. They help in maintaining the environment of the bars.
- Socialising Spaces: Activity bars allow socialising and have specific spaces where people can mingle with friends or fellow patrons. The socialising spaces of such activity bars often feature cosy seating areas, or outdoor terraces that encourage interaction amongst guests.
Unique Aspects and Experiences Offered by Activity Bars
It is the uniqueness and exclusive experiences offered by the activity bars that set them apart. These aspects make activity bars different from traditional ones.
- Activity bars give guests a chance to actively participate rather than passive consumption. Thus, they allow guests to indulge in different games and activities.
- Several activity bars resonate with nostalgia and offer exceptionally memorable experiences. People looking for extraordinary experiences can try out visiting these activity bars.
- Patrons can get opportunities to engage in friendly competitions and get good experiences.
- Activity bars have a vast variety of facilities that cater to the preferences of a wide group of people. Game enthusiasts, sports lovers and casual drinkers can find something of their choice in their activity bars.
Top 11 Activity Bars in London
1) Swingers
This famous activity bar lies at the heart of London. It is based on the theme of crazy golf and you can get exclusive street food and cocktails here. The DJ gives a lively setup to the atmosphere. In London, this activity bar is found in two locations.
- Activity Type: Crazy Golf
- Price: It is £12 per person during off-peak times, and £15 per person during peak times for a round of crazy golf. Food and drink packages start from £31 per head. Joining for street food and cocktails is free.
- Open Time: It remains closed on Sundays and Mondays. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, it remains open from 15:00 to 22:30, and from 13:30 to 00:00 on Thursdays and Fridays. On Saturdays, it has the highest working hours, and it stays open from 12:00 till 00:00.
- Locations: SWINGERS CITY: 8 Brown’s Building London EC3A 8AL. SWINGERS WEST END: 15 John Prince’s St London W1G 0AB.
2) Flight Club
Based on social darts, Flight Club is a renowned name in London. It has its outlets in various locations. You can indulge in a fun experience as you play darts and have delicious food items here. Known for its revolutionary social darts concept, Flight Club offers a fun and interactive experience with multiple dartboards, inventive cocktails, and delicious food.
- Activity Type: Social Darts
- Price: £20–30 per person
- Open Time: Different outlets have different timings. However, usually it remains open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12 pm to 12 am, and 12 pm to 1 am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, its working hours are from 12 pm to 12 am.
- Location: Various locations of Flight Club activity bars include Bloomsbury, Shoreditch, and Victoria.
3) Bounce
This activity bar is based on ping pong and features neon lighting, high-energy soundtracks, UV artwork, and high-energy music. It offers an exciting atmosphere filled with the sound of ping-pong balls and laughter. Not just ping pong players but also casual people find this activity bar worth visiting.
- Activity Type: Ping Pong
- Price: Ping Pong and Ping Pong X costs around £6 and £8 per person respectively. Around £35 per person for bottomless brunch. £6 per person for other facilities like Shuffleboard, Beer Pong, and Shuffle Rebound. Group packages start from £17 per person and birthday parties start from £25 per person.
- Open Time: It stays open from 4 pm to 12 am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On Thursdays to Saturdays, it stays open from 12 pm to 1 am, and on Sundays, it operates from 12 pm to 10 pm.
- Location: It has various locations including Battersea Power Station, Old Street and Farringdon.
4) Crazy Bear
It has venues in two locations – Fitzrovia and Covent Garden. Crazy Bear has an opulent setting. From interactive games to an energetic environment, you can enjoy exclusive Thai cuisine, cocktails, and unique ways of entertainment like live cabaret shows and burlesque shows.
- Activity Type: Fine Dining and live performances
- Price: £26 to £40 per person
- Open Time: The operating hours of Crazy Bear are 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm Wed-Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
- Location: Fitzrovia- 26-28 Whitfield St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 2RG, United Kingdom. Convent Garden: 26-28 Whitcomb Street, London WC2H 7EP, United Kingdom.
5) Ballie Ballerson
Get to feel nostalgia in this activity bar which is an adult ball pit bar. There, you can take sips of your favourite cocktails as you play with colourful balls.
- Activity Type: Ball Pit Bar
- Price: Starts from £3.
- Open Time: It stays open from 5 pm to 1 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 5 pm to 2 am on Thursdays and Fridays and for Saturdays, its working hours are from 12 pm to 2 am, while on Sundays, it opens at 2:30 pm and stays open till 12:30 am.Ll
- Location: 97-113 Curtain Rd, Hackney, London EC2A 3BS, United Kingdom.
6) Barrio Bars
Inspired by a Latin setup and located in Shoreditch, Soho, and Brixton, Barrio Bars offer exclusive cocktails, food, and a perfect atmosphere to chill out. You are bound to enjoy the DJ sets and themed nights at the Barrio Bars.
- Activity Type: Latin-Inspired Bar
- Price: £10–30 per person. However, the price per head may vary from one outlet to another.
- Open Time: The opening hours of Barrio Bars vary from branch to branch.
- Location: Shoreditch, Soho, Brixton, etc.
7) Moonshine Saloon
Get a memorable cocktail experience by visiting the exotic activity bar named Moonshine Saloon in London which has an ambience inspired by the tales of the Wild West. You can get to experience a conversation with actors in the exclusively themed backdrop as you drink your moonshine cocktail.
- Activity Type: Immersive Cocktail Experience
- Price: Starts from £37 per head.
- Open Time: Session times on different days are as follows: Wed-Thu: 7:05 pm, Fri: 7:05 pm and 9:30 pm, Saturday: 12 pm, 2.15 pm, 4:40 pm, 7:05 pm and 9:30 pm.
- Location: 28-30 Houndsditch London, EC3A 7DB, United Kingdom.
8) Simmons
This well-known activity bar has quirky decor and offers affordable drinks. Simmons bars give you an opportunity for retro gaming consoles. You can also play board games, and enjoy a laid-back vibe so that you can socialise perfectly.
- Activity Type: Retro Bar
- Price: £10 per person.
- Open Time: It stays open from 4 pm to 9 pm, while the West End Venues remain open from 3 pm to 8 pm from Sunday to Friday.
- Location: Fitzrovia, Camden, Kings Cross, etc.
9) Draughts
People, who love to play different kinds of board games, will love Draughts. It is one of the renowned cafes in London that offers a wide variety of board games. You can indulge in playing your favourite board game as you enjoy your drink and food.
- Activity Type: Board Game Cafe
- Price: £7.25-£8.5 depending on off-peak and peak hours.
- Open Time: It remains closed on Mondays, and remains open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3 pm to 11:30 pm, Thursdays from 12 pm to 11:30 pm, Fridays from 12 pm to 12 am, Saturdays from 10 am to 12 am and Sundays from 10 am to 11:30 pm.
- Location: 337 Acton Mews, Hackney, London E8 4EA, United Kingdom.
10) The Four Quarters
This activity bar has a retro arcade backdrop of retro and offers a nostalgic feeling. You get to experience classics like Pac-Mac, Street Fighter, etc.
- Activity Type: Arcade Bar
- Price: Price varies for different outlets. £1-10 for the Peckham one, while £10-20 for the Elephant Park outlet, etc.
- Open Time: It remains open on Mondays from 3 pm to 11 pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays it stays open till 11:30 pm and Thursdays till midnight, opening at the same time as on Monday. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, it opens at 12 pm and stays open till 12:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays, but closes at 9 pm on Sundays.
- Location: Several places including Peckham, Elephant Park, etc.
11) The Blues Kitchen
Get the feel of live blues music, and enjoy cuisine inspired by the South by visiting the Blues Kitchen. Treat yourself to an array of bourbon and cocktails at this bar.
- Activity Type: Live Music
- Price: £15-£19.95
- Open Time: The working hours vary for different branches at different locations. For example, the Shoreditch one opens at noon on all days from Monday to Friday and closes at midnight on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and at 1 am on Thursdays. On weekends, it opens at 11 am, closes at 3 am on Saturdays and 11:30 pm on Sundays.
- Location: Shoreditch, Camden, Brixton, etc.
Conclusion
Well, you can visit an activity bar instead of visiting a conventional bar for a mesmerizing experience. London has many such activity bars. Try visiting any one of the above activity bars for a memorable experience.
The above 11 activity bars in London have been chosen based on their popularity, unique aspects and good reviews. Visit them to take a break from your busy schedule.
