Best Arcade Bars In London
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London is a city that never stops innovating, especially when it comes to its nightlife.
If you’re looking to spice up your evenings with something a little different, why not dive into the electrifying world of arcade bars?
From nostalgic games that whisk you back to the golden era of arcades to modern twists with crazy golf and VR experiences, London’s arcade bars offer something for everyone.
Whether you’re a die-hard gamer or just looking for a quirky night out with friends, these spots blend the best of drinks, games, and atmosphere into unforgettable experiences.
Here are the best arcade bars in London, where you can sip on a craft cocktail, strike a hole-in-one, or immerse yourself in another reality.
Ready to level up your night out? Let’s hit play!
Best Arcade Bars In London At A Glance
Four Quarters - Multiple locations in London, see all here.
The Heart of Gaming - 44-46 N End, Road, London, Croydon, CR0 1UG.
Brewdog Outpost, Tower Hill - 21 Great Tower St, London, EC3R 5AR.
Plonk - Multiple locations in London, see all here.
Boom Battle Bar - Multiple locations in London, see all here.
1. Four Quarters
Four Quarters Arcade Bar is a popular arcade bar venue with five locations including the eclectic neighbourhoods of Peckham and Elephant & Castle.
This arcade bar takes you on a pixelated journey back in time with a variety of original arcade and pinball machines.
The walls are lined with everything from lovingly restored classic arcade machines, featuring games from the ‘70s to the late ‘90s like Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and Time Crisis 2, to vintage consoles perfect for battling your best pals.
Thirsty? At Four Quarters you can sip on a bespoke cocktail named after your favourite 8-bit character, such as Donkey Kong!
This spot also provides a selection of craft beers, classic and house cocktails, and a menu of diner-style classics like burgers and hot dogs.
Address: Multiple locations in London, see all here.
The Heart of Gaming is a popular arcade bar located in Croydon, London.
The Heart of Gaming stands out from the usual video game arcades by opting for a flat entry fee, which lets you play as much as you want on any machine during your visit.
This setup provides a budget-friendly gaming experience, moving away from the traditional pay-per-play model found in most arcades.
With a lively lineup of fighting game tournaments and nostalgia-filled retro gaming nights, The Heart of Gaming is a perfect spot for both competitive gamers and those longing to re-experience their joystick-wielding days.
The arcade is packed with a mix of retro and modern games, ranging from classic titles like Street Fighter II and Daytona USA to newer games and Japanese rhythm games.
In addition to arcade machines, The Heart of Gaming also features a variety of consoles, including the SNES, Megadrive, N64, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
The laid-back vibe is complemented by a selection of craft beers and snacks, making it a perfect hangout for gamers and their cheer squads.
Address: 44-46 N End, Road, London, Croydon, CR0 1UG
Who said breweries can’t have a playful twist?
Located in the historic Tower Hill area, BrewDog Outpost isn’t just serving up their famed craft beers; they’re upping the ante with arcade classics.
Since opening its doors in 2018, it has carved out a niche as the pioneering Brew Pub in the BrewDog family.
The venue buzzes with energy, boasting an awesome games room complete with shuffleboards and arcade games, creating a fun and interactive space where you can sip on something special from among the 33 craft beers on tap or dive into the culinary delights of the well-stocked deli fridges.
Challenge your friends to a game of Space Invaders between sips of hoppy goodness, and if you’re feeling adventurous, their menu of hearty burgers is a win-win.
Address: 21 Great Tower St, London, EC3R 5AR
Loading Bar in Peckham is one of the trendiest spots in London for gamers and those looking to enjoy a night out with a touch of interactive fun.
It’s a gaming bar that blends the comfort of a good pub with the excitement of a gaming arcade, offering a unique entertainment experience.
The bar’s atmosphere is designed to feel like you’re hanging out in a friend’s living room complete with board games, video games, and an inventive cocktail menu inspired by pop culture.
It’s laid-back and inviting, with comfortable seating areas that include couches and lounge spaces.
The decor is heavily influenced by gaming culture, featuring gaming memorabilia and neon lighting, creating a casual, geek-chic vibe.
Address: 120 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JT
Not your average activity bar—Plonk is a feast for the senses, especially if you love a bit of competitive fun.
Plonk has several locations around London, including in areas like Camden, Shoreditch, and Hackney. Each venue has its own unique vibe but maintains the colourful and eclectic decor that Plonk is known for.
The environments are designed to be funky and casual, with vibrant colours and quirky design elements that provide a backdrop for fun and Insta-worthy snaps.
Plonk is the go-to for not just arcade games, but also crazy golf and other quirky activities.
Whether you’re sinking a putt or dominating at pinball, Plonk ensures a lively outing with friends.
Address: Multiple locations in London, see all here.
F1 Arcade, situated near the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral is a high-octane bar and a dream come true for motorsports fans and casual visitors alike, offering state-of-the-art racing simulators alongside classic arcade games in a fun and immersive environment.
The interior design mirrors the sleek, high-tech feel of a Formula 1 paddock or pit lane, complete with modern furnishings and racing memorabilia.
The atmosphere is charged with excitement, especially during live races and events, making it feel like you’re at the heart of an F1 Grand Prix.
The venue features a menu of gourmet bites, from small snacks perfect for eating between races to more substantial meals that can fuel a night of competition.
The bar serves a selection of craft cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic options, many of which are creatively themed around motorsports.
Address: 1 New Change, London, EC4M 9AF
Imagine a bar where you can sip on a craft beer brewed onsite, race remote control cars, and escape to a VR world—all under one roof.
The Four Thieves in Battersea is just that: a sprawling venue filled with games from laser tag to vintage arcade classics, but if the weather is nice you can chill out in their outdoor space too.
Additionally, The Four Thieves also hosts a variety of events and entertainment options. From comedy nights and live music to quiz nights and themed events, there’s always something happening.
The eclectic mix of entertainment options makes it an ideal spot for those who want a bit of everything, ensuring no two visits are ever the same.
Address: 51 Lavender Gardens, London, SW11 1JW
NQ64 Soho is a vibrant and trendy arcade bar located in the heart of London’s Soho district.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of games, from timeless arcade hits like Pac-Man and Space Invaders to beloved console classics on the Nintendo, Sega, and PlayStation.
The arcade machines are token-operated, which adds to the authentic arcade experience.
The interior of NQ64 Soho is decorated with neon lights and graffiti, creating an edgy, underground vibe that transports visitors back in time.
The walls are adorned with retro memorabilia, and the dim lighting complements the neon to enhance the immersive arcade experience.
Address: 256, 260 Old St, London, EC1V 9DD
Situated in the artsy neighbourhood of Shoreditch, Glitch Bar offers a cosy, more intimate setting filled with retro arcade machines and console games.
The decor is a nostalgic nod to the golden era of gaming, with vintage posters and neon lights lining the walls.
The selection of games includes everything from timeless arcade favourites to multiplayer console games, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Beyond its impressive lineup of video games, Glitch Bar serves up a tempting selection of craft beers, artisan cocktails, and classic comfort food, all curated to complement your gaming adventure.
The cocktails, whimsically named after video game icons, add a playful twist to the menu, making each sip a part of the fun.
Address: 2-4 Paul St, London, EC2A 4JH
Boom Battle Bar bursts onto the scene with a distinctly vibrant and competitive twist.
Located in Wandsworth (and other locations throughout London), this bar isn’t just about sipping drinks—it’s about diving headfirst into a world of interactive and often hilarious games.
Boom Battle Bar raises the stakes with a variety of activities such as axe throwing, augmented reality darts, and crazy golf, all designed to get your competitive juices flowing.
Whether you’re there to unleash your inner child or to enjoy a grown-up night out with a twist, Boom Battle Bar makes sure every visit is memorable, filled with action, and, most importantly, a whole lot of fun.
Address: Multiple locations in London, see all here.
Fairgame is an arcade bar located in Canary Wharf that promises a unique twist on the traditional bar experience by blending social gaming with a fun, party-like atmosphere.
Fairgame offers a wide variety of games, from classic arcade machines and pinball to more contemporary group activities like duckpin bowling, shuffleboard, and crazy golf—perfect for a night out with friends, birthday parties, or corporate events.
At the bar, you’ll find a tempting selection of drinks ranging from craft beers and creative cocktails to other refreshing beverages.
They also serve up a tasty menu of casual eats that are just right for sharing, making sure you’ve got plenty of fuel to keep playing and socialising all night long.
Whether you’re aiming for a high score or just a high time, it’s a venue that adds a playful spin to the typical nightlife scene.
Address: 25 Fishermans Walk, London, E14 4DH
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London’s arcade bars are so much more than a simple throwback to the past; they’re a unique mix of fun, nostalgia, and innovation, ideal for spicing up your usual evening out.
So, next time you’re planning a night out, why not hit up one of these arcade bars for a dose of fun that’s sure to be anything but ordinary?
