London’s nightlife is experiencing a vibrant transformation. While the hospitality industry, in general, is adapting to a shifting market, activity bars have taken Londoners by storm. These establishments offer everything from axe-throwing to fun house arcades that appeal to adults looking for a more interactive and engaging night of entertainment. We’ve explored some of these experiences in this guide.
Adult Gaming Arcades
The arcade scene in London has experienced a renaissance, providing classical fairground pastimes that have been given a modern twist with cutting-edge gaming technology. Fans of the online Plinko Go game have grown to know and love 1X2 Gaming’s version of a physical classic. It adds a range of multipliers to the basic format of the original game – where users drop a ball down a board of pegs and wait to see where it lands.
Those online fans will be pleased to see the game come full circle to reintroduce land-based physical variants in England. Companies like XtremeVortex make real-life floor-mounted Plinko boards that can be enjoyed socially, whereby disks are dropped down a vertical board to land in pockets with varying prizes. Other popular games available at adult gaming arcades like Fairgame in Canary Wharf include whack-a-mole, skeeball, and clown shoot.
Axe Throwing
One of the most surprising activities to emerge in the previous decade is Axe Throwing. In London, central venues such as Whistle Punks and Bad Axe Throwing provide visitors a way to blow off steam in an unconventional yet social manner. Accompanied by craft refreshments and street food, the activity is simple.
Guests are given a demonstration on how to safely and properly throw the axes at a target, then can either enjoy solo play or tournaments with friends. Head to the Oxford Circus branch of Whistle Punks to experience the largest axe-throwing venue in Europe.
Virtual Clay Shooting
There are two branches of Clays, in Moorgate and Canary Wharf, which are unique in offering virtual clay shooting. The venues use cutting-edge technology to simulate Olympic clay shooting, with players using rifle props to shoot clay disks on a large screen. This unique and competitive game can be enjoyed by up to 20 people per booth.
Sports-Themed Venues
Fans of cricket will find a lot to love at Sixes, which has four venues across London. Visitors can head to one of several technology-loaded batting cages, with five difficulty levels and automatic scoring ensuring that hitting the ball is the only focus. Of course, there are plenty of food and drink options that will appeal to adults.
Another exciting option is Bar Kick in Shoreditch, which appeals to football fans. In addition to 12 huge screens that show everything from the Premier League to rugby, visitors can compete in late-night foosball tournaments.
Bowling Alleys
Bowling has made a comeback in London albeit in a modernised and updated form. Bowling alleys like All Star Lanes and Lane7 have reinvented the experience, with laid-back and stylish environments, craft beverage menus, and gourmet dining. All Star Lanes in Shoreditch also offers karaoke booths for guests to sing to their heart’s content.
London’s nightlife continues to be a trendsetter, evolving to reflect the tastes of its locals and international visitors alike. Activity bars offer a fresh alternative to traditional nights out, with more engaging ways to socialise or compete against friends while still unwinding after a busy week.