The 7 Best Activity Bars in London

Cocktails and friendly competition: London's best activity bars

Level up your nights out – literally – at London's best activity bars. Pubs, bars, and clubs can get a bit monotonous, even in a city with so much variety. Combine fun-filled activities with cocktails for the ultimate night out. London has a wide variety of activity bars and indoor games, from darts and axe throwing to full-on immersive experiences. So, whether you want to try something new or show off your skills, take a punt at London's best indoor game bars. Take a date or a mate!

7. Sixes Social Cricket

Sixes was created by two Scotsmen who created the now-chain entertainment bar to unite people across the UK with social cricket. With the Sixes trailblazer first opening in Fulham before the UK was plunged into another dreaded COVID-19 lockdown, the bar has since gone from strength to strength with several branches opening across the UK. Sixes Cricket combines sport with socialising and drinking. Here, you can find a range of traditional pub food, cocktails, beers/wines and other tipples, all housed in a convenient location in the heart of London. Not into cricket? No problem, as you can also find a variety of alternative games like pool and arcade-style games. Sixes Social Cricket is one of the best ways to enjoy a night out in London, or a fun-filled day with friends–you can host events and parties here too!

6. Flight Club

You’ll likely have already heard of Flight Club, as it’s pretty much everywhere across the UK, but the origin of the game ‘social darts’ that forms the basis of Flight Club’s appeal first began in its Shoreditch branch– and thus, a new craze was born and swept across the UK. Flight Club combines dart playing with eating, drinking and mini crowds of friends cheering you on as you attempt to hit the bullseye. While the concept of darts is not new, it’s the social aspect that makes Flight Club a pioneer. Eat, drink and socialise while playing a series of multiplayer minigames in order to score points. Don’t forget to check the leaderboard at the end to see where you ranked. What’s great about social darts is the unseriousness of it–no matter your skill level, you’re guaranteed to have fun and soak up the bustling atmosphere. 

5. F1 Arcade

Want to experience F1 in real life? This arcade lets you do so. Well, as close as you can get to actually driving the F1 cars. The only place where drinking while ‘driving’ is acceptable, the state-of-the-art simulators allow you to fully immerse yourself in the world of Formula 1 and try your hand at giving Lewis Hamilton a run for his money. Take a break from the virtual racetrack and sip on your favourite appropriately-themed cocktails or enjoy some tacos, burgers and other international cuisines. With simulators for every skill level, there’s no excuse for not jumping into the driver's seat here. Or, if you’d prefer to just stand and spectate, make sure you have your favourite tipple in your hand while you do so. 

4. Whistle Punks 

Unleash your inner viking at Whistle Punks, the place where you can take all of your anger out on the target (at a safe level and distance of course). With multiple branches across the UK, the London one is arguably the best and most iconic– and with its convenient location and reputation among locals, it’s no surprise as to why. When you’re not throwing axes, you can mingle, drink, chat and enjoy some pizza and take full advantage of the well-stocked bar. You can partake in this cool and unique concept alone, with friends, or in groups– the choice is yours, but it’s so much more fun when you have someone to compete against.

3. Swingers

The crazy golf concept is not new, with hundreds of places across the UK allowing you to tee off on the artificial links, but the Swingers bar in London is probably one of the most iconic places. If you don’t want to play golf, you can simply sit and soak up the ambience and lively atmosphere while enjoying your favourite drink, or watch other players tackle the 9-holes. With two prime locations across London, both of which are equally as worthy of their reputation as the other, you won’t want to miss out on a chance to practice your golf skills at Swingers, or enjoy a cocktail or a pint or two. 

2. Rowans 

By day, Rowans is a retro 24-lane bowling alley and karaoke bar, turning into a lively dance bar and entertainment venue by night. Not only can you practice your bowling skills and try to get a strike or spare, but you can also try your hand at a series of other fun games and enjoy a drink as you dance the night away, with regular DJs on weekends. Challenge your friends, catch up over a pint or two, flex your vocal chords with a karaoke session, or simply just sit and soak up the atmosphere. 

1. Fairgame 

Combine all the childish fun of a fairground with all the fun of being an adult, and you get one of the best and coolest bar concepts in the city. Featuring the best classic fairground games, plus creative signature cocktails and a delicious street-food style menu, Fairgame is a truly unique experience in the heart of London’s Canary Wharf. This place is always thriving and jam-packed, plus the sun-soaked terrace overlooks the water. The bar is definitely not one to miss, and you'll be recommending this place to anyone that will listen.