Game On! These Are Best Arcades In London
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6 months ago
Healthy competition, but make it retro
Inspired by Stranger Things, or just looking to experience the retro revolution authentically? These are the best arcades in London, whether you’re looking for cocktail accompaniments, date-night spots or vintage machines. From Soho to Shoreditch, these spots provide everything from retro games to VR experiences.
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Best Arcades In London
F1® Arcade London, St Paul’s
Is this heaven? It might be for motor racing fans. F1® Arcade London provides 17,000 sqft of arcade space dedicated entirely to high-tech racing games simulating the real thrill of an F1 racetrack. The space is filled with 69 specially created racing simulators, plus visitors can enjoy a range of delicious food alongside cocktails, beers and – in true F1 fashion – champagne. (Maybe don’t spray your bottle over all of your mates when you defeat them, though.)
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Details: 1 New Change, London EC4M 9AF. Prices from £15.95 per driver. f1arcade.com
Las Vegas Arcade Soho, Soho
Specialising in Japanese video games, this retro arcade – tucked beneath a casino – is best known for its Dance Dance Revolution game, plus vibrant surroundings. Head here for the best arcade atmosphere while going head-to-head with your mates across multiplayer machines, classic games and simulators.
Details: Basement, 89, 91 Wardour St, London W1F 0UB
Immersive Game Box, Shoreditch & Wandsworth
Take it up a notch at Immersive Game Box, where groups of up to six players can come together in a unique, interactive and sensory environment. It’s a perfect option for families, with motion tracking, projection mapping, touch screens and surround sound completely immersing little ones in a breathtaking VR world – all through the lense of PAW Patrol and Angry Birds. Meanwhile, grown ups can enjoy the likes of Squid Game and Psychedelic Mansion. All games are physical activities requiring movement and reflexes, but they’re not physically demanding.
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Details: 2a & 2b Principal Pl, Worship St, London EC2A 2BA & GRAVITY Wandsworth Southside, Wandsworth High St, London SW18 4TF. immersivegamebox.com
The Heart of Gaming, Croydon
Arcade games, video games, pinball machines: The Heart of Gaming really has, well, gaming at its heart, hosting events, tournaments and parties, with a pledge to keep the arcade scene alive and kicking. Step inside to find over 60 machines and more than 20 consoles – spanning retro to the latest bits of kit – complete with two pool tables. Why not gather your mates for an all-day marathon? The all-day wrist band allows you to leave the venue for lunch, a snack or just some fresh air between games.
Details: 44-46 N End Road, London, Croydon CR0 1UG. £20 for an adult all-day pass. heartofgaming.co.uk
The Four Quarters, Elephant & Castle, Hackney & Peckham
Head to any of London’s three Four Quarters arcades, and you’re in for an evening of craft beer, cocktails, retro games, and classic ‘80s and ‘90s Americana vibes. All venues have a great atmosphere, perfect for date night, birthdays and everything in between.
Details: Venues in Peckham (187 Rye Ln, London SE15 4TW), Hackney (Unit 8, International Broadcast Centre, E Bay Ln, London E15 2GW) and Elephant & Castle (20 Ash Ave, London SE17 1AZ). fourquarters.bar
Queens Skate Dine Bowl, Notting Hill
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If you’re trying to reminisce about the classic arcades you visited as a child complete with air hockey and racing games, you’ll want to visit this legendary leisure venue, which has a vibrant arcade tucked alongside a mouth-watering restaurant, ice skating rink and bowling alley.
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Details: 17 Queensway, London W2 4QP. queens.london
Platform, Shoreditch & Canary Wharf
It’s all about video gaming at Platform, which has two London venues: one in Shoreditch, and one in Canary Wharf. In the former, expect eight gaming booths equipped with PS5 and Nintendo Switch consoles, plus a 10-person esports stage. At Canary Wharf, the fun is spread across two floors with over 20 gaming booths. At both, enjoy a great selection of beer, bubbly, cocktails and pizzas all set amid a colourful space with some semi-private hangout spaces.
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Details: 2b Worship St, London EC2A 2AH & Unit 40, 1 Crossrail Place, London E14 5AR. experienceplatform.co.uk
Babylon Park, Camden
With an outer-space theme, this amusement park spreads over two floors in Camden Market Hawley Wharf, and emulates a fairground experience, with a mini roller coaster, bumper cars and a ferris wheel. Over in the arcade, expect hundreds of thrilling games, spanning classic arcade games to interactive games to air hockey. Don’t worry about scraping your coins together: all attractions can be accessed using a card, bracelet or the Babylon Park app.
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Details: 8 Castlehaven Rd, London NW1 8QU. babylonpark.com
