9 Of The Most Exciting Arcades In London
This post is part of our archived content. While we’ve shifted focus, it still may be useful.
Looking for something a little different? Try a night out at one of these exciting arcades in London.
From traditional arcade games to virtual reality arcade adventures, London’s arcades push the button on a new era of socialising with friends and family.
Add a fantastic cocktail, a slice of lemon over rimmed glasses and have a go on one of the arcade games.
London’s dynamic arcades accommodate game lovers of all kinds and most include the latest state-of-the-art gaming technologies.
Check out these arcade adventures for some inspiration:
25-35 Fisherman’s Walk, Canary Wharf, London E14 4DH
Fairgame aims to bring you back to the funfairs of your youth and they do that exceedingly well!
Games on offer include Roll-A-Ball Derby, Skeeball, Shoot the Clown and Whac-A-Mole.
Once you’ve had your fill of games, chow down at Burger & Beyond, Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana or Dos Mas Tacos.
Bear in mind this is a card-only, adults-only venue so make sure you leave little Timmy at home!
They have an events pack if you want to hire the place out for a private party or work do.
91 Wardour Street, W1F 0UB
Experience the glitz and glamour of the bustling city of Las Vegas at this snazzy arcade.
There is something for every age, including a versatile collection of Japanese video games.
Adults can take their chances in the casino playroom while the kids enjoy casual street games, racing, and dancing.
The place is next to Chinatown, filled with yummy food options for after gaming.
Hackney Wick, Peckham + Elephant & Castle
Relive childhood memories at this retro game centre.
Four Quarters is a fun ‘barcade’ with an excellent choice of cocktails and an American grill that hits the right spot.
It’s the perfect spot to unwind with your mates or colleagues or even as a second date with a fellow game lover.
Situated in three London locations, Four Quarters is a daring arcade spot for the locals and one of our favourites to visit to chill with friends and let off steam.
We like the sun-doused beer garden at Hackney Wick and DJ club nights in Peckham.
Games on offer range from Pinball to role-playing retro games like Alien vs Predator, to fight games like Star Wars and a round of Street Fighter.
53-54 Berwick Street, Soho, W1F 8SP
If you want to experience a scene from an 80s film, NQ64 Soho will deliver that and more.
It’s a vintage, vibrant neon paint and graffiti venue loaded with the best choices of retro arcade games. Strictly for adults only.
NQ64 has eight locations in the UK and continuously delivers exciting games and an extensive drinks menu.
Games on offer include classics like Pacman, Guitar Hero, Donkey Kong, and Mario Kart.
51 Lavender Gardens, London SW11 1DJ
Head to this Battersea pub for arcade games, karaoke, virtual reality and comedy with a side helping of fabulous food and drinks.
From single-player to multi-player games such as skeeball, dance mats, and virtual reality, there’s an activity for pretty much everyone.
You can just walk in to use the Arcade – no booking required – with all of the activities available on a pay-as-you-play basis.
1a Princeton Street, WC1R 4AX
Dare I say that Novelty Automation will knock your socks off?
With a crest that says Reductio Ad Absurdum, you know this isn’t your run-of-the-mill arcade.
With hand-built machines from engineer-turned-cartoonist Tim Hunkin, the place is a mixture of arcade, museum and art gallery.
Wandsworth High St, London SW18 4TF
Gravity Wandsworth has three floors jampacked with mini golf, digital darts, bowling, and a range of state-of-the-art arcade activities.
The food menu is extensive; burgers, pizza, Italian, salads – it’s all here.
44-46 North End, Road, Croydon CR0 1UG
Heart of Gaming is a retro gaming lounge offering arcade games such as Pinball and Street Fighter.
Vintage consoles at your disposal include the Nintendo 64 and SNES.
Currently, there are over 60 retro games for your gaming pleasure and the place is constantly looking to upgrade and add new games and activities.
For £20, you can have access to unlimited gameplay.
Battersea Power Station, Camden + Hammersmith
No gaming centre provides an immersive gaming experience like the DNA virtual reality arcade.
You’ll be transported to a futuristic world outside of the present reality.
With plenty of virtual adventures to embark on – from puzzle games to action role-playing games – DNA VR offers a virtual experience like no other for both seasoned and beginner gamers.
The staff are super helpful and available to help you have the best gaming adventure possible.
Prices range between £20 to 40 per hour for individual gameplay.