By Luke Chapman
The time of social competitiveness has arrived, with stats showing that playing games and taking on a challenge with your friends and colleagues is the new trend across London.
As your guide to the Square Mile, we’ve had our fair share of fun after the office, taking on colleagues to prove who’s the best around (it’s always me).
We recently took our hand to some new experiences too, so we thought it was a good time to highlight some of the best things you can do after the office that are suitable for all, and offer more than just a packed pub (but of course, you can head there before or after too).
If we’re missing any, just let us know on socials and we can get them added in, find us @onecityldn. Without further ado…
Axeperience
Okay, maybe don’t go to the pub before you head to this one as it does contain a lot of sharp objects. If you want to get out some of that angst, Axeperience is a great place to go.
With their many lanes of axethrowing and different experiences for groups, it’s a sure-fire winner for after work.
Clays the City
This one is a unique experience! Based on clay pigeon shooting, but with interactive screens and motion sensors.
From minigames and pirate ships, you’ll go on a quest with your gun and a dream, along with some good food and great cocktails (which is safe; nothing actually gets fired!).
We can speak from personal experience; it's a great one to get along to.
Dabbers Social Bingo
You’ve definitely seen it on your Instagram feed, and you probably have a friend who has won an air fryer from this party.
Dabbers Bingo has a home in the City of London, and it’s the BEST place for an absolute lark after work or on the weekend. Think huge-scale fun and games, and big prizes to be won.
F1 Arcade
For the racing fans. The high-octane F1 arcade will put you in the hot seat as an F1 driver. Think Mario Kart on steroids.
But don’t worry, you don’t need to be into the sport to enjoy the racing and competitiveness; it’s fun to get your hands on the gear stick and show them who’s best.
Fairgame City
Okay, we’re definitely biased, but Fairgame City is 100x better than the one in Canary Wharf (but both are very fun).
This is a self-proclaimed place for grown-up children, and having tried it ourselves, it’s fair to agree. Grab a cocktail, a bag of candy floss, and head back to your childhood.
Check out our visit there on Instagram.
Farigame One New Change.
Poolhouse
Hot off the press, Poolhouse just opened last week near Liverpool Street, and it’s already a winner. We were one of the first down there, and we cannot recommend it enough!
It’s bang for your buck, pool like you’ve never seen before, and a great way to bring joy to the whole group. You don’t need to be into the game to enjoy your time here, as the minigames make it about anything and everything, so it’s certain to bring some smiles.
We made the visit ourselves, so you can watch our experience on Instagram.
Puttshack
Mini golf, but on another level. Puttshack isn’t your run-of-the-(wind)mill mini golf place, with tech to make your game easier and no scorecards required, it definitely took us by surprise when we first went.
With unlimited options for an evening, and a very swish bar area, you can set yourself up here for a good Friday night.
Watch our experience of Puttshack over on our Instagram page.
Quiz Room
Ever fancied yourself a TV Quiz star? Now’s your chance with Quiz Room! You’ll enter a quiz room like never before, with interactive TVs, a host, and a fierce competitiveness you’ll struggle to find anywhere else.
This is a fantastic option for all, where you can choose your own categories, join a music quiz, or make it family-friendly! Watch our time as TV Superstars on Instagram.
London Sports Festival
Every summer the City comes alive with London Sports Festival. Last year we saw a football pitch take over the Guildhall courtyard, a padel court right in front of St Paul's and padel table tennis in bars around the area.
This year, a similar lineup is expected, so there’ll be plenty of opportunity to get stuck in, try something new, fill your lunch break, and become the victor of the friend group.
Our Instagram reel shows a taster of what the festival has to offer.
@centrallondonalliance