Top Video Game Bars In London
As we eagerly await EGX, London's go-to gaming expo, we thought it would be great to spotlight some amazing gaming experiences you can enjoy in the city. Gone are the days when gaming was seen as an isolated hobby; it's now a colossal part of modern culture and entertainment. So, if you find yourself in London with some spare change, don't waste it on in-game purchases.
Instead, why not explore the best arcades in London or kick back at one of our top 5 video game bars?
Loading Bar, Dalston
Dalston’s Loading Bar is a gamer’s paradise. Upstairs, board games galore await you, while downstairs is a haven of video gaming. From PS4s to Xbox Ones to Switches and even some retro gems like the N64 and a Neo Geo arcade cabinet, it's got it all. Also, it's an arcade bar London locals and tourists alike should check out, especially for its game-themed cocktails based on big gaming franchises.
Four Quarters East, Hackney Wick
If you’re hanging around East London, Four Quarters East in Hackney Wick is the place to be. Specialising in craft beer and retro gaming, London fans rave about it. Here, arcade cabinets and console booths offer a range of old-school titles to play, making it one of the best gaming arcades London offers for a nostalgic experience.
Meltdown, Caledonian Road
Boasting an impressive 27 bars across the globe, Meltdown’s e-sports brand of bar is already a big hit. Unlike the other bars on this list, Meltdown caters predominantly to the more competitive side of gaming.
In fact, they host e-sports tournaments, giving attendees the chance to meet their favourite streamers. All of their tournaments are hosted on Twitch too. But even if you’re not MLG, or don’t fancy spectating, there are a slew of consoles to play and, of course, a large assortment of beverages.
Otherworld, Haggerston
While classing Otherworld as a bar might be a stretch, it’s an unmissable experience for anyone interested in the cutting edge of gaming tech – virtual reality. Otherworld whisks you away to another world, and that’s before you’ve even put the headset on. Entering its rather inconspicuous location beneath a railway bridge is like walking onto the set of Westworld’s labs, crossed with an Apple store.
14 sleek white booths stand around the edge of the room, with tables (and built-in iPads) along the middle. Once you’re greeted and run through a quick explanation of the tech and what you can expect, you enter one of the booths and are transported to Otherworld.
Otherworld is a fantastical hub-world where you access a large number of VR experiences, from novice titles to more demanding games like Arizona Sunshine and Superhot. One of the first things you notice is that the built-in aircon simulates wind, so when you stand on a mountain top you will feel the wind in your face. It has to be ‘seen’ to be believed.
After you’re done, you can take a seat and order snacks and drinks, courtesy of the built-in iPad. Otherworld is the future of entertainment, today. Go.
So, what’s the score?
That wraps up our list of the top 5 best video game bars and gaming arcades in London. And while you're here, did you know that London has its very own travelling gaming bus?
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