The 8 best arcades in London for a fun day out with family and friends
With so many activities under the sun that count for a fun day out, choosing which one to do with family or friends can feel overwhelming. From thinking of having a picnic at the beach to picking a good movie for movie night, you may start to wonder, “What else can we do?”
If you ask me, a trip to the arcade might just be the perfect change of scenery you’re looking for.
Parents can take their kids on a nostalgic journey back to the days of Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, while friends can bond over VR games, drinks, or even karaoke.
But of course, not just any arcade will do—you’ll want the best arcades in London that are home to both retro and modern games. After multiple rounds in these spots, you’ll surely go home with a smile on your face and a desire to come back for more!
1. Four Quarters – London Bridge
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Website: https://fourquarters.bar/
Address: 68 Union St
Contact details: +44 7840 005512
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday and Wednesday – 4 PM – 11 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 4 PM – 12 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM – 12 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM – 8 PM
You can find Four Quarters London Bridge in an industrial railway arch in Southwark Quarter. Inside, over 25 original arcade machines, vintage console booths, large-screen projection gaming, and classic cocktails (for the adults) await you to enjoy.
The games run on real American quarters, which you can purchase at the bar. As you move from one machine to another, it’s also a great chance for kids to get a glimpse of gaming history—especially with some machines dating back as far as 45 years.
They regularly host parties, too! From birthdays to full-on work outings, their spacious interiors, long tables, and classic indie or rock tunes in an underground bar setting make for a social space where you can have a fun and lively celebration.
Pro tip:
To ensure you have the best time at Four Quarters London Bridge, here are a couple of things you should remember:
Peak-time bookings – While walk-ins are fine, we recommend booking here in advance during their peak times (Thursday to Saturday) to avoid disappointment. This is especially important for large group bookings and private hires.
Under 18s until 7 PM – Kids and minors can only stay at the venue until 7:00 PM, given that they’re accompanied by a responsible adult. Also, small children aren’t allowed to play on machines without supervision.
Challenge 25 policy – If you look under 25, the staff will ask you to provide a valid ID. Failing to do so means you won’t be able to purchase alcoholic drinks at the bar, even though you’re over 18.
2. Las Vegas Arcade Soho
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LasVegasArcadeSoho
Address: Basement, 89, 91 Wardour St
Contact details: +44 20 7287 2157
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM – 1:30 AM
Believe it or not, Las Vegas Arcade Soho is one of the few remaining pure arcades in London. Instead of bar-style entertainment, it focuses entirely on gaming—featuring Japanese multiplayer video game machines, dance simulators, and more.
It’s often a busy time here, even more so at night, with its basement location adding to the excitement. Groups of friends after work or school and families strolling by after dinner are drawn in to drum to the beat of Taiko no Tatsujin or battle it out in Tekken.
At Las Vegas Arcade, there’s no entry fee—you simply pay to play! The tightly packed, colorful machines glowing under neon lights give off an authentic arcade feel, where you might find yourself seated next to hardcore gamers.
Pro tip:
Most machines operate on £1 per play, and while there’s a change machine available, having coins ready will save you time. Moreover, weekday afternoons are the best time to go if you want fewer crowds and easier access to your favorite games.
3. Novelty Automation
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Website: https://novelty-automation.com/
Address: 1A Princeton St
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday – 11 AM – 6 PM
- Thursday – 12 PM – 8 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM – 6 PM
Novelty Automation isn’t your typical arcade. Here, you’ll find machines you’ve never seen or heard of before, such as ‘Money Laundering’, where you scoop up cash and sneak it past regulators, and ‘Divorce’, a race to separate and see how things unfold.
In other words, it’s a collection of satirical, homemade arcade games that mix humor and engineering. No wonder visitors—whether with friends or family—always have a good laugh, as every corner has something delightfully unexpected.
The newest game, ‘Travel by Tube’, lets you insert tokens and choose ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for eye contact, revealing the unspoken awkwardness of riding the Tube. It’s a fitting addition, given Novelty’s proximity to Holborn and Chancery Lane stations.
Pro tip:
Novelty Automation is free to enter, but you’ll need 34 tokens at the cost of £27 to try every machine. Be sure to mark your calendars for bar evening every first Thursday of the month to enjoy the quirky games with a drink in hand.
4. NQ64 – Shoreditch
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Website: https://nq64.co.uk/shoreditch/
Address: 256, 260 Old St
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 3 PM – 2 AM
- Friday – 3 PM – 3 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM – 2 AM
You’ll be taking your pick from 45 arcade machines, two pinball machines, and eight retro consoles at NQ64’s branch in Shoreditch. You need tokens to play the machines, while the consoles are free and best enjoyed with a drink.
Parents with grown-up kids (18 and above) can enjoy a carefree family game night here. And for an extra fun twist, you can even toast with their game-themed cocktails, like Mountain Doom, Sweet Fighter II, and Kong Island Iced Tea.
Open late seven days a week on Old Street, get ready to play retro classics such as Tetris, Point Blank, and Time Crisis 3. Or, settle in under the neon lights and dive into Nintendo, XBox, or PlayStation.
Pro tip:
NQ64 in Shoreditch is strictly for 18 and above, so bring a valid ID upon entry. They also have a smart-casual dress code—tracksuits and jogging bottoms are discouraged.
5. The Four Thieves
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Website: https://www.fourthieves.pub/
Address: 51 Lavender Gardens
Contact details: +44 20 7223 6927
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12 PM – 12 AM
- Friday – 12 PM – 2 AM
- Saturday – 11 AM – 2 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM – 10:30 PM
We’re not exaggerating when we say The Four Thieves has it all—gaming, dining, and entertainment. Classic arcade enthusiasts can go straight to the Time Crisis, Point Blank, and Dance Dance Revolution cabinets.
Meanwhile, those who are in the mood to slay zombies or practice archery can do so in the VR stations available. Not to mention the Moonshine Raceway, where you can have a friendly competition with your friends on professional remote-controlled vehicles.
Their private karaoke rooms can also accommodate parties of 15 to 40. And to keep you energized throughout a late night of fun, there’s an on-site pizzeria serving freshly baked sourdough pizzas—just don’t forget to bring your under-18s home before 8:00 PM!
Pro tip:
Every day, The Four Thieves offers activities to upgrade your arcade adventure. So, make the most of your visit with these fun and exciting events:
Champers and pampers (Mondays at 2 PM) – This event is for parents who’d like to meet like-minded people and are happy to drink during the day. Here, you can bring your baby as you learn all about wines—book here!
The big quiffy pub quiz (Tuesdays from 8:30 PM) – If you’d like your general knowledge tested or take part in music and picture rounds, try this! Simply gather a maximum team size of six and pay £2.50 per player.
Laugh train home (Wednesdays from 8:30 PM) – For a good laugh after a competitive night in the arcade, this comedy night features international stand-up comedians to lighten your mood. Grab your tickets here!
Music for the thieves (Friday and Saturday nights) – Complement your retro arcade experience with The Four Thieves’ in-house mix of disco, indie, and classic hits. With resident DJs setting the vibe, expect a party-ready atmosphere.
6. Rowans Tenpin Bowl
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Website: https://rowans.co.uk/
Address: 10 Stroud Green Rd, Finsbury Park
Contact details: +44 20 8800 1950
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 10:30 AM – 2 AM
Rowans Tenpin Bowl adds 24 bowling lanes to your morning or late-night arcade plans—plus a karaoke bar, 14 electronic pool tables, and a wide dance floor where DJs spin your music requests and other cool club beats.
The vibe at Rowans is slightly nostalgic, with its retro decor and neon lighting. But come the weekend, the energy shifts—you and your friends might find yourselves swept up in the lively, almost nightclub-like atmosphere.
Though it may sound like an adults-only place, Rowans hosts children’s parties, as well! Kids can celebrate while getting a taste of the gaming scene, starting with old-school favorites like Dance Dance Revolution and air hockey.
Pro tip:
Always allow enough time to check in at the control desk, preferably 15 minutes before your start time. There are also various ways to make your booking—online through their homepage, by calling +44 20 8800 1950, or via email at [email protected].
7. Fairgame
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Website: https://www.wearefairgame.com/
Address: 25-35 Fishermans Walk, Canary Wharf
Contact details: +44 20 4599 3666
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday and Wednesday – 11:30 AM – 12 AM
- Thursday and Friday – 11:30 AM – 1 AM
- Saturday – 10:30 AM – 1 AM
- Sunday – 10:30 AM – 12 AM
No need to bring the kids to Fairgame because, here, you’ll be the kid again! This Canary Wharf arcade spot reinvents classic fairground games from your childhood (or your parents’) with a modern tech twist.
Upon arrival, you’ll receive a personalized RFID card, granting access to your pre-paid games for a 75-minute session. And when you win, giant pink stuffed bears and bragging rights become your prize.
To quench your thirst, you can pull up to the Bumper Bar for ice-cold beers and cocktails. Even better, Fairgame has teamed up with Burger & Beyond, Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana, and Taco Collective to bring you some of London’s best street food to pair with your drinks.
Pro tip:
When you book, you’ll be given an arrival time—about 30 minutes before the games start—so you can grab a drink before you play. For a more relaxed experience, it’s best to eat after the games so you don’t feel rushed!
Furthermore, Fairgame hosts special events for every occasion, from Mother’s Day to romantic dates and bachelorette parties. Check out their full lineup here.
8. The Heart of Gaming
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Website: https://www.heartofgaming.co.uk/
Address: 44-46 N End, Road
Contact details: +44 7707 929453
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – closed
- Friday to Sunday – 12 PM – 7 PM
Located on a bustling high street in Croydon, parents go to The Heart of Gaming with their kids to play in the free arcade machines and consoles. And by free, we mean no coins are needed—just pay the entrance fee!
After reliving arcade gaming history in The Simpsons or Daytona USA, you can move on to Japanese rhythm games like Maimai and Project Diva. To top it off, their consoles, such as the N64 classics, PS5, and Dreamcast, are available to enjoy.
You can also rent The Heart of Gaming for birthday parties, whether for a child or a gamer friend. With over 60 machines under one roof, it’s also an exciting destination for students to take an educational trip through the evolution of gaming.
Pro tip:
Once you’ve paid the entry fee and received your one-day wristband, keep it safe! It’s your pass to unlimited gaming for the day—lose it, and you’ll have to pay again for a new one.
Comparison of London arcades
| Arcade | Game selection | Age restriction | Pricing |
| Four Quarters – London Bridge | Alien vs. Predator, Asteroids, Godzilla Pinball, Ms. Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Tekken 6 | Under 18s (until 7 PM)25+ (required for alcohol purchase) | £10-£20 |
| Las Vegas Arcade Soho | Taiko no Tatsujin, Dance Dance Revolution, Tekken, Wangan Midnight, Pump It Up | All ages | £1 per play |
| Novelty Automation | Alien Probe, Money Laundering, Microbreak, Divorce, My-Nuke, Autofrisk | All ages | £5-£27 |
| NQ64 – Shoreditch | Terminator 2, Star Wars Trilogy Arcade, Point Blank, Street Fighter II, Tetris, Nintendo 64 | 18+ only | £10-£20 |
| The Four Thieves | Moonshine Raceway, Dance Dance Revolution, Time Crisis, VR zombie slaying/archery | All ages Under 18s (until 8 PM) | £20-£30 |
| Rowans | Dance Dance Revolution, air hockey, bowling | All agesUnder 18s (until 7 PM) | £1-£9 |
| Fairgame | Roll-a-Ball Derby, Skeeball, Clown-Shoot, Alley Hoop, Circus Freak | 18+ only | £15-£19 |
| The Heart of Gaming | The Simpsons, Ghost Squad, Daytona USA, Maimai, PS5 | All ages | £10-£20 |