The 4 best arcade bars and lounges in London

For those seeking a change of pace in the capital, London's retro gaming lounges and simulator bars offer an engaging combination of nostalgia and modern hospitality. The city features a diverse range of venues, from basement arcades filled with restored vintage cabinets to high-tech environments housing advanced motion simulators. Whether looking to play classic titles from past decades or race on virtual tracks, these destinations cater to casual gamers and enthusiasts alike.

Below is our curated guide to the four premier arcade bars and gaming lounges in London.

1. Las Vegas Arcade Soho

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Contact details: +44 20 7287 2157

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 1:30 AM

Price: £

Soho: Situated on Wardour Street in Soho, Las Vegas Arcade Soho is a long-standing fixture of the central London gaming scene, located within walking distance of Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. The venue is split over two levels, with the ground floor focusing on traditional slot machines and the basement level housing a wide array of arcade games. Visitors can play rhythm and dance games, classic driving cabinets, and various multiplayer titles.

Pro tip: Be sure to try the imported Bishi Bishi Special cabinet for a unique, fast-paced challenge, or team up with friends on the multiplayer shooting cabinets.

2. NQ64 Arcade Bar, Soho

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Website

Contact details: +44 20 4599 3268

Operating hours:

• Monday to Tuesday: 3:00 PM to 3:00 AM
• Wednesday: 2:00 PM to 3:00 AM
• Thursday: 2:30 PM to 3:00 AM
• Friday: 3:00 PM to 3:00 AM
• Saturday: 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Price: ££

NQ64 on Berwick Street combines retro gaming with a lively bar environment, characterized by its signature neon graffiti and ultraviolet lighting. The venue features thirty-one arcade cabinets, pinball tables, and several classic consoles. Visitors can play iconic games such as Street Fighter and Mario Kart, with vintage home consoles free to use while the main arcade cabinets operate via a token system. The bar offers themed cocktails alongside food options.

Pro tip: For larger gatherings, the venue can accommodate up to three hundred and fifty guests, with private hire options available for corporate events and celebrations.

3. F1® Arcade London

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Website

Contact details: +44 20 3834 3540

Operating hours:

• Monday to Tuesday: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
• Wednesday: 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
• Thursday: 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
• Friday: 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Price: ££

F1® Arcade at 1 New Change near St Paul's offers a high-performance racing experience. The venue features sixty motion-platform simulators designed to simulate the dynamics of driving a Formula 1 car. Guests can race head-to-head against friends or practice individually on virtual representations of famous international tracks. The venue also screens live Grand Prix races, hosting watch parties on race weekends.

Pro tip: Food and beverages can be ordered directly to your simulator, allowing you to dine and refresh without pausing your booking.

4. Four Quarters Elephant Park

Media credits: fourquartersep

Website

Contact details: +44 7379 629909

Operating hours:

• Monday: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• Tuesday to Thursday: 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
• Friday: 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
• Saturday: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Price: ££

Four Quarters Elephant Park in south London blends a craft beer bar with retro gaming facilities. The venue houses over thirty restored arcade cabinets, including classic titles like Donkey Kong, and features large projector screens for multiplayer tournaments. Private booths are also available, equipped with vintage consoles such as the original Xbox and PlayStation 2 for a more relaxed casual gaming experience.

Pro tip: The bar features sixteen draft craft beers on tap alongside a diner-style food menu, making it an ideal spot to take a break between gaming sessions.