The 10 best arcades to try in London for an unforgettable gaming experience
Stepping into a good arcade should feel like time travel—either a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of gaming or a thrilling leap into the future. As gamers and retro fans, wouldn’t you say the same?
What with the neon lights, rhythmic button-mashing, and high-score chase on classic machines, along with the immersive pull of VR—arcades have that exhilarating feel. It’s also this perfect blend of past and future that makes them such a unique escape from reality.
So, if you’re itching to play a round of Pac-Man, take on the latest VR adventure, or simply enjoy a fun-filled day out with family, London has an arcade waiting for you. Here’s where to find the best arcades in London for an unforgettable gaming experience!
1. Race into action at F1 Arcade
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Website: https://f1arcade.com/uk/
Address: 1 New Change
Contact details: +44 20 3834 3540
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 12 PM – 11 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 12 PM – 1 AM
- Saturday – 9 AM – 1 AM
- Sunday – 3 AM – 6 AM; 10 AM – 11 PM
If you’ve ever dreamt of experiencing the thrill of Formula One, F1 Arcade is the place to be. Their full-motion racing simulators featuring different driving skill levels let you feel the adrenaline of the tracks without leaving the city.
What makes it more exciting is that everyone is free to choose their skill level, meaning a rookie can go wheel to wheel with a pro. Here are the two types of racing modes they have:
- Team racing – Here, you’ll be divided into teams, with each team competing for points. The number of players per team depends on your group size and each team gets its own simulator.
- Head-to-head racing – This is the race mode for smaller groups (up to three drivers only). All races are back to back, you can opt for three or five races, which last for 30 and 45 minutes, respectively.
Aside from racing, the Octane Bar at F1 Arcade offers an extensive selection of champagne, fine wines, and beers. You can also grab a quick snack from their menu of sharing plates, flatbreads, and tacos.
Pro tip:
To fully immerse yourself in the world of Formula 1, visit during a live Grand Prix event. This lets you enjoy live races on massive screens alongside unlimited sim racing before the professional F1 drivers hit the actual track.
Moreover, all ages are welcome at F1 Arcade. However, guests must be at least seven years old to race, and under 18s are accepted daily until 6 PM only.
2. Relive retro gaming at Four Quarters
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Website: https://fourquarters.bar/
Address:
- Peckham: 187 Rye Ln, London
- Hackney: Unit 8, International Broadcast Centre, E Bay Ln, London
- Elephant Park: 20 Ash Ave, London
- London Bridge: 68 Union St, London
Contact details:
- Peckham: [email protected]
- Hackney: [email protected]
- Elephant Park: [email protected]
- London Bridge: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Peckham:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 5:30 PM – 1 AM
- Thursday – 5:30 PM – 2 AM
- Friday – 5 PM – 3 AM
- Saturday – 1:30 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday – 5 PM – 12 AM
- Hackney:
- Monday – 5 PM – 11 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 5 PM – 11:30 PM
- Thursday – 4 PM – 12 AM
- Friday – 4 PM – 12:30 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM – 12:30 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM – 9 PM
- Elephant Park:
- Monday – 4 PM – 10 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4 PM – 11 PM
- Friday – 3 PM – 12 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM – 12 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM – 10 PM
- London Bridge:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 3 PM – 11 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 3 PM – 12 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM – 12 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM – 8 PM
Four Quarters is a retro gaming bar hosting a range of original arcade machines from the 80s, 90s, and 00s. Here, you can play Pac-Man, Tekken, Street Fighter, and many more in the way they were meant to be played—on authentic, retro cabinets with classic buttons and joysticks.
Their unique token system allows you to exchange £2 for four American quarters, which can be used to play the games. Meanwhile, the nostalgic atmosphere, complete with neon lights and vintage decor, will surely appeal to gamers and arcade enthusiasts.
The bar also brings a lineup of the best beers and cocktails to sip on while playing. Weekdays at Four Quarters are for film nights and Mario Kart competitions, while weekends are for DJs turning the space into a lively hub of music and gaming.
Pro tip:
Visit on a weekday evening for a more relaxed gaming experience without the weekend rush. But if weekends are your only option, arriving early gives you the best chance to grab a machine before the crowds take over!
3. Step into a neon wonderland at NQ64
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Website: https://nq64.co.uk/
Address:
- Soho: 53 Berwick Street
- Shoreditch: 260 Old St
Contact details:
- Soho: +44 20 4599 3268
- Shoreditch: +44 20 8050 9324
Operating hours:
- Soho:
- Monday to Friday – 3 PM – 3 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM – 12 AM
- Shoreditch:
- Monday to Thursday – 3 PM – 2 AM
- Friday – 3 PM – 3 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM – 2 AM
NQ64 brings retro gaming to life with its signature neon aesthetic. Packed with classic machines and consoles that operate via quarters, this arcade is known for its vibrant ambience and graffiti-covered walls.
With four quarters for £1.50, you can already start battling it out on Street Fighter or enjoy a casual game of Pac-Man. Open late seven days a week, it’s an ideal spot for both early birds and night owls.
Adding a playful twist to your night out, they serve game-themed cocktails, such as Kong Island iced tea, Powerstar martini, and Aku Aku fruit punch. Meanwhile, their Shoreditch branch offers awesome burgers every night.
Pro tip:
Keep in mind that evenings, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, tend to be busier, with longer wait times for popular games like Street Fighter, Pac-Man, and Mario Kart. So arrive early or right at opening time to enjoy more game time with fewer crowds.
4. Have some classic fun at Las Vegas Arcade
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lasvegasarcadesoho/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LasVegasArcadeSoho/
Address: Basement, 89-91 Wardour St, London
Contact details: +44 20 7287 2157
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM – 1:30 AM
Located in the heart of Soho, Las Vegas Arcade offers a mix of Japanese video games and classic arcade favorites. Here, you can enjoy popular titles like Dance Dance Revolution and Mario Kart for an authentic retro gaming experience.
The arcade’s straightforward setup and pay-per-play system make it accessible for casual gamers and tourists alike. Plus, its central location makes it a convenient stop during a day out in Soho.
Unlike modern gaming centers, the Las Vegas arcade keeps it simple—just grab some coins and start playing. The place has a nostalgic feel to it, too, as it maintains an old-school charm with its original arcade cabinets and neon signage out front.
Pro tip:
Keep some change handy, as many of the machines operate on a coin-based system. Also, the arcade doesn’t always have card payment options for tokens, so it’s best to bring cash just in case.
5. Experience gaming and more at the Four Thieves
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Website: https://www.fourthieves.pub/
Address: 51 Lavender Gardens, Battersea
Contact details: +44 20 7223 6927
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12 PM – 12 AM
- Saturday – 11 AM – 2 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM – 10:30 PM
There’s never a dull moment at the Four Thieves. Because alongside their selection of good wines and delicious food, the venue houses a retro gaming arcade, VR booths, and even a moonshine raceway.
The building itself spans two floors filled with drinking, dining, and dancing. You can sing your heart out in their private karaoke rooms, sip on handcrafted cocktails at the bar, or hit the dancefloor where DJs keep the energy high all night long.
As if that’s not enough, they also host a mini indoor golf course and regular comedy nights. In addition, the pub’s Victorian decor adds to its unique charm, making it a favorite among locals and visitors.
Pro tip:
Every day at Four Thieves brings non-stop entertainment. Here are our top picks for must-try experiences when you visit:
(Tuesday, 8 PM to 10:30 PM) The Big Quiffy Pub Quiz puts your general knowledge to the test with music, picture rounds, and creative challenges. Entry is £2.50 per player (18+), with teams of up to six. (Wednesday, 10:30 PM to 11:30 PM) You can laugh your midweek blues away at Comedy Night, featuring a lineup of talented comedians. Check here for the latest acts and special guests—you never know who might take the stage!
6. Level up your play at Gravity MAX Wandsworth
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Website: https://gravity-global.com/max/wandsworth
Address: Wandsworth High St.
Contact details: +44 3301 595 815
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM – 11 PM
An immersive urban theme park experience within London is what Gravity MAX Wandsworth has to offer. Spanning multiple floors, it features e-karting, AR bowling, and a hologate VR arena.
Their vast arcade section ensures hours of fun for visitors of all ages. After a whole day of adventure, you can unwind with a drink at the Gravity Social, an open-planned bar on the top floor.
Gravity MAX also hosts a variety of exciting events at their Gravity parks. From live music nights and themed parties to screened football matches and special gaming tournaments, there’s always something new to enjoy.
Pro tip:
Book the activities you like in advance, especially on weekends. This is to ensure that you get your preferred time slots and make the most of your visit.
7. Skate, dine, and game at Queens Skate Dine Bowl
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Website: https://queens.london/
Address: 17 Queensway
Contact details: +44 20 7229 0172
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday and Sunday – 10 AM – 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10 AM – 12 AM
Queens Skate Dine Bowl is your one-stop destination for family-friendly fun of ice skating, bowling, and arcade gaming. Even more, they have interactive darts and curling for those looking to switch up the fun.
The on-site MEATliquor restaurant ensures you’re well-fed between activities, serving up delicious burgers and cocktails. These come with a pool table, photo booth, and DJs on Friday and Saturday nights for nights out with friends.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of their combo deals, which offer discounts when booking multiple activities together. Make sure to check their website for the latest packages, as some are only available for a limited time.
8. Enter a futuristic playground at Babylon Park
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Website: https://babylonpark.com/london/
Address: 8 Castlehaven Rd
Contact details: +44 20 8819 0044
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM – 9 PM
Babylon Park is an indoor amusement park that transports visitors to a sci-fi-themed world. With over 100 arcade games as well as rides like bumper cars and a mini roller coaster, it’s a popular pick among families and friends.
The park’s futuristic decor and immersive attractions truly create an out-of-this-world experience. Plus, with a variety of food stalls and seating areas, you can take a break and refuel before diving back into the fun.
Pro tip:
Entry to the park is free, but you have to purchase tickets for unlimited access to rides and games. Additionally, though there is no minimum age for access, the rollercoaster and drop tower have a minimum height restriction of 105 cm.
9. Get lost in fun at Funland Arcade
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Website: https://www.funlandlondon.com/
Address: Unit 25, 27 Brunswick Square
Contact details: +44 20 3927 8383
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday and Sunday – 10 AM – 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10 AM – 10:30 PM
Funland Arcade combines classic and modern arcade games, including their popular Dance Dance Revolution machines and a thrilling pinball alley. More than that, Londoners also use this spot for parties, corporate events, and even filming projects.
At Funland Arcade, there’s no need to fuss with cash or tokens. Their convenient Tap & Play system makes gaming easy—just visit the counter and purchase a Funland Card, load it up with Fun Coins, and tap your card at any game to start playing!
On average, each game costs 8 Fun Coins—to help you get the best deal, they offer three value tiers: Good Value, Great Value, and Mega Value. Below is a breakdown of these tiers, along with a detailed price list for other coin amounts:
| Number of Fun Coins | Price |
| 25 | £5 |
| 50 | £10 |
| 100 (Good Value) | £15 |
| 125 | £20 |
| 200 (Great Value) | £25 |
| 425 (Mega Value) | £50 |
Pro tip:
No booking is required at Funland Arcade—just walk in with family and friends during operating hours. For a smoother experience, we recommend visiting during off-peak hours: weekdays from 10 AM to 3 PM; or weekends at opening (10 AM).
10. Immerse yourself in DNA VR
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Website: https://www.dnavr.co.uk/
Address: 18 Arches Ln, Nine Elms
Contact details: +44 28 7122 0827
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday - 2:30 PM - 9:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday - 10 AM - 10 PM
DNA VR brings immersive virtual adventures that send players to incredible new realities. Whether it’s surviving a zombie apocalypse or exploring the depths of space, their high-end VR technology ensures smooth gameplay.
The VR experiences they offer are tailored to different skills and interests, including VR arcade sessions and VR escape rooms. You can team up with friends or go solo as you enter stunning visual landscapes designed to challenge and entertain.
Pro tip:
Weekends can get busy, so book in advance to secure your preferred time slot. For a more immersive experience, try their free-roaming VR, where you can move around freely without being confined to a static space.