Pool enthusiasts in London have a plethora of options when it comes to finding the perfect bar to indulge in their favourite pastime. From casual players to semi-pros, there are pool bars and lounges to suit every level of experience and skill. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere to knock back a few drinks with friends or a more competitive environment to showcase your skills, London’s pool bars have got you covered.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best pool bars in London, highlighting the unique features and offerings that set them apart from the rest. We’ll also provide some practical tips for exploring the best weekend breaks from London, so you can make the most of your time in this vibrant city.
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Key Takeaways
- London offers a variety of pool bars and lounges for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
- Whether you’re looking for a casual or competitive environment, there’s a bar to suit your needs.
- London is also an ideal destination for weekend breaks, with plenty of attractions and activities to explore.
Best Pool Bars in London
London is home to some of the best pool bars in the world, with a wide variety of venues catering to all levels of players. From serious pool halls to lively bars with a pool table on the side, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best pool bars in London:
The Hurricane Room
The Hurricane Room is a top-quality sports bar and pool hall located in Kings Cross, Enfield, and Collindale. The flagship London pool bar boasts 10 snooker tables, 7 American pool tables, 2 American pool match tables, and 6 English pool tables. Prices range from a reasonable £13 per hour for standard tables. The Hurricane Room doubles up as a top-quality sports bar, with multiple big screens for live sports and a large licensed bar. There’s even a quality pizza menu to boot, with food available until close at 2 am. The Enfield and Collindale venues are similarly priced and also open late. If you’re feeling competitive, there are plenty of regular games and leagues for all levels of players.
1920 Bar
1920 Bar is a lively and stylish pool bar located in the heart of Clerkenwell. With four 8-foot American pool tables, darts, and table football, this is the perfect spot to enjoy some boozy friendly competitions. This bar has a great atmosphere for group nights out. We wouldn’t call it a super-serious pool hall, but more of a pool, drinking, and party spot.
Rileys Sports Bar
Another superb sports bar chain, Rileys’ flagship Victoria venue, features two floors of 10 American pool tables, 5 snooker tables, and 8 English pool tables. This pool hall is massive, with plenty of room for both social and private games. There are darts, interactive electronic darts, and table tennis, too, all at reasonable prices. A hearty menu of pizza and snacks or pub-style food like wings and chips tops it off. One of the best spots to play pool in London.
N1 Bar
Fancy somewhere a little bit more lively? Number 1 London features a pool hall, sports bar, and club, with three giant screens, as well as 15 large HD TVs spread throughout the venue for live sports. There are five American and two English pool tables for hourly rental, though you’ll also find table tennis and a boxing machine. So if you’re looking to play pool in London while watching sports on big screens, this one’s a great bet. Expect a tasty South American-themed menu that features tacos, burgers, hotdogs, and Colombian street food dishes. All in all, N1 boasts regular DJs, a cocktail bar, and plenty of space to play games and dance. Oh, and it’s open until 6 am on weekends for late-night (or early morning) sessions.
Q Shoreditch
Q Shoreditch is a classy and upmarket pool lounge and games bar, with a selection of high-end pool tables, roulette, blackjack, and poker for you to sink your teeth into. This definitely switches up your typical smoky pool bar vibes with gorgeous interior and a very sleek-looking club in the same venue, Q Club, which hosts regular club nights with DJs and live musicians. There’s a limited food menu but, rest assured, there’s a vast selection of booze and cocktails. Prices are north of the average, with pool tables costing £30 an hour – three times as much as other venues. That said, this is easily one of the classiest bars with pool tables in London.
Shades Sports Bar
Shades Sports Bar is among the highest-rated pool bars in London, with stellar reviews across the board. It’s a very warm and friendly venue with a great atmosphere and professional pool tables kept in pristine condition. Open until 2 am, Shades has an authentic 80s vibe, nailing the basics like friendly service, great snacks, and reasonably priced drinks. Proof that not all pool bars need to be rowdy.
Spots & Stripes Pool Club
Located under the arches of a backstreet in Southwark, Spots and Stripes Pool Club is for enthusiast-level players, though anyone is welcome. It features a whopping 15 Supreme English pool tables and 5 American Tables. There are 12 professional dart boards too. You can pay per game for hire for an hour, and there’s plenty of opportunity for group games and tournaments. This is the perfect venue for playing semi-pro or professional American pool in London. The bar serves reasonably priced soft drinks and alcohol, too.
Mile End American Pool & Snooker
A classic pool and snooker hall, Mile End American Pool & Snooker is equipped with 9 pool and snooker tables. There are big screens for sports, comfy sofas, and hot and cold bar
Practical Tips for Exploring the Best Weekend Breaks From London
For those who love playing pool, London is the perfect place to visit. There are numerous pool lounges and sports bars in the city, ranging from classic 80s pool bars to high-end venues with clubs and cocktails. However, it is important to note that prices for playing pool in London are slightly higher than the average, with prices starting at around £10 per hour at minimum.
For serious players, many pool bars in London host competitions and tournaments for amateurs and enthusiasts, all the way up to professional level. So, if you’re looking for a fun and exciting weekend break from London, consider exploring the city’s vibrant pool scene.