Gaming
Games
The gamer’s guide to London
From friendly competition to hosting serious esports tournaments, here’s a guide to London’s five best gaming venues.
Before the days of consoles, gamers had to flock to arcades to practice their skills and get their hands on the latest games. But despite the technological advancements and the popularity of portable consoles, there's still nothing better than getting out of the house demonstrating some competitive spirit with your friends.
Whether you just fancy a casual game of FIFA or want to conquer the Summoner’s Rift with your pre-made team, we've got you covered! This is our guide to London's best gaming cafes, bars and venues.
1. Wanyoo Esports Studio
Wanyoo is Asia's biggest gaming cafe chain
© Wanyoo
Just a stone’s throw away from Leicester Square and Chinatown, Wanyoo has become one of the most popular gaming venues since opening its doors back in January 2019.
Primarily a café catered to PC gamers, the venue provides professional esports equipment, a private scrim room as well as a space dedicated to mobile gaming and an area for consoles downstairs. So if you’re a more serious gamer who wants to dabble in esports tournaments with cash prizes, this is the place for you.
The café also serves hot food and bubble tea, all of which you can order at a press of a button from the comfort of your seat that costs £5 per hour to hire in the public area and £8 per hour for the private rooms.
Address: 77-79 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0NE
Website: www.wanyoo.co.uk
2. Belong Gaming Arena
UK retailer GAME’s latest venue on Oxford Street, Belong Gaming Arena has only been around since December 2019 but it’s already making waves in London.
Much like Wanyoo, the brand new Belong arena has a heavy focus on competitive gaming - with a space provided specifically for upcoming amateur players and teams to practice as well as playing host to multiple grassroots esports tournaments across several titles.
However, you can still turn up and play if esports isn’t your thing – they have an intuitive booking system on their website that can accommodate up to six players at £7 per hour per person.
Address: 318 Oxford Street W1C 1HF
Website: www.belong.gg/arenas/oxford-street
3. Loading Bar
Head to Dalston for some retro games
© Loading Bar
Now this is a venue that truly has something for everyone, alongside an Xbox, PS4 and Nintendo Switch, you can also get your hands on a SNES Mini, various retro arcade games as well as more than 60 boardgames. And the best part? It’s all for free!
Even better news if you love Overwatch, Loading Bar also hosts regular viewing parties for the Overwatch League and has been a home for the London Spitfire fans over the past 12 months.
Open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s definitely one of the most fun and relaxed venues you can find in London.
Address: 97 Stoke Newington Road, N16 8BX
Website: loading.bar
4. Experience Platform
Gaming and pizzas go hand in hand and at Platform, you get to experience both! Boasting a variety of consoles, cocktails and games, this Shoreditch-based venue also has discounted packages and regular bottomless brunches for those who enjoy a drink or two while crushing their mates at FIFA.
Platform is also partnered with ESL who kitted them out with ten PCS on a swanky stage where amateur players can get a good feel of what it’s like to compete like a pro. The stage is available for bookings via their website at £5 per hour per person.
Address: 2B Worship Street, EC2A 2AH
Website: www.experienceplatform.co.uk/
5. Red Bull Gaming Sphere
Red Bull Gaming Sphere
© Olaf Pignataro / Red Bull Content Pool
Of course, it goes without saying that our very own Gaming Sphere in Shoreditch is a must-visit hotspot if you’re looking to get your fix.
Famous for hosting the WoW raid and a vibrant FGC community, all of the consoles and PCs are free-to-play without the need to book anything in advance. We host regular community events, amateur tournaments, viewing parties as well as meet and greets with some of the biggest esports teams in the world.
We’ll be officially relaunching the venue in February 2020, so be sure to keep your eyes on the calendar and check it out!
Address: Whitby Street, Shoreditch, E1 6JT
