We're really spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in London, but an evening spent at play in an arcade is always a very popular moment.
Focus on the capital's best spots.
London arcade: article summary
London arcade: the Four Quarter
Visit this retro gaming bar to relive some childhood memories. To accompany your games, you'll enjoy an excellent selection of craft beers, amazing cocktails and a selection of American grills that won't disappoint.
After a hard day's sightseeing, come and relax with your friends for a few hours of fun.
The Four Quarters game collection is huge, and you'll find titles on :
- Super Nintendo
- Nintendo 64
- Sega Dreamcast
They have rooms in two London locations: Peckham and Hackney Wick. The latter features a sun-drenched open-air café, while the the first offers DJ evenings for party-goers.
These locations open :
- Tuesday to Thursday, 5.30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Friday, 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.
- Saturday, 1:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.
- Sunday, 3:30 pm to 11 pm
The Las Vegas Arcade
The glamour of Las Vegas and the excitement of an arcade, what more could you want from this tour of London's arcades?
Specializing in a collection of Japanese video games, there's something for all ages. Kids can enjoy racing, street fights or dancing, while adults bet in the casino on the second floor.
Located right next to ChinatownYou'll find plenty of delicious catering options before you head out to play.
If you're not the type to sit in front of a screen, you can opt for a game of pool or air-hockey before strutting your stuff on Dance, Dance, Révolution.
This venue opens :
- Monday and Tuesday 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- Wednesday 9 a.m. to midnight
- Thursday to Saturday all day long
- Sunday midnight to 2 a.m.
London arcade: Automation
Automation will amaze you if you're looking for an original place to play. The machines are built by Tim Hunkin, an engineer turned designer.
He runs the "Under the Pier Show" arcade, an engineer-designed amusement park that pprobably has many games from your childhood.
The venue opens :
- Tuesday and Wednesday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Thursday from 12 am to 8 pm
- Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday from 12 am to 6 pm
The Heart of Gaming
Built and owned by arcade engineer Mark Starkey, The Heart of Gaming offers something fresh and new on every visit, as there are a few machines he frequently renovates to surprise his visitors. His unrivalled passion for gaming machines is obvious.
Here they offer games:
- Nintendo 64
- SNES
- Megadrive
- Daytona USA
You'll also find new Japanese "trend games" such as House of the Dead 4 and Maimai.
What's more, they'll get you grooving with their in-house program Dance, Dance, Revolution! There's also a whole host of stores and restaurants nearby, so why not spend a day there?
The venue opens :
- Thursday to Sunday from 12 am to 7 pm
London arcade: Gravity Wandsworth
Next on the list isn't just an arcade, it's Gravity Wandsworth, a total wonderland of joy and play.
Imagine three floors full of entertainment, from mini-golf to bowling to digital darts and of course : a fully equipped arcade.
Gravity is also home to several bars where you can refuel and rehydrate between games. An arcade that takes itself very seriously.
The venue opens :
- Monday to Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday 9.30 a.m. to 0.30 a.m.
- Saturday 8.30 a.m. to 0.30 a.m.
- Sunday 8.30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Otherworld VR
The list of London's best arcades wouldn't be complete without a virtual reality experience.
Otherworld VR is an award-winning VR arcade that brings the unrivalled experience of 4D technology in central London.
You can feel the heat, wind and other elements, enjoy the summer sun or even help build a snowman!
Separate immersion modules virtually transport you into a parallel universe where you can immerse yourself in one of sixteen VR experiences for an hour or two.
Options include exploring a magical garden or even battling a zombie apocalypse in Arizona.
The site is accessible :
- Monday and Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday 11 a.m. to midnight
- Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight
- Sunday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
As part of your discovery of London, you can relax in one of these arcades. What have a great time on your vacation.
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