Top Gaming Arcades in London, UK 2024

Are you on the lookout for some of the top gaming arcades in London? Let this be the perfect guide for all you gamers out there!

In today’s world, most of us (myself included) are always searching for interesting things to do to post on our Instagram. If you are someone who is a passionate gamer just like me then how about stepping into some retro fun and activity that is guaranteed to make your evenings spectacular?

Gaming arcades in London are just thriving in the city, so whether you are in the mood to try some of the latest technology or just stick to some good old classics, you are in for a treat.

There is no limit to the type of games you will find-anything from bowling to shooting games to VR games to ping pong, these games are sure to make you keep wanting more.

If gaming in arcades sounds like your idea of fun and thrill, then here are my top 10 favorite arcades.

• Vega London
• Four Quarters East London
• Heart of Gaming
• Loading Bar
• Novelty Automation
• Las Vegas Arcade Soho
• DNA-VR
• Four Thieves
• Namco Funscape
• Queens London

Tips for selecting the best gaming arcade in London

Make sure you plan in advance because most of the gaming arcades are a wonderful pre and post night out activity.

Do not forget to carry a lot of pound coins but don't worry as  times have changed, most of the gaming arcades accept contact-less payment too.

Don't beat yourself up if you are not a pro at gaming because these places are open to anyone and everyone and trust me when i say you will not regret it.

So, happy gaming.

Top Gaming Arcades in London

Vega London

This is a cozy basement gaming arcade that has some old-school Japanese games. What I loved about this entertainment venue is that it offers players a wide selection of games which most people will definitely enjoy. I certainly loved the fact that they do not allow any kind of whistles or bells and also have a unique style of arcade games where you will not find anywhere else.

I love playing pool so what really caught my eye was a corner space for people who love to play pool. Some of the games that you will find here: Sound Voltex 2, Rhythm games, Reflec beat 2, jubeat 2, Dance dance revolution, museca, beatmania IIDX, and more. It is located on 9 Islington High Street.

• Monday to Sunday: 10:00 - 22:45

Four Quarters East London

This is one of the most famous and popular retro arcade gaming areas that is known (besides its crazy selection of games of course!) for its exquisite cocktail flavors. If you are shy like me, then this is the best place to come out of your shell and meet some good friends.

A few games that I attempted on their machines were: Asteroids, The Simpsons, PAC Man,Time Crisis 2, House of the Dead, Street Fighter II, Point Blank and Space Invaders. I am a hardcore foodie.

So, my eyes immediately caught the ravishing menu and dishes. If you love playing games with a drink on one hand, head on over here and unwind yourself from a long day at work.

• Monday to Thursday: 15:00 - 23:00
• Friday to Saturday: 12:00 - 00:30
• Sunday: 12:00 - 21:00

Heart of Gaming

Are you in the mood for entertainment and fun? Then, I found the perfect gaming arcade just for you. What is so special about this amusement arcade is that it is located in the heart of high streets surrounded by local restaurants and shops in South London, Croydon.

So, you can do what I did and make a day out of it with your family or loved ones. What impressed me was the sanitizing stations around the place and how the staff were so insistent that everyone maintain social distance to ensure safety.

Pretty cool right? My brother and I played a few games like Ghouls and Ghosts, Neo Turf Masters, Money puzzle exchange, Sega rally and Time Crisis 2.

• Monday to Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 12:00 - 19:00
• Friday: 12:00 - 21:00
• Saturday: 12:00 - 22:00
• Sunday: 12:00 - 20:00

Loading Bar

Located on 129 Stoke Newington High Street, is an arcade that really made me fall in love with all the vintage and cool games they offered.

Besides this, I was grooving to the dance tunes played by the DJ while enjoying my drink and playing some board games.

Donkey Kong and Crazy taxi. I guarantee you it is the perfect place that gives you relaxing vibes and enjoy your night out.

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday to Friday: 05:00 - 23:30
• Saturday: 11:00 - 00:30
• Sunday: 12:00 - 00:30

Novelty Automation

I was very intrigued by this unique gaming arcade and is totally recommended for anyone who is always looking for something different. You can find it on 1A Princeton Street.

The brains behind this place is Tom Hunkin and what makes this place famous is the satirical and humor themes of real life which can be found in all the games.

I particularly enjoyed money laundering, instant weight loss, test your nerve, divorce and pet or meat.

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00 - 18:00
• Sunday: Closed

Las Vegas Arcade Soho

I have to say my entire family was thoroughly entertained with this arcade and I was in awe with all the Japanese themed arcade games. You can choose from racing, dancing and fighter games besides air hockey and pool. I loved the casino-themed games too (need to be older than 18).

It is located at Wardour Street and the place also organizes monthly tournaments too. You can play cool games like Wangan Midnight maximum tune 3DX+, Out run 2, Dead heat and Grid.

• Monday to Sunday: 09:00 - 02:00

DNA-VR

I was super excited to visit this place as it is one of the few places in the city that offer VR arcade experience for players. I love solving mysteries so this was the right place to do so and also make new friends from different places.

So, this place is known for its virtual reality experience and respects each one’s personal space too. I am extremely competitive so this really was an experience out of this world ( quite literally).

I enjoyed games like Dragon Tower, Pirates plague, Prison break, Beyond Medusa's gate and Escape the lost Pyramid.

• Monday to Friday: 15:00 - 21:00
• Saturday & Sunday: 10:30 - 22:00

Four Thieves

I promise you all that this arcade promises you a great time. It not only offers players various games but also a brewery, comedy VR and some delicious food all under one roof.

Being a formula 1 fan, what caught my eye was the multiplayer racetrack games like Moonshine Raceway and also some good old classics like Point Blank and Time crisis. You can find it easily at Lavender Gardens.

• Monday to Sunday: 12:00 - 00:00

Namco Funscape

Near the A120, is the Namco London Funscape Braintree. It has literally everything you need for a fun day out with your family.

Besides all the latest arcade games, there is ping pong, an escape room, dodgem cars, pool tables, ten-pin bowling and more. It can't get more exciting than that.

I am a real 90’s fan girl and this place reminded me of just that. I personally enjoyed playing PAC Man, Ghost chase, Tekken, basketball hoops, shoot em-ups. I got hungry so I visited their cafe which has an assortment of pizzas, burgers, steaks, wings and more.

• Monday to Sunday: 10:00 - 23:00

Queens London

The next time you are planning a fun trip out, then this one is just what you need to make it happen. Imagine skating and bowling at the same place?

Sounds too good to be true right? But at Queens London, you will find entertainment for the entire family.

I was attracted more to the arcade zone of course where my friends and I enjoyed playing Air hockey, tetris, donkey kong, street fighter II, typhoon roller coaster, basketball PAC Man and more.

• Monday to Sunday: 10:00 - 23:00

FAQ's

Takeaway

So there you have it. My top ten best gaming arcades in London. Over the years, a London night out has seen incredible changes as its citizens are always hungry for fun, adventure and the latest spots in town.

It has become more than just beers and cocktails with friends, but more about the ambience and atmosphere they want to hang out in. This is exactly why the above gaming arcades are the perfect selection for a fun night out with family or friends.

I can assure you they will get you high on adrenaline, so challenge your friends and make it a game night you will never forget.