Where to find the top London shuffleboard bars
Londoners are increasingly looking for more immersive experiences when heading out to bars and pubs. No longer will a pint of quirky artisan lager satisfy their thirst for a perfect night out. With the increasing popularity of shuffleboard bars, we take a look at my top 3 suggestions for the best London shuffleboard bars.
1. Electric Shuffle at London Bridge and Canary Wharf
Tucked away under the arches of London Bridge, what first appears as an unassuming entrance reveals itself to be a labyrinth of bars and booths filled with shuffleboard tables for the locals and office workers of SE1. As soon as I entered, I got a sense of the Great Gatsby era roaring twenties from the décor, with just a hint of steampunk vibes coming from the modern electrical screens and gadgets of the shuffleboard tables. This is not your average London shuffleboard bar.
A high-tech shuffleboard experience
The main event is the shuffleboard, which comes with four different game options: from the classic to some more modern variations such as who can take up the most space on the table, or who finishes with their pucks closest to each other. Subtle cameras capture the distance and scores for you (no more shall you argue over who scored the highest), as well as key action moments from the game via live replays of the best shots to enjoy your victory once more / commiserate your opponent’s aim.
The perfect accompaniment with fine food and drinks
They offer an excellent selection of food and drink, which can be ordered directly to your play area, or decanted to one of the various bar areas for post-game analysis. They have a selection of classic and house cocktails, including the dangerously tempting cocktail slushies, as well as a finely curated selection of wines and beers.
We opted for a classic Piquepoul to wash down our selection of tapas and a generous portioned four-cheese pizza. Food was fresh and tasty, with options for veggies and vegans in abundance, and generous portions. It is one of the most extensive you will find at any London shuffleboard bar.
Great for corporate groups
After playing, we decanted to the bar area for a post-match chat, which was slightly away from the play areas, and open to those wishing to pop in for a drink without the games. It was pleasing to have a bit of peace and wind down after a beginner thoroughly trounced me. Their tables are suitable for small groups of two but can also accommodate larger groups or corporate events as well.
Click here to visit their website.
2. BrewDog Tower Hill Outpost
The giants of the Scottish craft beer brewing industry have been steadily growing their influence in the London bar scene. The location in Tower Hill must be one of their largest sites in London. It is an astute move on the part of Brewdog as they capture the city work social groups as well as the tourists that head towards The Tower of London daily.
A competitive shuffleboard experience
They have three lengthy shuffleboard tables situated next to a hip graffiti mural, which helps to give the venue more of a relaxed and casual vibe. The shuffleboard pucks are well-maintained and kept safely behind the counter. Their helpful staff will explain the rules to you if you are a beginner, although they do also have instructions on the wall.
If you are competitive, they have a shuffleboard doubles night bi-monthly. Quite possibly the only competition at a London shuffleboard bar. For just £10 per 2-person team, you get to enjoy 2+ hours of shuffleboard from 7 pm. The top price is a £100 bar tab for your next visit.
The most epic food at any London shuffleboard bar
Their epic food menu contains the finest of comfort foods with the signature hot wings particularly appealing. We went with a vegetarian guest, and he could still enjoy moreish cauliflower wings with a punchy buffalo sauce. You are welcome to order the food directly to your shuffleboard area, so you can graze and play the game at the same time.
If you visit on a Wednesday, they offer unlimited wings for those with a healthy appetite. They have a U25 Sunday club, where you get 50% off food and drinks from 4 pm every Sunday if you are aged between 18-25.
Enjoying their legendary brews
Their drinks are, of course, legendary and here you can savour beer direct from 36 taps and they even brew some on-site. Drinks are delivered directly to your shuffleboard area, so you never have to go thirsty while playing the game.
They have a retro arcade games section with all your childhood classics available. They are dog-friendly, so you can bring them along to this London shuffleboard bar. You can celebrate their birthday for just £6 and that includes party hats, a card, and a special dog ice-cream sundae.
Click here to visit their website.
3. The Shuffle Club
Formerly named The London Shuffle Club, this is where the craze for London shuffleboard bars began. The location is very convenient, being within walking distance from Liverpool Street station and right opposite Shoreditch High Street rail station.
The leader in shuffleboarding in London
Before you head to the club, it is advisable to book ahead for your shuffle table. They are in 55-minute time slots, which gives the staff 5 minutes to reset the tables for the next guests. The decor on the ground floor is all about natural light, verdant greenery with funky shades of dark aquamarine with splashes of neon lighting. It is a venue, you walk in, and you will immediately feel at ease with, and not want to leave with any haste.
In the basement, they have even more shuffleboard tables and the decor has more of a hidden speakeasy feel. You might notice, that they tend to put the larger groups for team bonding etc. in the basement, where the noise is more contained and the romantic couples on the ground floor.
Easy-to-Learn Shuffleboard Rules for a Fun and Strategic Game
For first-timers, the game rules are helpfully explained to you by the staff on arrival. In case you do forget them, the rules are also on display digitally at the shuffleboard table. The game aims to have your pucks at the furthest point without the pucks falling off the sides. It is quite a strategic game, as you can knock other player’s pucks off the board or you can place pucks as blockers for the opposing team.
The great thing is the rules are not complicated and it is very easy to pick up. You can play doubles with your friends or work colleagues and it makes for the perfect team-bonding experience.
The Shuffle Club: A Full Experience of Music, Mocktails, and More
The success of The Shuffle Club is the whole package they offer. They have funky music from their in-house DJ playing tunes like Cold Heart (Pnau remix) from Elton John and Dua Lipa. The volume is set high enough to create the perfect party atmosphere, but not overly loud, where chatting becomes an Olympian feat. Their lengthy bar menu offers something for everyone, in particular, they have a significant section for mocktails and low and no-alcohol beers, wines, and spirits.
Mocktails are not an afterthought with complex creations like their Not So Gin E1, which uses lemon, elderflower, green tea, apple, and soda. The alcoholic version includes Bombay Sapphire gin. They are keen to support local producers, so you will see the likes of Camden, Beavertown, and Gipsy Hill in their beer section, and the likes of Balfour Brut Rosé in their wine section. The latter is widely regarded as England’s most exclusive pink fizz.
Click here to visit their website.
To find out more information about The Shuffle Club, click here for a more in-depth review.
