Table sports and board games used to be associated with those rainy Winter days back when gameboys were the latest technological advancement, but things have long since changed. As part of the growing nostalgic gaming trend that seems to have engulfed many of London's newest bars, The Game offers its guests delicious food, delectable cocktails and collection of classic games from the days of their youth.
The Venue
Setting up shop in the heart of West London, The Game bar is located on Earls Court Road and is only a stone's throw away from Earls Court Station. Don't be fooled by the bar's modest entrance; once you're past the bouncer and clip board, the entire bar opens up to reveal a lively West London hangout, beautifully decorated and bursting full of life. The last time I visited this spot, it was still called Ping and was strictly a cocktail serving Ping Pong Bar, but walking through the doorway, it was clear that the entire venue had received a facelift. The biggest change is the bar's overall feel. Simply decorated before the big renovation project, The Game bar now boasts a distinctly 90s feel. The antique, mismatched leather sofas and armchairs give the bar the nostalgic edge that it so desperately craves and the row upon row of ping pong tables keeps the entire venue bouncing along nicely. With the venue's soundtrack provided by the hollow, echoing sounds of ping pong balls, the whole entire room is full of life and buzzing with activity. I felt sort of guilty arriving with a big group and upsetting the fragile balance as we sidestepped our way past the players in the direction of the bar.
Nestled away in a basement in Earls Court, the Game Sports Bar boasts a delicious cocktail menu and loads of classic arcade games.
Food and Drink
As we sat down at our small table, all eight of us, we expected a mouth-watering feast of stone-baked pizzas, each covered in succulent cuts of meat and perfectly cooked vegetables, and boy were we right. Within 10 minutes, the quick-fire kitchen had cooked us up a storm and covered our table with exquisite dishes. I tucked into the Sao Paulo, a pizza topped with crispy pancetta, shredded chicken, Taleggio cheese on San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella. Without a doubt, this has to be one of the most delicious pizzas I've ever inhaled/ tasted. The tangy taste of the tomato sauce contrasts perfectly with the savoury balance of the pancetta and cheese; bursting full of flavour, this is definitely something worth trying. To wash all this down, their bar is stocked full of all your favourite spirits and craft beer. The last time I was here, I sipped my way through five a few whiskey sours, but with a brand new cocktail list, I instead gulped down a splendid Japanese Fizz, a cocktail composed of Buffalo bourbon, pear, ginger and zesty lemon. Unlike most West London bars, as well as being reasonably prices, the mixologists seem to produce honest cocktails, free from the opulent swagger that seems to cloud most venues in this area. Expect to leave well feed and swaying ever so slightly.
With six different pizzas and a number of delectable sides, you'll be spoilt for choice at this West London eatery.
Atmosphere & Clientèle
Chilled out is probably the best way to describe this spot. Everyone here is simply looking to have fun with their mates, be that by sampling the entire cocktail menu, getting stuck into a feud-free game of monopoly or serving and smashing their way to Ping Pong glory. The bar's guests all seems to be in a great mood, laughing their heads off and chuckling like children all night long. To be completely honest, the mood of this bar is unbelievably refreshing. We've all experienced those ego-full bars, obsessed with image and constantly reassessing themselves. But at the Game Sports Bar, these things don't seem to matter; everyone just wants to relax and have fun. To maintain these good vibes, the life-size jenga, cupboard full of board games and classic arcade machines are there to keep everyone smiling from ear to ear. A little tip for big groups, play a few rounds of beer pong instead of the conventional game, at least that way everyone's involved in the fun and games. Space is the only issue here; on a Saturday, it can feel as if you've spent most of the night bumping into people. But apart from this small detail, you'll struggle to find a more fun-loving bar anywhere else in West London.
Whether you're playing Ping Pong, enjoying a board game or honing your beer pong skills, you'll leave this spot with a huge smile etched across your face.
Summary
Overall, The Game offers guests a night full of laughter, delicious pizzas and devilishly delectable cocktails. Refreshing in almost everything it does, the whole bar is constantly buzzing and seems to be on a completely different level of entertainment. Laid back and wonderfully nostalgic, this cosy haunt is a real treat.
