Having flown the coop a few months back, I’m starting to forget what my family look like. I wince at the thought of heading home so meeting up with my brothers in neutral territory is the best bet. Cue Puttshack; west London’s latest hotspot where it’s all about rum-fuelled cocktails, dude food and, most importantly, immersive crazy golf. Because what are siblings without a little rivalry?
You ain't never seen mini-golf like this before.
Thought Westfield was just for shopping? Think again, because Puttshack has set up shop in the Shepherd’s Bush establishment and it goes far beyond retail. The world’s first high-tech mini golf destination, Puttshack uses cutting edge technology to track your ball, automate scoring and create a seamless experience… plus no cheating from sore losers.
From the brains behind Bounce and Topgolf comes a range of nine-hole courses inspired by retro arcades and fairground games, while offering something a little different. The drinks evoke a similar sense of nostalgia, with noughties-themed cocktails like the rum-infused Gold Digger (£8.50) and punchy Fix Up Look Sharp (£9) which blends tequila with grapefruit sherbet.
Yup, that's ice cream... in a cocktail.
With it being a Sunday (hence hangovers were in full force), I took my brother and we grabbed a couple of Old Mout ciders (£5.50) on our way to the Emerald course. We teed off on a giant pinball machine, aimed for huge red beer pong cups and took shots on Russian roulette. It was strangely chilled out for a weekend; a stark contrast to the crowded Shoreditch crazy golf that I've sweated out in on more than one occasion.
I may have lost in the golf stakes, but I definitely won when it came to food. Big bro opted for the Moroccan chicken shawarma (£9) which was served open and topped with roasted veg and a mint yoghurt dressing. As tasty as it sounds, it had nothing on my Korean fried chicken burger (£10.50). A crispy hunk of buttermilk fried chicken, it was smothered in a glorious slop of Gochujang chilli mayo and pickled rainbow slaw and paired with perfectly cooked shack fries.
Food is far from an afterthought when you've got executive chef Richard Edney in the kitchen.
The DesignMyNight Digest
From ping pong to ball pits and social darts, London is brimming with contemporary activity spaces, and Puttshack is well worth a visit. Being the world’s first high-tech mini golf venue makes this a unique pick, but the cracking drinks and mouthwatering food are just as memorable. Whether you’re after a new date night location, somewhere to hang with friends or even catch up with family, this west London spot ticks every box.
