Whether you’re the Ronnie O’Sullivan of the pool world or still unsure exactly which end of the cue to hold, there’s nothing like a bit of competitive socialising on your night out. We’ve drawn up a list of recommended places with pool tables in London, and we’ve even let you know which ones serve food, are open all night, turn into nightclubs and have ping pong tables, too.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 30th October 2024
The Beehive has got to be one of the best places to play pool in London. But that's not all. You can also try your hand at darts or enjoy a number of board games while sipping on craft beers from breweries around the area. There's also a cool beer garden if you fancy a breather.
Looking for a friendly pub with games in Hackney? Okay so it's not exactly a pool table, but for those wanting to try a cue based game with a little bit of history behind it, playing some games of billiards at the People's Park Tavern should do the trick. Come for a few games in the summertime then head out to their suntrap beer garden on the fringes of Victoria Park.
Golf might be the name of the game (literally) at Plonk, but did you know the Hackney and Shoreditch venues are also home to their very own pool halls? Grab a table or get stuck into a full tournament at these fun spots
Number 1 London offers quite a lot for the avid pool player: three American sized pool tables, two English pool tables, 12 50” Sport screens, great beer and wonderful cocktails. At night, they bring out their talented DJs for a genuine club experience, while they also have a foosball and ping pong tables for extra competitive entertainment.
Not just a lovingly restored East End boozer, also a neighbourhood gem, The Heathcote and Star is bringing all sorts of fun to Leyton. Whether it's a casual date night or catch up with your mates, the pub has games, craft beer and hearty dinner plates.
The Bat and Ball is perched in Stratford Westfield, catering for all your gaming needs alongside pizza, DJs and a mightily stocked bar. Challenge your mates to some chilled out games of pool and crown the champion.
The Hawk's Nest really has it all. Not only does it offer cosy interiors and a gorgeous foliage-doused alfresco terrace, but also mouthwatering munch alongside tip-top cocktails. But if that's not enough? There's also a pool table in the back so you can show off your skills.
If you're on the hunt for places to play pool, Nags Head is a Wood Green watering hole worth getting stuck into. While getting competitive with your mates, enjoy some delicious bar snacks and freshly pulled pints at the bar.
Offering one of the best spots to play pool in London, Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes is an all-singing, all-dancing palace of fun with amazing cocktails and activities for days.
Based in London's Victoria, Greenwood has drawn in crowds from across London with its offering of great food, ice-cold craft beer and a handful of fun pool tables. The food and drink menu is, of course, the headliner here, but it's the sports bar that's really caught out attention. With pool tables, big screen TVs and all your favourite drinks at the bar, you'll struggle to find a better place to shoot some pool with your mates in London.
Offering a stunning interior design that features hunting lodge antler furniture, 1950s stained glass and an antique, silver-leafed billiard table, this is one spectacular place to play some pool (well, billiards to be precise). If only the most refined surroundings for your pool antics will do, The Billiard Room at the Sanderson Hotel is a must.
Not only does this new sports bar boast one of Europe's biggest sporting screens, but it's also a hotspot for a little competition of your own. There's three pool tables available for hire, so you can have a drink, a bite to eat and a tournament or two.
This bar and kitchen in Angel offers completely free games of pool. The 411 is a lively and welcoming venue with plenty of activities on offer, alongside a delicious New York-inspired menu of juicy burgers, delicious pizzas and so much more.
Head over to West London to discover quirky and cool venue, Heist Bank, a spot that mixes up industrial with homely touches. Located in Paddington, the bar serves stone-baked pizza, ice cold craft beer and has a pool table for a few games.
At the Old City Arms, a quaint and classic pub near Hammersmith Bridge, they're all about serving top-notch beer and the most delightful pizza creations in West London. Think sizzling slices like Bacon and Pineapple, Cluckin Hot, and loads more. And as if that isn't enough, they've got a couple of pool tables and a dart board to keep you entertained while you wait for your grub.
Serving thirsty Londoners since the 1800s, this southeast boozer is one of Peckham's finest. Go for the tasty dining offering and stay for a pub quiz and pool table. If you're after something a bit more musical, then it's live jazz or DJs for you.
Known as one of the best pubs in London to watch live sport, Famous Three Kings comes out tops thanks to its wall-to-wall screens and full-sized pool tables. Swing by on the weekend to take full advantage of the tasty sharing plates on offer, from wings to nachos.
Inspired by one of the greatest American movie stars, Q Shoreditch is a venue that's got it all. Along with a late-night club, swish restaurant and smart cocktail bar, the revamped space also has an American pool lounge and casino.
If you're game for a good time, this quirky hangout on the canal in Hackney Wick is the ultimate player's paradise. It's your go-to spot for drinks, snacks, and all-out gaming fun in Hackney Wick. The top deck is where the tabletop action unfolds, with pool, Scrabble, chess, card games, and more. And if you're game for it, the staff are game to school you in new games.
Styled like a New York pool house, 1920s Bar is a chilled bar with decking, lipstick red furniture and a fun-time party vibe. Their DJs kick up a storm on the decks with a mix of your favourite tunes from all genres, while you get competitive on their 8ft American pool tables.
Along with having one of London's best fireplaces, Hare & Hounds in E10 has got a pool table for you to have a bash on. Stop by the oldest pub in Leyton for craft beer and homely dishes, along with a neighbourhood vibe.
The coolest hangout spot in town, Boom Battle Bar in Wandsworth and Aldgate East is home to pretty much any game you can think of, but if it's American pool your after, you can bet it delivers in that department, too. Book out the table for one whole hour – and don't worry about getting hungry or thirsty during the match, as there's some amazing food and drink on standby. Think pizzas, loaded fries and chicken burgers – with nothing costing over £11. Wash it down with shots, sharers and quirky cocktails from spicy mango margaritas to their signature Boom Punch. Grab six of your closest buds for a smashing game of American pool priced at just £20 per table for an hour-long, colourful, ball-filled bonanza.
Wondering where to play pool in South London? Peckham Arches has got you sorted. Head along to the huge space to put your skills to the test. And while you're at it, make sure to check out the banging BBQ menu and killer cocktails.
One of the best bars in Bermondsey is also a great place to play pool in London. This quirky Bierkeller is bringing you a mammoth array of craft beers to try out alongside a set of full-size pool tables for you to challenge your friends.
Photo Credit: Dora Toreki Barnett Photography
If you're looking to enjoy a few games of pool over a couple of pints close to Victoria, it's all about Riley's. One of the leading sports bars in the city, there's no less than 5 snooker tables as well as 4 English and 12 American pool tables; plus, plenty of TV screens to catch all the professional action.
Searching for the best London bars for playing pool? Sports Bar & Grill has got you covered, toting five snooker tables and offering a range of freshly-poured pints. It also shows all your favourite matches and has a menu of tasty bites, including an award-winning burger.
Putt Putt & Karaoke has it all - crazy golf, pool, air hockey, darts, foosball, and arcade games galore. Plus, if you're feeling brave, get up on stage and belt out your favourite tunes in one of their three free karaoke areas. Sign us up.
One of the best places to play pool in London, this excellent Old Street sports bar is fronting a slap-up selection of craft beers to sip on between games, as well as American-inspired bar snacks and juicy burgers.
Hey there, party people. The Charlotte has got you covered with all sorts of fun and games - from private areas and pool tables to live music and spinning DJs. Offering a variety of pub grub, sharing plates and all kinds of booze, this Southwark haunt is about to become your go-to hang for after-work drinks or a chill Saturday night with all your mates.
Gander Inn can be found in the South London neighbourhood of Sutton, complete with TV screens, cosy booth seating and plenty of pool tables. They even host pool tournaments here, perfect if you want to test your skills against other players.
There's a well-stocked bar to keep you fuelled, plus a menu full of delicious fare - expect everything from loaded jacket potatoes to hearty burgers and an all-day breakfast.
Located in Vauxhall, the Griffin Belle is a flower-filled spot that's home to pool tables, pub quizzes, darts boars and more. Whether you came for a few games or fancy tucking into burgers and wings, there's a little bit of everything.
This Indian barbecue restaurant in the City has a pretty unique pool room with its very own self-serve whisky dispenser to sip form at you battle it out. To top it off, their menu of mouthwatering grilled eats includes a butter chicken wings and their iconic tandoori lamb chops.
