Whether you’re a pool pro or don’t know which end of the pool cue to hold, playing a game while enjoying a beer is a great way to spend the night. From dark, grimy pubs with sticky floors and antique tables to flashy new pool halls with DJ booths, there are plenty of places to choose from.
But with so many options, where do you want to spend your Saturday night?
I’ve collated a list of my top bars and pool halls in London, so you can enjoy a game and some frosty pints.
Pubs With Pool Tables in London
1. Famous Three Kings: A Sports Pub with a Pool Table
The Famous Three Kings pub is an excellent option if you’re not looking for an intense pool hall with all the accessories. You won’t miss it when walking by, as the pub resides in a grand Edwardian brick building. The pub was recently refurbished, making the interior bright and a lot less grotty than many other sports bars.
The pub has a good atmosphere but a heavy focus on sports. There’s a television on every wall, one of which is a large projector screen. However, if there’s a big game on, expect the place to be packed. It also might be quite loud and energetic, making it a slightly less peaceful game of pool.
Prepare to wait for a shot on the table because there is only one pool table. And seeing as it’s a sports bar, many patrons are keen to play a few games and burn some competitive energy away from the TV screen.
For a sports bar, the food is surprisingly good, and the menu is comprehensive. Pizza, burgers, wings, they serve all the familiar British classics. However, the food is a little pricey, with an average main meal costing between £12.5 and £15. The pool table is cheap, though, at £2 per game.
Situated right next to West Kensington station, near Hammersmith, you won’t have to stray far to get the tube home.
Address: 171 North End Rd, London W14 9AE, United Kingdom
Phone: 020 7603 6071
2. 1920s Pool Hall: Trendy Decor + Funky Vibes
The 1920s Pool Hall is less of your classic pub with a pool table and more of a funky basement with neon lights and sleek, black pool tables. It appeals more to the youth scene, ensuring pool playing doesn’t become obsolete!
Your chances of getting a game in are high, as there are four large tables. The tables are American style and are 8 ft long, which is a foot larger than the standard British tables. This may be fine for you, as some prefer these larger tables!
It’s expensive: £20 per hour for a table. You can book a table online to ensure it’s ready for you when you arrive. However, I think 1920s Pool Hall should lower the prices to appeal to a broader market because £20 is steep. But, if you’re happy to splurge, you’ll surely have a good time.
The food menu is a little deceiving, as the burgers don’t cost too much, but they don’t come with fries, so you have to order those separately. With chips, the main meal will cost about £15. Alcohol is also not cheap, at £10.5 for a cocktail and £6.50 for a pint.
You can hire one of their private rooms for a party or even just part of the bar if you bring more than ten people.
Address: 19-20 Great Sutton St, London EC1V 0DR, United Kingdom
Phone: 020 7253 1920
3. The Black Heart: Punk Bar With a Pool Table
The Black Heart isn’t known for its pool facilities; instead, it has a name for itself because of its live rock music, quirky decor, and edgy vibes.
There’s only one pool table, so prepare to wait a little while.
Of course, The Black Heart isn’t to everyone’s taste. Its dark undertone, heavy metal music, and religious posters make this place less main steam and commercial. Nevertheless, it’s a relatively hidden gem in the heart of Camden Town.
Food costs around £10, with the entire menu plant-based and handmade. So if you’re a vegan or vegetarian, who likes a bit of rock and pool, this will be your heaven. The food is tasty, though, so non-vegetarians can enjoy it, also. Drinks are averagely priced.
If you’re into the goth scene, I’d suggest visiting this place with a date or a friend. It has a small, intimate feel with an edge. But again, it’s not for everyone!
Address: 2-3 Greenland Place, London, NW1 0AP, United Kingdom
Phone: 0207 428 9730
Related: Awesome Pubs in Hampstead
4. Q Shoreditch: Bougie Pool Bar
Q Shoreditch fills the niche of ‘fancy pool hall’ very well. Although the two terms seem contradictory, Q Shoreditch makes playing pool feel luxurious – weird, I know.
The fancy decor and luxury English pool tables come at £30 per table per hour, so it’s not for the faint of heart. Or £20 per hour if it’s before 5 pm.
They also have Vegas-style casino gaming, if that’s your thing, alongside American-style food.
The vibes are good and laid back, and the decor is aesthetic. However, the party can be a bit wild at night – whether that’s a good thing or not; I’ll let you decide.
A main meal is on average around £15, and is actually very tasty! The drinks’ menu is cocktail-heavy, with a vast selection, all around £11.50.
Although fancy, Q Shoreditch isn’t members only, and all patrons are welcome.
Address: 55-61 Tabernacle St, London EC2A 4AA, United Kingdom
Phone: 020 7036 9229
5. Heist Bank
Although we all love a bit of pub grub, something the classic stale steak and ale pie gets a bit tiring!
Heist Bank has a short but sweet food menu, focusing on pizza. They put a bit of care into making the pizzas and use a wood fired pizza oven, so the food turns out great. The food isn’t the cheapest, between £10 and £14 per pizza, and drinks are averagely priced.
They have a pool table that’s free for up to 45 minutes. Furthermore, they also have a decent selection of games like Jenga, table football, and karaoke (both positive and negative for the pub, depending on your feelings about public singing).
The vibes are good, with people hanging out, eating pizzas and beer, and playing games. So there’s no pressure if your pool skills are feeble.
The decor at Heist Bank is modern and a little hipster, but not particularly original. They have a large selection of IPAs, which some may think is too many and not enough lager. On Friday nights, they have a vinyl night with a DJ, which is a nice touch. Overall, the establishment has a hipster atmosphere.
Address: 5 North Wharf Road, Paddington, London W2 1LA
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 020 7723 8080
What to Know Before Visiting Pubs with Pool Tables in London
- Some pool halls are only for members, so you might not be able to enter if you don’t have a membership. Check the website before visiting. None of the places I’ve listed are members-only, don’t worry. Some of these places take pool pretty seriously, which may not be the vibe you’re going for when playing a casual round or two.
- Don’t put your drink on or on the edge of the pool table – I’m speaking from experience here! The pub proprietors get (understandably) angry when sticky beer ends up on the pool table, and it’s difficult to clean. So try to keep your glasses on a nearby table instead.
- If you’re heading out in a big group, book in advance. Waiting for a few people to finish a game of pool, especially when the players are unskilled, can take a while. So if you want to avoid waiting, book a table or two for your group in advance. In fact, at Heist Bank, you can hire out the entire room where their pool table lives.