Join The Cue: Where To Play Pool In London
Pool tables may notoriously be found in dive bars and sports pubs, but look a little deeper and London is home to some posher, high-end places to play the game. We’ve put together a list of the best pool bars in London – cues at the ready!
The best pool bars and halls in London
Sanderson Hotel
The Billard Room at Sanderson London is, rather misleadingly, actually a pool room and rather an impressive one at that. Dominated by a two-storey 1950s stained glass window, designed by John Piper for what once was the headquarters of wallpaper manufacturers, Arthur Sanderson, now Sanderson London, the room also sports a silver-leafed pool table. Along with furniture made from antlers, and other style ‘loge-style’ features, this Sanderson is nothing short of a memorable place for a game of pool.
This is the coolest place for playing a game of pool in the city.
Where: 50 Berners Street, London, W1T 3NG
Website: www.sandersonlondon.com
1920 Bar
Self-described as ‘a swanky bar with pool tables’, 1920 may call itself various names including 19:20 Bar, 1920 Bar and nineteen twenty, but the one thing that is consistent is the quality of the pool. The underground venue has seven tables and even enjoys the services of a resident pro.
Where: 9-20 Great Sutton Street, Clerkenwell, EC1V 0DR
Website: www.19-20.co.uk
Heist Bank
Heist Bank, in Paddington, plays host to pool and pizza. Close to the Grand Union canal, the restaurant specialises in slow ferment pizzas, local craft beer and, of course, pool thanks to the table downstairs (alongside table football (fußball, if you must)), classic Nintendo and karaoke.
Where: 5 North Wharf, Paddington, W2 1LA
Website: www.heistbank.com
Greenwood
The Nova Building may not be pretty, but that doesn’t mean the venues inside this carbuncle building can’t impress or delight. Mega-bar Greenwood is excellent when it’s not rammed full of post-work Victoria people (or during an important match: top tip), but if pool’s not your thing then you’ve also got the chance to brush up on your shuffleboard skills.
Where: 170 Victoria Street, Westminster, SW1E 5LB
Website: www.greenwoodlondon.com
Number 1 London
It might not be the biggest sports bar in London, or even south of the river, but Number 1 London is keen for you to know that it’s the biggest sports bar on London Bridge and a great pool hall with five American pool-style tables.
You’ll be in a great position to make use of their number 1 (hyper local) status on the roominess front as you rack them up and play to your heart’s content.
Where: 1 Duke St Hill, Borough, SE1 2SW
Website: www.n1bar.com
Q Shoreditch
Pairing luxury interiors and games lounge like no other, Q Shoreditch is mere moments away from Old Street station. Giving you futuristic, Las Vegas party vibes, dress in your best for a round of pool. No need to worry if you’ve never played before, as they have an in-house team of pool experts on stand-by to give you some pointers.
But don’t stay all night by the pool table, tear up the dance floor to the live music or test your luck at the casino table. From live music and events to cocktail lessons, Q Shoreditch is your next stop on the list.
Where: 55-61 Tabernacle St, Old Street, London EC2A 4AA
Website: www.q-shoreditch.com
Brigadiers
An Indian restaurant serving finger-licking starters and succulent feasts, Brigadiers pairs dining with live sports. From hosting live events of Premier League matches and Six Nations, to pool tables and card games while you dine, Brigadiers have thought of everything you might need for a night well spent.
Where: 1-5 Bloomberg Arcade, London EC4N 8AR
Website: www.brigadierslondon.com
Riley’s Sports Bars
For a central London pool spot – as well as snooker, darts and table tennis- head to Riley’s London in Victoria. Fresh from a recent refurbishment, there are 18 pool tables, so no more putting a pound coin on the table in the hope it will become free within the next hour. Classic pool-playing fuel like pizza and chicken wings means you can settle in for an evening potting stripes or salads.
where: 16 Semley Pl, London SW1W 9QJ
website:rileys.co.uk
Hurricane Room
For a late night game of pool, Hurricane Room in the middle of King’s Cross St Pancras is your best bet – it’s open until 2am 7 days a week. Sporting 25 different pool tables, they also have a licensed bar and lounge. Membership is available, but non-members are also welcome. There’s also a resident pro you can get tips from to home your game before challenging friends to midnight matches.
where: 2 King’s Cross Bridge, London N1 9NW
website: hurricaneroom.co.uk