While the rise of home videogames seemed to put an end to the traditional arcade, they’ve made an amazing comeback in recent years, offering a fantastic space for families and friends to spend time together. Within London, there is a wealth of arcades offering games new and old, so whether you’re nailing a fatality in Mortal Kombat, blasting zombies in House of the Dead, or shredding in Guitar Hero, you’ll have a brilliant time.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite arcades and arcade bars in London to add to your next night out or day trip.
Our Top Picks
NQ64
A neon-drenched bar where retro meets rave, NQ64 is a fantastic Soho destination. Their authoritative game selection includes Pac-Man, Time Crisis, Mario Kart, Guitar Hero, and more, accompanied by a range of craft beers and gaming-themed cocktails served at their bar. They operate on a token-based system, letting you play a huge variety of games at your own pace. NQ64 is an adults-only venue, perfect for post-work meet-ups or weekend gaming marathons, though they do allow children to attend on the final Sunday of each month.
Four Quarters
One of the original London arcade bars, Four Quarters now boasts four London locations in Hackney, Elephant and Castle, Peckham, and London Bridge.
With authentic machines from the 80s through to the 2000s, you can blast through Time Crisis, shred on Guitar Hero or throw down in Tekken, all using real American quarters for that nostalgic arcade buzz. For those digging deeper, we recommend trying Point Blank, a fabulously eccentric Japanese light gun game, which is available in all London branches. Beyond the cabinets, console booths let you settle scores on classics from the SNES to the PS2, all hand-picked for multiplayer fun. Add in cocktails and beers, and any of the Four Quarters venues are a great choice for an Arcade trip. Under 18’s are welcome until 7 pm.
Heart of Gaming
Tucked away on Croydon’s bustling high street, Heart of Gaming is a paradise for arcade lovers of all ages. With a single entry fee unlocking unlimited play across a day, you can relive arcade classics like The Simpsons and Daytona USA, or try your hand at rare Japanese rhythm games and modern hits on PS5 and Switch. From air hockey to 8-player Daytona, everything is free to play once you’re in. It’s maybe the best value traditional arcade in London.
Find out more about Heart of Gaming.
Novelty Automation
Located a short walk from our Holborn location, Novelty Automation is a brilliant blend of satire, eccentricity, and old-school arcade charm. It’s a home for quirky, coin-operated machines that offer laughs, surprises and a bit of absurdity. From foot treatments to bureaucratic challenges, each machine is handmade and one-of-a-kind, a cheeky nod to Britain’s long history of automata and irreverent humour.
Inspired by 18th-century inventors and industrial automation, it’s part museum, part arcade, and wholly unique. If you’re looking for something delightfully weird and wonderfully British, Novelty Automation is an unmissable stop on London’s alternative entertainment map. Games are priced individually, perfect for a quick visit or a longer stay.
Want to step into the games?
For those ready to graduate from traditional arcades into something more immersive, Escape Arcade™ is an unforgettable new experience in London. Escape Arcade™ features 30 unique simulations hidden behind identical doors, each challenging your reflexes, logic, and teamwork in fast-paced five-minute bursts. From twisted bowling alleys to speeding trains, each room is a thrilling bite-sized test.
Built for teams of 2-4, you’ll experience a dizzying range of challenges across your hour-long session. And thanks to our innovative B.A.N.D technology, your results on each game and across the Escape Arcade as a whole will be tracked and logged on our app, letting you compete with friends, challenge strangers, or come back to challenge your own scores.
Perfect for parties, competitive nights out, or corporate events, the good times can continue afterwards at our spacious on-site bar, with themed cocktails both alcoholic and not, a selection of wine and beers, and a great range of juices and soft drinks are available. Escape Arcade™ is a thrilling experience built to be played and replayed!
Explore the Escape Arcade now!
