Here, we’ve found the finest places for adults to play.
Lawn Bowls In Hyde Park
Historians believe that lawn bowls – in which players aim to roll their balls as close to a smaller ball (the jack) as they can – was played in England as far back as the 13th-century. The world’s oldest surviving bowling green is in Southampton and was first used in 1299. Today, Hyde Park’s six-rink lawn bowling green is open to the public for one-off bookings and special events from Easter until late September. All equipment is provided. Book via the website, where you will also find a printable score sheet. Book it.
Croquet At The Skylight Bar, Tobacco Dock
The ancient game of croquet was played widely in France in the 11th-century but was popularised in Britain under Queen Victoria’s reign. It hasn’t gone out of fashion since. Try it yourself at the Skylight Bar at Tobacco Dock. Described as an ‘urban playground with epic views’, this funky venue offers rooftop croquet for up to six players in 45-minute sessions for £25 a go. Book it.
Real Tennis At Queens
Real Tennis predated the modern game of tennis and was played with gusto by many of our monarchs. It hasn’t endured as well as ordinary tennis, though, and today there are only 47 Real Tennis courts in the world. However, the lucky people of London can make like Henry VIII, book a ‘sporting day’ at Queen’s Club in Baron’s Court and treat their guests to a Real Tennis tournament. Book it.
Petanque At Cleaver Square, Kennington
Though the game grew out of Lawn Bowls, the current form of Petanque, which is played on a gravel surface, was invented in a little town in Provence in 1910. Today, you can hire a Petanque set for £10 from the Prince of Wales pub in Kennington, get in a round of drinks (for which they will provide plastic cups) and head out to Cleaver Square to begin your game.
Ping Pong At Bounce
It is thought that British military officers invented Ping Pong in India as an after-dinner game. It certainly became very popular in upper-class Victorian England. With multiple locations in London, Bounce is a haven for today’s Ping Pong fans, who can drink cocktails, snack on pizza, grab a bat and play to their hearts’ content there. Sessions start at £6 and last for 55 minutes. Book it.
Foosball At The Victoria Tavern
The design inspiration for foosball, or table football, came from a box of matches. It was patented in 1924 by a man called Harold Searles Thornton, who wanted people to be able to play football in their homes. Today, Foosball Club nestles on the first floor of the Victoria Tavern and is the result of one man’s dream to bring table football to the masses. Book tokens in advance – or take your chances and buy them at the bar as a walk-in. Retro arcade games are an added bonus. Book it.
By Becky Ladenburg
July 2023
