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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Gaming Venues in London

Hey, gamers! Ready to level up your weekends? London is a paradise for anyone who loves gaming, offering a range of venues where you can dive into virtual worlds, battle it out with friends, or just chill with like-minded gamers. Whether you’re into retro classics, cutting-edge VR or competitive esports, there’s something here for you. Grab your controllers, and let’s explore the best gaming spots in the city!

 

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Loading Bar Dalston 

 

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Located in the hip neighbourhood of Dalston, Loading Bar is a haven for gamers. This quirky spot combines a café vibe with an impressive selection of board games, consoles, and arcade machines. Whether you fancy a latte while playing Mario Kart or a drink with some tabletop gaming, Loading Bar has you covered. It’s the perfect place to hang out with friends and make new ones. 

 

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Four Quarters East 

 

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If you’re a fan of retro gaming, Four Quarters East in Hackney Wick is the place to be. This cool venue is packed with classic arcade machines from the ’80s and ’90s, and you can play them all with tokens! They also have a fantastic selection of drinks, making it a great spot to unwind after a long day of classes. Don’t forget to try your hand at the original Pac-Man or Street Fighter II!

 

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Platform 

 

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Right in the heart of Shoreditch, Platform offers a unique gaming and dining experience. This venue is perfect for social gamers, featuring private gaming booths with the latest consoles and a fantastic menu of pizzas and drinks. Gather your mates for a FIFA tournament or dive into a co-op adventure game. Platform’s stylish, neon-lit atmosphere makes it an Instagram-worthy spot too! 

 

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The Heart of Gaming 

 

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Situated in Croydon, The Heart of Gaming (or HoG) is a community-driven venue that boasts a huge array of arcade machines, consoles, and PCs. It’s a paradise for fighting game enthusiasts, with regular events and tournaments. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere makes it a great place to meet fellow gamers and challenge them to a round of Tekken or Super Smash Bros.

 

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Meltdown London 

 

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Meltdown London in Islington is the go-to spot for esports fans. This esports bar offers live streaming of major tournaments, gaming PCs, and console setups. You can join in on the action or just chill with a drink and cheer for your favourite team. Themed events, quizzes, and tournaments make every visit exciting and different. 

 

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VEGA London 

Located in Soho, VEGA London combines the thrill of gaming with the buzz of a nightclub. This venue features state-of-the-art VR experiences, console gaming, and a lively bar area. Perfect for a night out with friends, VEGA offers a mix of immersive gaming and dance-worthy tunes. It’s the ultimate spot for a fun-filled evening. 

 

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Bonus Tip: Game and Chill Meetups 

Esports college course students side-by-side, playing Rocket League

Keep an eye out for local gaming meetups and events. Websites like Meetup.com and Eventbrite often list gatherings where you can meet fellow gamers, try out new games, and participate in tournaments. It’s a great way to expand your gaming community and discover new venues across London. 

There you have it, gamers – the ultimate guide to the best gaming venues in London! Whether you’re a casual player or an esports fanatic, these spots offer something for everyone. Grab your mates, hit up these venues, and get ready for some epic gaming sessions. See you on the leaderboard! 

And if you want to turn your passion for gaming into a career, check out our games courses!

5 Reasons London Could Become the Esports Capital of Europe

Hey, gamers! Ever wondered why London might just be the next big thing in esports? With its vibrant culture, cutting-edge venues, and passionate community, the ‘Big Smoke’ is ready to level up to the esports capital of Europe. Here are five reasons why London is perfectly poised to take the crown. Grab your energy drinks and get comfy — let’s dive in!

 

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1) World-Class Venues

Esports competition venue in London

London is home to some of the most iconic and versatile venues perfect for hosting esports tournaments. The OVO Arena in Wembley, for example, has already seen massive esports events like CS (Counter-Strike).Major Championship. Then there’s the ExCeL London, a sprawling exhibition centre that regularly hosts gaming expos and conventions. These venues are fully equipped to handle large crowds, high-tech setups, and international broadcasts, making London a prime location for top-tier esports competitions.

 

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2) Thriving Gaming Community

Young college students in esports class working together

London’s gaming community is buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. From local gaming cafes like Loading Bar and Platform to massive LAN parties and meetups, there’s always something happening in the city. This vibrant community not only supports local talent but also attracts international players and fans. With a solid base of passionate gamers, London is fertile ground for the growth of esports culture.

 

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3) Tech and Innovation Hub

Programming code language on computer screen

London is a global hub for technology and innovation. The city’s tech scene is booming, with numerous startups and established companies pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming and esports. This access to cutting-edge technology and talent makes London an ideal place for developing new esports platforms, broadcasting solutions, and gaming experiences. Plus, with major companies like Google and Facebook setting up shop here, the synergy between tech and gaming is only getting stronger.

 

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4) Supportive Infrastructure

WiFi point in London

London’s infrastructure is top-notch, from reliable public transport to high-speed internet connections. This makes it easy for players, organisers, and fans to get to and from events smoothly. Additionally, London’s extensive hotel and hospitality industry can comfortably accommodate large influxes of visitors for major esports events. This logistical ease is a huge plus for event organisers and fans alike.

 

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5) Cultural Melting Pot

London double decker bus and red phone box

London is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, and this diversity extends to its gaming scene. The city attracts talent from all corners of the globe, creating a rich tapestry of gaming styles, strategies, and cultures. This melting pot of ideas and experiences fosters creativity and innovation within the esports community. Plus, the city’s vibrant cultural scene means there’s always something exciting to do when you’re not gaming, from exploring world-class museums to catching a West End show.

 

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Bonus Reason: The Vibe

London skyline sunset

Let’s not forget the sheer vibe of London. The city has an electric energy that’s hard to match. Whether you’re strolling down the bustling streets of Camden, catching a gig in Shoreditch, or enjoying the nightlife in Soho, there’s a sense of excitement and possibility in the air. This dynamic atmosphere is perfect for the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled world of esports.

So there you have it, gamers — five reasons why London is set to become the esports capital of Europe. With its world-class venues, thriving community, tech innovation, supportive infrastructure, and diverse culture, London has all the ingredients needed to lead the esports charge. Keep your eyes on the prize, because the future of esports in Europe looks bright, and it’s shining right over London. Game on! 🎮✨

Also, if you are based in London and want a career in esports, you can study Level 3 Esports at Access Creative College. Apply online today and get your esports journey started!