Five unconventional activities for an alternative night in London

London is teeming with places to go and people to see, but it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of doing the same things over and over again. We’ve compiled some of our top recommendations for more unusual activities that will steer you away from the classic nightclubs and into new and exciting territories.

Ball pool

If you’re tired of your nine-to-five office job and want to unleash your inner child for the evening, we recommend diving head first into the fun at Ballie Ballerson. With ball pits, neon lights, exciting cocktails and booming beats, this bar gives you the best of both worlds, offering the thrill of youth but with the benefits of booze and no early bedtime to put an end to your revelry.

Laser tag

We’ve all seen the many crazy golf and ping pong venues popping up all over town, but how about a night of paintball and laser tag? At Bunker 51 you can even take part in an interactive zombie SWAT experience for an evening that’s truly immersive. Spending the night in a Cold War bunker isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s guaranteed to be different!

Bingo 

Contrary to its traditional public image, it’s is not just an activity for older ladies on cruise ships. In the capital, it’s having a millennial makeover. At Dabbers in Shoreditch, the game is being paired with music, comedians and all manner of food and drink for a night of hipster entertainment.

Axe-throwing

If the above-mentioned options are not quite edgy enough for you, why not ramp up the danger factor by flinging axes at an unsuspecting target? We’ve all heard of the lumbersexual trend, but Whistlepunks are giving you a chance to complete the look by offering a night of “urban axe-throwing”. It’s a step up from (comparatively tame) archery that will get the adrenaline pumping and give you the chance to compete with your friends as you go for the bullseye.

Arcade

For fans of all things arcade, London has the perfect night for you at Namco Funscape. From Pacman and penny machines to air hockey and ten-pin bowling, there’s everything you need to recreate the birthday parties of yesteryear. And if scoring a strike or a turkey isn’t enough reward, you can also win classic prizes by collecting tickets, the beloved currency of childhood.

The editorial unit