I’m always on the lookout for something new to do in London. Don’t get me wrong, I love a weekend spent under my duvet with Netflix snacks. But there’s a special kind of joy that comes from getting out and trying something new, especially if it involves good company, a bit of competition, and an excuse to let off steam after work.
That’s how I found myself at Fairgame, London’s coolest grown-up fairground. Imagine the chaos of a funfair, the glow of neon lights, and a playlist straight out of your best nights out, then add cocktails, prizes, and a buzzy City crowd. It’s fun, competitive, and just the right amount of ridiculous.
How to get to Fairgame by train
Getting there couldn’t be easier. Fairgame City is right in the heart of the square mile, literally opposite St Paul’s Cathedral and within the trendy New Change development. If you work in the City, it’ll be a short walk from your office. If you’re travelling in from outside London, jump on a Thameslink train to City Thameslink and it’s just a 5-minute walk from there.
The journey itself is half the fun. From the railway station, you pass right by St Paul’s Cathedral, which looks even more spectacular when lit up at dusk. By the time you reach the glass-fronted New Change development, you’re already in the mood for some entertainment.
That’s the beauty of travelling by train for experiences like this, as there’s no worrying about parking or traffic, and you can go from boardroom to bar in the time it takes most Londoners to find an available Lime bike. It’s perfect for those looking to blend business and leisure (or as the cool kids say, “bleisure”). Clock off at 5pm, head to the venue, and you can be sipping a cocktail and knocking down cans before 6pm.
What to expect at Fairgame City
Step inside Fairgame and it’s like walking into a candy-coloured fever dream (in the best possible way). The space is big, bright, and unapologetically fun. Giant teddy bears hang from the ceiling like trophies, neon signs glow with cheeky slogans, and retro tunes bounce through the air. It’s a full-on sensory experience that makes you forget you’re in the middle of London’s financial district.
There’s a large bar area with plenty of seating, plus a cloakroom (always appreciated, especially if you’re carrying your laptop) and a handy layout that makes it easy to mingle between games, food, bar, and seating. Everywhere you look, there’s colour, laughter, and a general sense that everyone’s here to have a good time.
Who’s it for?
Fairgame is strictly 18+, which instantly sets the tone: this is fun for grown-ups. Expect to see everything from corporate groups on team days to couples on dates and friends celebrating birthdays. In fact, most of their visitors come from the corporate world, which is not surprising given the venue’s location and slick setup.
There’s even a separate function room you can hire if you’re planning something special like a corporate away day or birthday party.
But don’t let the gilets and loafers fool you, the atmosphere here is anything but stuffy. Fairgame is the kind of place where you can let loose without worrying about who’s watching. It’s nostalgic, competitive, and a lot of fun.
The games
To the main event: the games. There are 12 in total, and six of them come with actual prizes. Yes, actual prizes you can proudly take home (or clutch for a selfie, at least).
Expect all your funfair favourites, reimagined for the modern age, like the world’s biggest indoor hook-a-duck and high-speed mobility scooter racing for pensioners with a competitive streak. Each game is powered by slick tech, hooked up to live leader boards so you can keep an eye on who in your team is in the lead.
When you arrive, you get your game card which allows you to effortlessly tap in to play any game. You move between games at your own pace, scoring points and earning bragging rights as you go. It’s just the right mix of competitive and carefree. One minute you’re nailing a bullseye, the next you’re howling with laughter because your friend completely missed their shot.
It’s also genius for dates. There’s no awkward small talk when you’re too busy battling over who’s better at whack-a-mole, and even if the date’s a dud, you still have something to talk about.
Fairgame also ramps up the energy on Friday and Saturday nights, when a live DJ takes over and turns the space into a mini-festival. Carnival games meets dancefloor: it’s a vibe.
The food and drink
If you’re going to spend an evening throwing beanbags and dodging flying balls, you’ll want good fuel, and Fairgame delivers. The food is provided by three street food vendors serving kebabs, burgers, and pizza.
I tried the chicken burger, which was everything I could want from comfort food: light, crispy chicken, plenty of flavour, and a sauce that made me genuinely pause mid-sentence. The pizza was equally impressive, proper thin, stretchy dough, cooked just right, and oozing with fresh mozzarella.
Pair it all with a round of cocktails (or mocktails if you’re keeping it sensible). The drinks list is solid: colourful, fun, and perfectly matched to the upbeat vibe. It’s the kind of setup that encourages you to make a night of it: play some games, grab a bite, sip a drink, then dive back in for round two.
Vibe check
Fairgame nails that balance between chaos and cool. It’s got all the nostalgic energy of an old school arcade, but with sleek decor, a lively crowd, and plenty of space to move around.
The staff deserve a special shout-out, too. They’re friendly, welcoming, and genuinely seem to love being there, a small detail that makes a big difference. Hand sanitiser bottles on tables (a small but thoughtful touch) and efficient service at the bar mean you can focus on the fun instead of logistics.
If you don’t fancy planning ahead, you can just walk in, though if you’re coming with a big group, it’s definitely worth booking online to secure your slot.
Why you should go
London has no shortage of things to do, but Fairgame stands out because it taps into something simple: nostalgic fun just for adults. It’s a space where you can forget about deadlines, emails, and the price of oat milk lattes for a few hours.
It’s a brilliant post-work destination. With City Thameslink just minutes away, you can go straight from your laptop to the leaderboard and then home without any fuss. Round up your colleagues, challenge your boss to a game of basketball, and see who crumbles under the pressure.
If you’re more of a weekend warrior, it’s just as good for birthdays, double dates, or group hangouts. It’s social, silly, and instantly mood-lifting.
Plus, the location couldn’t be better. You’re surrounded by the shops and restaurants of One New Change, with St Paul’s Cathedral providing the most jaw-dropping backdrop imaginable. When you’ve finished your games, grab more drinks at one of the rooftop bars nearby or wander through the twinkling lights of the City at night.
The verdict
Fairgame is everything you want from a night out in London: unique, high-energy, and gloriously unpretentious. It’s the kind of place that reminds you not to take life too seriously.
Whether you’re popping in after work, planning a corporate team day, or looking for a date spot that guarantees a good time, this is one of those rare experiences that works for everyone.
Next time you’re searching for something fun, new, and completely offbeat to do in the City, catch a Thameslink train to City Thameslink and head straight for Fairgame. Because sometimes, the best nights out are the ones that make you feel like a kid again.