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Fairgame Canary Wharf

restaurantsβ€’
London
London

Fairgame Canary Wharf

10 Cabot Square, London E14 4QQ, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked into Cabot Square in the heart of London's financial district, Fairgame represents something genuinely fresh in the competitive socialising scene. This adults-only venue has managed to digitize childhood nostalgia while serving up some seriously good street food, earning recognition as 2024 Activity Venue of the Year and 2023 Best London Activity.

Fairgame Canary Wharf: Where Nostalgia Meets RFID Technology

An award-winning fusion of digitized fairground games and exceptional street food

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The energy here is palpable – scoring an impressive 8.5 out of 10 on the liveliness scale, and it shows. Hip-hop, RnB, and house music pulse through the space, creating a vibrant backdrop that's part retro arcade, part sophisticated social club. The venue strikes an interesting balance with a sophistication score of 6.5, managing to feel polished enough for Canary Wharf's discerning crowd while maintaining that playful fairground spirit. With RFID wristband technology tracking your every move across classics like Shoot the Clown, Whac-A-Mole, and Skeeball, there's a distinctly modern twist to the nostalgic games. The space accommodates large groups exceptionally well (9.0 social group size score), making it ideal for work socials and birthday celebrations. The heated outdoor terrace adds another dimension, perfect for those terrace drinks between gaming sessions. It's undeniably Instagram-worthy and trending, with a trendy factor score of 9.2 that reflects its viral appeal.

Food & Drink

The street food lineup here is genuinely impressive, featuring three standout vendors that elevate this beyond typical activity venue fare. Burger & Beyond delivers choice-cut beef burgers with their signature secret sauces, while Rudy's Pizza Napoletana brings authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas crafted with double-fermented dough. Dos Mas Tacos rounds out the trio with proper Mexican heat. The fusion concept works brilliantly – you're not just grabbing mediocre venue food between games, but genuinely good eats from respected street food operators. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, which is essential for group bookings. The central bar complements the food with crafted cocktails, artisanal spirits, craft beers, wines, and soft drinks. The truffle arancini gets a specific mention in insider circles, particularly during happy hour. The combination of quality street food with competitive gaming creates a unique dining experience that justifies the venue's acclaim.

Service & Experience

The staff here seem to understand the concept well, maintaining what's described as a welcoming approach while managing the technical aspects of the RFID system efficiently. The wristband technology that tracks scores across the 75-minute sessions appears to run smoothly, with global leaderboards adding a competitive edge that keeps groups engaged. The system's efficiency is noted as a particular strength, allowing maximum fun whether you're focused on smashing high scores or sharing loaded fries between rounds. However, the structured 75-minute sessions suggest a somewhat regimented approach to service, which works for the venue's operational needs but might feel rushed for some guests.

Value for Money

At price level 2 out of 4, Fairgame positions itself as 'affordable luxury' in one of London's most expensive districts, and that positioning seems fair. The venue specifically markets itself as offering value-for-money and being affordable-for-Canary-Wharf, with group-friendly pricing and after-work deals sweetening the proposition. You're getting award-winning entertainment, quality street food from respected vendors, and a unique RFID gaming experience for your money. However, there's a notable concern about the 75-minute sessions feeling rushed – apparently, games can be completed too quickly for the price point, which could impact the value perception. The combination of technology, quality food vendors, and prime location does justify the pricing structure, particularly when compared to other entertainment options in the area.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Book the 5:30pm slot for optimal game flow, as recommended by those in the know. The venue operates Monday-Thursday 5pm-11pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-12am, and Sunday 11am-10pm. Mondays offer private hire options, while after-work deals make weekday visits particularly attractive for the Canary Wharf crowd.

What to Focus On

Don't miss the truffle arancini during happy hour – it's become something of a signature. The wood-fired pizzas from Rudy's are authentic Neapolitan quality, while Burger & Beyond's secret sauces are worth trying. Pair your gaming with their crafted cocktails from the central bar.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Your RFID wristband tracks everything, so embrace the global leaderboards for maximum competitive funThe 75-minute sessions can feel rushed, so plan your food orders strategically to maximize both gaming and eating timeThe heated outdoor terrace provides a perfect breather between intense gaming sessions

The Final Verdict

Fairgame Canary Wharf succeeds in creating something genuinely unique in London's competitive socialising scene. The combination of digitized fairground nostalgia, quality street food vendors, and slick RFID technology delivers an experience that justifies its award recognition. While the 75-minute sessions might feel rushed and the experience depth scores only 4.0 out of 10, the sheer uniqueness (8.8) and trendy factor (9.2) make it a standout choice. It's particularly strong for groups, with excellent energy levels and Instagram-worthy moments throughout. The pricing feels fair for the location and quality, though the time constraints could be better managed.

Christoff's Rating:
7.8/10

Perfect For:

Canary Wharf professionals looking for after-work entertainmentGroups celebrating birthdays or work socialsCompetitive socialising enthusiasts who want quality food with their games

Quick Details

1

Fairgame Canary Wharf

⭐️ Competitive socializing
⭐️ Adults only
⭐️ Award winning
⭐️ Tech enhanced

RFID wristband technology transforms nostalgic fairground games into competitive socializing across two floors of digitized classics like Whac-A-Mole, Duck Shoot, and Skeeball with global leaderboards tracking your progress. Street food excellence comes from Burger & Beyond's choice-cut beef burgers, Rudy's authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas with double-fermented dough, and Dos Mas Tacos' Mexican heat. The 75-minute game sessions pulse with hip-hop and house music while craft cocktails featuring Mermaid gin specialties fuel the competition. This adults-only venue has earned 2024 Activity Venue of the Year recognition for creating experiences that work equally well for work socials, birthday celebrations, and casual nights out. The heated outdoor terrace extends the fun year-round, while efficient systems ensure maximum gaming time between food and drinks.

What's Great

βœ“ RFID technology tracks scores across 9 games with global leaderboards

βœ“ Street food trinity of Burger & Beyond, Rudy's Pizza, and Dos Mas Tacos

Keep in Mind

Γ— 75-minute sessions feel rushed with games completed too quickly for the price

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Book 5:30pm slots for optimal game flow and grab street food during happy hour pricing

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

πŸ•"Mon-Thu: 5pm-11pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-12am, Sun: 11am-10pm"
πŸ’·Β£Β£Β£
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Fairgame Canary Wharf has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.