The Vintage Games Circuit

Independent cafes and pubs are becoming the best places in London to catch up with friends with a drink or turn up with laptop in hand for a day of work, but with so many on every corner it’s hard to pick, with teas with timers and avocado on toast swaying you at every turn. So what combines two great British traditions? A great pint and a good old fashioned board game. Taking a step away from the cosmopolitain cocktail bars in Central, South London offers more choice for a relaxed drink and play than you can shake your dice at.

The Four Quarters - Peckham

The Four Quarters - Peckham

Tucked in between local hairdressers on the busy Peckham Rye High Street and discreetly disguised as part of the ‘Meat Market’, the Four Quarters is a hub for those looking to relive childhoods spent in arcades where numerous hours were lost trying to beat Space Invaders or Pacman. One of the owners of The Four Quarters revealed it was exactly this reason why the bar is so popular.

“There was no where else like it. We grew up in arcades and wanted a place people could enjoy a few drinks and play classic games, it was always going to be both when we started. People come in for a drink and think they are too cool to play on one of the games, then after a drink they are getting out their 20ps and having a go.”


There are rows of classic arcade games at the same prices you paid for a game when you were a youngster. The owners, who themselves are skilled in maintaining these games, show their love and dedication to the bar. The bar also hosts film and game nights with boxfuls of old school Nintendo and Playstation games on the second floor to load and play in the nearby machines. Even if you visit for just a drink, the arcade games soon entice even the coolest of punters.

Peckham Pelican -Peckham

Peckham Pelican - Peckham

If you’ve admitted defeat with Pacman but still in the gaming spirit and fancy a relaxed cup of tea, just a walk around the corner is Peckham Pelican. During the day, the cafe is filled with students and freelancers seeking refuge for a chilled place to sit with their laptop or catch up with friends. Peckham Pelican is the perfect place for a work break as there are piles of board games to give the typing a rest and get competitive in a game of Scrabble. The atmosphere is calm and easy going with regular art events and design fairs at the weekends and evenings.

The Four Thieves - Clapham Junction

The Four Thieves is hidden just off the main high street in Clapham Junction and has more than just mouthwatering burgers and craft beer to offer. The whole of the second floor is a dedicated Games Room and has everything from mini golf, a giant Scalextric track, table tennis, table football plus the odd deck of cards. The group aspect of the games means everyone has a chance to play and there is something for everyone’s fancy. Once you’ve made it through the host of games upstairs, the pub offers a cosy beer garden to celebrate (or commiserate) your tournament results with a delicious selection of two for one burgers (available at selected times)

Westow House - Crystal Palace

With endless shelves boasting a catalogue of books and board games, you will be spoilt for choice from losing yourself in a Penguin Classic to a four-hour long game of monopoly. At Westow House, the cosy decor and traditional feel to the pub makes it a popular destination for those after a relaxed pint or some proper pub grub. If the Tuesday Pub Quiz or Friday live music nights don’t take your fancy, take a break on the pinball machine or table football and try and beat your friends for a round of drinks.

If you have an affectionate attachment to ‘old school’ games and gaming or just mildly interested – then these places are definitely worth a visit. Just look a little harder at what there is to see and do in South East London and all will be revealed.