If your kids are bouncing off the walls and your competitive streak needs an outlet, Bat & Ball in Covent Garden (or Westfield Stratford) is a brilliant shout.
Think classic ping pong meets cool urban hangout with loads of energy, music, and space to whack balls at each other (nicely, of course). It’s family-friendly during the day (until 8pm), with plenty of tables for games, plus food, drinks and a buzzy atmosphere that’s way more fun than your average arcade.
You can book a table in advance or rock up and hope there’s space. Ideal for rainy-day outings or letting teens loose while you grab a flat white. There’s also a pool table, retro games, and screens showing live sport if anyone’s more into spectating than swinging. Plus, there’s mini golf at the Covent Garden branch.
Top tip from the KidRated team: Go off-peak if you’ve got younger kids. Weekends can get a bit lively later on. And yes, you will get strangely competitive.
Bat & Ball FAQs
- Is Bat & Ball suitable for kids?
Yes. During the day it’s a fab spot for families. Kids can play ping pong, try the retro games, or watch sports on the big screens until 8pm when the grown-up vibes ramp up.
- What age is Bat & Ball best for?
It’s great for kids 7+ who can handle a bat, and especially fun for tweens and teens. Little ones might find it tricky, but they’ll still enjoy the buzz and games.
- Can you book a ping pong table in advance?
Yes and you should. Especially on weekends or rainy days. Book online to lock in your time and avoid any “but I wanted to play” drama.
- What’s the dress code for kids?
Nothing fancy needed just comfy clothes and trainers so they can move, swing, and celebrate their epic ping pong wins in style.
- Is there food available at Bat & Ball?
Absolutely. There’s a full menu of crowd-pleasers. Think burgers, pizzas, and snacks kids will love (plus a decent coffee and cocktail list for grown-ups too).
- Can kids play pool or use the retro games?
Yes! There’s a pool table and arcade-style fun, perfect for a bit of post-ping pong downtime. Just be prepared to hear “just one more go” about 17 times.
- Is Bat & Ball accessible for buggies or wheelchairs?
Yes. Westfield has step-free access throughout, and Bat & Ball is on one level. There’s also nearby accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities.
- Is Bat & Ball a good rainy-day activity in London?
Perfect. Indoors, active, and guaranteed to burn off some energy. It’s a win-win when the weather’s grim and you need something fun and screen-free.
- Do parents need to play too?
Not at all, but we bet you will. It’s way too tempting not to join in. And if not, just sit back with a drink and cheer on your future table tennis champ.
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