Bounce Ping Pong: World Cup
As part of my mission to discover the best bars to watch The World Cup I went to cool ping pong bar Bounce in Holborn. Within seconds of Chancery Lane, Bounce is Europe’s largest purpose built ‘Social Ping Pong Club’ and is on the very site where table tennis was founded in 1901.
The place has a relaxed and friendly vibe and the customer service is excellent from start to finish. You are greeted at reception and led down towards your table, where they explain the experience that the club offers. What makes it unique is that you can tailor the experience to suit you; by just playing table tennis, eating or drinking first, during or after. Or all 3 in my case.
There are numerous screens showing the football and Bounce is running World Cup parties for every England game, with matches screened over two 10 feet screens. These parties will include:
- A carnival spirit
- A Bounce official England Two Man Brass Band
- Half-time game show hosted by Bounce World Cup mascot Marvin Striker
- Special World Cup cocktails
Thursday’s England Vs Uruguay game is already sold out but bookings for the crucial Costa Rica game (Tues 24th June, 5pm) can be made here.
We ordered a bucket of Saint lager, which is the latest edition to their beer offerings. I hadn’t heard of this premium, British beer before, which has no added sugar for a smoother taste. This was one of the best lagers I’ve tasted and is the perfect tonic to a stressful day at the office. The drinks menu also includes a large variety of wines, champagnes and cocktails.
They have a large food offering for their customers, whether they’re looking for a sit-down restaurant experience or a more casual bar food snack. We opted for two of their traditional pizzas, with me going for the spicy pork & fennel, plum tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, basil and fresh chilli. This was my perfect type of pizza, thin, crispy and with a spicy kick to it. My friend went for tomato & basil sauce topped with buffalo mozzarella and micro basil. This was equally delicious, and these pizzas went with the Saint lager perfectly.
After watching Germany destroy Portugal, my mood further enhanced by seeing Ronaldo disappointed, we headed for our table tennis table. Bounce has a portable camera, which for an extra £10, will record 12 minutes of your play. You will then be emailed an edited, highlights reel. Although ours may look more like a gag reel, as we were both showing off for the cameras, it was great fun never-the-less.
The tables and bats are great quality and are perfect for beginners or seasoned players alike. They also have an Olympic table, which was used by the professionals in last year’s London Olympics. The attentive staff even round up your balls for you so you constantly have a good supply to play with. I think there’s something about table tennis, which makes it such an appealing activity for a broad range of customers.
There are 17 ping pong tables, which can be booked here, for £18 per hour (off peak) or £26 per hour (on peak). There is also a restaurant seating 95 and a large, elegant cocktail bar, which was designed by Russell Sage.
Bounce is a high-end, cool, vibrant club that is perfect for a relaxed and fun evening. Have a look at their website and Twitter pages for more info.
Opening Hours
Mon 4pm – Midnight
Tue 4pm – Midnight
Wed 4pm – Midnight
Thurs 4pm – 1am
Fri 12pm – 1am
Sat 12pm – 1am
Sun 12pm – 11pm
Address: Bounce, 121 Holborn, London, EC1N 2TD
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 020 3657 6525
Written by Martin Stocks | @Stocks1986
Martin runs our collaborative story ‘High Society’. The latest part can be read here.
