Cue the Night: Poolhouse Is London’s New Playground

London’s social scene is about to level up, and it’s bringing a cue with it. From the team behind Topgolf and Puttshack comes something that feels both nostalgic and completely new: Poolhouse. Opening this spring at 100 Liverpool Street, it’s not just another place to play pool—it’s an all-out reimagining of the game, wrapped in a high-energy night out.

Set across a sprawling 21,000 square feet, Poolhouse isn’t shy about making an impression. Spread over two floors, the space blends retro pool hall grit with a kind of vintage Vegas glamour that feels equal parts laid-back and electric. Think soft lighting, plush seating, and a buzz in the air that builds as the night goes on. At the centre of it all sits a striking 20-metre bar, the kind of place that practically guarantees “just one more drink” turns into a full evening.

But the real twist comes with the games themselves. Poolhouse takes the classic table and gives it a serious upgrade, thanks to integrated AI technology. It quietly learns how good each player is and adjusts the difficulty in real time, meaning no one is left out and no game feels one-sided. Whether someone hasn’t touched a cue before or fancies themselves a bit of a hustler, the playing field stays level. Alongside familiar formats like Killer, there are new game modes like Pot Shots, with more constantly being developed, so it never feels repetitive.

It’s designed as much for socialising as it is for competition. Groups can dip in and out of games, settle in for drinks, or just soak up the atmosphere. DJs keep the tempo high, turning what could have been a casual hangout into something closer to a full night out. It’s the kind of place where a quick game easily turns into hours.

The food plays its part too. Inspired by New American cuisine but with global touches, everything is built around sharing. It’s the kind of menu that encourages people to linger, order a bit more, and keep the table full while the games carry on in the background.

Then there are the drinks, which are clearly taken seriously. Created in collaboration with acclaimed bar Three Sheets, the cocktail menu is designed to keep up with the pace of the night—easy to enjoy, but far from basic. And for those who lean towards a pint, Poolhouse is making a bold claim: serving one of the best Guinness pours in London. With custom cooling systems, specialised gas mixes, and even dedicated glass-washing setups, they’re chasing perfection down to the smallest detail.

Poolhouse feels like it understands exactly what a modern night out needs to be. It’s interactive without being gimmicky, stylish without feeling forced, and social in a way that doesn’t rely on people just standing around with drinks in hand. It brings a familiar game into a completely new setting, one where competition, conversation, and cocktails all sit comfortably side by side.

If London didn’t already have enough reasons to go out, this might just be one more.

Poolhouse
100 Liverpool Street
London EC2M 2AT
www.pool.house
@poolhouse.uk

Claire

Lover of travel, yoga and sushi. Favourite city is Japan. On my travel list is Florence, Croatia and Cusco.

(c) FLVR London