In a bustling corner of London, groups of friends gather in a series of beautifully transformed railway arches for an unforgettable evening of competitive socializing. Welcome to Electric Shuffle, a venue that has embraced the trend of revamping traditional games with cutting-edge technology and a vibrant nightclub atmosphere. Here, spectators cheer as players skillfully navigate neon-colored pucks on polished tables, their best shots captured on video and displayed on large screens.
This new wave of activity bars, such as Electric Shuffle, is transforming the hospitality sector, attracting customers who are seeking a unique and interactive night out. From ping pong and darts to adventure golf and axe-throwing, these establishments offer reinvented pastimes that cater to a wide variety of interests. The allure of competitive socializing has been further fueled by the recent shift in working patterns brought on by the pandemic.
“With more people working remotely and socializing less in traditional office settings, activities like these provide a valuable opportunity for corporate teams and groups of friends to come together,” says Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality. The inclusive nature of these venues also appeals to non-drinkers, offering an alternative to traditional bar scenes.
The success of activity bars is evident in the record-breaking turnover reported by Red Engine, the group behind Electric Shuffle and Flight Club. With plans to expand into new cities, including New York City, these establishments have proven to be resilient in the face of a challenging economic climate.
State of Play, the owner of popular venues like Bounce ping pong bars and Hijingo, credits their success to a shift in consumer behavior. “Companies are now prioritizing activities that encourage social interaction and create memorable experiences,” says Nicola Blackford, commercial director at State of Play. She also notes that booking ahead has become essential, with certain days like Wednesdays and Thursdays being particularly popular.
While activity bars have gained traction, classic pursuits like tenpin bowling continue to attract a large audience in Britain. Ten Entertainment Group, which operates numerous bowling centers, has witnessed significant sales growth and attributes its success to providing a strong value for money and an outstanding customer experience.
As the trend of competitive socializing continues to grow, it is clear that these activity bars have tapped into a new era of socializing. By offering innovative experiences, fostering team camaraderie, and catering to diverse interests, they have become the go-to destinations for those seeking more than just a night at the bar.
FAQ:
Q: What is Electric Shuffle?
A: Electric Shuffle is a venue in London that has embraced the trend of revamping traditional games with cutting-edge technology and a vibrant nightclub atmosphere.
Q: What types of activities do these new activity bars offer?
A: These establishments offer reinvented pastimes such as ping pong, darts, adventure golf, and axe-throwing.
Q: Why are these activity bars becoming popular?
A: These venues are attracting customers who are seeking a unique and interactive night out, as well as providing a valuable opportunity for corporate teams and groups of friends to come together.
Q: Who benefits from these activity bars?
A: These venues appeal to non-drinkers and offer an alternative to traditional bar scenes. They also cater to a wide variety of interests, making them inclusive for different types of customers.
Q: How successful are activity bars?
A: The success of activity bars is evident in the record-breaking turnover reported by some establishments, such as Electric Shuffle and Flight Club. They have proven to be resilient in the face of a challenging economic climate and have plans to expand into new cities.
Q: What contributes to the success of these activity bars?
A: Their success can be attributed to a shift in consumer behavior towards prioritizing activities that encourage social interaction and create memorable experiences. Booking ahead has also become essential.
Q: Are classic pursuits like tenpin bowling still popular?
A: Yes, tenpin bowling continues to attract a large audience in Britain, with significant sales growth reported by Ten Entertainment Group, which operates numerous bowling centers.
Key Terms:
– Activity Bars: These are venues that offer a mix of traditional games and activities, often reinvented with cutting-edge technology and a vibrant atmosphere.
– Competitive Socializing: This refers to the trend of engaging in activities that involve competition and interaction with others, often in a social setting such as a bar or venue.
Suggested Related Links:
– Electric Shuffle
– Flight Club
– Bounce Ping Pong Bars
– Ten Entertainment Group
– UK Hospitality