How to Dress for a Gaming Night in London

The history of gaming nights in London

It’s not a new phenomenon to go out in London and enjoy socialising over a game or two. In fact, travelling into the city to play cards and dice in ‘gaming houses’ was first recorded in the 1700s.

In the 19th century, gaming houses were heavily regulated, and the public resorted to gaming in underground, discreet locations. Then, in the 1960s, came a resurgence in casinos with the emergence of notable establishments like the Ritz Club.

Much has changed in London since the 17th century, but gaming nights are as popular as they ever were. London boasts a huge range of interactive gaming locations for you to explore, and there are venues for everyone’s tastes.

If you’d prefer to visit a casino site such as Megaways Casino rather than the real thing, experiment with interactive gaming bars in Shoreditch. Alternatively, you could try a board game cafe, as there are many dotted about.  

Dressing for an evening in a London Casino

Nowadays, you won’t need to wear a top hat and tails to get into your favourite gaming establishment in London. However, if you’re planning on visiting a casino, it’s essential to understand the venue’s dress code before choosing an outfit.

Formal attire

• If you’re looking for the Casino Royale experience, you’ll need an outfit befitting Bond, or one of his glamorous companions. Swap trainers and jeans for tailored suiting and bowties, elegant evening gowns and heels – stylish flats are also an option!

Smart casual

• The aim of the game is looking effortlessly put-together, relaxed but confident, trendy but timeless, with comfortable and versatile pieces. Think unstructured blazers, simple trainers, and tailored bottoms, and don’t forget – layering and accessorising go a long way!

Casual or sportswear

• When venturing out in London, a good rule of thumb is to avoid athletic wear, like shorts, flip-flops, or tracksuits. Venues may have become accepting of trainers in recent years, but always check the casino’s dress-code before wearing your kicks!

Grooming

• Presenting yourself neatly is just as important as choosing your outfit for a night at the casino. Don’t forget to press your clothes before heading out, a creased shirt could stand between you and a big win! 

Planning ahead

• It’s also important to have a rough idea of which gaming establishments you’d like to visit in one evening. Try and style an outfit to fit the dress-code of multiple London venues and the world’s your oyster!

Alternative gaming destinations in London

If you’re looking for alternative gaming destinations to traditional casinos, London has plenty to offer for all kinds of parties. Social sporting bars are a growing trend in London, which combine drinking, casual sport, and socialising.

Whether you want to spice up a date or have fun with friends, London has everything from ping-pong, to axe-throwing. Try to dress as comfortably as possible for social sports, with fewer accessories and clothing that you can move in.

Here are some of our favourite spots, with tips on how to dress for the occasion.

Crazy golf bars

• Mini golf bars are popping up all over the city, with bars like Junkyard Golf Club offering wacky courses. If you’re planning on swinging by, we recommend comfortable shoes and UV reflective clothing!

Flight Club

• Five minutes’ walk from Junkyard Golf is Flight Club, the birthplace of Social Darts, fitted with funfair décor! Flight Club hasn’t got a restrictive dress-code, but we suggest that you wear clothing that allows you to move freely.

Sixes cricket bar

• At Sixes cricket bar, you can test your batting skills against a virtual bowler – no experience or cricket whites required! Whether you’re up to bat or are happy spectating, we advise you dress comfortably and enjoy the fantastic menu.

Virtual Reality (VR) arcades.

• Venues like Immersive Gamebox in Southbank, use VR to create an immersive gaming experience suitable for all ages. With games designed to keep you active, we recommend sensible footwear and removable layers to keep you cool!

There’s no shortage of gaming venues in London for you to explore, but what should you remember before visiting? Different gaming venues will have their own specific dress-codes or requirements, so always check with the venue before dressing.

Dressing comfortably is essential whether you dress formally for a lavish casino, or in activewear for a VR arcade. Dressing appropriately for the activity you will be engaging in will allow you to fully enjoy the experience without worry.

Dress-codes are useful, but the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident. So, remember to express yourself – fortune favours the bold!