There’s a point in every London week where dinner and drinks start to feel a little repetitive. Same table, same format, same routine. So when somewhere offers a shift in pace, something a bit more dynamic without losing the atmosphere, it stands out quickly.
We visited Clays City with the TONE team to kick off the bank holiday weekend, expecting a fun, activity-led evening. What we found was something far more rounded, a space that brings together entertainment, good food, strong drinks and a genuinely enjoyable atmosphere without leaning too heavily on any one thing.
First Impressions: Clays City Is A Bar You’d Stay For Anyway
From the moment you arrive, it feels polished. A friendly doorman sets the tone straight away, welcoming without being overbearing, before leading you down into the space below.
The venue itself is underground, but rather than feeling enclosed, it leans into a more intimate, low-lit atmosphere. Warm lighting, rich textures and a well-designed layout give it a finish that feels elevated, far from what you might expect from an activity-based venue. It’s the kind of space where the bar alone could carry the night.
There’s a clear sense of intention behind it. It doesn’t feel like somewhere built purely around the game. Instead, it feels like a proper bar first, one that just happens to offer something more. Even without playing, it would still be somewhere you’d happily settle into for a few hours.
The Experience: More Than Just a Game
The concept is simple, but executed well. Each group has its own area, with interactive screens that let you choose between different games, keeping things easy to navigate and varied enough to stay engaging.
What works particularly well is how naturally it fits into the evening. You’re not stepping away from the social side of things to “do an activity.” It becomes part of it. Drinks in hand, music in the background, conversation flowing, the game just adds structure.
It’s also genuinely fun. The games are well-paced and intuitive, and importantly, they last long enough to feel like you’re getting real value. Our group played two full rounds and were there for a good stretch of time without it feeling rushed.
It hits that balance between competitive and relaxed, making it just as suited to a date night as it is to a group evening out. Something to do, without it ever feeling forced.
Food and Drinks: Better Than You’d Expect
One of the easiest ways for activity-led venues to fall short is on the food and drinks. That’s not the case here.
The drinks list is broad and well put together, cocktails, spirits, wine and beer all covered, alongside mocktails that make it accessible for everyone. It feels like a proper bar offering, not an afterthought.
Ordering is seamless. Everything can be done directly from your playing area via a touchscreen, so you don’t need to step away from your group. Drinks arrive quickly, keeping the momentum of the evening going.
The food is designed for sharing, and it works. We ordered a mix across the menu, margarita pizza, beef and chicken sliders, loaded fries, calamari, and the standout KFC (which is vegetarian). Everything arrived together, making it easy to share and graze as you go.
And it was good. Good enough that we immediately went in for a second round, which says everything.
Service: Easy, Friendly, and Well-Timed
What really pulls the experience together is the service.
From the start, the team are warm and welcoming, with a clear explanation of how everything works. There’s a natural attentiveness throughout the evening, with staff checking in at the right moments without interrupting the flow.
Drinks arrive promptly, food is delivered quickly, and everything feels smooth and well-managed, even as the space fills up.
A standout touch, once our time in the gaming area ended, we weren’t rushed out. Instead, we were guided through to a seated bar area so we could continue the night, with our food and drinks following seamlessly. It keeps the evening feeling fluid rather than cut short.
And to finish, a round of shots on the house. Not expected, but a nice way to round things off.
The Verdict: A Strong Alternative to the Usual Night Out
Clays City gets something right that a lot of places miss. It gives you a reason to go out that isn’t just centred around eating and drinking, while still delivering properly on both.
It’s fun without being gimmicky, elevated without feeling formal, and social in a way that feels natural rather than forced.
If you’re looking for somewhere different this week, whether it’s for a group night, a date, or just a change from the usual, this is one worth knowing. A good atmosphere, strong drinks, genuinely enjoyable food, and an experience that adds to the night rather than distracting from it.
And in London, that’s exactly what you want.
Locations:
Clays, The City: 55 Moorgate, London EC2R 6LL
Clays, Canary Wharf: Unit 1, 45 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London E14 5NY
Clays, Soho: 4–6 Denman Street, London W1D 7HA
Book here.
For more recommendations, visit TONE Magazine LDN and our Outings page.
