What does the experience involve?
PLAYBOX in Croydon is a new games venue that's located in the BOXPARK, right next to East Croydon Station, making it easily accessible from central London (trains run direct from Victoria, Clapham Junction, London Bridge and St Pancras International) and other parts of south London, via Tram and Bus Route services. It's open from 12pm (11am on Saturdays and Sundays) until late, but under 18s are welcome until 7pm. So, if you're looking for a fun activity that both dad and the kids will enjoy this Father's Day, then this is an affordable option that will keep all the family happy. We visited on a Friday evening, and here's why we'd recommend this new attraction...
It's got lots of fun on offer...
Digital Shuffleboard
The classic game has been modernised with electronic scoring and a number of themed games to challenge your skills. You choose your game on the screen, and the difficulty levels vary. Some games are simply about reaching the highest score, whereas other require you to expertly slide the puck to a certain position, and other games notch up the competitive levels with the aim being to knock your opponent's puck clean off the board. There are stools available for kids to stand on so they can comfortably play.
Smart Darts
High-tech darts boards track your throws, turning each game into an interactive, fast-paced battle. On the screen you can choose your game and difficulty level. I enjoyed a game where you have to claim as much of the board as possible in a farming land grab, whereas my husband wanted to play the more challenging games where you have to hit an exact point on the board. But there are plenty of interactive games to choose from to satisfy all abilities from kids to adults (both pro and amateur). I'm not hugely interested in normal darts, but digital darts is an activity I really enjoy.
Pool Tables
A couple of premium pool tables are well spaced for an enjoyable game. The area is stylishly designed with neon lights and overlooks the BOXPARK below for a lively atmosphere. There are comfortable bar chairs and a long shelf to place your drinks, and we enjoyed sipping a cocktail while listening to the great tunes over the speakers and playing pool. My husband told me he'd go back to PLAYBOX for the pool alone.
Karaoke Booths
Sing your heart out in one of four state-of-the-art interactive karaoke booths. Whether you fancy belting out power ballads or dropping rap verses, there are thousands of songs to choose from, with touch-screen controls, and sound and lighting effects.
Arcade
There's a small retro gaming arcade for button-mashing fun, and it's also worth mentioning that PLAYBOX has massive screens if you're looking for somewhere to meet with friends to watch the football, rugby, F1 or any unmissable sports event. You can book your table online.
It's affordable...
How much does it cost?
You pay for each game or activity you choose to play. It's recommended you book in advance, but they do welcome walk-ins. Digital Shuffleboard and Smart Darts are each booked in 50 minute slots and cost £6 per person at off-peak times and £10 per person during peak times. Pool is booked for a 50 minute slot and costs £15 per table during off-peak times and £20 during peak times. Karaoke booths can be booked for 50 minutes (£6 per person during off-peak times or £10 during peak times) or 110 minutes (£12 per person during off-peak times or £20 per person during peak times). You purchase tokens for the Arcade Games, costing £11 for 6, £21 for 12, £41 for 24, or £80 for 50.
PLAYBOX often run a special 3-for-1 offer around half term, where starting from just £13, three people can enjoy two activities, during off-peak times. (A deal that would normally cost £39).
Father's Day offer at PLAYBOX
Celebrate Father's Day at PLAYBOX with a fun and competitive twist from 1-15 June. Join Father & Child Tournaments, featuring three games - Shuffleboard, Darts, and Pool. Rack up points and claim prizes. Then submit your scorecard for a chance to win tickets to a huge sporting event. The Father v Child offer costs £10 per person for 30 minutes of Darts, Shuffleboards and Pool. That means a family of four can enjoy 1hr 30mins of fun for a very reasonable £41 (including booking fee). Max 6 players. Find out more and book here
There are plenty of food and drink options available....
PLAYBOX is located upstairs in the BOXPARK, which is a food and drinks venue with live entertainment. There's a variety of street food options available from Thai and Indian to burgers and burritos, and dessert options too. Using a QR code, you can order from any of the BOXPARK food traders and eat inside PLAYBOX. There's a drinks bar in PLAYBOX serving spirits, beer, wine and a choice of cocktails (costing £12) and non-alcoholic options.