A night at Fairgame is a night of unashamed hilarity and fierce competition accompanied by amazing food, bespoke cocktails and home brand beer.
We had the privilege of having a look around Fairgame ahead of its opening on 4th October. The games were in, the staff were training and the bars were being stocked. Even without seeing the venue full with customers you can feel the excitement and the joy just waiting to be let loose.
The first thing that is striking about Fairgame is its size. With frontage stretching the length of Fishermans Walk, adorned in pink and yellow candy stripes, the 20,000 square foot venue feels expansive.
Guests are greeted warmly at the entrance by friendly staff and a mirror covered in rubber ducks – setting the tone of the venue from the off. The cloak room is your cue to off load not only your coat but also to leave your life baggage at the door. Tonight, you’re going to just let go and release your inner child.
Upon entry you’ll be given your RFID wristband. This contains the credits you’ll need to buy drinks, order food, play games and track your performance on the leader boards. Additional credits can be purchased inside the venue.
Moving through there is ample seating leading you to the main bar and street food outlets. At launch Fairgame will be hosting Burger & Beyond, Rudy’s (very good pizza) and Dos Mas Tacos.
For that sweet indulgence you’ll need to pay a visit to their boozy candy stall – Prosecco infused candy floss, tipsy sweets, toffee apples, pop corn and ice-cream from Hackney Gelato. I feel a sugar high coming on!
As well as the main bar there is a second bar on the other side of the games area plus a third on the balcony. Here you’ll find a huge range of drinks options including bespoke fairground-themed cocktails, boozy slushies as well as Fairgame’s own beer “Bear Goggles”. The top of the bar area is adorned with cuddly, pink bears – ready to be won!
So, to the games! There are nine games to play and you get two goes on each game. Most of the games allow up to five people to compete at any one time. Each game has its own story / theme and the skills vary between throwing, shooting, rolling and bashing (bring on the whac-a-mole … well Gopher Broke in this case). These are large scale, highly competitive, fairground games adorned with copious flashing lights.
You’ll be rolling your horse to success in Final Furlong, showing off your basket ball skills at Alley Hoop, shooting water with accuracy to see your clown raised up high in Circus Freak, testing your accuracy with a plasma cannon in Space Race and taking down the groceries in Pantry Pandemonium. You’ll be needing a cocktail or two because this gaming is hot work! If you do particularly well then you could win yourself one of their gorgeous pink teddies. If you’re outstandingly awesome then you might even find yourself the proud new owner of a 5ft version! Can’t wait to see pics of these on the tube.
The tech at Fairgame really adds to the fun. The RFID wristbands activates the games, tracks your scores and uploads your top score to the leader board. The bands link with the Fairgame app which allows you to review your performance per game, over all as well as from previous visits.
Not only is Fairgame gorgeously decorated with sparkly tables and large hot air balloon decorations the venue houses original pieces from the mother of all fairgrounds: Coney Island.
Add to your memorable moments by visiting the photobooth. Hire the semi-private VIP area or book one of the incredible floating carousel booths. Not only are these striking, but they give a great view of the gaming below.
The experience at Fairgame is visceral. The visual is immersive, the fairground sounds are nostalgic and the vibe is electric, which is overwhelmingly sensory.
Fairgame is an adults only venue but you’ll find nothing but childlike joy inside.
Where: 25-35 Fisherman’s Walk, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4DH
Age: 18+
Cost: £13 per person for two goes on all nine games (approx. 75 mins). Packages and group deals available
Website: https://www.wearefairgame.com/
Video features members of the Sales & Marketing team at Fairplay. Music: www.bensounds.com
