Background

Shoreditch Balls

Historic gay venue reborn as Shoreditch's premier crazy golf and cocktail destination with underground stages.

4.1

A vibrant two-floor indoor crazy golf venue in the heart of Shoreditch, combining playful mini-golf challenges with expertly crafted cocktails and an energetic bar atmosphere. Set on the historic site of London's first gay club and the iconic Mother Bar, Shoreditch Balls resurrects the creative spirit of the location through immersive entertainment, live performances, and a rooftop garden perfect for after-work drinks and weekend celebrations.

A brief summary to Shoreditch Balls

  • 333 Old St, London, EC1V 9LE, GB
  • +442077295935
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Tuesday 4 pm-12 am
  • Wednesday 4 pm-12 am
  • Thursday 12 pm-12 am
  • Friday 12 pm-1 am
  • Saturday 12 pm-1 am
  • Sunday 12 pm-10 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early on weekends if you want to play without queuing, as the mini-golf course becomes busy during peak evening hours. The course is more relaxed on weekday afternoons.
  • Book The Green underground space in advance for private events or to secure a table during busy periods. Minimum bar spend applies, but the space offers excellent value for group celebrations.
  • Visit the rooftop garden during daylight hours for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere with excellent views over Shoreditch. It's perfect for after-work drinks before the venue becomes busier in the evening.
  • Check the schedule for Stage Time improv comedy shows on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Tickets are affordable and the performances offer a unique entertainment experience separate from the main venue.
  • Saturday nights feature DJ sets spinning 2000s R&B, making it an excellent night for dancing and socializing. Arrive after 10 PM if you prefer a more energetic, crowded atmosphere.
widget icon

Getting There

  • London Underground (Tube)

    Old Street station (Northern, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines) is approximately 7 minutes' walk from Shoreditch Balls. Exit the station and follow signs toward Old Street itself; the venue is located at 333 Old Street. This is the most direct public transport option and operates 24 hours on weekends.

  • Overground and Bus

    Shoreditch High Street Overground station is approximately 7 minutes' walk away. Multiple bus routes serve the Shoreditch area, including routes 243, 55, and 149, which stop near Old Street. Journey times from central London vary between 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and starting point.

  • Taxi or Ride-Hailing

    Taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt, Addison Lee) are readily available throughout London and can reach Shoreditch Balls within 10–25 minutes from central locations. Fares typically range from £8–20 depending on origin and time of day. The venue's address is 333 Old Street, London EC1V 9LE.

  • Walking

    From Liverpool Street station (approximately 1.2 km away), a 15–20 minute walk through Shoreditch's streets brings you to the venue. The route is straightforward and passes through the neighborhood's vibrant commercial and entertainment district, making it an enjoyable approach during daylight and evening hours.

Shoreditch Balls location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather

Unlock the Best of Shoreditch Balls

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Shoreditch Balls

A Venue Reborn from Legendary Ground

Shoreditch Balls occupies a site steeped in London's cultural history. Once home to The London Apprentice, one of the capital's first gay clubs beloved by icons including Freddie Mercury, and later the Mother Bar—a legendary 1990s and 2000s music venue famously cherished by Amy Winehouse, The Libertines, and Michael Stipe—this location pulses with creative energy. The venue channels that heritage through a contemporary experience that celebrates hedonism, escapism, and inclusive nightlife. Every corner of Shoreditch Balls carries echoes of the artistic movements and musical moments that defined these earlier incarnations, making it more than just a bar; it's a continuation of London's storied entertainment legacy.

Two Floors of Playful Chaos and Competition

The main attraction is a specially designed two-floor crazy golf course that prioritizes entertainment over precision. The nine-hole course features imaginative obstacles and varying difficulty levels, from straightforward putts to genuinely challenging holes that test even experienced players. Each hole includes a manual with tips, though some are notoriously difficult—the final hole is particularly demanding. The course's design ensures that players of all skill levels find moments of triumph and laughter, making it equally enjoyable for casual visitors and competitive groups. Beyond golf, the venue offers free-to-play pool tables, shuffleboard, and darts, ensuring multiple entertainment options throughout the space.

Craft Cocktails and Vibrant Bar Culture

The venue's bar is fantastically stocked and stylish, with skilled bartenders preparing cocktails in front of patrons. The drinks menu caters to all preferences, from craft cocktails to cold pints and classic beverages. The bar atmosphere transforms throughout the week, with DJs spinning 2000s R&B tracks every Saturday, creating a lively dance floor environment. The recently opened rooftop garden extends the experience into daylight hours, offering a sky-high spot for after-work drinks, casual hangs, and social gatherings with panoramic views over Shoreditch. This outdoor space has become a sought-after destination for those seeking elevated cocktails with an urban backdrop.

Hidden Stages and Private Entertainment Spaces

Beneath the main venue lies The Green, a secret underground stage area originally used for storage and now transformed into a dedicated performance space. This intimate venue hosts drag shows, comedy performances, magic acts, improv sketches, and live entertainment, creating a distinct atmosphere separate from the main floor. The space accommodates up to 80 guests standing or 50 in theatre-style seating, making it ideal for private events, corporate functions, and group celebrations. A full lighting system, projector screen, karaoke system, and stage equipment allow for diverse entertainment configurations. Stage Time, a monthly improv comedy showcase featuring London-based and international performers, regularly takes place here on the first and third Tuesday of each month, offering audiences unpredictable, never-to-be-repeated sketches and stories.

Flexible Spaces for Events and Gatherings

The venue's layout accommodates everything from intimate date nights to large group celebrations. The main bar area welcomes walk-in visitors seeking casual drinks and games, while The Green provides a private sanctuary for organized events. Corporate teams frequently book the space for office socials, team-building activities, and after-work celebrations, with staff providing organized service and catering arrangements. The venue accepts reservations and offers internal catering facilities, making it adaptable to various group sizes and event requirements. Whether hosting a birthday party, corporate function, or casual night out with friends, Shoreditch Balls provides multiple configurations to suit different occasions.

Inclusive Atmosphere in a Vibrant Neighborhood

Located at 333 Old Street in Shoreditch, the venue sits at the heart of one of London's most dynamic neighborhoods, known for its creative energy, diverse communities, and thriving nightlife. The space is explicitly welcoming to LGBTQ+ communities and transgender visitors, continuing the inclusive ethos of its predecessor venues. The casual, trendy atmosphere attracts groups seeking interactive entertainment, solo visitors looking for a lively night out, and couples seeking unique date experiences. The venue's positioning on historic ground combined with its modern entertainment offerings creates a unique space where London's past and present converge, making it a destination for those seeking authentic, creative nightlife experiences.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Shoreditch Balls

Popular Hotels near Shoreditch Balls

Select Currency