A satisfyingly primaeval alternative to darts and archery, axe throwing has become increasingly popular in recent years – perhaps as a way to let off some steam or maybe just as a way to have a laff with some mates. The ultimate stress relief, there’s nothing quite like flinging a hand-held axe down a range and hopefully bury it in the bullseye with a satisfying THWUNK. So, without further ado, here’s a rundown of six of the best places to go axe throwing in London. Go on – challenge your inner Norse warrior!
1. Whistle Punks, Oxford Circus
The largest of its kind in the whole of Europe, Whistle Punks’ flagship venue features nine different axe-throwing lanes, sourdough pizza, cocktails, beers, ice cream and more – and it’s just a quick 300-metre-throw (see what we did there?) from Oxford Circus tube station.
Like at all their venues, guests will be treated to a quick masterclass before getting into the nitty gritty of beating your friends at the game. Who knows? Maybe you’ll become a master of the art in the 70 minute session. Plus, for each ticket sold, a tree is planted through Ecologi. It should be noted that you won’t be allowed to have a bevvie until after you’ve thrown your weapons and you’ll need to wear closed toe shoes. Well, we wouldn’t want any accidents after all now would we? You can grab your tickets for it here.
📍You’ll find Whistle Punks at 53 Eastcastle Street, London, W1W 8EE.
🚇 Nearest station is Oxford Circus.
2. Bad Axe Throwing, Croydon and Wembley
Another one of the best places to go axe throwing in London, Bad Axe is based in both Wembley and Croydon’s BoxParks, and their ‘mission is to bring the thrill of a traditional Canadian backyard pastime to urban communities around the world’.
There are various different kinds of axes that you can fling down a range here – including the intimidatingly-named ‘Big Axe’ – and you can even try your hand at knife throwing if you so wish too! Being based in two different BoxParks, there’s plenty to whet your whistle post-throw, and they also cater to large parties of up to 25 people – work away day or stag or hen do perhaps?
📍You’ll find Bad Axe Throwing at Unit 53-57, BoxPark, 99 George Street, Croydon, CR0 1LD and at BoxPark, 18 Olympic Way, Wembley, HA9 0JT.
🚇 Nearest stations are East Croydon and Wembley Park.
3. Axeperience Axe Throwing, Tower Hill
Their tagline is ‘challenge your inner viking’, so this one really ain’t for the faint of heart! Billed as having the most five-star reviews of ‘any axe throwing joint in the entire UK’, this Tower Hill-based spot is certainly popular, and for good reason. You’ll learn from industry-leading inspectors who will show you exactly how to throw your axe in a ‘two-in-one’ format, and you’ll also get an hour’s worth of slinging axes – and hopefully getting bullseyes!
Each lane can cater for up to eight different people, so this is a great spot to come with some mates or colleagues, and there are a range of soft drinks, bar snacks and non-alcoholic beers for sale at the bar. After all, alcohol and sharp blades don’t really mix, let’s be honest…
📍You’ll find Axeperience Axe Throwing on the Basement Floor of 48-51 Minories, London, EC3N 1JJ.
🚇 Nearest stations are Tower Hill and Aldgate.
4. Skeeter’s Axe Throwing, Hackney Wick
As Skeeters themselves state, ‘nothing smashes through social awkwardness like throwing an axe at a chunky target and with drinks and food’, so what better date venue than this one, hey?!
Under the supervision of an expert instructor, you’ll easily be able to hone your skills and will hopefully by the end of the session score yourself a few bullseyes! You can either opt for your own private lane or you can share with others, so if you’re looking to get social, then this is a good one to choose. They’ve even got club sessions and league nights on Tuesday nights, so you can challenge other punters to a healthy competition. They’re also named after the legendary George E. ‘Skeeter’ Vaughn – who once threw a knife 87 feet – so see if you can try and channel his talents while you’re here!
📍You’ll find Skeeter’s Axe Throwing at the Hamlet Industrial Estate, 96 White Post Lane, London, E9 5EN.
🚇 Nearest station is Hackney Wick.
5. Game of Throwing, Hammersmith
Now we can’t argue where this one takes its name from, can we? You know, that tiny little HBO show featuring dragons and white walkers (and plenty of axes too). So what better place to channel your inner Jon Snow or Brienne than here? As well as regular lanes with digital targets, they’ve also got special ‘UV glow lanes’ which – as the name suggests – only glow in the bloody dark!
Lanes can cater for up to five people, and as with the other axe throwing locations listed here, you’ll also get a safety and training briefing pre-throwing. You can also join league games and competitions at this one too.
📍You’ll find Game of Throwing at 136 King Street, London, W6 0QU.
🚇 Nearest stations are Hammersmith and Ravenscourt Park.
6. Boom Battle Bar, O2 Arena, Aldgate East, Wandsworth & Oxford Circus
Rounding off this list of the best places to go axe throwing in London is Boom Battle Bar – a lively spot offering a whole host of games including shuffleboard, digital, augmented reality darts, ‘crazier’ golf, beer pong, American pool and more. They also offer up axe throwing, but this one is a bit different to the others…
As well as a ‘traditional bullseye’-style axe throwing lane (where you’ll throw an actual blade), you’ll also have the chance to get involved with numerous other augmented reality axe throwing options, including ‘duck hunting’, ‘true monopoly’, ‘throw royale’ and ‘sniper’. Add in some excellent street food options, karaoke booths, live sports on the TV and some cracking bars, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a venue. They’ve even got themselves a bottomless brunch here where you can wine and dine to your heart’s content for up to 90 minutes. Perfect for a birthday party perhaps?
📍You’ll find Boom Battle Bar at several different locations in London. You can find out more here.
So there you have it – six of the best places to go axe throwing in London. Whether you’re looking to have some fun with mates or are wanting to just let off some steam after a hectic week, these six venues listed above will more than satiate your inner Norse god or goddess. Happy flinging!