You know what they say: ‘go big, or go home.’ And while that maybe wasn’t intended to describe venues where angry urbanites can fling sharp axes at targets, this axe-throwing company has taken it to heart! Following the success of their (now closed) venue in Vauxhall, Whistle Punks decided London needed a central location, right in the middle of the city, where they could fling axes with wild abandon. And of course, they’ve supersized it and opened a massive axe-throwing destination – the largest of its kind in Europe.
Okay, maybe wild abandon isn’t quite accurate. At Whistle Punks all throwers have axe-perts on hand teaching you what to do, and there are targets to aim at. And the lanes are very clearly demarcated, and there are a few rules you have to follow. Basically, it’s as safe as axe-throwing can possibly get. But… it’s still axe-throwing!
A session at Whistle Punks
Whistle Punks is located just minutes away from Oxford Circus station. Shoppers strolling up and down Oxford Street are no doubt none the wiser that just one block over is the anger-releasing, adrenaline-rush-inducing experience. Once you’re in, sign a waiver, maybe grab a quick drink at the bar (yes, drinking is allowed during the experience, but limited – obviously!), and head to your lane.
Now, there is a certain knack to successful axe-throwing; you need to impart just the right amount of spin so that it strikes the target blade-first. And you also, counter-intuitively to most, don’t want to throw the axe too hard. All this requires a fair bit of trial-and-error.
You’ll also have to test the relative merits of single- and double-handed throws. In fact, in our experience, you’ll be lucky to hit the target on your first try. Luckily, expert axe-chuckers are on hand to provide helpful instruction, or at least sensitive words of encouragement.
After a few training/practice rounds, you’ll hopefully have started to get the hang of things, because then it’s time for the TOURNAMENT. The 70-minute axe-throwing sessions will find you going head to head with the other axe-flingers in your lane to decide who is the most skilful axe-wielder of all.
You will be sharing a lane with other people (up to ten people per lane with two targets) so you’ll have to gather all your friends if you want a lane just to yourselves. On the other hand, the venue can host up to 90 players at once, with space for 70 more to enjoy post-axe-throwing drinks. Perfect for those who are planning a big, axe-y party.
An axe-throwing bottomless brunch
Now, with so much going on, and such a sure attraction, you’d think Whistle Punks would be resting on their laurels. Not so! Instead, they have also launched a bottomless brunch offering specially for Sunday axe-throwers. For £45 pp each participant will get a sourdough pizza during the axe-throwing session, followed by an hour of free-flowing lager, cider, prosecco, Aperol Spritz, or Bloody Mary!
There are also a variety of ticketing options available for Whistle Punks, beyond the basic axe-throwing package. These include date night packages, whole lane hires, the ‘Big Shot Lanes’ package, and the ‘Bells & Whistles Lanes’ package for those who want all the food and drink to be sorted ahead of time. Some packages even come with a prize t-shirt for the ultimate axe-thrower of the group!
But even if you just buy a basic ticket, you’ll still be able to stay fed and watered. They offer a selection of sourdough pizzas, and a well stocked bar serves up options ranging from craft beers to cocktails, prosecco, and more. When your session is over you’re also more than welcome to hang out in the seating area and enjoy the bar!
So, what are you waiting for? Head on down, grab an axe, and get to flinging!
Please note, Whistle Punks is not a family-friendly venue, with an 18+ policy. Make sure to wear closed-toe shoes for the session!