I tried the new UK indoor playground where children are banned – it was like being back in primary school
SCHOOLS OUT I tried the new UK indoor playground where children are banned – it was like being back in primary school
EVER wished you could still enjoy the fun of the playground now you're a grown up? Well you can, at an adults-only fairground that has just opened up in our capital city.
Fairgame City has opened its doors in the heart of London, with traditional kids' favourites alongside 18-plus items like cocktails and beer - calling itself "the best place to play."
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Fairgame City features 12 different carnival games for adults
Credit: Cyann Fielding
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You get 90 minutes of play, and two turns on each game
Credit: Cyann Fielding
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With such a statement, I knew I needed to bring out my inner child and test it for myself.
Upon entering, you head down a glowing staircase to be greeted by a giant hall-like room with bar tables, neon lights and fun features - think, teddy bears hanging from the ceiling.
The ultimate feast for the eyes though, was toward the back of the room where I found the carnival-like games.
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It was as if I had stepped into The Rydell High Carnival from Grease, transporting me to an American carnival full of thrilling games for competitive play.
And that is just what I did... left the day job behind and started counting points, not pennies.
There are 12 games in total and each group (so yourself and your friends) gets 90 minutes of play.
But beware, this may seem like a while but it really isn't, as each player gets two rounds of each game, so you have 24 activities to get through in a short space of time.
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No two games are remotely similar, so there is a lot of fun to be had.
And the classics feature as well, like shooting for a hoop with a basketball and whack-a-mole.
I went to the new Grease experience
Maybe it is because I don't have the same stamina levels that I did as a kid, but the sit-down games were much appreciated.
Out of all of them I would say there was one on the slightly more frustrating side.
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Essentially, players have to put their hands into a box, where balls are then blown around.
You then have to catch the balls and put them in a hole.
It sounds great in theory, but for me and fellow travel reporter Alice Penwill who are both only 5'1', it was near impossible to reach any of the balls as they dropped.
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Many are inspired by classic carnival games including shooting a basketball into a hoop
Credit: Cyann Fielding
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And each requires a different skillset
Credit: Cyann Fielding
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The games allow you to win different prizes too... if you get the right score
Credit: Cyann Fielding
Apart from this game, the rest were great and I find it hard to pick a favourite - it truly felt like enjoying all the fun and games back at primary school.
I loved the subtle nods to childhood with a Milk Bottle Toss game switched up to feature alcoholic bottles to knock over.
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In each game, a prize would be available too, with bucket hats and a Fairgame's mascot up for grabs.
The fun then doesn't have to end there - as there are three different food vendors to choose from and an extensive drinks menu.
I tried the 'Small Duck Energy' - a fruit and white chocolate cocktail, complete with an edible duck, and the 'Social Spicy Margarita', a non-alcoholic cocktail using Three Spirit, which mimics the effects of alcohol.
For a destination that isn't focused on alcohol as its main attraction, the drinks compared with some of the top bars I have been to in the capital.
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There is also a bar with a range of different cocktail choices themed to the attraction
Credit: Cyann Fielding
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And there are three food vendors as well
Credit: Cyann Fielding
I also opted for a pizza, and coming in at just under £30 I thought it was pretty steep until it came out... it was so big I could hardly carry it, more like something you would expect from a New York pizza joint.
Definitely make sure to enjoy the food and bar before you head off, as this adds to the experience, proving that grown-ups deserve a playground break too.
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London's most playful destination will open fully on August 21.
Off-peak games, which are available Tuesday to Thursday between 11:30am and 3pm cost from £22 per person.
To play at prime-time, which is from 3:15pm on Tuesday to Thursday and all day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday it will cost you from £25 per person.
Though, if you want to go during its soft launch, tickets are just £10 per person.
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If you are looking for more things to do, I also recently headed to the Grease Immersive Movie Musical - it feels like being in the film.
And last month, I headed to the UK's new immersive Titanic attraction – I gasped as the iceberg hit but there was another 'wow' moment.
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