Stratford has rapidly evolved into one of East London’s most dynamic hangout spots — and when it comes to group-friendly bars with games, this neighbourhood is raising the bar. Whether you’re assembling your mates for a big birthday, a casual Friday night, or a spontaneous pub crawl, Stratford delivers on atmosphere, variety, and pure entertainment.

What sets this area apart is how much it packs into a compact space. Within walking distance, you’ll find rooftop playgrounds, immersive gaming venues, buzzing sports bars, and stylish pubs with karaoke booths, beer pong tables, and everything in between. It’s social by design — and with venues built for energy, group interaction, and a few competitive curveballs, boring nights out simply don’t exist here.

The presence of Westfield Stratford City also means things are well-connected and easy to navigate, whether you’re travelling in on the Central Line or hopping off the Overground. Food is everywhere, drink menus are diverse, and each venue comes with its own flavour — from riverside sophistication to neon-lit madness.

If you’re looking for the best bars in Stratford London for groups and games, this guide has you covered. We’ve rounded up 10 of the top spots that cater to social fun with a playful edge — including interactive cricket, rooftop golf, board game pubs, and more. Whether you’re all about the activities or just want a place that keeps the good times rolling, Stratford’s got your crew sorted.

1. Sixes at Riverside East Stratford: Interactive Cricket, Cocktails and Group Buzz

When it comes to combining sport, drinks, and social energy, Sixes at Riverside East Stratford is hard to top. Set in a stunning riverside location near the Olympic Park, this interactive cricket bar redefines group nights out. You and your mates can step into batting nets and face virtual bowlers in game modes like ‘The Hundred’, all while real-time scoring keeps things competitive and the banter flying.

But it’s not just about the cricket. Sixes at Riverside East Stratford delivers a full food and drink experience too. Expect burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and vibrant sharing plates alongside a cocktail list that’s built for fun. Whether your group has vegan, halal or gluten-free requirements, the inclusive menu means no one’s left out — and table service ensures you’re looked after without leaving the action.

The venue caters for everything from catch-ups to big parties. Group bookings range from intimate sessions for two to full hire for 30+ guests. Live sport on big screens keeps the buzz going between games, and the riverside backdrop makes it feel like a real occasion without the effort.

For anyone hunting down the best bars in Stratford London for groups and games, Sixes is the one to beat. It’s high-energy, crowd-pleasing, and genuinely unlike anything else in the area.

2. Bat & Ball: Ping Pong, Prosecco Pong and Private Karaoke

If your group loves friendly competition, Bat & Ball in Westfield Stratford City is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s loud, colourful, and built entirely around social games. Spread across two levels, the space is packed with ping pong tables, beer pong setups, shuffleboard, interactive darts, and karaoke booths — so whether your crew is into skills or singalongs, there’s something for everyone.

What sets it apart is how easy it makes group nights. You can book game zones ahead of time, but the space also works for casual walk-ins. Booths, long tables and open areas give it a flexible layout that suits all group sizes. There’s always something happening too — from DJs to live sport screenings — which gives the bar that all-night energy without ever feeling forced.

On the food and drink front, Bat & Ball goes beyond standard pub fare. Expect loaded nachos, pizzas and juicy burgers, all made for sharing. The drinks menu covers everything from cocktails to craft pints, and yes, prosecco pong is a real thing.

For groups looking for playful variety and somewhere you can keep the momentum going from 6pm to midnight, this is one of the best bars in Stratford London for groups and games. Come for the ping pong, stay for the chaotic karaoke.

3. Roof East: Stratford’s Rooftop Playground for the Competitive and Curious

There’s no better feeling than stepping out of the lift into Roof East — Stratford’s answer to every rooftop social dream. Perched on top of the multi-storey car park by Stratford Centre, this open-air venue is packed with colourful games, panoramic views and a buzzing crowd from late afternoon ‘til close.

The real joy here is the mix. You’ve got crazy golf with hilarious obstacles, batting cages for a proper swing session, giant Jenga, bowls, and even archery. Games are booked individually, so you can tailor the night to your group’s mood — laid-back or all-out competitive.

Food is handled by rotating street food vendors, and the bars are stocked with craft cocktails, beer buckets and frozen slushies — ideal when the sun’s shining. DJs play throughout the week, and there’s even an outdoor cinema on select nights.

What makes Roof East one of the best bars in Stratford London for groups and games is its energy. You’re outside, you’re laughing, and there’s no pressure to do anything but enjoy. It’s walk-in friendly, but booking games in advance is smart — especially on weekends. Just don’t forget your phone — the views are as good as the vibes.

4. Escape Bar Stratford: Board Games, Consoles and Chill Community Vibes

If your group’s vibe leans more “cosy night out” than full-throttle party, Escape Bar Stratford is the kind of place you’ll want to settle into. Tucked away on West Ham Lane, this independent bar has a warm, community-focused feel — with shelves of board games, retro consoles, and themed nights that keep things interesting without being overwhelming.

You can challenge your mates to a game of Cards Against Humanity or Mario Kart, grab a locally brewed pint, and laugh the evening away without needing flashing lights or booming music. Regular events include open mic nights, comedy shows, and themed quizzes, all of which add low-key energy that makes this spot feel like a second home.

The drinks menu is refreshingly honest — a good mix of craft beers, wines, cocktails and softs, with reasonable prices and a no-fuss approach. Food is limited, but the focus is on relaxed hangouts rather than heavy dining.

What makes Escape Bar Stratford one of the best bars in Stratford London for groups and games is its charm. You come here to talk, play, unwind and feel welcomed — which is exactly what it delivers. Perfect for smaller groups, weeknight socials or chilled pre-drinks before heading elsewhere.

5. Gravity MAX Stratford: Arcade Energy, E-Karting and Group Mayhem

Step inside Gravity MAX at Westfield Stratford City and you’re met with a sensory overload in the best possible way. This sprawling multi-level entertainment complex is designed for pure fun — with competitive socialising baked into every corner.

Want to challenge your mates to a dance-off in the arcade? Race them on the e-karting track? Smash through rounds of digital beer pong or belt out tunes in your own karaoke booth? You can do all of that here. There’s even VR gaming and bowling lanes — meaning every kind of gamer or thrill-seeker is catered for.

The Heineken rooftop sports bar is where most groups end up after burning through tokens and adrenaline. It’s spacious, well-stocked, and serves proper crowd-pleasing food — burgers, pizzas, snacks — with cocktails and pitchers flowing freely. The vibe is upbeat without being chaotic, making it easy to spend an entire night here without realising the time.

As far as game-packed venues go, Gravity MAX Stratford easily ranks among the best bars in Stratford London for groups and games. It’s immersive, it’s flexible, and most importantly — it’s fun for absolutely everyone, whether you’re 18 or 38.

6. The Abbey Tap: Laid-Back Pub Energy with Screens, Sharers and a Hint of Mischief

For those who want all the perks of a buzzing pub without the pressure of planning games in advance, The Abbey Tap nails the brief. Located just minutes from Stratford station, it’s the kind of place where you can catch live sport, share a tower of nachos, sip cocktails, and still find space to banter with your mates — all under one roof.

While it doesn’t have arcade machines or axe throwing, The Abbey Tap offers a different kind of group game: pub vibe mastery. Giant booths are perfect for seating larger crews, and the drinks menu leans heavily into party mode — think Pornstar Martini trees, beer pitchers, and well-priced happy hours.

There are quiz nights and themed events throughout the month, and the food is classic comfort: wings, burgers, sharing trays, and loaded fries that arrive fast and hot. With plenty of screens, it’s also a popular choice for football, rugby and F1 fans wanting to cheer (or jeer) together.

In the context of the best bars in Stratford London for groups and games, The Abbey Tap is more about vibe than novelty. It’s where you go to kick back without fuss — and maybe get a little loud after the third round lands.

7. The Print House: Waterside Sips and DJ-Led Socials in Hackney Wick’s Edge

Just a short walk from Stratford’s Olympic Park, The Print House straddles the Stratford–Hackney Wick border and brings something different to the table. This canalside venue pairs industrial chic with a playful attitude: picture cocktails in the sun, live DJs on rotation, and enough space to host a dozen friends without jostling elbows.

It’s not a game bar in the strictest sense, but what it lacks in ping pong tables, it makes up for with atmosphere. Come summer, the outdoor terrace is a magnet for social groups. Inside, you’ll find long communal tables, a well-stocked bar with local craft beer, and the kind of sound system that turns mellow into movement once the night kicks in.

The kitchen serves up modern comfort food — pizzas, prawns, burgers — all designed for sharing. And while there’s no structured gameplay here, the experience of catching up over drinks, good tunes and proper food is a kind of social game in itself.

When compiling the best bars in Stratford London for groups and games, The Print House earns its place by offering space, style and a killer setting — especially for summer evenings or birthday plans that call for something with a view.

8. Cart and Horses: Rock ’n’ Roll History and Live Music Nights

There’s nowhere else in Stratford quite like Cart and Horses. Tucked just off Maryland station — still part of Stratford proper — this pub is legendary for one reason: it’s the birthplace of Iron Maiden. But even if you’re not into heavy metal, there’s plenty here for group nights that want a bit of edge and energy.

Live music is the heartbeat of the venue, with bands performing every weekend and often midweek too. The vibe is raw, welcoming, and refreshingly unpolished. If your group’s the type to headbang, air guitar, or just soak up real-deal pub culture with actual character, this one hits the mark.

Drinks are well-priced and the crowd is fiercely local — think regulars who’ll chat your ear off if you let them. There’s no high-tech gimmickry here, but there are pool tables, darts, and the kind of atmosphere that makes everyone feel like part of the same gang.

As one of the best bars in Stratford London for groups and games, Cart and Horses earns its place through soul. It’s more than a venue — it’s a story, a soundtrack, and a guaranteed good time for crews that want something different from the typical bar crawl route.

9. The Cow: Olympic Views, Big Tables and Proper Pub Food

The Cow sits right inside Westfield Stratford City, but feels like a world away from the shopping centre chaos. Spread over two levels with massive windows looking out to the Olympic Park, it’s a laid-back gastropub ideal for groups who want space, a decent pint, and a meal that doesn’t taste like it came from a fryer.

There’s no interactive darts or neon bowling here, but there is a well-balanced mix of atmosphere and comfort. The upstairs area is perfect for larger bookings, while the ground floor stays lively without tipping into loud. Screens show sport, the service is prompt, and the food — think fish and chips, Sunday roasts, or rich pies — is far better than you’d expect from a chain-owned venue.

For groups who want to talk, eat, and maybe stay for an extra round, The Cow is a safe bet. It’s polished but still casual, with enough buzz to keep the evening rolling. And if you’ve been out all day at Roof East or Gravity, this makes an excellent regrouping point.

When counting up the best bars in Stratford London for groups and games, The Cow is the one you choose when you want to stay out — but also want a seat, a pint, and a proper meal.

10. Roots Stratford: Craft Cocktails, Small Plates, and DJ-Infused Weekends

Sleek, modern, and quietly buzzing, Roots Stratford is a hidden gem among Stratford’s bar scene — perfect for groups who want a slightly more elevated experience without losing that relaxed East London charm. It’s tucked just off the main Westfield drag, which means it never feels overcrowded, but it’s close enough to stay part of the action.

Inside, you’ll find stylish interiors with plush seating and a low-lit ambience that transitions smoothly from chilled early evening to dancefloor-ready nights. DJs play house, R&B and Afrobeat sets on weekends, while the bar turns out seriously well-made cocktails — with everything from spicy margaritas to smoked Old Fashioneds crafted with care.

The sharing-style food menu is a hit with groups: tapas-inspired small plates like tempura prawns, glazed lamb ribs and truffle mac ‘n’ cheese keep the vibe sociable and satisfying without being heavy. There’s also a solid wine list and non-alcoholic options that go beyond the basics.

Roots Stratford makes our list of the best bars in Stratford London for groups and games not for its literal games — but for how well it sets the tone for an unforgettable night. If your group leans more into cocktails and conversation than beer pong, this is your go-to. Book ahead, dress sharp, and expect to stay longer than you planned.

Finding the Best Bars in Stratford London for Groups and Games: Your Social Map

From rooftop games to karaoke mayhem, low-key board games to live music and virtual cricket, Stratford offers a genuinely surprising mix of venues that make group nights out easy, energetic, and endlessly repeatable. Whether you’re the planner in the group or the one who just shows up for the good times, this East London hotspot has you covered.

What makes Stratford unique isn’t just the volume of bars — it’s the variety. Within walking distance, you can go from a neon-lit arcade to a riverside gastropub, from live DJs to cricket batting cages, all without ever jumping in a taxi. And with everything centred around Westfield, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and Hackney Wick’s creative fringe, there’s a bar for every vibe — big birthdays, small reunions, spontaneous Fridays, or chilled Sundays.

If you’re looking for the best bars in Stratford London for groups and games, start with the likes of Sixes at Riverside East Stratford, Bat & Ball, or Roof East to get the party moving — then follow your mood from there. Go competitive, go casual, go chaotic — the point is, you’ve got options.

So next time someone says, “Where should we go out?” — point them east. Stratford’s ready.