Sixes Social Cricket | Games Bar London

Just what London needs - another gimmicky sports bar masquerading as a social experience. When I first heard about Sixes Social Cricket in Fulham, I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly sprained an optic nerve. Cricket simulators in a pub? Please. We're reaching peak "millennial entertainment venue" territory here, folks.

But damn it all if I didn't find myself actually enjoying the place. It's like someone took the concept of darts, made it exponentially more complicated (as only cricket can), added surprisingly decent cocktails, and somehow created something that doesn't make me want to immediately flee to the nearest traditional pub.

The cricket simulators at Sixes Social Cricket London are, I hate to admit, genuinely entertaining. Even for someone whose cricket knowledge extends about as far as understanding it's not baseball, the high-tech batting cages manage to be both challenging and accessible. It's like Wii Sports grew up, got a job in the City, and decided to open a bar. The simulation technology is impressively responsive, though you might want to avoid attempting your best Freddie Flintoff impression after your third pint.

Speaking of drinks - I approached the bar with the sort of trepidation usually reserved for blind dates and dental appointments. Yet here's where Sixes throws another unexpected googly (see what I did there?). The cocktail program is actually... good? The bartenders know their stuff, mixing proper drinks that don't rely on sugar and food coloring to mask mediocrity. Their gin selection would make even your most particular aunt nod in approval.

The food menu initially reads like standard pub fare, but someone in that kitchen is clearly trying to elevate the game. The burgers - and I can't believe I'm writing this - are genuinely worth ordering. They're not trying to reinvent the wheel with truffle-infused wagyu or whatever the current Instagram trend demands. Instead, they're just properly seasoned, correctly cooked, and served on buns that haven't been sitting in a freezer since the last Test match at Lord's.

The space itself manages to avoid the usual sports bar pitfalls. Yes, there are screens showing various sporting events, but they haven't turned the place into Times Square. The lighting strikes that elusive balance between "atmospheric" and "actually being able to see your food," while the acoustics somehow manage to contain the inevitable whoops and hollers from the cricket bays without making normal conversation impossible.

What really gets me, though, is how they've managed to create an atmosphere that works for both cricket enthusiasts and those of us who thought a googly was just a search engine until recently. The staff - and this pains my cynical heart to say - actually seem to enjoy their jobs. They're patient with newcomers, knowledgeable about both the games and the menu, and manage to maintain their composure even when dealing with the inevitable stag do that stumbles in thinking they're the next Joe Root.

The location in Fulham proves surprisingly strategic, drawing a mix of locals and adventure-seeking tourists who've wandered off the beaten path. It's accessible enough to be convenient but just far enough from the main drag to avoid the worst of the weekend warriors.

For groups, they offer various packages and booking options, though you'll want to reserve in advance - particularly for weekend evenings when apparently half of London decides they're cricket professionals. Their events team actually knows what they're doing, which in London's hospitality scene is about as rare as a reasonable rent price.

Look, I came to Sixes Social Cricket London ready to write a scathing review about the death of traditional pubs and the infantilization of adult entertainment. Instead, I'm sitting here, questioning my life choices and admitting that yes, you should probably give it a try. Book a bay, gather some friends (including at least one who actually understands cricket rules to avoid total embarrassment), and prepare to be reluctantly charmed. Just don't blame me when you find yourself using terms like "bowling maiden" in casual conversation. You've been warned.