Last night I was at the o2 arena to see the foo fighters one off show. After getting lost trying to find the standing ticket entrance several times we finally got to the front of the queue , only to be told our tickets weren't valid. We were devesttated . After attempting to redeem the situation with phone calls, and heavy debate we finally gave in to the fact we weren't going into the show. Gutted and left with no where to go we sat in a bar and tried to figure out what would be a sufficient alternative entertainment for the night ( not easy when you are with a die hard fan that bought the tickets for £250 a piece. )
That's when I suggested the arcade. Both being competitive people I thought this would be a fun way to let off some frustration .
Hidden in the back streets of London soho is a place not many London trend setters would deem a time out worthy hot spot, although I beg to differ. Flashing lights, crazy Japanese k pop , and it's not over crowded like most of london. We started at time crisis. A PlayStation classic , and you get the gun handset . Next the weird Japanese drum game. Like the style of dance mat but you beat to the beat with sticks . Obviously I've won both activities so far as I hate losing . Next it's pool, which I've practiced loads as I grew up with brothers and had to try and compete with them all the time . Whilst playing I'm distracted by a girl playing the dance mat . With claret red trousers , 80s style print jacket and huge Whitney Houston hair. She was trying to master a dance mat routine to some weird classical music remix in hyper Japan style . Now watching that , that's entertainment . She was putting her heart and soul into it . On the other side of the room , an Asian guy doing the same in smart shoes and a red headband. I was mesmerised . These people are so weirdly talented. Others were appreciating the entertainment from around. Young kids, and some young adults. It was a strange mix of people underground in the middle of soho on a Tuesday night. It felt very surreal, but at the same time , quite cool. Why aren't there more places like this in London ? Alcohol free entertainment places where friends, couples or solos can just play some games and enjoy a can of Sprite. I say bring back the arcade!
