In all honesty, bingo halls in the UK have never really gone out of fashion, they’ve simply evolved and reinvented themselves. Alongside every classic venue still calling the numbers, there’s now a fresh wave of bingo halls that have blended nostalgia with nightlife, proving that a game that could once be associated with a quiet Tuesday afternoon can also mean neon lights and a party atmosphere at the weekend.
And whichever style appeals, the UK has halls to suit, each offering its own take on the best bingo games and atmosphere, with players spoilt for choice.
Buzz Bingo, Tooting
A lot of people describe Buzz Bingo in Tooting as the grandest of them all. Housed in a Grade 1 listed former cinema, its Art Deco frontage and ornate wood-panelled interior have hosted Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, long before a single number was ever called there. Today it does a great job of mixing traditional elements such as paper cards with modern electronic terminals and slot games.
Apollo Bingo, Rhyl
Over in North Wales, Apollo Bingo offers a smaller but no less enjoyable experience. This Grade II listed Art Deco building dates back to 1937, and a £500,000 renovation a decade ago gave it a much-needed facelift. It’s a fine example of a seaside venue that has been able to modernise while keeping its charm intact.
Mecca Bingo, Glasgow
North of the border, Mecca Bingo, Glasgow, is one of the East End’s liveliest venues, and also one of Scotland’s most talked-about bingo halls due to its atmosphere and the jackpots available to be won. Alongside daily bingo sessions, the club offers slot games and a pub-style menu, with fish and chips one of the most popular traditional dishes. Themed nights are a regular feature at the venue, so a visit can turn into a full evening out.
Buzz Bingo, Cricklewood
For sheer scale, there aren’t many venues that beat Buzz Bingo in Cricklewood, north-west London. It’s the only place on this list that is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and it ranks among the largest bingo halls in the whole of Europe, with room for thousands of players. Its size also brings variety, from several bars and restaurants to regular live music acts. Buzz Bingo, Cricklewood, has been a much-loved fixture of the local community since the 1990s, with players coming back time and time again.
Dabbers Bingo, London
Those after something a bit louder should try Dabbers Bingo, with venues across east London. Traditional bingo here shares the bill with themed nights such as bottomless brunches, drag performances and DJ sets, helping turn an old pastime into a full evening out. It’s a reminder that bingo’s appeal now spans generations, and with Dabbers recently reopening their doors after the summer, it’s a great time to visit.
Conclusion
You may be able to trace bingo’s origins back to the 1500s in Italy, but it’s a game that feels very British and one that the people of Britain continue to adore. It’s a versatile game too, and so are the venues in which it’s played. While it was once a case of going to bingo to play bingo, there are now themed nights and other forms of entertainment all in one place, making a night at the bingo bigger and better than ever before.
