Robert D.
Yelp
I love me some Foosball. I really do. I even had a Foosball table at my wedding reception. One time, at Christmas, my brother got a small Foosball table which was played until the legs fell off. True story actually. I was winning that game too...
It is just another bar with a pathetic toilet facility and average but by no means limited selection of bottled beers. The decor gives off a nice relaxed vibe and the furniture has that nice weathered and beaten look that is comfortable to lounge around in drinking a Budvar explaining to people about the difference between Czech Budweiser and American Budweiser before realising that they don't really care and probably aren't even listening.
So yes, a good and friendly but by no means great bar. Not much to make it stand out in a place like Shoreditch, indeed.
They do have those Foosball tables though. Oh yeah.
Nothing stirs the atmosphere like beer and some friendly competition and little men pierced through the torso and forced to stay in line seems to be the perfect way to fan that competitive blaze. Just get some tokens from the bar and wait for a free spot by scouting out the talent.
I have a friend who likes to beat me at everything we do. And when I say like, I mean that it seems to be one of his overriding life purposes. So it is extra satisfying to know that I can completely dominate him on the green field of little plastic men dreams and that he has no chance but is forced to try over and over in the vague hope of snatching some self respect.
Not on my watch, pedro.
So yes, if you are good at Foosball, take along some friends and embarrass them. I do! Don't feel petty, that is loser talk.
There is also another place which I would assume is owned by the same mob called cafe kick which is up in Farringdon. It is much smaller and crowded but has a buzz about it on match day. See if you recognise all the scarves on the wall but look out for the suspicious Italian with wrists like a bullwhip. If he asks for a game, tell him you have RSI or something, it is better that way.