Best Bingo Nights in the Capital
I remember this one time I was in Taunton in Somerset (I know, a bit random) for my friend’s birthday and we all decided that it would be hilarious to go and crash an old-school bingo down at Mecca on a Saturday night. And sure enough, it was exactly as hilarious as we thought it would be. Cheap drinks, a bunch of pensioners, and some of the worst prizes I’ve ever heard of, including a ‘Grow your own’ Venus Fly Trap – yeah, I’m as confused as you are. None of us knew how to play so we must’ve looked like clueless idiots, but I hadn’t laughed that hard in a long time, and all in all it was a great way to start our night.
Looking back, I feel like my mates and I were setting trends; this was 2017, and back then bingo really was just for pensioners. All that has changed however, and nowadays you can’t move for bingo nights (albeit a lot cooler and contemporary than the one we basically crashed). Bingo nights come in all shapes and sizes now – drag bingo, hip-hop bingo, nightclub bingo. You name it, someone has turned it into a bingo night. I thought I’d take the opportunity to introduce you to some of the best in the capital – coz obviously, I was playing bingo before it was cool.
1. Blingo
Where: Blingo splits its time between The Electric Ballroom (184 Camden High St, Camden Town, London NW1 8QP) and 229 (Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PN)
When: Thursdays and Fridays over the summer months
Why its so great: Blingo are describing themselves as an out-of-your-seat bingo experience driven by an all killer, no filler hip-hop and RnB soundtrack. Following in the footsteps of Grandmaster Flash, Grandma Flash (I know) is bringing you hip-hop beats that would give the deepest depths of south London a run for its money. Hip-hips classics, dance offs, and lip sync battles are all on the menu at Blingo. You can secure your tickets here.
2. Bogan Bingo
Where: 490 Fulham Rd, London SW6 5NH
When: every Thursday and Friday!
Why its so great: if your nostalgia for bingo extends to 80s and 90 pop culture then this one’s for you. Bogan Bingo combines bingo, comedy, and live music, to bring you a show that looks more like an AC/DC tribute act. Bogan features a crazy night of madcap energy will get you up off your seat and is hosted by a lively duo of callers in massive mullet hairstyles. Check it out here.
3. Buffy Bottomless Brunch
Where: 96, Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0JG
When: Monday 30th August 2021
Why its so great: Nestled in the heart of central London, Buffy’s Bottomless Brunch wants to take you back to 1995, even if you weren’t born yet. This is more than just a themed bingo night - the Big Buffy Bottomless Brunch brings you Buffy trivia quizzes, slayer bingo, themed drag performances, and even "Once more with feeling' karaoke! If you want to spend your afternoon taking part in trivia quizzes, slayer bingo, and old school karaoke, this is the one for you. See more here.
4. Dreamboys
Where: Proud Cabaret, 1 Mark Lane, City Of London, London EC3R 7AH
When: Every Saturday night
Why its so great: The only thing better than a slightly drunk, very funny, bingo caller, is a slightly drunk, very funny, DRAG bingo caller. Bingo is truly enhanced by the drag scene because not only does it offer you a great night out, but you’re also raising money for LBGTQ+ charities around the world. Add strippers into the mix and well… I may never leave. At Dreamboys, let the “dreamboys” take care of you as you enjoy free-flowing bubbles, drag queen sing-a-longs, and top-tier entertainment.
5. That’s DRAG! Bingo
Where: The Brixton Jamm, 261 Brixton Road, Brixton, London SW9 6LH
When: Thursday 29th July 2021
Why its so great: I couldn’t resist putting another drag night on the club. The Brixton Jamm is a unique, multi-faceted venue offering a variety of purpose-built spaces for club nights, live music, brunches, drinks, street food and socials. They’ve got everything going on here, and their drag bingo night reflects that – there’s dancing, drinking, live performances, DJs, and some incredible prizes to be won at this rowdy bingo night. I’m jealous of anyone with a ticket. Get yours here.
(All GIFs courtesy of GIPHY)
Words by Rebecca Clayton