Boom Battle Bar Reading
BEST FOR
Ages 0-18
ENTRY
from £3
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Reading
What it’s like
Augmented reality axe throwing, darts and shuffleboard with a bar attached, open to under 18s with an adult until 9pm.
Axe throwing sounds like the kind of thing you'd want a waiver for, and technically you don't need one here because it's all screen-tracked AR versions, same with the darts and the AR-cade golf lane. You still get the swing and the satisfying thud, just with a scoreboard doing the sums. Shuffleboard, American pool and karaoke booths round out the games list, and there's beer pong and prosecco pong if that's the kind of evening you're after.
The catch, and it's a big one if you're bringing children, is the 9pm cutoff. Under 18s are welcome before that but need an adult with them the whole time, and some of the games have their own age restrictions on top. After 9pm it switches to strictly 18+, so an early booking is the only way to make this work with kids in tow.
Money-wise, the BOOM Bundle comes in at £27.50 a head, which buys you games plus food and drink bundled together, or you can do the £10 meal deal and pay for activities separately. Shuffleboard on its own is £3 a person if you just fancy one game rather than the full session. It's card only, no cash, so don't turn up with a pocketful of coins expecting to tip the change into a jar.
You don't have to book to get in, walk-ins are fine, but if you actually want to play the games rather than just eat and drink, pre-booking is the sensible move since slots aren't guaranteed on the day. Food is street style, burgers, chicken tenders, fries, ordered by QR code at the table or at the bar. Reading train station is two minutes' walk, which also happens to be where the nearest car park is.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Under 18s welcome with an adult, but only before the 9pm cutoff
- Booking
- Walk-ins welcome. Games booking recommended to guarantee slots
- Parking
- Car park at Reading Train Station nearby
- Food
- Street food menu including burgers, chicken tenders, fries and small plates
- Getting there by bus or train
- Reading train station 2 minute walk away
- Worth knowing
- BOOM Rewards App: earn points with every visit for exclusive offers
- It's card only, no cash accepted anywhere on site
- After 9pm it's 18+ only, so plan an earlier slot with kids
- Games slots aren't guaranteed without a pre-booking, even though walk-ins are allowed
- The BOOM Rewards app earns you points on every visit
Plan your visit
Is there an age limit?
It's 18+ strictly after 9pm. Before that under 18s can come with a supervising adult, though some games have their own age rules on top.
Do we need to book?
Walk-ins are welcome, but if you want to guarantee a slot on the games, book ahead. Online bookings are paid in full upfront.
How much does it cost?
The BOOM Bundle is £27.50 a person for games plus food and drink. Shuffleboard alone is £3 a head if you just want one game.
Do you take cash?
No, it's card only across the venue.
What food is there?
A street food menu of burgers, chicken tenders, fries and small plates, ordered by QR code, table staff or at the bar.
Can we eat and drink while playing?
Food and drinks come to you while you're on the games.
Do under 16s need ID?
They should bring some just in case, and need to be with an adult at all times. Anyone who looks under 25 will be asked for ID under the Challenge 25 policy.
How long do the games last?
It depends on the activity and time slot, and the details are in your booking confirmation. Every slot starts with a briefing before you play.
Can we cancel or change a booking?
Bookings are non-refundable. If it's a genuine emergency, email at least 24 hours ahead and they'll try to reschedule you.
Is there parking nearby?
There's a car park at Reading train station close by, which is also a two minute walk from the venue.
Do you do birthday parties?
Yes, and if you want to bring decorations or dress the space, email the venue before your booking rather than turning up with them unannounced.
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