Why Dabbers Is London’s Go-To Spot for Friendship and Fun

Lifestyle

Calling the New Cool: Inside a Night at Dabbers Social Bingo

In a city constantly reinventing its nightlife, Dabbers Social Bingo has managed to do something quietly radical: it’s made bingo cool again. Situated near Liverpool Street, this East London venue blends retro nostalgia with high-energy entertainment to create something rare in the capital, an unpretentious, wildly fun evening out rooted in a sense of community.

Gone are the dusty bingo halls of yesteryear. At Dabbers, expect drag queens in sequins, disco lights, confetti cannons, and themed game nights that feel more like immersive theatre than a typical night out. From ‘Disco Bingo’ to the travel-inspired ‘Bingo Voyage,’ every event is built around interaction. The crowd doesn’t just sit and dab; they cheer, dance, and, on occasion, take part in spontaneous lip-sync battles and twerk. There’s a sense that anything could happen, and it usually does. Always on the lookout for fresh talent, the team behind Dabbers partners with the British Comedy Guide each year to host a nationwide competition in search of the next big thing in comedy.

What sets Dabbers apart is its ability to bring you and your kin together. Whether it’s a birthday party, work night out, or a spontaneous evening with friends, the format encourages laughter, cheering and team spirit. Tables are arranged to feel social, drinks are flowing, and the hosts, who often double as comedians, cabaret stars or DJs, keep the energy high without tipping into chaos.

Dabbers has become a haven for groups looking to reconnect through something more creative than a standard dinner or night at the pub.

There’s also comfort in the structure of the game. Bingo offers just enough rules to feel purposeful, yet leaves ample room for play. The rituals of calling out numbers, the excitement of a full house, and the teasing near-wins all contribute to an atmosphere that is communal rather than competitive. It’s not about who wins the bottle of bubbly, holiday or the cheeky prize at the end, but about the shared joy of the experience.

Drinks and food are cleverly pitched to the crowd. Think crowd-pleasing cocktails, fizz, and a snack menu designed for sharing, from sliders to loaded nachos, all at the table or, like us, in one of their Baller Booths. The service is upbeat and informal, adding to the overall atmosphere of ease. This is not a place where people check their phones all night. Instead, there are spontaneous sing-alongs and collective groans when someone misses a number by one.

What makes Dabbers truly special is the atmosphere it creates. In a city that often feels transactional, it fosters genuine connection. There’s room for silliness, for celebration, for small wins and big laughs. It’s a rare space where strangers become teammates and friends find themselves crying with laughter over the number 22.

Dabbers isn’t just a novelty night out. It’s a modern ritual. A place where adults are allowed to be playful, where friendship is front and centre, and where the soundtrack is as loud as the laughter. In a culture increasingly focused on curated perfection, it’s refreshing to find a space that revels in imperfection, where the main goal is to have fun, together.

For anyone looking for a night that’s light-hearted but not lightweight, social but never try-hard, Dabbers Social Bingo is the answer. It’s the kind of place you didn’t know you needed until you’re there, dabbing with friends and singing along to ABBA under a glittering disco ball.

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Words by Jheanelle Feanny