F1® Arcade London: Where Racing Fans Actually Eat Well

F1® Arcade London sits at 1 New Change, a short walk from St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London. It opened in 2022 as the first venue of its kind, blending officially licensed Formula 1 simulators with a full-service food and drinks menu. This is not a pop-up or a gimmick bar. The space operates as a proper dining destination that happens to have some of the most convincing racing simulators you'll find outside of an actual paddock.

The concept was built around the idea that competitive socialising and a decent meal don't have to be mutually exclusive. Most days it pulls in a crowd that ranges from corporate groups celebrating a deal to groups of friends who grew up watching Schumacher or Hamilton and want to feel, even briefly, what it's like to take a corner at speed.

Why F1® Arcade London Stands Out

The simulator experience here is the real draw, and it's worth understanding what you're getting. The venue uses motion-enabled F1 simulator pods that replicate the feel of an actual racing seat. You compete in real time against others in your group, with lap times tracked on a live leaderboard. The social element is the point. You don't need any prior gaming experience, and most groups find the learning curve is part of the fun.

What separates this from a typical arcade experience is the quality of the surrounding space. The food and drinks aren't an afterthought bolted onto a gaming floor. The kitchen produces a proper menu, the cocktail list is well-developed, and the room is designed to feel like a premium night out rather than a sticky-floored fun zone.

What the Kitchen Is Known For

The menu has built a reputation for crowd-pleasing sharing plates and mains that hold up even if you've never touched a simulator. The kitchen often features elevated bar food: think well-executed burgers, flatbreads, and small plates designed for groups to order across the table. The dishes lean toward comfort food done with some care, rather than anything experimental.

Cocktails are a serious part of the offering. The bar tends toward F1-themed drinks with names tied to the sport, which sounds cheesy but generally lands well given the setting. Non-drinkers and those doing simulator sessions have solid mocktail and soft drink options too.

The kitchen is set up to serve during simulator sessions, so you can eat, drink, and race without the experience feeling fragmented. That coordination is something the venue clearly thought about.

Atmosphere and Setting

The interior at 1 New Change is large, loud, and deliberately theatrical. The design leans into the Formula 1 aesthetic without tipping into theme-park territory: dark tones, racing-inspired lighting, screens showing race footage, and the hum of simulators running across the floor. On a busy Friday evening, the noise level is high. That's part of what makes it work for groups.

The venue is spread across a significant footprint, with simulator bays arranged so groups can watch each other race. There's also a proper bar area and dedicated dining space, so if someone in your group doesn't want to race, they're not stuck standing awkwardly next to a pod.

Reservations and Waits

Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially for evenings, weekends, and anything from Thursday onward. The simulator pods are the finite resource here, and popular time slots sell out well ahead of time. Walk-ins are sometimes possible earlier in the week during the day, but don't count on it for a weekend evening.

When you book, you'll typically choose a simulator package alongside your food and drinks. The packages are structured around time on the simulators, so it's worth reading the options before you arrive rather than figuring it out at the door.

Price Tier

F1® Arcade London sits in the moderate to upscale range when you factor in the simulator experience alongside food and drinks. The food and drink pricing alone trends mid-range for central London. Add a simulator package and the total per-person spend rises accordingly. It's the kind of outing that feels like a treat rather than an everyday lunch stop, which is broadly what the venue is designed for.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday lunchtimes and early evenings are the quietest windows if you want a more relaxed atmosphere. The venue draws a strong after-work crowd from the surrounding City offices, so from around 6pm on weekdays it fills quickly. Weekends tend to run at high capacity most of the day.

During an actual Formula 1 race weekend, expect the energy to be noticeably higher. The screens will be showing coverage and the crowd will be more invested. If that atmosphere appeals to you, it's worth timing a visit to coincide with a race.

Neighborhood and Location Context

The 1 New Change address puts you directly behind St Paul's Cathedral, roughly a 5-minute walk from St Paul's Underground station on the Central line. The Mansion House and Bank stations are also within comfortable walking distance. The surrounding area is dense with City workers during the week but quieter on Sundays.

New Change itself is a shopping and dining complex, so there are options nearby if you want to grab a drink before or after. The Thames and Tate Modern are about a 10-minute walk south across the Millennium Bridge.

Who This Is For

F1® Arcade London is built for groups. It works well for birthdays, corporate events, stag and hen parties, and any occasion where you want a structured activity combined with food and drinks under one roof. It's less suited to a quiet dinner for two, though the food holds up perfectly well if that's what you're after.

You don't need to follow Formula 1 to enjoy it. Plenty of visitors come for the competitive gaming element and barely register the sport's branding. That said, if you do follow the sport, there's a layer of genuine enthusiasm in the space that makes it feel like more than just a branded experience.

Good to Know Before You Go

• The venue opened in 2022 and was the first F1® Arcade location in the world.
• Simulator pods are motion-enabled, so if you have mobility concerns or motion sensitivity, check the venue's accessibility and suitability guidance before booking.
• Packages vary in length and format, so read the options carefully when booking online.
• The dress code is smart casual, broadly in line with a mid-range City bar.
• Groups of ten or more should look at the dedicated events and private hire options rather than standard bookings.
• St Paul's Underground station is the easiest arrival point, roughly a 5-minute walk away.

FAQ

Do I need to know anything about Formula 1 to enjoy it?

No. The simulators are designed to be accessible regardless of your familiarity with the sport. Most groups pick up the basics within a few laps.

Can I just visit for food and drinks without booking a simulator?

The venue does offer food and drinks independently of simulator packages, though availability varies. Check directly with the venue when booking.

Is it suitable for children?

F1® Arcade London is primarily designed as an adult venue, particularly in the evenings. Check age restrictions and any daytime family policies before booking with younger guests.

How far in advance should I book?

For weekend evenings, booking at least a week ahead is sensible. Popular slots during race weekends or around major events can fill further out than that.