Location: 113 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3BS
Date & Time: Friday 5th January 2018, 6.30pm till late
Cost: £3.75 each (Timeout magazine offer, £20 on door)
Session: 7-9pm
Closest station: Old Street
Ballie Ballerson
Our Thoughts
Music – Initially it was old-skool hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s, then it drastically changed as the night progressed to some drum and bass. We enjoyed the old-skool jams but the drum and bass which later turned into dance was simply not our cup of tea.
Venue – Typical bar scene in a reasonable size location, decorated with neon paintings and glowing graffiti style markings all over the walls. It wasn’t too crowded for a Friday night, however the venue filled up as the night went on.
There are a number of different sections in the venue… you have the bar area, along with the main ball pit which is open to everyone and then there are a few other areas which from the look of things can be hired out and reserved for your party of people.
Drinks – The cocktails available had a retro sweet twist to them, and included the likes of Wham, Sherbets, Refreshers etc. It was definitely borderline sugar overload, but was well-fiting with the theme of being big kids and remembering our younger days (we aren’t that old).
Maria’s Thoughts
The idea of an adult ball pit, for me has fun, fun, fun, written all over it. I couldn’t help but reminisce over my Discovery Zone days which made some great childhood trips. HOWEVER the reality of this pit was slightly different to what I had imagined or remembered. First of all, back in the day we used take off our shoes, which I can understand could be a logistical nightmare after people have had a few to drink. Secondly, as soon as I entered the pit I was hit by the smell!! – This wasn’t a smell I had remembered as a child. I kid you not, I did not expect the sweaty musky stench, which was likely due to the lack of ventilation and a result of the ball area being packed with people. Thirdly, I do not recollect how painful it is to be hit on the head or more severely in the eye by these little balls.
It was an interesting experience, we had a couple of ball fights (some of which we started), pushed each other over in an attempt to bury one another and simply sat and chilled. There wasn’t actually much to it if I’m honest, it could have been more entertaining if the staff included games and activities such as (off the top of my head) find the coloured balls in the sea of white… you get my drift right? Just something that would encourage interaction. Nonetheless, I am glad we gave it a go, I won’t be back anytime soon but would consider visiting again.
Nifesi’s Thoughts
Honestly as I walked into the ball pit, I was hit by the smell of sweat and musk. Then when trying to navigate the pit, I realised there are too many people in this space and its making it difficult to move around let alone play any interactive games except constantly throw balls at each other. Nevertheless we persisted, we had paid and were going to find fun in this pit somehow! You get used to the smell after awhile 😊
Although the balls are plastic, unfortunately when thrown with force, hitting your head, eye or arm, you had to flinch away and actually take a minute to get your balance again. Similarly people were just standing or sitting in the pit and not moving which in my opinion was very boring and I kept thinking WHY ARE YOU HERE? But each to their own.
I would assume with more alcohol in your system, the ball pit would be a lot more fun as part of the game could be trying to maintain your balance whilst playing with your friends – we were the sober crew in the pit. Don’t get me wrong, we made our own fun, however it could have been a lot better. Still glad we tried it as you never know until you’ve at least tried. No regrets!
Our Recommendations:
- Constant and active air conditioning
- Less people in the pit at one go
- An interactive activity/game to play in the pit, for example find a ball of a particular colour or dodgeball etc.
- Smaller group of people in bigger ball pit
Stay tuned for our review of Rascals (the restaurant next door) – offering 50% off all food! Too good to be true, right??
Overall activity rating: 
We have told, now it’s time for YOU to tell… Please let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below.
Until our next post continue to Taste, Experience, Laugh and Live life to the absolute fullest.
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