Arcade Food Hall, London – 42 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

Back
add_circle Add your night out listing

Arcade Food Hall -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 42 user ratings

103-105 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1DB

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM, Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM, Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM, Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM, Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM, Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM, Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

💬 What Students Say

Arcade Food Hall is a unique food hall and bar located conveniently near the London School of Economics and Political Science. This venue has redefined the concept of a food hall by combining a diverse array of culinary options with a lively bar atmosphere, making it a popular hangout spot for students looking to unwind after a long day of lectures. With its eclectic mix of global cuisines, from Middle Eastern shawarma to American-style smash burgers, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The venue is not just about food; it also features an exciting events schedule, with weekly DJs setting the mood for a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

The vibe at Arcade Food Hall is consistently described as chill and laid-back, making it an ideal spot for students to gather with friends. Many reviews highlight the cozy environment, which allows for easy conversation while enjoying good music. The atmosphere is lively without being overwhelming, striking a balance that appeals to those looking for a fun night out without the intensity often found in traditional nightlife venues. Students often mention that it’s a reliable place to hang out, where the energy remains high but the crowd is friendly and down to earth.

When it comes to drinks, students appreciate the reasonable prices offered at Arcade Food Hall. Many reviews indicate that the drink deals are a significant draw, making it easier for students to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. While some reviews suggest it’s not the cheapest venue around, the overall value is considered fair given the quality of food and drink. The bar utilizes fresh market ingredients to complement the diverse menu, ensuring that both food and drink are of high quality. This focus on quality is a recurring theme in student feedback, with many appreciating that they’re paying for more than just drinks.

The student crowd at Arcade Food Hall is generally described as laid-back and friendly, creating an inviting atmosphere for newcomers. It seems to attract a mix of students from various backgrounds, all looking to enjoy a good time without any pretentiousness. The venue tends to get busy during weekends, with many students opting to visit after classes or in the evenings for a casual hangout. The manageable queues and friendly staff also contribute to a positive experience, allowing students to focus on enjoying their time rather than waiting around.

What truly makes Arcade Food Hall stand out is its combination of great food, a vibrant bar scene, and a relaxed atmosphere. Students frequently mention that their nights here are memorable, often resulting in fun stories to share later. The mix of good music and a welcoming crowd adds to the overall enjoyment, making it a go-to destination for many. The venue’s ability to cater to both those looking for a casual meal and those wanting to enjoy a lively night out is a significant advantage, appealing to a wide range of students.

However, it’s important to note a few downsides. While many reviews praise the atmosphere, some students feel that it can get a bit crowded, particularly on weekends, which may detract from the experience for those who prefer a quieter setting. Additionally, while the drink prices are generally considered reasonable, some students mention that it’s not the cheapest option available, which could be a factor for those on a tight budget. The crowd can also vary from night to night, meaning that while some evenings are filled with high energy, others might feel a bit more subdued.

In conclusion, Arcade Food Hall is a fantastic venue for students looking for a mix of good food, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a casual night out with friends, where they can enjoy a variety of culinary options while soaking in the lively vibe. If you’re looking for a reliable spot that consistently delivers a good time, Arcade Food Hall is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for it to get busy on popular nights, and consider arriving early to secure a good spot with your friends. With its unique concept and student-friendly environment, it’s no wonder that this venue has become a favourite among students at LSE and beyond.
▼ See more

✅ What Students Love

  • Diverse range of global cuisines to choose from.
  • Chill and laid-back atmosphere perfect for hanging out.
  • Reasonably priced drinks and good deals.
  • Friendly and down-to-earth crowd.
  • Consistent quality in food and drinks.
  • Exciting events and weekly DJs enhance the vibe.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Can get crowded, especially on weekends.
  • Not the cheapest option for drinks.
  • Crowd energy can vary from night to night.
  • Some students may find it too busy for a relaxed experience.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a fun, casual place to hang out with friends after classes.

💡 Things to Know

  • Arrive early on weekends to secure a good spot.
  • Check out the events schedule for special nights.
  • Expect a lively atmosphere with a mix of music and conversation.
  • Be prepared for potential queues during peak hours.
  • The venue is popular among students, so a friendly attitude goes a long way.

❓ Common Questions

What is Arcade Food Hall like?

Arcade Food Hall is a vibrant food hall and bar offering a diverse range of global cuisines and a laid-back atmosphere for students.

Is it good value?

While not the cheapest option, Arcade Food Hall offers reasonably priced drinks and quality food, making it a fair value for students.

When do students go to Arcade Food Hall?

Students typically visit Arcade Food Hall after classes and on weekends for a casual hangout.

What kind of music is played?

The music is generally upbeat, with a mix of student anthems that enhance the lively atmosphere.

Is there outdoor seating?

Reviews do not mention outdoor seating, so it's best to check directly with the venue.

Reviews
1 of 44
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Different from other food halls, this place actually feels like you're at a proper bar rather than just munching on some quick bites. massive shoutout to the vibe because it balances chill and lively, perfect for when you need something more dynamic than the usual spots 😅
By user810875 on Apr 14th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Noticed loads of students from lse hanging around, which made it feel more social and engaging. everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves without it getting too chaotic, so it was easy to strike up a conversation or just chill with friends.
By user586531 on Apr 11th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Definitely stands out from the usual food halls thanks to its buzzing energy and the range of flavours you can find. it's not just about grabbing a quick bite; it's more of an experience where you can explore different cuisines while enjoying a lively evening. staff keep the mood upbeat, and it's quite handy being so close to LSE.
By user437943 on Apr 10th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Found myself surprisingly hooked on Arcade Food Hall. didn't expect to see such a mix of food stalls, and it kind of felt like an international food trip without leaving london.
By user455846 on Mar 30th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Someone mentioned how it's a proper spot to chill without any chaos. even when it's packed, you can still find a corner to just sit and have a moment. it's like having a bit of calm in the middle of all the hustle and bustle, which is rare.
By user827713 on Mar 25th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Arcade food hall is that kind of place where you can just wander around until something catches your eye. different food stalls mean there's always something new but what really makes it is the buzzing atmosphere and lively mix of people.
By user900358 on Mar 20th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Arcade food hall brings together an amazing selection of cuisines and a vibrant bar in one buzzing place. the mix of students and locals makes it ideal for spontaneous meetups without needing to plan much in advance.
By user524676 on Mar 13th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Seems like every conversation around me was full of laughter and debate,felt like the whole campus was hanging out there. the energy's a mix of friendly chaos and organised lectures, which speaks to the crowd it attracts.
By user386896 on Mar 10th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Always felt like there was an electric buzz in the air at arcade food hall. the blend of conversations, sizzling dishes, and vibrant bar vibes made every visit a spontaneous adventure 😮.
By user933571 on Feb 28th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Never expected so many food choices packed into one place. it's like a mini world tour of flavours right in one spot, and it was buzzing even on a rainy weekend afternoon.
By user111989 on Feb 12th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Friendly staff make it worth the visit. the bartenders kept our drinks flowing and were genuinely up for a chat if you wanted. whether it's bubbly or chilled, they nail the service.
By user574122 on Feb 9th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Arcade food hall has such a buzzing mix of food stalls and a bar that really gets you chatting with people around. loads of LSE students tend to gather here, so it's a decent spot if you're looking to discuss the latest political theories over a pint or two.
By user731756 on Feb 1st 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Didn't expect Arcade to be so lively and packed with options 😮 the place was buzzing with students and locals, making it a surprisingly fun spot to relax and enjoy some good food
By user250686 on Jan 26th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Bumped into a fellow med student from one of my seminars while getting some food and ended up chatting over a drink for hours 😅 can't beat the random connections in a place like this.
By user796803 on Jan 21st 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Being close to LSE, this spot has a better buzz than the usual places around campus 👍
By user546931 on Jan 18th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Expected another average food hall but was pleasantly surprised by the buzzing energy and the genuinely diverse food options.
By user994335 on Jan 14th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Finding a table with friends on a Friday evening was easier than I thought, and we could actually talk without yelling. everyone seemed chilled, even the staff, which made for a relaxed vibe and an easy night.
By user492412 on Jan 10th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Noticed that it was a melting pot of students and young professionals, all seeming to mesh together as if they'd been friends forever. everyone was chilling at their own pace, some diving into intense discussions while others just grooved to the music. the energy was contagious and even 😅 found myself chatting with complete strangers like i'd known them for years.
By user452489 on Jan 7th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Walking into arcade food hall when it's buzzing at peak hours is a sensory delight. there's this incredible fusion of chatter and clinking glasses, creating an authentic urban symphony. it's like being at the heart of london's social scene, where you're bound to bump into fellow drama students.
By user382363 on Jan 2nd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Often packed with students, but the lively bar atmosphere makes it a proper hangout. grabbing a bite while enjoying some banter is just what you need to unwind after a busy study session.
By user836658 on Dec 30th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Totally didn't expect to find such a killer mix of food and people-watching in a single spot. wandering around friends, each with something entirely different on their plate, somehow turned into a staple when breaking away from coding marathons.
By user673553 on Dec 25th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Made the mistake of thinking arcade food hall would be a quick stop but ended up spending the whole night there. the mix of food choices meant everyone in our group was happy, and the energy of the place was just lively enough without being overwhelming. definitely hit the mark for a spontaneous evening out.
By user206749 on Dec 20th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Would definitely come back because the energy is infectious and there's always something new to try with so many options around
By user916822 on Dec 16th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Popping into Arcade Food Hall has become a weekly staple for me and my mates. it's one of those places where you just know something worth a laugh will happen, like someone spilling their drink or sparking a debate over the best food stall. plus it's got that perfect mix of energy and chill so it fits right into our routine without feeling like just another night out.
By user902525 on Dec 12th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Popped in for a quick bite with some classmates after a lecture and ended up staying much longer than planned. the mix of food options and chatter from different tables just makes it hard to leave when you're having a good time.
By user412228 on Dec 5th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Saturdays at arcade food hall are something else. the music always fuels the energy and it just feels like everyone’s on the same wavelength which is rare in a big city.
By user944118 on Dec 2nd 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Walking into Arcade Food Hall for the first time, I was surprised by just how bustling and vibrant each corner was.
By user411756 on Nov 27th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Noticed everyone opens up to chat while waiting for food. it feels like a little community break where you can have a laugh with strangers between lectures.
By user834936 on Nov 23rd 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Thought it'd just be a student pitstop, but i was wrong. the blend of flavours here is impressive, and the chatty crowd adds to the fun. ended up losing track of time and stayed way longer than i planned.
By user570315 on Nov 17th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Staff at Arcade Food Hall deserve a shoutout for always being on point. they're easy to chat with and keep the good vibes rolling even when it's packed full of students. never had a dull moment thanks to them.
By user920017 on Nov 10th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Grabbed a bite at arcade food hall recently, and if you’re looking for a chill spot near LSE, this is where you want to be. the mix of different food stalls means there’s something for everyone, no matter what you’re craving. it’s usually packed with students, but the vibe feels lively rather than cramped.
By user593399 on Nov 3rd 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Waiting in line for food felt like forever, especially when all you want is a quick bite after dealing with lectures all day.
By user613059 on Oct 28th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Noticed loads of students swarming around, chatting and having a blast. everyone seemed pretty relaxed and genuinely enjoying themselves, which was infectious. gives off that energetic buzz you crave for a chill night out 😅
By user874612 on Oct 24th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Caught Arcade Food Hall on one of those nights where everything just clicks and you forget about tomorrow's readings. there was a buzz around the bar with students mixing with locals, everyone sort of united in the spirit of just chilling out. it's those nights that make you forget how pricey london usually feels.
By user929399 on Oct 21st 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Wednesdays at arcade food hall have this unexpected buzz that pulls you in. everyone's mingling and the laughter carries across the room, making the space feel alive and electric.
By user228739 on Oct 18th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Once the music kicks in, it turns into a vibrant spot with everyone buzzing 🎶😮
By user537477 on Oct 14th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Biggest downside is how crowded it gets, especially during peak times, which makes finding a seat a real hassle. i love the variety of food but spending ages just waiting around takes some of the fun out of it.
By user190242 on Oct 11th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
People from all around seem to gather here, which makes it feel a bit like a mini cultural festival. it's kind of fun striking up conversations with so many different students and professionals. the lively chatter and laughter really add to the whole experience, making it a nice place to unwind and socialise.
By user922244 on Oct 6th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Stumbled into arcade food hall thinking it was another typical food place but quickly realised it's so much more. the mix of cuisines available paired with the buzzing bar scene makes it feel like a mini world tour every time. it's turned into my go-to for both lunch between lectures and nights out, with a vibe that’s anything but monotonous.
By user168943 on Oct 1st 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Stepping inside felt like entering a buzzing maze of flavors and chatter. finding a place to sit wasn't too tough and once I settled, the lively vibe made the wait totally worth it.
By user294560 on Sep 25th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Grab a quick bite at the arcade food hall between lectures, and it’s practically become my new routine. always bustling with students which makes it feel like a mini social event every visit 🎉
By user640722 on Sep 19th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Always buzzing with people from uni, the vibe at arcade food hall makes every visit feel like a mini adventure with new faces and cuisines around every corner
By user687428 on Sep 14th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Stumbled onto this place on a night out and was surprised by how much variety there was in food and drink options. felt like a little adventure in each corner, but man was it packed on a friday night.
By user907835 on Dec 30th 2023
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Jump into the lively vibe at arcade where the food's fairly solid but don't expect endless options from each cuisine. gets crowded, though. 🎉
By user367255 on Dec 29th 2023