Another year, another office Christmas party? Not in Vauxhall. Forget the awkward small talk, predictable set menus and watching your boss attempt karaoke. This year, it’s time to get the team out from behind their desks and into something considerably more entertaining.
From racing around in real-life video games, to testing your senses, or dancing like nobody is watching, Vauxhall is packed with brilliantly bonkers ways to bring the team together.
Whether it’s a Christmas knees-up, a team-building day or just a very good excuse to finish work early on a Friday, these alternative office outings are guaranteed to shake things up.
And the best bit? There are plenty of excellent Vauxhall pubs and restaurants waiting afterwards.
1.
SENSAS – Put the team’s senses to the test
Think your colleagues work well together? SENSAS is about to put that theory to the test. This brilliantly bonkers sensory experience throws teams into a series of challenges involving touch, smell, taste and sound, with some taking place in complete darkness. Cue plenty of shrieking, hysterical laughter and discovering which colleague is surprisingly brave when the lights go out. It’s part escape room, part sensory adventure and a very funny way to find out who’s really a team player.
Where: Arch 17, Miles Street, SW8 1RZ
Price: Check group booking rates
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2.
Chaos Karts at Arcade Arena – Office rivalries, start your engines
Mario Kart fans, this one’s for you. Chaos Karts takes video-game racing into the real world, putting teams behind the wheel of electric go-karts on digitally projected tracks.
Think power-ups, virtual obstacles, unexpected twists and a healthy dose of competitive driving. Perfect for settling the office rivalry once and for all. And with PAC-MAN Live and Alien Invasion also under the same roof, the fun doesn’t have to stop at the finish line.
Where: Arcade Arena, 26 Lambeth High Street, SE1 7SJ
Price: From £30 per person
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3.
Activate Vauxhall – Game faces on
Forget trust falls and personality quizzes. Activate Vauxhall is where the team gets to run, jump, dodge and think fast across a series of high-tech interactive game rooms. From illuminated floors to laser challenges and quick-fire puzzles, it’s a proper test of teamwork, reflexes and competitive spirit. With games that can be played cooperatively or competitively, it’s ideal for discovering who’s a natural leader and who’s just very good at pressing flashing buttons.
Where: 60–62 Albert Embankment, SE1 7TP
Price: Check group booking rates
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4.
Vauxhall City Farm – Swap spreadsheets for sheep
Sometimes the best way to bond with colleagues is to get as far away from a computer screen as possible. And what could be better than spending time with some four-legged Vauxhall locals? Vauxhall City Farm brings a little countryside charm to the middle of London, with goats, sheep, alpacas and plenty of animal encounters. A wonderfully wholesome alternative to the usual office outing, with group activities and event enquiries available through the farm. Bonus points for anyone who manages to resist taking 100 photos.
Where: 165 Tyers Street, SE11 5HS
Price: Group activities and event hire by enquiry
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5.
Zumba with Maria – Work up a sweat before the pub
Who needs another team meeting when there’s a dancefloor waiting? Zumba with Maria brings infectious energy, feel-good tunes and plenty of hip-shaking fun to The House of Neon. It’s the kind of workout where nobody cares if the moves aren’t quite right, and the laughter is half the point. A brilliant way to get colleagues moving, shake off the working week and earn that celebratory drink afterwards. Regular Saturday sessions are also available for anyone keen to give it a try.
Where: The House of Neon, Camelford House, 89 Albert Embankment, SE1 7TP
Price: Regular Saturday class £7; group arrangements by enquiry
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6.
Bridge Command – Team me up, Scotty!
Forget the boardroom. It’s time to take command of an actual spaceship. At Bridge Command, colleagues become the crew of a starship, tackling intergalactic missions, making split-second decisions and trying not to blow up the entire galaxy. With live actors, interactive technology and plenty of opportunities for office heroes (and villains) to emerge, it’s team-building on another planet. And once the mission’s complete? Head to the onboard bar, The Mess, for a well-earned drink.
Where: 63–64 Albert Embankment, SE1 7TJ
Price: Group and corporate packages available
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7.
And then? Straight to the pub.
All that racing, dancing, problem-solving and animal appreciation deserves a proper reward. Luckily, Vauxhall has no shortage of excellent places to carry on the celebrations.
Whether it’s a few well-earned pints at The Black Dog, cocktails and street food at The Garden Vauxhall, a cosy corner at The Jolly Gardeners or a riverside round at The Riverside, there’s a spot for every team to raise a glass.
Because the best office parties aren’t always the ones that start in the pub. But they can certainly finish there.
Ready to ditch the usual office do? Round up the team, pick an adventure and make this year’s celebration one to remember.
