It takes balls to open a pétanque venue in winter.
But if anyone’s got them, it’s the team behind Boulebar, which has successfully recreated a patch of Southern France at its debut pétanque spot on the Southbank.
Having nailed the quintessential combination of sunshine, apéritifs and a dose of gentlemanly competition, it’s rapidly become one of London’s most popular activity bars. And now, it’s scored an even bigger second venue in Spitalfields.
Unlike its Southbank sibling, Boulebar Spitalfields is an entirely indoor – and therefore British weather-proof – venue. Set over two storeys, you’ll walk in to find a bar serving wines, beers, and other classic French rafraîchissements like crémant, cidre, and Ricard Pastis (an aniseed apéritif which goes cloudy when you add water). There’s also house cocktails like the Angélique Papon (named after the current pétanque World Champion) and the Poire Populaire (named because it has pear in it, and it’s delicious). And if all the high-intensity sporting action builds up an appetite? You can order cheese, charcuterie, and even seafood platters to your table.
Venture downstairs and you’ll find the main event: ten gravel-dusted courts primed for a lively game of pétanque. If you’ve never played before, its appeal lies in the fact that you could potentially stroll up and nail it straight away. All you have to do is try to toss your boules (weighty silver balls) down the court, hoping to land them as close as possible to the tiny wooden ball (the jack) – or at least closer than the opposing team. Simple, but you’ll find yourself getting surprisingly competitive over it all.
First to reach 13 points wins, and the losers have to get the pastis in.
And – depending on how you feel about aniseed – possibly drink them, too.
NOTE: Boulebar Spitalfields is open Tuesday – Sunday. You can find out more, and book, on the Boulebar website.
PREVIOUS PERK: Nudge Members +3 enjoyed a complimentary welcome cocktail each and 50% of food from 22nd November – 11th December 2024. Don’t miss the next Member Perk – sign up for a free 7 day trial.
Boulebar Spitalfields | 7 Frying Pan Alley, London EC2M 4AA
Feeling competitive? Take on London’s top activity bars