Boulebar Spitalfields: award-winning hospitality

Banish your outdated ideas that lawn games are reserved for the village square, because Boulebar are showing that it’s no coincidence their namesake game rhymes with ‘cool’.

Taking inspiration from sun-soaked Marseille parks and vibey Parisian cocktail bars, Boulebar Spitalfields is the kind of spot you’ll come back to time and time again. Here’s why:

THE GAME

You don’t need to quit your job and go all Escape to the Château to get a taste of the romantic French lifestyle – pétanque captures the dream you’re lusting after; simple to understand yet a challenge to master, low stakes fun yet fiercely competitive, and all enjoyed with a drink in hand. So maybe scratch that itch with a game or two before making any major life decisions.

We thought we’d try to explain the rules but we actually made ourselves more confused, so check out Boulebar’s guide instead (they also actually know what they’re talking about).

Because down the stairs you’ll find a full-sized pétanque arena with the courts, additional seating, tables to dine and watch the games from, and some very funky wall art.

In contrast to the first UK Boulebar in Southbank, Spitalfields is an “indoor oasis” to whisk you away from the daily drudgery. And it’s so much cheaper than mini break.

So, from just £13pp for a 90-minute game (or £10 to join the fortnightly Friday tournament), treat yourself to a good time. And if you really want to level up your game, you better get practicing these useful French phrases: