London Table Tennis bar

One of the first bars in London to get in on the ping pong action, the Book Club has one table that is free to use all day and all night — just ask the bar staff for bats and balls. It's first come first served, but don't be afraid to challenge any table hoggers to a match. Every Tuesday things get serious with their King Pong! party hosted by The Social Athletics Club. Just grab a teammate and a drink to compete for the £50 bar tab.

The latest venture from the Lovebrunch boys, PING is already a favourite with the sloane crew with its school common room vibe (just add alcohol). The communal tables are first come first served so get down early for doubles fun with cocktails and pizza thrown in — the Chandelier Ping comes in a watermelon. Visit at the weekends and expect raucous dancing til 2am; or put Tournament Tuesday in the diary if you're a serious whiff whaffer.

Opening hot on the heels of PING, Holborn's Bounce has the historical edge — it occupies the very same site where the game was invented back in 1901. From the same founder as All Star Lanes, Bounce boasts 13 tables (some reserved, some walk-in at £10 an hour) as well as a gin palace-style bar to refresh and an antipasti-cum-pizza menu to refuel. If you're looking for a Christmas party venue, their private room complete with three tables might be just the ticket.

121 Holborn, EC1N 2TD, bouncepingpong.com

Pongathon @ Rich Mix

Londoners seem to be spoilt for ping pong choice on Tuesdays. East Londoners should head down the Rich Mix Arts centre in Shoreditch to get involved in Pongathon: the bi-monthly ping pong party like no other. With wall to wall tables, fancy dress themes, live music and an on-site pro to sort out your backhand and volleys, this is the place to play whether you're up for serious singles or silly mixed doubles.

Ping Tron @ Westbourne Studios

The futuristic option, Ping Tron ping pong is played out under the cover of darkness in a custom-built lightproof box where the bats, balls and table edges are marked out with colourful UV paint. Ping Tron has been enjoying a spring residency at Balham's Three Monkeys bar, watch out for its next pop-up appearance. A truly immersive experience for players and spectators — adventurous types should book now.