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Bola 8 - The Pool Lounge — Sports Bars in London

Bola 8 - The Pool Lounge

Sports BarsLondon, ENG

4.2 out of 5 stars4.2(744 reviews)

Quick info

+44 7886 622376
122 Elephant Rd, Elephant and Castle, London SE17 1LB, United Kingdom
£10–70

About Bola 8 - The Pool Lounge

On Elephant Rd, Bola 8, The Pool Lounge runs by day as a pool club before turning into a late-night Latin club from around 11 PM. Tables are set up for American pool at an hourly rate, with a food or drink purchase required alongside. Once the DJ starts, the room shifts to salsa, bachata, merengue and reggaeton, drawing a queue at the door and security on site to manage entry. A black-and-white mural covers one wall, and screens around the space carry sports through the earlier hours. Dogs are welcome on the premises. The mix of pool by day and dancing by night gives the venue two distinct uses within the same room, with the later hours suited to a late-night crowd once the tables clear for dancing.

Good to know

  • Reservations
    Accepts reservations
  • Parking
    Free street parking · Paid street parking · Usually plenty of parking
  • Good for kids
    Good for kids

Reviews

4.2/5
744 reviews

What reviewers say

Reviewers most often mention security altercations with guests, latin music (salsa, bachata, merengue), american pool tables and overpriced drinks.

5★
529
4★
59
3★
30
2★
18
1★
108

Customer Review Summary

Latin nights built around pool anchor the draw at Bola 8, with reviewers describing DJ sets running through Salsa, Bachata, Merengue and Reggaeton, and one highlighting an evening watching an Ecuador World Cup match over drinks. Close behind, the pool tables draw praise for casual games with friends, though one reviewer notes a back table squeezed against a wall with balls that drifted on their own despite an hourly charge plus a mandatory drink purchase. A recurring, serious concern centers on security: one reviewer describes being physically restrained and injured after a dispute over queue order, while another recounts being forcibly kept from leaving over a disputed broken toilet and threatened with police before finally getting a jacket back. Other reviewers separately call security unprofessional and the atmosphere hostile. Drinks are repeatedly called expensive, and one visitor says a DJ kept playing music guests had asked him to change. Several reviewers still call the nights fun, friendly and worth returning to.

Featured reviews

  • Google user
    “We had a very bad experience since the DJ just played Bad Bunny`s music and even when we asked him to change the music, he kept praying it on purpose. Clearly he is not focused in costumers satisfaction. What a shame because service was very good.”
  • Google user
    “I do not recommend this venue. After waiting around 30–40 minutes in the queue, I approached a member of the security staff to ask why another customer, who had been much further back in the line than I was, had been allowed to bypass the queue after I had been refused the same request. Throughout the wait, staff had repeatedly told those of us at the front that no more people would be allowed in after a certain point, so seeing someone from much further back being admitted felt unfair. A member of the security staff told me that the owner had instructed them to let that person in. I listened to his explanation without interrupting. He appeared to interpret my silence as if I were ignoring him and became visibly irritated. He then told me to go back to the queue. I explained that I would not lose my place, but would simply wait by the entrance and enter after the person who was already in front of me in the queue. I was not asking to go in immediately or to skip the line. He then told me that I would not be allowed to enter. It was late at night and I simply wanted to be with my friends and enjoy the evening. At that point, after waiting for so long and feeling that I was being treated unfairly, I raised my phone to take a photograph because I intended to make a complaint about his conduct. As soon as I raised my phone, the security staff member took my phone from my hand without my consent. I repeatedly asked for my phone back and tried to recover my property. The situation then escalated. My phone ended up on the ground, and I was surrounded and physically restrained by three members of security. I felt threatened and tried to protect myself and recover my property. I sustained injuries and was left extremely distressed by the incident. The CCTV shown to me appeared to begin after my phone was already on the ground and, in my view, did not show the events leading up to the confrontation, including the moment when my phone was taken from my hand. I am grateful to the security staff from Leños y Carbón next door, who intervened and helped bring the confrontation to an end. This was my personal experience at this venue. I was extremely disappointed by the way the situation was handled and, based on my experience, I would not return or recommend this place.”
  • Google user
    “Had such a good night at Bola 8! The music was good, the atmosphere was really nice and everyone was just having a good time. Drinks were good and the staff were friendly too. Definitely a good spot for a night out with friends, would 100% go again!”
  • Google user
    “Bola 8 was a great spot to spend an evening. We played a few games of pool, enjoyed some drinks and watched the Ecuador World Cup match in a fantastic atmosphere. The staff were friendly and welcoming throughout, making it an easy place to relax and enjoy the night.”
  • Google user
    “zero stars, refused to let me leave the club and forcefully kept me in the hallway whilst claiming I had broken their toilet (?) I will acknowledge I went against the rules of one at a time, but that was the only rule broken. Then I asked to see the toilet and they refused to let me see, then they finally let my friend see it and they claimed it was now the sink that was broken and started filming her and the room. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the toilet despite a small tissue bin being on its side which my friend put back where it was and the toilet seat being slightly tilted to the left which she put back into place. Nothing was broken. They were telling me they’re going to call the police and I had to pay. When they realised I’m not stupid they kicked us out (we were trying to leave before and they forcefully wouldn’t let us) and made us go onto the street without giving me my jacket and shouted at me and my friends to leave their outside entrance area, to wait somewhere off the property. Finally got my coat back. 0 stars. Absolute weirdos preying on women trying to get money. Strange antisocial vibe in there too. If you’re broke just say that!!”

Highlights

“Hangout offering sports on TV & pool in a lively space with Latin music & a big black-&-white mural.”

  • Bar games
  • Great beer selection
  • Karaoke
  • Live music
  • Live performances
  • Sports

Amenities

  • Wi-Fi
  • Free street parking
  • Accepts reservations
  • Dogs allowed
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Show more amenities
  • Good for kids
  • Food at bar
  • Casual
  • Onsite services
  • Beer
  • Dancing
Offerings· 7
  • Alcohol
  • Cocktails
  • Food
  • Free water refills
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Hard liquor
  • Wine
Facilities· 1
  • Restroom
Highlights· 7
  • Bar games
  • Great beer selection
  • Karaoke
  • Live music
  • Live performances
  • Sports
  • Trivia night
Atmosphere· 1
  • Trendy
Dining options· 2
  • Seating
  • Table service
Crowd· 4
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Tourists
  • Transgender safespace
Parking· 2
  • Paid street parking
  • Usually plenty of parking

Location

Sports Bars near Bola 8 - The Pool Lounge

Bola 8 - The Pool Lounge
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