Fairgame City: London’s Newest Adult Playground just Elevated the Guest Cloakroom Experience
- Chexology
- Oct 29
- 4 min read
Tucked beneath One New Change, Fairgame City fuses nostalgic carnival magic with a cocktail-fueled nightlife energy that feels distinctly London. It’s the second location for the much-loved brand, and it’s already redefining what a night out can look like in the capital with its paperless cloakroom entrance. Partnering with Chexology, Farigame’s cloakroom experience was transformed into a fast, smart, and frictionless one. It’s proof that technology doesn’t take away from fun. When done right, it amplifies it.
Stepping into London Fun
Step off the tube during the 5 p.m. rush and wander down into the glowing arches beneath One New Change. The sound of laughter, the clatter of digital skee-balls, and the hum of conversation draw you in.
The smell of popcorn and street food mixes with the soft warmth of neon lights. You’ve still got your work bag slung over your shoulder, and the cloakroom rush is on, but the line moves surprisingly fast.
“Your phone number is your claim ticket,” says the attendant, smiling as they tap an NFC tag to your bag and place it on the shelf. A QR code on the wall invites you to add Chex Pass to your Apple Wallet. You scan it, and your digital claim ticket appears instantly.
Moments later, you’re bag-free, drink in hand, and ready to play.
“No little paper ticket to lose in my pockets? Amazing.”
Above, the iconic Fairgame Duck spins and glows, surrounded by their signature reimagined carnival games: Beaky Finders, Feeding Frenzy, Havoc in the Hive. It’s the same energy fans love at Canary Wharf, but bigger, shinier, and buzzing with opening-weekend excitement. Welcome to Fairgame City!
How Fairgame is Embracing Technology in its Cloakroom
Since 2023, Fairgame has partnered with Chexology, the New York–based tech company modernizing venue operations by replacing outdated paper ticket systems with a digital, sustainable alternative.
Guests check in using only their phone number, no paper, no confusion, no lost tickets. Within seconds, they receive a secure digital claim link by text, freeing them up to grab a cocktail or dive into a game while the system tracks their items seamlessly behind the scenes.
In less than a year, Fairgame has eliminated over 400,000 paper tickets, saving the equivalent of nearly five football fields of paper waste and countless minutes of guest time.
But this change isn’t just about sustainability, it’s about flow. Cloakroom queues now move in under 15 seconds per guest, even during peak hours, helping the venue maintain that energetic rhythm that makes Fairgame feel alive.
By removing small points of friction, the team ensures that guests stay in the moment, focused on play, laughter, and connection.
What Is Competitive Socialising?
Competitive socialising describes venues that combine games, food, and drinks to create social experiences that balance competition and camaraderie, think mini golf meets mixology or darts meets dining. It’s a format built on nostalgia, but powered by innovation.
Since COVID-19, the competitive socialising sector has exploded, fueled by a renewed appetite for in-person fun and shared play. According to Savills, the number of UK venues blending food, drink, and activities like darts, mini golf, and axe throwing has grown by nearly 40% since 2018, with multi-activity venues expanding more than 450%.
Around one in three UK adults has visited a competitive socialising venue in the past year, and nearly half go at least once a month. This shift reflects a new kind of guest psychology: people are craving connection, laughter, and experiences that feel both nostalgic and novel.
Venues like Fairgame are leading the charge, showing how technology and storytelling can scale seamlessly from a first date on a Thursday night to a corporate buyout on Friday.
Across the industry, operators are adopting new technologies to enhance both the guest experience and operational efficiency. From digital scoring systems and contactless check-ins to AI-powered booking tools and real-time data insights, innovation is transforming how people play, interact, and spend their nights out.
The goal isn’t just speed or convenience; it’s about creating a frictionless flow that keeps the energy high and the fun uninterrupted. By blending nostalgia with modern tech, competitive socialising venues are redefining what it means to gather, compete, and connect in a post-pandemic world.
Who’s Using Chexology’s digital London cloakroom system?
Several major players in the competitive socialising space have adopted Chexology’s digital cloakroom system, joining Fairgame in their move toward smarter, greener operations:
These brands share a common goal: to make every step of the guest journey effortless, sustainable, and memorable.
Want to view even more London venues that take advantage of Chexology's digital cloakroom? Check out our spotlight client map!
Experience London’s Fairgame City for Yourself
Fairgame City is more than another opening; it’s a statement about where the hospitality industry is heading. It’s proof that technology and entertainment can coexist beautifully, creating experiences that feel personal, fast, and endlessly fun.
For venue operators, Fairgame City serves as a blueprint for what’s next: a space where design, service, and digital innovation come together to redefine the modern night out.
Curious How Chexology Can Transform Your UK Venue?
Book a demo today and see how your operations can run as smoothly as the games on the floor.
Chexology’s Digital Cloakroom FAQs
Is Chexology’s digital cloakroom system sustainable?
Yes. The platform has helped venues eliminate over 1 million paper cloakroom tickets globally and plants a tree for every new partner added.
How does Chexology’s digital cloakroom work?
Guests check items using their phone number. They receive a digital link instantly, which can be used to retrieve items. no paper, no hassle.
What is Chexology’s cloakroom turnaround time for setup?
Typically, around five business days, depending on location and venue size.
How much does a digital cloakroom system cost?
Pricing is bespoke per venue. Book a demo to speak with a consultant and explore the best setup for your space.
Does Chexology support cloakrooms for one-off events or special occasions?
Yes. Chexology offers flexible event rentals for festivals, pop-ups, and private activations.
Learn more at Chexology.com/coatcheck!
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