Platform, the gaming and esports bar in London, has announced its expansion plans to launch a second site in Canary Wharf on March 25th 2023, with further sites to be announced.
Platform’s expansion plan will see two new venues open in 2023, followed by additional sites across London and the wider UK set for 2024 and 2025.
For now, the new Canary Wharf site, located at Unit 40, 1 Crossrail Pl, London E14 5AR, will offer a ‘unique competitive socialising experience, complemented by a food and drink offering including cocktails inspired by retro games.
Set over two floors in a 4,700 sq. ft site, the Platform Canary Wharf esports bar will accommodate up to 250 guests in 24 console gaming booths – each kitted out with ninth-generation consoles.
Each semi-private booth is for both experienced gamers and novices alike, with the choice between current-generation consoles and a curated library of multiplayer games on the agenda.
Upon entering the esports bar venue, guests can expect to be transported to Venice Beach, greeted by sunset hues and neon signs, contrasting the industrial bar, stocked with wine, beer and spirits, where visitors will be encouraged to enjoy Platform’s curated cocktail list. In addition to the traditional drinks offering, the team will serve up alcoholic and non-alcoholic slushies, canned drinks, popcorn and bar snacks.
Downstairs there are 20 booths, seating between two to 30 guests, each decorated with cinema-style interiors. The addition of ‘service buttons’ in each booth will allow guests to order food and drink at their table with the press of a button. The menu includes Platform’s usual pizzas plus other treats.
Opening hours for the Canary Wharf esports bar are as follows:
- Monday – Thursday 11.30am – 12am
- Friday & Saturday 11am – 1am
- Sunday 11.30 am – 11.30 pm
The existing Platform bar near Liverpool Street has held several esports events, including a Genshin Impact tournament for students, a King Jae Tekken event, Esports News UK networking parties and, just last week, a Six Invitational watch party.
What the owners said about Platform’s new Canary Wharf esports bar
Tomaso Portunato, Nicolò Portunato and Lucas Weintraub, co-founders of gaming and esports bar chain Platform, said: “We’re thrilled to bring our unique and immersive new gaming experience to the vibrant community of Canary Wharf.
“Platform Canary Wharf will be a hub for local gamers and non-gamers alike, offering a space to socialise, compete, and have fun surrounded by top-tier food and drinks.”
Stuart Fyfe, Managing Director for Retail Leasing at Canary Wharf Group, added: “Platform is a hugely exciting addition to Canary Wharf, expanding on our already strong competitive socialising offering including Fairgame, Electric Shuffle and Capital Karts. Situated next to the bustling, newly opened Elizabeth line, I’m very much looking forward to what this unique gaming experience will add to the area.”
There’s more on the Platform esports bars on the chain’s website
Further reading: Which gaming and esports bars are in London?
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation up until February 2021, when he stepped back to work full-time on Esports News UK and offer esports consultancy and freelance services. Note: Dom still produces the British Esports newsletter on a freelance basis, so our coverage of British Esports is always kept simple – usually just covering the occasional press release – because of this conflict of interest.
