The Heathcote & Star, ping-pong in Leyton / Leytonstone

Photo: Heathcote & Star

The Heathcote & Star: Ping Pong in Leyton, London

FreeWalk-in2 tablesGroupsBeer garden

344 Grove Green Road, London · E11 4EA · Mo-We 16:00-23:00; Th 12:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 12:00-01:00; Su 12:00-23:00

The Heathcote & Star is a restored 1905 Leytonstone pub run by Electric Star, and its games room is the reason to come if you fancy a knockabout. Under an arched ceiling painted with zodiac constellations, you get pool tables and two table tennis tables that open up for friendly games when the big projector screen is not showing sport. It suits a relaxed group night out: grab a London beer, eat BBQ from the kitchen residency, then take over a bat and ball. The single most useful thing to know is that casual play is walk-in and free, so you can just turn up and see if a table is going. It is also one of the biggest beer gardens in Leytonstone, so summer evenings are a fair shout.

The ping pong setup

The games room holds two table tennis tables alongside two pool tables, sat under a striking arched ceiling painted with the zodiac constellations. The same room has a big projector screen, so the table tennis comes out for pick-up games and ad hoc tournaments when sport is not on. It is informal rather than a dedicated ping pong club, which is exactly the appeal: bring a few mates, wait for a table to free up, and play. The pub also runs 1v1 table tennis showdowns against its regulars, so there is a competitive streak if you want one.

Good to know

Casual table use is free and walk-in, with no booking system for a quick game. The catch is availability: there are only two tables and the room doubles as a sports screen, so tables are not guaranteed at busy times. Drinks lean local London beers, and food comes from the kitchen residency doing BBQ. Hours are tighter than a typical all-day pub, with the bar opening at 4pm on Monday to Wednesday and from noon Thursday to Sunday. Nearest stations are Leyton Midland Road and Leytonstone High Road on the Overground.

Tournaments and events

Beyond casual play, the Heathcote & Star runs table tennis tournaments, historically on Monday nights. These are organised events rather than free open play, so check the pub's what's on page for the next date and any entry details before you build a night around one. For most visits you do not need a tournament: the draw is turning up, getting a beer, and playing a few relaxed games in the games room. If you want the competitive version, the tournament listings are the place to look.

Get directions

Common questions

What is the Heathcote & Star?
It is a restored 1905 pub in Leytonstone, run by Electric Star, with a games room holding two table tennis tables and two pool tables under a zodiac-painted arched ceiling, plus a large beer garden.
Is ping pong free at the Heathcote & Star?
Casual table tennis is free to play when a table is available. Organised tournaments are separate events that may have entry details, so check the pub's what's on page.
Do you need to book or can you walk in?
Casual play is walk-in with no booking. There are only two tables and the room also shows sport, so a table is not guaranteed at busy times.
How many table tennis tables are there?
Two table tennis tables, alongside two pool tables, all in the same games room.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Wednesday 4pm to 11pm, Thursday noon to 11pm, Friday and Saturday noon to 1am, and Sunday noon to 11pm.
Where is it and what is the nearest station?
344 Grove Green Road, London E11 4EA. Nearest stations are Leyton Midland Road and Leytonstone High Road on the Overground.

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