The RAFA Club, pool in Romford

Photo: CAMRA WhatPub

The RAFA Club: Pool & Snooker in Romford, London

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18 Carlton Road, Romford · RM2 5AA · Mo-Tu 19:30-23:00; We 12:00-15:00,19:30-23:00; Th 12:00-15:00,19:30-23:00; Fr 12:00-15:00,19:30-23:30; Sa 12:00-23:30; Su 12:00-20:00

The RAFA Club is the Royal Air Forces Association social club in Romford, and it doubles as a pool venue. If you play in the Barking and District Pool League you will know it as a home for a club team, and that is the most useful thing to know here: pool happens around league nights, not as a pay-per-table activity. It sits on Carlton Road, a short walk from Romford station, in a building that has been the branch home since the early 1950s.

It is a members club first, so expect a small £2 entrance fee on most nights if you are not a member. There is a bar, a large garden and a car park off Junction Road. Come for the league pool and the friendly local feel rather than a slick games hall, and check ahead if you want a casual frame.

The pool setup

The RAFA Club is a registered venue in the Barking and District Pool League, so it hosts a club team and the table sees regular league play. It is a social club rather than a dedicated pool hall, so pool sits alongside the bar, the garden and the usual club nights. If you are an opponent, a guest or a league player, this is where you will rack up. For a casual frame outside league fixtures it is worth ringing ahead on 01708 746602 to check the table is free and that you can get in.

Good to know

This is a members club, so the bar and rooms can be members-only and there is a £2 non-members entrance fee on most nights. Opening is split: weekday evenings from 19:30, with lunchtime sessions Wednesday to Friday from noon, and longer Saturday and Sunday hours. There is a large garden, a sizeable rear car park reached via Junction Road, and lunchtime meals midweek plus fortnightly Sunday roasts. Expect a warm, local Royal Air Forces Association crowd rather than a polished entertainment venue.

Getting there

Carlton Road is just north of Romford town centre, a short walk from Romford station, which is on the Elizabeth line and the Liverpool Street to Shenfield route. If you are driving, the club has its own car park off Junction Road, which is handy on a busy match night. The building started life in 1881 as a surgeon's town house called Carlton House, and the road took its name from it, so it is easy to find once you are on the street.

Get directions

Common questions

What is The RAFA Club in Romford?
It is the Royal Air Forces Association social club at 18 Carlton Road, Romford RM2 5AA. It has a bar, garden and car park, and it is a registered pool venue in the Barking and District Pool League.
Does The RAFA Club have a pool table?
Yes. It is listed as a venue in the Barking and District Pool League and hosts a club team, so there is a pool table used for regular league fixtures.
Is it free to get in?
Not always. It is a members club and there is a £2 non-members entrance fee on most nights of the week. Pool itself is tied to the club and league rather than a pay-per-game table.
Can I just walk in?
It is a members club, so non-members may pay the £2 entrance fee and access can vary by night. For a casual game it is best to call ahead on 01708 746602.
What are the opening hours?
Monday and Tuesday 19:30 to 23:00, Wednesday and Thursday noon to 15:00 and 19:30 to 23:00, Friday noon to 15:00 and 19:30 to 23:30, Saturday noon to 23:30, and Sunday noon to 20:00.
What is the nearest station?
Romford station, a short walk south of Carlton Road, served by the Elizabeth line and the Liverpool Street to Shenfield route. There is also a car park off Junction Road.

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