The Lowdown: immersive bingo

Immersive bingo... isn’t all bingo immersive?​
Come on, play the game - you can’t just open a boring old venue these days, it has to be immersive.

Fair enough. So tell us about this ‘new’ kind of bingo then​
Don’t be cheeky, it is new. Or at least the latest entrant into the bingo sector claims to be anyway - it says it is ‘taking guests on an adventure unlike anything seen before’.

Now you’re talking. We’re thinking holographic bingo callers, speedboats for prizes and lasers, lots of lasers​
Steady on, it’s bingo not laser quest. But Dabbers Social Bingo, which will open in east London next month, will offer ‘a theatrical drinking, dining and entertainment experience involving world-renowned entertainment and flamboyant acts’ in a bid to reinvigorate this iconic British pastime. It’s promising to replace cups of tea with cocktails and bingo callers with comedians while remaining true to bingo’s cultural heritage.

So no lasers and  speedboats then?​
Well, Dabbers will feature a custom-made bingo blower machine, pyrotechnics, ‘dazzling’ lights and a decent sound system. It is also promising to replace dreary prizes with incredible experiences, so you never know.

Tell us more​
Founder Ed Wethered has teamed up with the brains behind Musical Bingo, Gospeloke, and Comedy House Party for the new project, which is located a bingo ball’s throw from Liverpool Street station. There will be an immersive (see?) lobby combining memorabilia from the nostalgic years of bingo with an energetic bar featuring live DJ sets. Guests collect their bingo cards from the Box Office and grab a drink with friends, before descending into the bingo arena and getting down and dabby.

We’re young and keen (number 15), so we’re assuming chicken in a basket isn’t on the menu then..​
Bingo! Dabbers’ menu will include the likes of melon balls wrapped in ham and waffles with apple crumble and cinnamon sugar, with a drinks menu of craft beers, cocktails and wine.

That sounds like our cup of tea (number three). But we do have a soft spot for Gala Bingo...​
Then Tuesday’s your night, when Dabbers holds its Vintage Bingo, described as a literal interpretation of the old school classic hosted by veteran callers that have been coaxed out of retirement.

How very Danny La Rue (number 52)​
You’re just being silly now

Dabbers Bingo​
13-22 Houndsditch, London ​
dabbers.bingo​​