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Nov,2025
Why Axe Throwing Is the New Girls’ Night Out in London
Remember when girls’ nights meant cocktails, karaoke, and maybe a dance floor? Those nights were fun-but they’re not the only option anymore. In London, women are trading bar stools for target boards and swapping drink menus for safety briefings. Axe throwing isn’t just a trend-it’s become a go-to for groups who want to laugh, sweat, and feel powerful together. And it’s not about being strong. It’s about focus, timing, and letting go of the need to be perfect.
There are over 20 axe throwing venues across London now, from converted warehouses in Shoreditch to industrial spaces in Brixton. Most offer private booking slots for groups of 4-12 people, with trained coaches who make sure no one gets hurt-and everyone has a blast. You don’t need prior experience. You don’t need to be athletic. You just need to show up.
What to Expect on Your First Axe Throwing Night
Walk into any decent axe throwing venue in London, and the first thing you’ll notice? No one’s intimidated. There’s no pressure. No one’s judging your grip or your stance. The coaches start with a 10-minute safety demo: how to hold the axe, how to step into the throw, and what not to do (yes, that includes tossing it sideways or yelling "I’m not scared!" while swinging).
Then you get your turn. Each team gets a lane with a target-usually a wooden board with five scoring zones. The bullseye is worth five points. The outer rings drop down to one. You get five throws per round. After each round, you switch lanes so everyone gets the same conditions. It’s fair. It’s simple. And it’s surprisingly addictive.
One of the most common things women say after their first round? "I didn’t think I could do that." And then they do it again. And again. By the third round, someone’s yelling "THAT WAS A PERFECT!" while everyone claps. Someone else misses and laughs so hard she almost drops her axe. That’s the magic. It’s not about winning. It’s about being present, being loud, being unfiltered.
Where to Go in London (Top 3 Picks)
Not all axe throwing spots are the same. Some feel like a sports gym. Others feel like a party. Here are three that consistently get rave reviews from groups:
- London Axe Throwing (Shoreditch) - This place has the best vibe. Dark lighting, good music, and a bar that serves craft cocktails and non-alcoholic mocktails. They offer themed nights like "Girls’ Night Glow" with UV paint on the targets. Perfect for Instagram, but even better for real laughs.
- The Axe Factory (Brixton) - Bigger space, more lanes, and they let you bring your own snacks. No corkage fee. Many groups bring pizza or charcuterie boards and make it a full evening. Their coaches are known for being patient with first-timers.
- Steel & Timber (Canary Wharf) - If you want something sleek and modern, this is it. Floor-to-ceiling windows, minimalist decor, and a post-game lounge with comfy seating. Great for groups that want to feel fancy while throwing axes.
All three offer weekday evening slots starting at 6 PM, which is ideal for after-work gatherings. Most require booking ahead, especially on weekends. Groups of 6+ usually get a discount.
It’s Not Just About Axes-It’s About Connection
Think about the last time you had a real, deep conversation with your friends. Not about work, not about dating apps, not about who’s going to dinner. But about how you feel, what you want, what scares you. That kind of talk rarely happens over wine. But it happens after you’ve all thrown axes and someone finally hits the bullseye on the last throw of the night.
Axe throwing creates a shared moment of vulnerability. You’re not just throwing metal-you’re letting go of control. You’re trusting your body. You’re letting yourself be bad at something-and still having fun. That’s rare. That’s powerful. And that’s why women keep coming back.
One group from Camden told their coach they’d been doing this every month for a year. One member had just gone through a breakup. Another was recovering from surgery. Another had just started a new job. They didn’t talk about any of it during the game. But afterward, over pizza, they did. The axe throwing didn’t fix anything. But it gave them space to be together without the usual noise.
What to Wear (And What Not To)
You don’t need special gear. But you do need to think about your clothes.
- Wear closed-toe shoes. No sandals, no heels. Even if you’re dressed up, swap them for sneakers before you walk in.
- Loose sleeves can get in the way. Roll them up or wear a fitted top.
- Leave the jewelry at home. Rings, bracelets, long necklaces-they can catch on the axe or get in the way of your swing.
- Bring a light jacket. Some venues are cold. Others are loud. You’ll work up a sweat, but you might chill out after.
And don’t worry about looking "cool." No one’s there to judge your outfit. They’re there to throw axes and have a good time. The best thing you can wear? Confidence-and maybe a funny hat.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices vary by venue and time of day, but here’s what you’ll typically pay in 2025:
| Duration | Price per Person | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| 60 minutes | £25-£30 | 15 throws, coach, safety gear |
| 90 minutes | £35-£40 | 25 throws, coach, drink voucher |
| 120 minutes | £45-£50 | 40 throws, coach, drink voucher, private lane |
Most places offer group discounts for 6+ people. Some include one free drink-usually a cider, beer, or soda. You can always order more. There’s no pressure to drink. Plenty of groups skip alcohol entirely and just focus on the game.
Is It Safe?
Yes. Seriously. Venues in London follow strict safety rules. Each lane is separated by high walls. Only one person throws at a time. Coaches watch every throw. If you swing wrong, they stop you. If you step into the lane too early, they call it. No exceptions.
There’s been exactly one reported injury in London’s axe throwing scene in the last three years-and it was a sprained wrist from someone trying to do a backflip after a perfect throw. (Spoiler: don’t do that.)
The real danger? Laughing so hard you drop your axe. And even that’s part of the fun.
What If I’m Not "Sporty"?
You don’t need to be sporty. You don’t need to be coordinated. You don’t need to be a gym person. I’ve seen accountants, teachers, nurses, and artists hit bullseyes on their third try. I’ve also seen bodybuilders miss five times in a row. It’s not about muscle. It’s about rhythm. About timing. About trusting your instinct.
One woman told me she came because her friends said it would "help her feel like herself again" after having a baby. She didn’t know how to throw an axe. She didn’t think she could. But she did. And when she finally nailed it, she cried. Not because she won. But because she remembered what it felt like to be bold.
Axe throwing doesn’t care who you are. It just asks you to show up. And that’s enough.
Can I bring my own axe?
No. All venues provide standardized, safety-tested axes. Bringing your own is not allowed for liability and safety reasons. The axes are designed for accuracy and control-not for decoration or collection.
Is axe throwing only for adults?
Yes. Most venues require participants to be 18 or older. Some offer family sessions on weekends, but those are rare and require parental supervision. For girls’ nights, you’ll want the adult-only spaces where the vibe is relaxed and the drinks are flowing.
What if someone in my group doesn’t want to throw?
No problem. They can cheer, take photos, or just hang out by the bar. Many people who don’t throw end up having the best time watching others fail hilariously. The atmosphere is so supportive that even observers feel part of the group.
Do I need to book in advance?
Always. Weekends fill up fast, and even weekday nights get booked a week ahead. Most places let you book online in under five minutes. You’ll need a credit card to hold the slot, but you only pay when you arrive.
Can I do this if I’m pregnant or have an injury?
It depends. Most venues ask you to disclose any medical conditions beforehand. If you’re pregnant, they’ll usually let you watch or try a modified version with lighter axes-but only if you feel comfortable. If you have a shoulder or wrist injury, they may advise against throwing. Always check with the venue ahead of time.
Next Steps: How to Plan Your Night
- Find a venue near you-check Google Maps or Instagram for local spots with recent posts.
- Book a 90-minute slot for 6-8 people. That’s the sweet spot for fun and flow.
- Text your group: "Wear sneakers. Bring your sass. Leave your expectations at the door."
- Arrive 10 minutes early. Get a drink. Take a selfie with the target board.
- Let go. Throw. Laugh. Repeat.
Girls’ nights are evolving. And axe throwing isn’t just another activity-it’s a reset button. It’s a way to reclaim space, energy, and joy without saying a word. You don’t need permission to be loud. You don’t need to apologize for being strong. You just need to pick up the axe-and throw it.
