The Everything F1 team recently went to the newly opened F1 Arcade in St Paul’s, London for the Bahrain GP, and its fair to say we had a blast.

It was an experience like no other with an atmosphere that could only be topped by going to the Race itself.

600 F1 fans, eyes glued to the screen at lights out was a particular thrill. You could have cut the tension with a knife.

While the race was by no means a classic, the various games and activities provided more than enough to keep us occupied.

You won’t go hungry either, with a menu full of variety and a 40ft bar to keep your tank full.

This is an experience that can be enjoyed by everyone. From the hardcore petrolhead to the casual fan.

So here’s five reasons for you to check out the F1 Arcade in 2023.

_{Get 10% off all official F1 Merch at TheRaceWorks.com using code ‘EF1‘ at checkout.}

Atmosphere

The most people I had watched a race with, outside of being at the track, was in the finale of the 2021 season.

Mercedes and Red Bull Fans were in fine voice as we witnessed the dramatic conclusion to the race in Abu Dhabi.

I’d say there were 30 of us at the local boozer on the South coast in Brighton.

Well. It’s fair to say F1 Arcade blew that out of the water.

It isn’t the fact that you know everyone – which of course you do not – that makes it special. Its the fact that everyone is there for one reason.

To watch Formula One.

With every “OHH FERNANDO ALONSO” or “LEEWIS” you could feel everyone coming together as one.

From lights out to chequered flag there were was excitement and as you’d expect, some very happy Red Bull fans as Verstappen romped to victory.

It was also very respectful. As a football fan I know all too well the hostility that can develop as a game goes on and the tension rises.

There was no sign of this from the many Mercedes fans on the day who took the poor result on the chin and carried on enjoying their day.

It meant that at no point did it feel like a hostile atmosphere despite the variety of teams supported on the day.

Simulators

As someone who has always enjoyed playing the F1 games – but only had the money for a controller – this was really fun.

You’ll be greeted by 60 ready-to-play simulators when you step into the F1 Arcade.

Four difficulty levels ensure that everyone can have a go at racing round their favourite tracks.

When the screen lights up you connect to the server along with the people sitting in your area. This means you can play with your mates adding a competitive element to the day.

The tracks available on the day were Bahrain, Monza and Silverstone.

This will change accordingly to keep it fresh.

The equipment is brilliant with a steering wheel, pedals and force feedback providing an immersive experience.

So much so that you will brace as you spin at high speed to prepare for the inevitable impact.

Something I got to experience at Copse.

Food & Drink

Sharing plates will cater for all with steaks and corn ribs offering something for all dietary requirements.

There’s also burgers and tacos if your looking to have dinner at the venue on those late race starts.

Wagyu been seems to be ‘in’ at the moment and F1 Arcade have provided a luxurious option for those who want to splash out.

A Wagyu beef burger with truffle cheese will make you feel like your an an FIA awards ceremony.

Of course, it wouldn’t be completed without dessert.

Options ranging from cheesecake to a refreshing Sgroppino – an Italian alcoholic cocktail consisting of lemon sorbet, vodka and Prosecco.

F1 Arcade have placed an emphasis on welcoming everyone and a kids menu will keep the little ones happy while you enjoy the race.

The drinks are pretty special, too.

There’s a vast array of beers, wine and bubbly, but the cocktail list takes pole position.

Name’s like ‘Good Morning Race Fans’ and ‘Remembering the Singapore Sling’ brought a smile to my face and gives you an idea about how its going to make you feel.

You can see the full menu here.

The view

It can be tricky to watch sport at a busy venue. There’s nothing worse than seeing a skyscraper of a man take his position in front of you before lights out.

There’ll be no danger of that at the F1 Arcade.

There’s a ridiculous amount of screens for you to catch the action with a huge projector taking centre stage.

I thought this may be a bit overwhelming before the race. A feeling that Crofty is everywhere you look and listen.

Luckily, that wasn’t case.

The variety of screens meant no zone of F1 Arcade felt overcrowded, while still allowing you to enjoy the action with those around you.

It was the ultimate F1 watch party experience and i’m sure they’ll make it even better as the season goes on.

Test your skills

While the simulator experience taking presidence, there was other things to do on the day.

The ‘Reaction Test’ was a fun and popular feature.

You aim to hit the lights as they glow as quickly as possible in a limited amount of time.

The highest score gets a prize at the end of the day.

The ‘Lights Out’ machine will test whether you’d be squirming through the field at lights out or wheel-spinning your way down the field.

These features meant there was something to do at all times.

Overall, F1 Arcade is a beautiful venue that will offer a fantastic experience for all.

If you truly want to get the immersive experience though, a race day watch party is a must.

Watch the race, drink in hand, burger on on table with 600 of your fellow F1 disciples.

What more could you ask for?

Book your tickets here for the Australian GP.

_{Get 10% off all official F1 Merch at TheRaceWorks.com using code ‘EF1‘ at checkout.}

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