Boulebar Spitalfields brings French Flair and Pétanque to London

A new pétanque venue has opened in Shoreditch, bringing a slice of southern France to East London. Spread across two levels, it balances a laid-back upstairs restaurant area with a livelier lower floor, where games and socialising take centre stage.

Upon entering the venue, it was clear to us that everything has been designed to immerse you in the atmosphere of a late-night summer game in a coastal town. From pastel murals and old maps to concrete benches, fairy lights, and traditional esprit pétanque touches, the decor is tastefully done. The vibrant interior is inspired by a Marseille park, with lush greenery and gravel courts reinforcing the laid-back southern French vibe. The playlist mainly features into light house music with fun remixes, setting a relaxed but upbeat mood.

Pétanque itself is played in teams, each taking turns to throw metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden one, the cochonnet. It’s a very fun and easy game, with great potential for unexpected comebacks: only one well-thrown ball is enough to turn the game around. A dedicated pétanque guide is on hand to teach the rules, and mediate any disputes with a tape measurer in hand.

It’s ideal for large groups: the venue has multiple lanes -10 indoor courts in total- and plenty of space. Group packages start at £44 per person, which include court hire, food, drinks, and optional guidance from the pétanque hosts. A photobooth is also available to capture the night, adding a fun extra to the group experience.

The food menu mainly sticks to a classic apéro mood: cheese and charcuterie boards, French fries, and oysters. A favourite of the evening was the Merguez la Ciotat, a spicy sausage in a baguette, with Dijon and harissa mayo. There are great options for vegetarians as well, such as their Tour de Verte board, that features an excellent artichoke dip. The casual, finger-food style suits both table dining and snacking by the lanes. The only downside might be the lack of vegan options.

On the drinks side, the wine list is very qualitative – we recommend going for a glass of rosé for the full pétanque experience. Cocktails, and their mocktail counterparts, are light and summery: try the spicy and sweet Watermelon Picante (tequila, chili, watermelon, agave and strawberry) or the Angélique Papon (cucumber, elderflower & gin) if you want something refreshing.

A strong list of premium French drinks like Ricard Pastis, crémant, cidre, and 1664 Blanc are also available. Finally, I really want to stress how great the members of staff were. Their friendliness and helpfulness played a significant part in our experience at Boulebar Spitalfields. Thus, whether you're gathering friends for a casual evening or planning something a bit more competitive, it is worth giving this pétanque bar a go. Pastis optional, good vibes guaranteed.

Address: 7 Frying Pan Alley, London E1 7HS

To book click here.

Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt

Photography courtesy of Boulebar