Activities

Activities

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Events & Parties

Events & Parties

FAQs

FAQs

faqs

Frequently asked questions

general

What is Rivals Social

Rivals Social is a competitive socialising venue in Canterbury – a mix of interactive games, AR experiences, shuffleboards, bowling, Battleball, escape rooms, great food and a full bar. Come for one game, or build a whole night around it.

Where are you?

You’ll find us on Simmonds Road, a short walk from central Canterbury and public transport links. Full directions and parking info are shown in your booking confirmation or on our contact page.

Do you have to be “good” at the games?

Not at all. Everything is designed so complete beginners can jump in and have a laugh within seconds. The tech handles the scoring – you just bring the competitive chat.

bookings & pricing

Can I book multiple activities in one visit?

Yes – that’s the fun part. You can stack activities (for example The Arena + AR Bowling + Supercharged Shuffleboards) and we’ll schedule them back-to-back so your group moves smoothly between games.

Can I book multiple activities in one visit?

Yes – that’s the fun part. You can stack activities (for example The Arena + AR Bowling + Supercharged Shuffleboards) and we’ll schedule them back-to-back so your group moves smoothly between games.

Can I move or cancel my booking?

As standard, bookings are non-refundable and can’t be moved once they’re confirmed. However, we know life happens – if something comes up, give us a call as soon as you can. If we’re able to resell the slot or shuffle things around, we’ll always try to help, but changes can’t be guaranteed.

Can I move or cancel my booking?

As standard, bookings are non-refundable and can’t be moved once they’re confirmed. However, we know life happens – if something comes up, give us a call as soon as you can. If we’re able to resell the slot or shuffle things around, we’ll always try to help, but changes can’t be guaranteed.

How do I book?

Head to the Book now button on our site, choose your date, group size and activities, then secure your slot online. For larger groups or custom events, use the enquiry form on the Events & Parties page.

How do I book?

Head to the Book now button on our site, choose your date, group size and activities, then secure your slot online. For larger groups or custom events, use the enquiry form on the Events & Parties page.

Do I need to book in advance?

We strongly recommend it, especially for evenings and weekends. Walk-ins are welcome if we have space, but bookings get first pick of times, lanes and activities.

Do I need to book in advance?

We strongly recommend it, especially for evenings and weekends. Walk-ins are welcome if we have space, but bookings get first pick of times, lanes and activities.

Age, id & groups

Do you do corporate events / team building / Christmas parties?

Absolutely. We host corporate socials, team-building, away days and festive parties with games, food and drinks packages. See the Events & Parties page or contact our team for a tailored quote.

Do you do corporate events / team building / Christmas parties?

Absolutely. We host corporate socials, team-building, away days and festive parties with games, food and drinks packages. See the Events & Parties page or contact our team for a tailored quote.

What group sizes can you handle?

Everything from date nights and small friend groups to full-venue takeovers. As a guide, we’re perfect for groups of 2–250 for standard bookings, and can go larger for private events – just submit an enquiry.

What group sizes can you handle?

Everything from date nights and small friend groups to full-venue takeovers. As a guide, we’re perfect for groups of 2–250 for standard bookings, and can go larger for private events – just submit an enquiry.

Do I need ID?

If you’d like to buy alcohol or look under 25, please bring valid photo ID. We operate a strict Challenge 25 policy at the bar.

Do I need ID?

If you’d like to buy alcohol or look under 25, please bring valid photo ID. We operate a strict Challenge 25 policy at the bar.

Is Rivals Social family-friendly?

Yes, Rivals Social is great for mixed-age groups. Some activities have recommended minimum ages and our licence may restrict unaccompanied under-18s at certain times. If you’re planning a kids’ or youth party, mention ages when you enquire and we’ll advise the best times and options.

Is Rivals Social family-friendly?

Yes, Rivals Social is great for mixed-age groups. Some activities have recommended minimum ages and our licence may restrict unaccompanied under-18s at certain times. If you’re planning a kids’ or youth party, mention ages when you enquire and we’ll advise the best times and options.

activities & gameplay

Can I just come for drinks without playing?

Yes – the bar and restaurant are open to guests who just want to eat, drink and soak up the atmosphere, subject to capacity and any private hires. Check out our Menu page.

Can I just come for drinks without playing?

Yes – the bar and restaurant are open to guests who just want to eat, drink and soak up the atmosphere, subject to capacity and any private hires. Check out our Menu page.

Are the escape rooms part of Rivals Social?

Our escape rooms are run in partnership with Escape Kent. You can still include them in Rivals Social packages, or book directly via escapekent.com for standard games. For combined nights (escape room + Rivals activities + food), just mention it in your enquiry.

Are the escape rooms part of Rivals Social?

Our escape rooms are run in partnership with Escape Kent. You can still include them in Rivals Social packages, or book directly via escapekent.com for standard games. For combined nights (escape room + Rivals activities + food), just mention it in your enquiry.

How long does each activity last?

Sessions vary by game, but most last around 45–90 minutes, including briefing and gameplay. When you book more than one activity, we’ll allow for changeover time so you’re not rushed.

How long does each activity last?

Sessions vary by game, but most last around 45–90 minutes, including briefing and gameplay. When you book more than one activity, we’ll allow for changeover time so you’re not rushed.

What activities do you have?

Our line-up includes The Arena, AR Bowling, The Grid, Battleball, Hotshots, AR Darts, Supercharged Shuffleboards, Putthub, plus Escape Rooms powered by Escape Kent. New experiences will be added over time – check the Activities menu for the latest list.

What activities do you have?

Our line-up includes The Arena, AR Bowling, The Grid, Battleball, Hotshots, AR Darts, Supercharged Shuffleboards, Putthub, plus Escape Rooms powered by Escape Kent. New experiences will be added over time – check the Activities menu for the latest list.

food & drink

Do you serve food?

Yes. Our Loaded Bun kitchen serves stacked burgers, fried chicken, hot dogs, loaded fries and plenty of veggie/vegan options, alongside sharers and sides – perfect for grazing between games. Check out the menu.

Do you serve food?

Yes. Our Loaded Bun kitchen serves stacked burgers, fried chicken, hot dogs, loaded fries and plenty of veggie/vegan options, alongside sharers and sides – perfect for grazing between games. Check out the menu.

Do you have a bar?

We do. Expect draught and bottled beers, wines, cocktails, spirits and a good range of alcohol free options. Bar tabs and drinks packages can be arranged for group bookings. Check out our Menu page.

Do you have a bar?

We do. Expect draught and bottled beers, wines, cocktails, spirits and a good range of alcohol free options. Bar tabs and drinks packages can be arranged for group bookings. Check out our Menu page.

Can we eat and drink while we play?

For most activities – yes. AR Bowling, Putthub, Supercharged Shuffleboards, AR Darts and Hotshots are all designed so you can keep drinks nearby and eat between turns. Some more physical or tech-heavy games (like Battleball or certain Arena modes) may have restrictions on food around the equipment – your host will let you know on the day.

Can we eat and drink while we play?

For most activities – yes. AR Bowling, Putthub, Supercharged Shuffleboards, AR Darts and Hotshots are all designed so you can keep drinks nearby and eat between turns. Some more physical or tech-heavy games (like Battleball or certain Arena modes) may have restrictions on food around the equipment – your host will let you know on the day.

Do you cater for dietary requirements?

We offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-friendly choices, plus can often adapt dishes where needed. Please let us know any allergies or dietary requirements when you book and speak to the team on arrival so we can guide you through the menu.

Do you cater for dietary requirements?

We offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-friendly choices, plus can often adapt dishes where needed. Please let us know any allergies or dietary requirements when you book and speak to the team on arrival so we can guide you through the menu.

what to wear on the day

Do you have lockers or somewhere to put bags?

We have areas where you can keep coats and bags while you play, but space is limited. For the best experience, travel light and avoid bringing valuables you don’t need.

Do you have lockers or somewhere to put bags?

We have areas where you can keep coats and bags while you play, but space is limited. For the best experience, travel light and avoid bringing valuables you don’t need.

What time should we arrive?

Please arrive 10–15 minutes before your first activity so we can check you in, grab drinks and run through any briefings. Late arrival may reduce your play time if we’re fully booked after you.

What time should we arrive?

Please arrive 10–15 minutes before your first activity so we can check you in, grab drinks and run through any briefings. Late arrival may reduce your play time if we’re fully booked after you.

What should I wear?

Comfort is king. We recommend casual clothing you can move in and secure footwear (trainers or flat shoes) for the more active games. High heels and open-toed shoes can be awkward for some activities, so if in doubt, go for comfy and practical. High heels cannot be used on The Arena.

What should I wear?

Comfort is king. We recommend casual clothing you can move in and secure footwear (trainers or flat shoes) for the more active games. High heels and open-toed shoes can be awkward for some activities, so if in doubt, go for comfy and practical. High heels cannot be used on The Arena.

accessibility & other

Is Rivals Social accessible?

Some of our activities have different accessibility requirements. If you have any questions before visiting, please contact us and we will do our best to help.

  • Hot Shots & Supercharged Shuffle – Located upstairs and accessed via a flight of stairs. There is currently no lift access.

  • The Arena – This activity is physical and cannot be played safely while using crutches or from a wheelchair.

  • Bowling – Fully accessible. We have a bowling ramp and lane guides available to assist players where needed.

  • Darts – Located on the ground floor and accessible for wheelchair users.

  • The Grid – Can be played from a wheelchair, but only one wheelchair user at a time. Advance notice is required so we can configure the game appropriately.

If you require any assistance or adjustments for your visit, please contact us ahead of time and we will do everything we can to accommodate you.

Check out our dedicated accessible sessions here.

Is Rivals Social accessible?

Some of our activities have different accessibility requirements. If you have any questions before visiting, please contact us and we will do our best to help.

  • Hot Shots & Supercharged Shuffle – Located upstairs and accessed via a flight of stairs. There is currently no lift access.

  • The Arena – This activity is physical and cannot be played safely while using crutches or from a wheelchair.

  • Bowling – Fully accessible. We have a bowling ramp and lane guides available to assist players where needed.

  • Darts – Located on the ground floor and accessible for wheelchair users.

  • The Grid – Can be played from a wheelchair, but only one wheelchair user at a time. Advance notice is required so we can configure the game appropriately.

If you require any assistance or adjustments for your visit, please contact us ahead of time and we will do everything we can to accommodate you.

Check out our dedicated accessible sessions here.

Still got a question?

If we’ve missed anything, hit the Contact or Ask our team button, or drop us a message when you’re going through the booking journey. We’re happy to help you build the night you’ve got in mind.

Still got a question?

If we’ve missed anything, hit the Contact or Ask our team button, or drop us a message when you’re going through the booking journey. We’re happy to help you build the night you’ve got in mind.

Can I bring my own cake / decorations for a party?

Cakes are usually fine – just let us know in advance so we can store and present them safely. Small table decorations are OK too, but we don’t allow confetti cannons, glitter, or anything that could damage the venue or interfere with the games.

Can I bring my own cake / decorations for a party?

Cakes are usually fine – just let us know in advance so we can store and present them safely. Small table decorations are OK too, but we don’t allow confetti cannons, glitter, or anything that could damage the venue or interfere with the games.

Do you accept cash?

We’re primarily a card / contactless venue for speed and safety. If you need to pay a balance in cash, speak to the team when you arrive.

Do you accept cash?

We’re primarily a card / contactless venue for speed and safety. If you need to pay a balance in cash, speak to the team when you arrive.

your night
starts here

Grab your mates. Pick your game. Settle the score.

your night
starts here

Grab your mates. Pick your game. Settle the score.