BALLIE BALLERSON
This month’s spotlight is on Ballie Ballerson in Shoreditch; The world famous ball pit bar!
I went #Ballsdeep for the first time last weekend to celebrate a squad members birthday and after hearing about how good it is/was for years I can’t say I was disappointed. But for those of you who haven’t been or ever heard of BB, you’re probably wondering what the hell it actually is?
Ballie Ballerson is London’s only ball pit cocktail bar. Situated in the heart of trendy Shoreditch, this adult fun inspired bar makes the perfect night out for those looking to do something slightly more edgy than visiting the average bar. Designed with the creative and daring in mind, this little spot can literally transform group cocktails into a night of multiple laughs and very strategic games of mini-dodgeball (sssh, that’s a secret).
Things to know.
Address: Ballie Ballerson, 97 - 113 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, EC2A 3BS
Ticket prices: Generally £20
Website: www.ballieballerson.com
Shoes: Flats/ trainers
Parking: Limited. Plan ahead.
First things first though, I have to actually shout out all the staff at BB because they were so friendly and upbeat and I can honestly say that this just makes so much difference to your night. I’ve been plenty of places where the door security or entry staff are so miserable that you actually consider whether you want to go inside, and this place wasn’t one of them.
Being the colour queen that I am, I felt like I entered my natural habitat when I walked in and discovered the neon art all over the walls… did I say edgy already?
The decor
Image via: Hirespace
A snapshot of the floor space at Ballie Ballerson with feature walls the whole way around the venue.
There was also the most beautiful floral wall at the entrance which made the most perfect little instagrammable spot. I mean, I’m not gonna lie, I always want to visit venues that enhance my pictures by adding a lil su’m su’m… you know what I mean?
Ballie Ballerson is super instagrammable!
Featuring a colourful aesthetic and various “backdrops”, the venue makes the perfect space for those instagrammable photo moments.
The cocktails
Aside boasting some pretty dope decor throughout, Ballie Ballerson also have a pretty awesome cocktail list too. I was pretty bummed about my first time visiting BB being during Dry January but I had a wicked time nonetheless… I was a little jealous of some of those having a good old cocktail though.
Each cocktail is created in style by some pretty talented mixologists (if I do say so myself) and delivered with a little twist. I’ll defo be heading back to try their ‘Dibbie Dabberson’ cocktail, which is a combination of Strawberry Gin, Cranberry and Dip Dab… yes, you read right; our primary school fave. Or ‘ The Fight Club’ cocktail which is made up of Gin, Citrus and Blood Orange and is complimented by a temporary tattoo.
Dibbie Dabberson – £10
It comes with a Dip Dab, tastes amazing and is basically the most nostalgic, awesome drink of all time. Get dabbing!
Strawberry Gin/Sweet/Cranberry/Dip Dab
Of course, being on Dry January meant that I wasn’t able to participate in the cocktail-foolery that my friends were dealing with, and actually, if I had to give this place a downside, it would be the fact that they don’t modify any of their drinks to be mocktails. So really, unless you’re happy with soft drinks, there isn’t much option here.
The music
If you’re a fan of house, urban and pop music then you won’t be disappointed with the CHUNES playing around the place. The DJ is located in the VIP area so whilst there’s not much flex to make recommendations, I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t necessarily need to cause they seemed to know exactly what I liked. I also think they may have themed events where they play different music on different dates so worth checking before you go.
Image via Hirespace
The ball pits
Literally where most of the fun happens. So there are two ball pits in the venue; one larger sized pit located at the back and one at the entrance which is slightly more intimate and features a swing. Of course, I’m probably the only d*ckhead in London who thinks it’s appropriate to wear block heels into a ball pit and almost ‘Cranked that Soulja Boy’ (by accident) on several occasions. It is important to note that trainers and flats are generally only allowed so keep this in mind when you visit.
Anyway, the pall pits were sick…
Image via: Hirespace
The main ball pit area features mirrored walls and enough sound to continue the party with the biggest tunes around right now.
And my favourite one was obviously the one with the “Thank U, Next” slogan on the wall and with the swing (that actually managed to keep me afloat- impressive).
Queuing up for my favourite out of the two ball pits at Ballie Ballerson.
And obvs had my best friend take a few pictures along the way…
Me (thinking): Try to look cool…try to look cool…
The verdict
I’d defo recommend visiting if you haven’t already been and will even return myself for the cocktails at some point. I’d suggest going in larger groups (around 5-10 people) as part of a squad motive but either way you’re guaranteed to have fun.
What I loved the most was seeing everyone so happy and actual laughter. Life is for living and I love any place or anything that makes you feel alive- that’s what Ballie Ballerson feels like.
If you’ve been already let me know how you found it in the comments section below.
Sx