Playard Peterborough

Play, compete and stay for food and drinks at Playard Peterborough, a new city-centre games bar bringing interactive darts, VR, shuffleboard, pool, street curling, simulator challenges, parties and events to the former Wilko building.

Playard Peterborough at a glance

What: Competitive social gaming venue, events space and licensed bar
Where: 26 Hereward Cross, Peterborough, PE1 1TE
Opened: 2026, inside part of the former city-centre Wilko premises
Activities: Darts, pool, shuffleboard, curling, VR, SimHunt and table tennis
Also here: Games lounge, food, licensed bar, parties and live events
Best for: Families, friends, dates, birthdays and workplace socials

A substantial gap left by Wilko has become one of Peterborough city centre’s liveliest new rooms. Playard fills the Hereward Cross premises with digital darts, VR, pool, shuffleboard, street curling, simulator games, food, events and good-natured competition.

Successful city centres need reasons to stay after the shopping bags have been put down. Playard was created with that purpose in mind: to bring people together, reactivate a prominent vacant unit and give Peterborough another all-weather destination that works during the day and into the evening.

It is difficult to fit Playard into a single category. It is part games bar, part family activity centre, part events venue and part social club. Children, teenagers, couples, friendship groups and colleagues can choose different activities without having to visit several separate venues.

The games range from familiar favourites to activities rarely found elsewhere in the city. Pool and table tennis need little introduction, while interactive darts adds automatic digital scoring and different game formats. Shuffleboard rewards a steady hand, and street curling recreates the tactical sliding game without requiring an ice rink.

VR experiences and the big-screen SimHunt simulator provide the more immersive end of the offer. A separate games lounge includes board games, table football and cornhole, creating a more relaxed space for groups who want to eat, drink and play without booking a high-energy activity.

Playard is also developing a programme of tournaments, games nights, music, open-mic sessions, creative events and social gatherings. That broader ambition matters: the venue does not simply occupy an empty shop, but adds another reason to visit Peterborough city centre after work, at weekends and during the evening.

What to expect

Aim and score

Interactive darts

Digital scoring removes the arithmetic while different group games turn a traditional pub favourite into a lively social competition.

Classic rivalry

Pool and shuffleboard

Settle the score over a frame of pool or slide weighted pucks along the shuffleboard table in a game of control, tactics and restraint.

Something different

Indoor street curling

Curling without ice: slide the stones towards the target, block your opponents and discover a deceptively competitive game suited to mixed groups.

Step inside

VR and SimHunt

Virtual-reality experiences and a big-screen simulation challenge offer immersive play for families, teenagers, parties and groups of gaming friends.

Quick rematch

Table tennis and games lounge

Fast table-tennis rallies sit alongside a more relaxed games lounge with cornhole, table football and board games.

Make a night of it

Food, drinks and events

A licensed bar and casual food menu accompany birthdays, work socials, tournaments, creative sessions, music nights and private events.

Planning your visit

Address: Playard Peterborough, 26 Hereward Cross, Peterborough, PE1 1TE
Term-time hours: Monday and Tuesday closed; Wednesday and Thursday 2pm–9pm; Friday 2pm–11pm; Saturday 10am–11pm; Sunday 10am–8pm.
Holiday hours: Monday to Thursday 12 noon–9pm; Friday 12 noon–11pm; Saturday 10am–11pm; Sunday 10am–8pm.
Events: Special events may operate outside the standard hours. Check the venue’s programme and individual event information.
Booking: Advance booking is recommended at weekends, during school holidays and for larger groups. Walk-ins are welcome when activities are available.
Children and teenagers: Children under 14 must remain with an adult. Under-18s must leave by 8pm under the venue’s house policy. Some activities may have additional requirements.
Food and drink: Hot dogs, chicken, snacks and sharers are available alongside soft drinks, beer, cider, spirits and cocktails. The complete menu is still being developed.
Parking: Hereward Cross Car Park is nearby, with additional parking available at Queensgate. Check current tariffs, payment arrangements and closing times.
By train: Peterborough railway station is within walking distance through the city centre. Taxis are available outside the station.
By bus: Queensgate Bus Station and several city-centre bus stops are a short walk from Hereward Cross.
Accessibility: Accessible routes, seating and toilet facilities may be available. Assistance dogs are welcome. Contact Playard before visiting to confirm wheelchair access or individual requirements.
Sensory information: Some activities involve flashing lights, loud sound, immersive screens and fast-moving visual effects. The team can advise about quieter visiting periods.
Contact: 01733 641062
info@playard.co.uk

Visit Playard Plan your visit

Opening hours, activity availability, prices, menus, event times and access arrangements can change. Details correct at the time of writing, August 2026. Check directly with the venue before booking.

Playard Peterborough