After a hugely successful popup last year in a Shoreditch warehouse, Swingers “The Crazy Golf Club” has settled down permanently in a sprawling basement space near the Gherkin, and they’ve really raised the par at the second time of asking. They’ve squeezed in two challenging 9-hole courses. The Windmill and The Lighthouse, plus several bars and a fantastic standalone street food court that have instantly improved the offering in that part of the City.
The most notable upgrade from the original Swingers is the bar which no longer resembles something you might find in a nightclub. There’s now a fine cocktail menu offering twists on classics backed up by an impressive range of spirits. The beer offering could be improved, but it gets the job done, especially when they top you up mid round. On the food side, Pizza Pilgrims, Patty & Bun, Nude Espresso and Le Bab are currently in residence in a smartly lit courtyard, complete with an intelligent ordering system displayed on overhead screens that wouldn’t go amiss at Street Feast.
Most importantly though, they’ve created a great golfing experience. Wait times between holes are minimal; the courses are equally fun and infuriating; a Swingers app lets you share your scorecard on big screens; and a DJ keeps you on your toes with perfectly judged background music. For me, £13 advance tickets (or £15 on the night) are a bit steep for a 9-hole course that you’ll be round in 30 mins or so, especially as the best way to experience Swingers is to take on all 18 holes with a food and booze break in the middle, but it won’t stop me returning. Gather some friends and hit those greens!
