Touted as ‘Europe’s first purpose-built social ping-pong club’, Bounce occupies the vast basement site where the game was trademarked by Jaques & Son in 1901. Book a half-hour slot at one of the tables, and sip on a well-made ‘gin palace’ cocktail, Blue Moon ale or fairly priced bubbles. A raised dining area (with full table service) overlooks the sporting action, supplying well-sourced antipasti and charcuterie, ‘sharing bites’ (rosemary and garlic potato wedges with Gorgonzola dip), plus thin-crust pizzas and mains such as grilled sea bass with lobster bisque and samphire. Round off with cinnamon and orange pannacotta with orange marmalade. Thumping beats rule out intimate tête-à-têtes but keep the party swinging – particularly on Saturdays, which are a safe bet for birthday bashes and big group bookings. Otherwise the place is busy with off-duty suits. Offshoots in Shoreditch…and Chicago.