Flight Club, a Social Darts experience from global social entertainment operator State of Play Hospitality, will officially open on Wednesday, November 11 at 31 Union Square West, marking its 13th U.S. location, with over 30 locations globally.
Founded by Red Engine in London in 2015, Flight Club reimagined the classic pub pastime through proprietary technology, automated scoring and fast-paced multiplayer games. The New York venue brings Flight Club’s signature gameplay, craft cocktails and shareable bites to a 10,700-square-foot space within the historic 1902 Bank of the Metropolis building, which later became home to the Blue Water Grill. Spanning two floors, the concept features 15 semi-private playing areas (known as oches), two bars, indoor and outdoor event spaces, with capacity for up to 300 guests.
“Launching Flight Club New York has been many years in the making and marks a defining moment both for us as a company and Flight Club as a brand,” said Toby Harris, President and CEO of State of Play Hospitality, which operates Flight Club in North America under license. “As an iconic global city and a hub for best-in-class social entertainment, New York offers an incredible opportunity for us to introduce Social Darts® to new audiences and reimagine an entertainment venue of stunning quality. We’re thrilled to bring the energy of the city to life through Flight Club with a design that feels both unmistakably ours and uniquely New York.”
Powering the Flight Club experience is its proprietary Social Darts® technology, which automatically scores every throw and offers a collection of fast-paced, multiplayer games designed for players of all skill levels. By removing the need to keep score, guests can focus on the fun, friendly competition and time spent together. Action Replay captures the best moments in slow motion, with highlight videos and group photos delivered to guests after gameplay for easy sharing and lasting memories.
In designing the New York venue, Flight Club’s in-house design team sought to preserve many of the Bank of the Metropolis building’s original architectural details, including its marble floors, decorative cornicing, ornate ceilings and floral millwork, while layering in its signature Victorian fairground aesthetic. Warm wood finishes, antique furnishings, carousel-inspired details, layered florals, eclectic artwork and ambient lighting seamlessly blend the building’s historic character with Flight Club’s playful spirit.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a vintage carousel horse, setting the tone for the Victorian-inspired design that unfolds throughout the space. The interiors also draw inspiration from New York itself, incorporating Hudson Valley landscapes, historic city scenes and subtle nods to Coney Island and Central Park. Playful Easter eggs include Yankees hats, hot dogs, apples and even a woman wearing the Statue of Liberty’s crown, while individual oches feature themes inspired by the city’s birdlife, literary figures and vintage fairgrounds.
The main floor’s carousel bar serves as the heart of the venue, offering a lively gathering place and a destination for drinks and dining in its own right. Marquee lights respond to sound and music, echoing the movement of traditional fairground bulbs, while the patio and other flexible spaces extend Flight Club’s indoor-outdoor event offerings. Additional gameplay areas include the Cyclone Room featuring antique fairground panels and vintage Coney Island memorabilia; The Vault, which evokes the building’s rich history and The Knickerbocker, an area reminiscent of New York’s golden age that can be utilized as a fully private events space with its own bar.
The concept’s flexible layout is designed to allow guests to seamlessly move between playing, dining, drinking and socializing, with semi-private oches accommodating groups of up to 12. Lounge seating and bar areas create distinct environments suited to everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale events.
Integral to the experience, Flight Club New York offers chef-driven shareable dishes made to enjoy between dart throws, including flatbreads, sliders, tacos and dessert platters. The cocktail program, developed in partnership with guest beverage consultant Kristi Pelizzoli, features the Ginger Orange Sour, London Fog & Faire and Banker’s Boulevardier.
