Billiards

Best UK Stores for Billiards & Indoor Table Games: Where to Buy Pool Tables, Tabletop Sets, and Accessories

Discovering the Best UK Options for Billiards Gear

Looking for the perfect place to buy a pool table, tabletop pool, cues, or lighting for your game room? You’re in the right spot. The UK market blends big-name retailers, specialised sellers, and fun gadget shops that all sell billiards gear in different shapes and sizes. Whether you want a compact table-top set for lazy Sundays or a full-size 9-foot slate behemoth for serious practice, understanding where to look — and why — will save you time and money. I’ll walk you through the best stores, what they’re strong at, and practical tips to pick the right gear for your space and budget.

Why Choosing the Right Retailer Matters

Buying a pool table isn’t like grabbing a mug at a supermarket: the differences in build, delivery, setup, and aftercare can be huge. A cheap non-slate table might warp within a year, while a well-built slate table can last generations. Retailers vary by product range, warranty, installation services, and accessory bundles. So before you hit the checkout, it helps to think about whether you need in-person inspection, professional setup, or fast delivery. Think of it as matchmaking — the right retailer is the one that understands your room, your skill level, and your wallet.

Menkind — Fun, Novelty & Table-Top Pool

Menkind is known across the UK for quirky gadgets and giftable games, and its pool-related selection typically focuses on tabletop versions and novelty sets. If you want a compact, instantly playable pool experience for social nights or kids, Menkind is a good stop. Their products tend to be affordable, playful, and ideal for apartments where a full-size table is impossible. Think of Menkind as the place to find the travel-sized and novelty cousins of the big billiards table.

What Menkind Offers

Expect mini pool tables, folding tabletop sets, and themed game bundles — like a "winning table top pool" set that’s ready to play on a kitchen table or coffee table. Items here lean light and portable; they won’t offer slate or professional-grade construction, but they deliver instant fun and easy storage. If you’re buying for parties or a shared flat, Menkind’s range is exactly the sort of low-commitment option that keeps everyone entertained.

Best Uses for Menkind Purchases

Buy from Menkind when you want something compact, giftable, or novelty-driven. A tabletop pool set that’s roughly 2 to 4 feet wide can fit into a living room and becomes a party focal point. They’re also great as a starter toy if you’re just trying out the game without investing in a full-size setup. Just remember: for dedicated practice and serious games, you’ll want a larger, sturdier table from a specialist or department store.

Downlights & Lighting Specialists — More Than Ambience

Lighting is often overlooked, but a good light rig transforms your game room. Downlights — whether sold as a category or by specialist lighting stores — include focused fixtures and fibre-optic solutions suited for cue sports. Proper lighting reduces glare, highlights the playing surface, and helps you judge angles and spin more accurately. If your billiard table sits in a corner or under a low ceiling, a well-planned set of downlights can make a tiny room feel like a pro hall.

Why Lighting Matters for Billiards

Pool is as much a visual sport as it is spatial. Poor lighting creates shadows, masks ball color, and makes aiming a guessing game. Good lighting concentrates on the table area — a 6 to 7-foot long pendant or a run of focused downlights above the centre of a 7- or 8-foot table works best. Look for fixtures that give steady, diffused light without harsh hotspots; many lighting stores offer dimmable options so you can set mood and clarity independently.

What to Look for in Lighting Solutions

Choose lighting that matches the table size and ceiling height. For a full-size 8-foot table, a 4 to 6-foot long fixture or a trio of downlights spaced evenly across the table is ideal. If you’re inspecting products in-store, test them above a table or use sample bulbs to see how they illuminate felt color. Also consider fiber-optic accents for a premium look — they’re especially effective for game rooms that double as entertainment areas.

Argos — Convenience, Value & Wide Reach

Argos is a go-to for buyers who want a mix of affordability and quick availability. Their pool and game table section covers portable and freestanding tables in sizes ranging from compact 4-foot models to classic 7-foot tables. Argos often bundles cues, balls, and racks, making it simple to pick up a complete set in one purchase. If you need to furnish a games room on a budget, Argos strikes a good balance between price and reliability.

Popular Argos Pool Table Choices

You’ll find foldable tables for multi-use rooms, 7-foot tables for family rooms, and sometimes 8-foot models for hobby players. Argos stock is a solid middle ground: not decked out like specialist heavyweight slate tables, but much more rugged than toy-tier tabletop sets. Delivery and assembly options are commonly available, and you can often inspect some models in larger showrooms before buying.

Billiards Direct & Specialist Retailers — For the Serious Player

Specialist retailers, like Billiards Direct and regional pool table companies across the UK, are the places to go when you want professional-grade equipment. These sellers stock full-slate tables, coin-op models, and heavyweight pro components. They typically provide expert advice, bespoke sizing options, and full installation services — hands-on support you won’t normally get from general stores. If you’re pursuing league play or want a table that will last decades, specialists are worth the premium.

Why Buy from a Specialist?

Specialist retailers understand the technical differences between slate thickness, bed levelling, cushion responsiveness, and felt grades. They also match room dimensions to the correct table size — for example recommending 7-foot tables for small rec rooms and 9-foot tables for dedicated dens. Many offer warranties on slate and professional installers who will level, glue, and slate your table to manufacturer specs, ensuring accurate roll and long-term durability.

John Lewis & Department Stores — Quality and Service

Department stores like John Lewis combine a curated carousel of products with a focus on customer service and decent warranties. You’ll typically encounter higher-quality non-slate tables, premium tabletop sets, and accessory bundles that skew toward stylish home décor. The advantage here is trust: you get consistent aftercare, clear return windows, and often extended warranty options. The downside is that high-end, full-slate competition tables are less common than at specialist shops.

Quality and Warranty Considerations

John Lewis and similar retailers often include better customer guarantees and third-party warranties on higher-value items. If peace of mind and a polished showroom experience are important, a department store can be a smart choice. Expect to pay a little extra for that service, but enjoy a smoother buying process and reliable support if issues arise.

Amazon UK & Online Marketplaces — Huge Choice, Variable Quality

Online marketplaces like Amazon UK offer enormous range: tiny tabletop sets for kids, mid-range wooden tables, and even full-size slate tables from international brands. The main benefit is variety and reviews — you can compare dozens of sellers, read experiences from other buyers, and find bargains. The trade-off is sifting through mixed-quality listings and ensuring the seller offers real installation support if you’re buying a heavyweight table.

How to Pick the Right Online Seller

Check seller ratings, read multiple reviews about product durability and post-purchase support, and confirm whether delivery includes curbside, room-of-choice, or assembly. For a 7- or 8-foot table, confirm the shipment method and whether professional installers are recommended or included. Look for verified photos and third-party endorsements when possible — that helps separate the long-lasting tables from the short-lived plastic models.

Dunelm, B&Q & Home Stores — Home-Friendly Options

Homeware chains like Dunelm and B&Q sometimes carry game tables and accessories that fit domestic decors. These stores aim for style and function: think convertible dining-table pool combos, foldable models that serve double duty, and matching cues and racks that look part of your living room. They’re great if you want an attractive piece that blends into your home rather than a dedicated sports room installation.

Home-Store Advantages

Home stores excel at offering compact solutions that don’t scream “games room.” If you value design, multi-use furniture, and integrated accessory storage, these retailers often have clever, space-saving designs. For serious play and competitive roll, however, you’ll still want to compare build details and consider specialist alternatives.

Choosing the Right Table: A Practical Checklist

Before you buy, run through a simple checklist so you don’t end up with a table that’s a poor fit for your room or expectations. Think about table size, construction material, the quality of the felt, the balance of the legs, and whether you need pro-grade cushions. Also consider the total footprint — a full-size 8-foot table typically needs 5 to 6 feet of clearance on each side to use standard 57-inch cues comfortably.

Measurements and Room Fit

Measure your room in feet: for an 8-foot table, a good rule is a room at least 15 by 12 feet to allow cueing space. For a 7-foot table, a 14 by 11-foot room often suffices. If your space is tighter, think about shorter cues or a smaller table. Always measure doorways and stair gaps to ensure the table or its components can be moved into place — sometimes slate beds must be carried in sections or assembled on site.

Material Matters — Slate vs Non-Slate

Slate tables offer the truest roll and longest lifespan, but they’re heavier and cost more. Non-slate options (engineered boards, MDF) are lighter and cheaper but won’t give the same pro-level performance or longevity. If you plan to play regularly for years, a slate table is like buying a classic car: it’s an investment that pays back in performance and durability.

Accessories and Value Adds

Don’t ignore the extras: cues, a quality cue rack, triangle or diamond racks, ball sets, and a decent table brush can dramatically affect your playing experience. Some retailers bundle these items, which can be good value. Also consider covers and lighting kits — a waterproof cover protects a table in a multi-use room, and a dedicated lighting kit improves visibility and aesthetics.

Installation, Room Prep, and Lighting Tips

Setting up a pool table properly is as important as choosing it. Installation often requires leveling the floor, ensuring the subfloor can bear the weight (slate tables can weigh many hundreds of pounds), and mounting lights at the right height. If you plan to DIY, be realistic about lifting and levelling skills. Many buyers find that paying for professional installation is worth the cost to guarantee a true roll and stable setup.

Setting Up a Full-Size Table

Plan for installers to bring necessary tools and a van big enough for slate segments. A 7- or 8-foot table often ships with slate in sections, cushions, and a frame that must be assembled. During installation, insist on precise levelling and check the roll with a few balls once the felt is on. Good installers will fine-tune cushion response and ensure pocket alignment so the table plays perfectly from day one.

Lighting Setup for Best Play

Position lighting so the table surface is evenly lit without casting shadows from players. A long pendant light, a trio of compact downlights, or a billiard lamp that’s roughly 4 to 6 feet long over a standard table tends to work best. Dimmable options allow you to balance mood and clarity, making your games more enjoyable whether you’re playing competitively or socialising with friends.

Final Buying Tips — Balancing Budget, Space & Skill

Match your purchase to how you play: novelty and tabletop sets for casual use, a sturdy 7-foot for hobby players, and an 8- or 9-foot slate table for serious enthusiasts. Shop around: compare Argos and Menkind for budget-friendly and novelty items, head to specialists for pro gear, and check home stores and department stores for lifestyle options. Finally, factor in installation, lighting, and accessories to avoid surprise costs. With the right research, you’ll find a table that fits your home, your style, and your game.

Conclusion

Choosing where to buy billiards gear in the UK depends on what you value most: novelty and convenience, professional-grade performance, or stylish home integration. Menkind shines for tabletop fun, Argos and department stores balance value and service, specialists deliver pro-level quality, and lighting retailers help turn your room into a proper game space. Measure your room in feet, think long-term about materials like slate, and plan lighting and installation carefully. Do that, and you’ll be cueing up great memories for years to come.