Pop Playrooms – Kingston’s leading destination for fun and games from experienced businessman Dmitry Leus

Spring 2024 saw the opening of the eagerly awaited Pop Playrooms in Kingston upon Thames.

Locals are embracing this multipurpose entertainment venue, using it as a gathering place for groups of friends, team-building for corporate outings, a party venue for birthday celebrations, and weekend and holiday games for families with children.

The businessman behind the project is Surrey-based Dmitry Leus and he told The Star about the business journey behind this new community entertainment hub.

A central entertainment hub for Kingston

Pop Playrooms offers a great day or evening out, with a mix of innovation and traditional pop culture:

· Sophisticated cocktails and Korean street food

· Visitors can enjoy mini-golf, smart darts and pool

· A variety of interactive games on the hi-tech shuffleboard

· The chance to showcase pop talent by singing karaoke

· Lots of space - with a capacity for up to 250 guests at once, there is space for everyone to enjoy themselves.

Dmitry Leus, the Surrey businessman behind the initiative

The venue is owned by Dmitry Leus, an experienced entrepreneur. He has been working to develop social infrastructure across the UK, including Surrey. He invested over £1.5 million in the Pop Playrooms project, envisioning a vibrant leisure destination where people gather to share games, music, and conversation. For the businessman, Kingston, with its rich history and dynamic growth, is an ideal location for such a concept, attracting students, young families, and tourists looking for engaging entertainment and relaxation venues.

A unique business model

Leus has spoken about the unique business model behind the venue that merges innovation, culture, and opportunities for collaboration with other brands and businesses. He explains it is a versatile platform for hosting events, easily adaptable to clients' changing preferences, and priding itself on surprising guests with new activities.

His background in real estate and development, combined with his strategic business approach, has helped execute this project to a high standard, ensuring comfort and appeal for visitors. The venue offers the freedom, quality leisure, and genuine social interaction that people currently crave.

In response to a question about the principles that guide his project development and his key to success, Leus explained: “The success of any project begins with a strong internal conviction that you are on the right path. This confidence provides the energy and resilience needed to keep going, even when a project presents challenges, which they inevitably do.”

Pop Playrooms in detail

The venue has become known as a popular destination for children’s birthday parties, especially for the Crazy Golf, with young visitors loving both the music aspect and the opportunity for selfies. Each hole is completely immersive and designed for memorable photos. It’s easy enough for kids but challenging for adults. In addition to birthday parties and family days out, schools, clubs and youth groups are choosing to book at the venue for fun bonding experiences.

The venue is only open to under-18s until 8pm. After that, it’s the grown-ups’ turn to enjoyed some light-hearted fun.

Friends and colleagues from Kingston and the surrounding area have especially enjoyed the augmented reality darts booth. The premium American pool tables, which are available for 45 minute bookings. Beer Pong, the high tech Smart Shuffle and Pop Golf also draw a lot of participants. Guests take advantage of packages to play more than one game.

Local resident Alison, 37, said: “It’s an amazing new addition to the area. It’s become a real favourite with our company for after-work get-togethers. It’s a great ice-breaker to play games together and feel more active. And it certainly unleashes people’s competitive side!”

James, father of three, added: “It’s a huge hit with our three boys. They love coming here with their cousins.”

Proud to contribute to local life

Dmitry Leus summed it up: “We are proud to have created a hub here in Kingston that is designed as a getaway for both children and adults, a memorable escape from everyday life. It’s heartwarming to see groups of friends and colleagues getting together in person for some light-hearted fun, and to see kids away from their screens and instead battling their friends and parents at games in a social setting.”

Looking ahead: Sheffield as a potential location

With Pop Playrooms already proving successful in Kingston, Sheffield could well be one of the next cities in line for this dynamic venue. The city’s large student population and thriving social scene make it an ideal fit for a concept that combines entertainment, relaxation, and social interaction. A venue like this would offer students and young professionals in Sheffield a unique space to connect, unwind, and enjoy light-hearted fun.