A New Era in Pool Entertainment
Imagine a place where the clatter of pool balls meets cutting-edge tech, where neon lights and craft cocktails set the mood, and where even a novice can feel like a pro. Welcome to Poolhouse—the “Topgolf of Pool” that’s shaking up the sports entertainment scene.
With $34M in seed funding and a star-studded roster of investors, this London-based startup is redefining how we play pool. But how did a 700-year-old game become the next big thing in entertainment?
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
The Visionaries Behind Poolhouse
Steve and Dave Jolliffe: From Topgolf to Poolhouse
If the name Jolliffe rings a bell, it’s because Steve and Dave are the masterminds behind Topgolf, the tech-infused golf empire that merged with Callaway for $2.1B in 2021. Now, they’re swapping golf clubs for pool cues. “Poolhouse is our most ambitious project yet,” says Steve. “We transformed golf into a social experience—now we’re doing the same for pool.”
CEO Andrew O’Brien’s Strategic Direction
Leading the charge is CEO Andrew O’Brien, a veteran in blending tech with hospitality. “We’re not just building a venue; we’re creating a cultural shift,” he explains. “Imagine a night out where you’re laughing with friends, competing in AR-powered pool games, and sipping cocktails crafted by legends—that’s Poolhouse.”
Breaking Down the Investment
London-based Poolhouse, has secured $34 million (around €29 million) in a seed funding round led by Sharp Alpha and dmg ventures, the consumer venture arm of DMGT.
The round also saw participation from high-profile investors including David Blitzer (owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils), Simon Sports (co-owner of Ipswich Town F.C.), Active Partners (early backers of Soho House), and Emerging Fund, known for investing in F1 Arcade.
Australia’s Signature Hospitality Group, one of the country’s largest hospitality operators, has also taken an equity stake and signed a franchise agreement with Poolhouse.
The fresh capital will fuel the company’s rollout of venues, starting with a 21,500-square-foot flagship location near London’s Liverpool Street Station.
Looking beyond the UK, Poolhouse is actively exploring expansion opportunities in the Middle East, North America, Southeast Asia, and across Europe.
Steve Jolliffe, co-founder of Poolhouse, shared:
“Poolhouse is the most ambitious and scalable concept my brother and I have ever created. It reflects the pinnacle of our life’s work. In the US, more people now play at Topgolf than on traditional golf courses — and we’re aiming to make an even bigger impact on the world of pool. While we’ve successfully built tech into golf balls before, this has been our most challenging and exciting project to date.”
H4: Signature Hospitality Group’s Franchise Agreement
Australia’s Signature Hospitality Group, known for iconic venues like The Star Sydney, has inked a franchise deal. Translation? Poolhouse’s Las Vegas-inspired vibe will soon span continents.
Global Expansion Plans
The flagship 21,500 sqft venue near Liverpool Street Station will open in late 2025. Think retro arcade meets high-tech pool hall, with private lounges and a rooftop bar overlooking London’s skyline.
Targeting the Middle East, North America, and Asia
Poolhouse is in talks to launch in Dubai, Miami, Bangkok, and Berlin. Why? “Pool is universal,” says O’Brien. “From Tokyo to Texas, everyone loves a game—especially with a twist.”
Poolhouse isn’t just reviving pool—it’s reimagining it from the ground up. Forget the dusty old 8-ball table in the corner of your local bar. At Poolhouse, the tables themselves are smart. Thanks to their patented technology, each one transforms into a dynamic, interactive screen. Imagine lining up a shot and suddenly dodging zombies in “Zombie Pool” or racing the clock in a high-stakes “Speed Round.” It’s a complete rewrite of how the game is played.
But here’s the magic: whether you’re a pool shark or someone who’s never picked up a cue, the game adapts to you. Difficulty adjusts in real-time based on your skill level, ensuring every player gets a rush. “You’ll leave feeling like a champion, even if you’ve never held a cue,” laughs Steve Jolliffe, co-founder of Poolhouse.
Las Vegas Vibes: Ambiance and Design
Poolhouse is just as much about atmosphere as it is about gameplay. Think neon signage, plush velvet booths, and a curated soundtrack that blends hip-hop and house beats. It’s immersive, it’s stylish, and it’s intentional. One of the venue’s designers even described it as “ESPN meets Studio 54.” You’re not just going out to shoot some pool—you’re stepping into an experience that’s part nightclub, part gaming arena.
Elevating the Bar Experience
Even the bar is on another level. The drinks menu is crafted by the Venning Brothers, the minds behind London’s acclaimed bar Three Sheets. Here, cocktails are both a science and an art—expect everything from molecular infusions to alcohol-free masterpieces. “Why settle for a beer when you can have a ‘Smoked Maple Old Fashioned’?” jokes Max Venning. Whether you drink or don’t, Poolhouse ensures every sip is an experience.
Why Poolhouse Could Surpass Topgolf’s Success
Learning from Topgolf’s Playbook
Topgolf succeeded by turning an intimidating sport into a casual, social experience. Poolhouse is taking a page from that same playbook—only they’re starting with a game that’s already familiar. Pool has been a bar staple for generations. Poolhouse just turned up the volume.
Innovating a Centuries-Old Sport
“Pool hasn’t evolved since the 1800s,” says O’Brien, another Poolhouse co-founder. “We’re adding tech, storytelling, and a vibe that’ll make it the heart of nightlife.” It’s not just about playing a game anymore—it’s about being part of a narrative. Whether you’re dodging virtual explosions or chasing a high score with friends, each visit is a new story worth telling.
Challenges on the Horizon
Scaling Tech-Driven Entertainment Globally
Of course, revolution doesn’t come without risks. Poolhouse’s tech is ambitious, and scaling it across multiple locations and time zones will require serious precision. Keeping everything synced and seamless won’t be easy. And then there’s the challenge of winning over purists. Not everyone’s ready for augmented reality pool. “It’s a risk,” admits O’Brien, “but so was Topgolf—and look where they are now.”
Conclusion: The Next Big Thing in Sports Entertainment
Poolhouse isn’t just a venue—it’s a movement. By blending tech, design, and hospitality, it’s poised to become the ultimate social playground. Will it dethrone Topgolf? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain: the game of pool will never be the same.
FAQs about Poolhouse
When will Poolhouse open its first location?
The flagship London venue near Liverpool Street Station is set to open in late 2024.
Can beginners enjoy Poolhouse?
Yes! Games adapt to your skill level, making it fun for everyone.
What makes Poolhouse different from a regular pool hall?
Think tech-enhanced games, curated cocktails, and a Vegas-style atmosphere—it’s a full sensory experience.
Will Poolhouse expand to the U.S.?
Yes! The company is in talks to launch in Miami, Las Vegas, and other major cities by 2026.
How does the technology work?
Patented sensors in the tables track ball movement, while AR projections create interactive challenges on the playing surface.
