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It's the return of CO:LON - Countdown in London 2026 – a FOCAL Countdown event.WHEN
Saturday 21st February 2026
Doors open at 10:45 am.
Gameplay starts at 11:30.
WHERE & GETTING THERE
“The Venue”, Level 2, The O2 Centre, 255 Finchley Road, London NW3 6LU
We’ll be in “The Venue”, on the top floor … the event will be clearly signposted.
The O2 Centre is a small shopping centre located just a 2-minute walk from Finchley Road Underground Station on the Jubilee and Metropolitan Lines, or a 4-minute walk from Finchley Road & Frognal Overground Station.
It’s reachable in around 20 to 25 minutes via public transport from all the major train stations in London, as well as being well served by bus routes.
If you feel compelled to drive, there is (expensive) paid parking in the O2 Centre car park.
If you’re a Parkrunner, the nearest one to the venue is Hampstead Heath, just over a mile away on foot, or a short trip by bus or Overground.
If you’re overnighting the night before, you might also find one closer to your accommodation … London has plenty of them!
WHAT
You’ll be playing 9-round games of Countdown in the “Bristol” ("classroom") format, where everyone plays in pairs from the same selections projected on a big screen, and with each pair choosing their preferred selection during the numbers rounds … all will be explained on the day for anyone unfamiliar, and we’ll start with a practice round.
We'll play 7 games in total, followed by the top two players on the day facing off in a grand final.
As with most Countdown events, the first round will be drawn randomly, but don't worry if you have a bumpy start - for the remaining games you will be playing opponents on the same number of wins as you, so everyone should get some good, well matched games. The primary aim is to have fun!
And of course there will be prizes!
FOOD & DRINK
Within the O2 Centre itself is an ALDI Local, a big Sainsburys, a Nandos, and a coffee shop. There are also various places outside the Centre within easy reach.
You are also welcome to bring your own food, but please note that alcohol is not allowed to be consumed at the venue.
We will have access to a small kitchen in the venue itself, with tea/coffee making facilities, etc.
AFTER THE EVENT
We’ll go back to Pizza Express in Baker Street again, because they’re really good to deal with, and can accommodate big bookings and pretty much all dietary requirements.
Table will be booked for 7:00 pm as usual.
SIGN ME UP!
Here's where it gets slightly more complicated, but in a good way!
The standard entry fee is £14, but it's discounted to £12 if you sign up (and pay!) by 30th November 2025.
On top of that, everyone who signs up and pays by 30th November 2025 will go into a draw on the day of the event, with the winner getting their entry fee refunded in full.
Please sign up by completing the entry form at this link:
https://forms.gle/vCzmicuRKLL3bkZD9
Can't wait to see you there!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
O2 Centre - Finchley Road, 255 Finchley Road, London, NW3 6LU, United Kingdom
