By Legends Sports & Pool Bar Editorial Team · Updated 3 September 2026
Team building days in Essex do not need to involve awkward icebreakers or complicated outdoor activities. At Legends Sports & Pool Bar in Braintree, colleagues can enjoy friendly competition through English pool, American pool, darts and shuffleboard in a relaxed, family-run venue.
With food, drinks, live sport, tailored corporate packages and free on-site parking also available, Legends gives businesses a straightforward way to organise an enjoyable company day out away from the usual workplace setting.
Key Takeaways
- Legends is a family-run sports and pool bar in Braintree, Essex.
- The venue has 10 English pool tables, two full-size American pool tables, five dartboards and one 14ft shuffleboard table.
- Teams can organise pool tournaments, darts competitions, shuffleboard challenges and mixed-game rotations.
- Tailored food and drink packages, private hire and sports viewing parties are available for corporate groups.
- Walk-ins are welcome, but advance booking is recommended for team-building events and larger groups.
- Legends is a non-membership venue, so everyone is welcome to visit.
Why Choose Games for a Team-Building Day?
Games give colleagues something enjoyable to focus on while conversation develops naturally. Instead of asking participants to complete forced icebreakers, activities such as pool, darts and shuffleboard create opportunities for communication, shared decisions and friendly competition.
The CIPD’s evidence review of high-performing teams identifies team dynamics, cohesion, shared thinking, information sharing and reflection as important considerations when helping employees work together successfully. It also recognises well-planned team-building interventions as one tool available to managers.
A games-based event cannot guarantee better workplace performance by itself. However, it can give colleagues a relaxed environment in which to interact, communicate and spend time with people they may not usually work alongside.
Team-Building Activities Available at Legends
Legends offers several indoor activities that can be adapted into individual contests, doubles matches or team competitions. Businesses can focus on one game or rotate participants between different activities throughout the event.
| Activity | What is available | Suggested team-building format |
|---|---|---|
| English pool | 10 English pool tables | Singles, doubles, team rotation or knockout tournament |
| American pool | Two full-size American pool tables | Singles, doubles or team challenge |
| Darts | Five dartboards, with darts free with any purchase | Highest-score challenge, team competition or knockout rounds |
| Shuffleboard | One 14ft shuffleboard table | Individual rounds or team points challenge |
These activities are easy to understand and can be enjoyed at different levels of experience. The aim does not have to be finding the most skilful player. A successful format gives everyone a chance to participate, encourages conversation and keeps waiting times manageable.
You can learn more about the venue’s tables and booking options on the Legends pool page.
How Can Pool Encourage Communication and Collaboration?
Pool works well for corporate team-building days because it naturally creates pauses for discussion. Players can talk about shot selection, decide who should take the next turn and support their teammates throughout the game.
Doubles matches are particularly useful for workplace groups. They give colleagues an opportunity to make decisions together without turning the activity into a formal workplace exercise. Players can also rotate between tables, helping different departments or teams mix during the day.
Legends has 10 English pool tables and two full-size American pool tables, giving organisers several ways to structure a competition. The final format should be agreed with the venue based on the group and the type of event being planned.
Why Include Darts and Shuffleboard?
A mixed-game format can keep a team-building day varied. Participants who are less interested in pool can move to darts or try the 14ft shuffleboard table.
Darts works well for quick rounds and simple team scoring. With five dartboards available, organisers can create a competition in which colleagues play individually or contribute points to an overall team score. Darts are free to use with any purchase.
Shuffleboard offers a different pace. Players stand alongside one another and take turns sliding weighted pucks towards the scoring area. It can be used as a standalone challenge or included as one stage of a wider games rotation.
Combining the three activities helps create variety without sending participants between different venues.
How to Plan a Corporate Team-Building Day at Legends
Good event planning starts with a clear idea of what the team should get from the day. Some businesses want an organised tournament, while others prefer a casual company social with games available throughout the event.
1. Decide on the Style of the Event
Consider whether the group would enjoy:
- A structured pool tournament
- A darts competition
- A shuffleboard challenge
- A rotation involving several games
- A casual after-work gathering
- A sports viewing party with food and drinks
- A combination of games and informal meeting time
A defined format can help participants understand what is happening, but the schedule should still leave room for conversation, food and breaks.
2. Create Balanced Teams
Mixing departments can give colleagues who do not normally work together a chance to interact. Alternatively, existing teams can compete against one another in a friendly workplace tournament.
Keep the rules simple and explain how points will be awarded before play begins. The focus should remain on participation and enjoyment rather than creating an overly serious competition.
3. Choose a Sensible Rotation
If the group is using several activities, create a rotation that prevents too many people waiting for the same game. For example, some participants could begin with pool while others play darts or shuffleboard before changing activities.
The exact arrangement will depend on the group, so it is worth discussing the plan with Legends when booking.
4. Plan Food and Drinks
Food gives everyone time to pause, talk and catch up between games. Legends serves classic burgers with fries, stone-baked pizzas, hearty mains, bar snacks and sharing plates. A fully stocked bar is available alongside soft drinks, teas, coffees and other refreshing options.
Tailored food and drink packages can be arranged for business groups, including burger options. Corporate organisers should discuss dietary requirements and current menu choices directly with the venue before confirming the event.
5. Confirm the Practical Details
Before the day, confirm:
- The expected number of participants
- The preferred games and event format
- Arrival and finishing times
- Food and drink requirements
- Whether private hire is needed
- Any planned sports viewing
- The latest opening and kitchen times
Legends provides free on-site parking, which can make arrival easier for colleagues travelling from Braintree or elsewhere in Essex.
A Suggested Format for a Team-Building Day
The following example can be adapted to suit the group. It is an illustrative schedule rather than a fixed Legends package.
| Stage | Suggested activity |
|---|---|
| Arrival | Welcome drinks and time for colleagues to settle in |
| Opening round | Divide participants into teams and explain the scoring |
| Games rotation | Rotate between pool, darts and shuffleboard |
| Food break | Burgers, pizzas, sharing plates or other agreed options |
| Final rounds | Hold the closing matches or points challenges |
| Finish | Announce the results and leave time for drinks or live sport |
A shorter event could focus on one tournament followed by food. A longer company day out could combine several games, informal networking and sports viewing.
Food, Drinks and Live Sport Under One Roof
A team-building day does not have to end when the final game finishes. Legends has multiple HD screens showing live sport, including football on Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Amazon Prime. The venue also shows rugby, Formula 1, golf, boxing and women’s football when events are available.
Businesses can arrange sports viewing parties for staff or clients, allowing a team event to be planned around a major match or sporting occasion. Current listings can be checked on the Legends events page.
Food and drinks are available at the venue, so groups do not need to travel elsewhere between activities. Takeaway and delivery are also available, although corporate organisers should confirm the most suitable options when arranging their event.
Corporate Packages, Private Hire and Informal Meetings
Legends supports more than casual games bookings. Its corporate offering includes:
- Pool tournaments, darts competitions and shuffleboard challenges
- Tailored food and drink packages
- Private hire of the games area with dedicated service
- Informal meeting and event space
- After-work gatherings
- Sports viewing parties for staff and clients
- Networking events and company celebrations
Private hire may suit businesses that want exclusive use of the games area. Availability and arrangements should be confirmed directly with Legends, particularly for larger groups or events with a structured schedule.
More information is available in the Legends corporate team-building guide.
Do You Need a Membership to Visit Legends?
No membership is required to visit Legends. It is a non-membership venue, and walk-ins are always welcome.
Regular visitors can choose to buy a Legends Players Club Card in the venue. The card costs £10 per year and provides 20% off pool and shuffleboard hire, along with weekly cardholder offers, instant game discounts and priority access to selected events.
Standard pool-table hire is £10 per hour for a maximum of two hours. Players Club Card holders pay £8 per hour. Corporate packages and private-hire arrangements may be priced separately, so businesses should request the relevant information when enquiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What activities are available for team building at Legends?
Legends offers English pool, American pool, darts and shuffleboard. Corporate groups can organise tournaments, team competitions or mixed-game rotations using these activities.
How many pool tables does Legends have?
The venue has 10 English pool tables and two full-size American pool tables. It also has five dartboards and one 14ft shuffleboard table.
Can Legends provide food and drinks for a company event?
Yes. Legends offers tailored food and drink packages for business groups. The menu includes burgers with fries, stone-baked pizzas, hearty mains, sharing plates and bar snacks. Hot, soft and alcoholic drinks are also available.
Can businesses arrange private hire?
Yes. Private hire of the games area is available for corporate events, networking and celebrations. Businesses should contact Legends to confirm availability and the arrangements for their preferred date.
Can we watch live sport during our event?
Legends has multiple HD screens showing a range of live sport. Corporate sports viewing parties can be arranged for staff and clients, subject to the sporting schedule and broadcast availability.
Is advance booking required?
Walk-ins are welcome, but advance booking is recommended for group events and busy periods. Booking ahead also gives the venue time to discuss games, food, drinks and any private-hire requirements.
Where is Legends Sports & Pool Bar?
Legends is located at 14 Silks Way, Braintree, Essex. Free parking is available on site.
Plan Your Team-Building Day in Essex
Legends Sports & Pool Bar offers Essex businesses a relaxed setting for pool, darts, shuffleboard, food, drinks and live sport. Its range of games gives organisers the flexibility to plan a focused tournament, a mixed-activity challenge or an informal company social.
As a family-run, non-membership venue, Legends welcomes experienced players and complete beginners alike. Advance booking is recommended so the team can help you discuss the most suitable format, corporate package or private-hire arrangement.
To start planning your event, contact Legends Sports & Pool Bar with your preferred date, expected group size and ideas for the day.