We surf the net while watching TV, take photos when out for dinner, read magazines while getting our hair done. We are definitely no longer content to do just one thing at a time, even when it comes to relaxing.

Well at Westfield Stratford City’s latest arrival Bat and Ball you can play ping pong, munch on snacks and sip drinks all at the same time. Well, almost.

It has the boast of being the biggest bar in the shopping centre and is much more open and airy than London’s other well-known table tennis bar, the underground Bounce.

The ground floor is mostly dedicated to eating with tables looking out on the bustling shoppers hurrying by, so if you don’t want to play you won’t be disturbed by those who do.

The menu is also fairly simple - focussing on bar snacks like wedges and nachos; pizzas, platters and buckets of chicken wings - making it perfect for those dropping in for a quick lunch.

We had the extremely cheesy Quattro Formaggi, which left me feeling a bit too weighed down, so perhaps I’d go for a salad next time, and the Sweet N Smokey Wings which were moreish and messy so make sure to ask for plenty of napkins. Wet wipes would be ideal served with these so you don’t have to go off and wash your hands afterwards before you pick up your bat.

There is a private room downstairs with two tables in it, which is a good size for a party or work do, especially as it is only five paces from the bar.

But the bulk of the tables are spread out in the large upstairs area, decorated with funky posters of celebrities with bats in hand and with table service for food and another bar serving drinks.

Be warned, it doesn’t have any netting to catch the balls and when we were there no one was collecting them from the floor, so you get quite a workout chasing after them. Although if you make friends with your neighbours they might ping them back to you.

With easy online booking, spaces kept free for walk-ins and tables prices ranging from £8 for 30 minutes off peak (before 6pm & Sunday) to £25 for 60 minutes (after 6pm) it provides good value for money and a great place to enjoy some RnR with colleagues after work.

Unit 1110/1111,Westfield Stratford City,, E20 1EJ. Details: thebatandball.com