Gamers set for journey back in time
CLASSIC CONSOLES AND ARCADE GAMES ON OFFER AT NORTHERN QUARTER BAR
A NEW retro arcade games bar is promising to take gamers on a serious nostalgia trip.
Hidden away down a Northern Quarter back alley, basement bar NQ64 is a neon-spattered cavern of classic consoles and arcade games from the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Players can have a go at shooting games Point Blank and Time Crisis II, fighting favourites Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter and Double Dragon, and driving games Outrun 2 and Crazy Taxi.
All the retro favourites are covered, from Pac Man and Space Invaders to cult classics Side Arms and Galaga.
“Some of these machines were built in the 70s and 80s so they’ve needed quite a bit of restoration,” said coowner Matt Robson, who is launching the venue with business partner Andy Haygarth.
“We took a lot of time and care with all the ones we picked. A lot of these are pretty nostalgic.”
Each arcade machine costs a token per play, with tokens on sale from the bar priced at £5 for 15.
Gamers can also have a go on five classic consoles – including an N64, a SNES and an original PlayStation – which are all free to play and loaded with games including Mariokart, Goldeneye, Sonic the Hedgehog and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.
Groups can also rock out to Guitar Hero or throw shapes on the Euromix dance machine.
The bar invited a group of gamers to test the machines this week before it opens to the public later this month.
“We had some pretty serious games testers down and so far, so good. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the space,” said Matt.
Behind the bar, guests will find a cocktail list inspired by the games, and a range of beers on draught, plus cans and bottles from breweries including Beavertown and The Wild Beer Co, along with a pleasingly retro crisps selection including Monster Munch and Space Raiders.
The bar opens at 2 Short Street, next door to Crazy Pedro’s NQ, on February 22 and will be giving away free drinks to the first 50 people through the doors all weekend to celebrate.
NQ64 will be open from 4pm to midnight, Monday to Thursday; 4pm to 2am on Fridays; noon to 2am on Saturdays; and noon to 10pm on Sundays.