HERE at ToM Towers games mean dusting off the Monopoly Board or cheating at dominoes… and Super Mario is a pizzeria, innit?
But we’re going to hide our ignorance and get down with the ageing kids at NQ64 in the Northern Quarter, a new underground drinking den that’s home to the best of retro arcade games and classic consoles. With cocktails and beers naturally, to accompany the nostalgia trip.
Inside the arcade, is a game for everyone. Retro 80’s lovers can try their luck on Pac-Man, Space Invaders and the classic Golden Axe. For the 90’s cool kids, consoles such as the N64, Megadrive and SNES come with a range of old school games to take you on a trip down memory lane.
“Some of these machines were built in the 70s and 80s so they’ve needed quite a bit of restoration,” said co-owner 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.
Behind the bar, guests will find a cocktail list inspired by the games with names like Princess Peach (prosecco, peach, orgeat and pimento dram) and Bubble Bubble (vodka, gin, grenadine, coconut, prosecco, lemon and soda), all for £8.
The beer range includes the ubiquitous Camden Pale and Hells Lager on draught,with cans from the likes of Beavertown and The Wild Beer Co, paired with a retro crisps offering including Monster Munch and Space Raiders.
All this is open to the public from Friday, February 22 at 9 Short Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1AA. Next door to Crazy Pedro’s, if that helps. There are free drinks for the first 50 people through the doors every day over the opening weekend. Follow @NQ64mcr on instagram and turn up.