NQ64 has burst onto the Leeds nightlife scene at 11 Merrion Street, transforming the space into a vibrant hub of retro arcade games and inventive cocktails, like the popular Powerstar Martini. With a colorful atmosphere adorned with UV graffiti, this unique bar invites visitors to embrace nostalgia while enjoying fun and games in a lively setting.
What is NQ64 and what does it offer in Leeds?
NQ64 is a unique video game bar located at 11 Merrion Street, Leeds, offering a nostalgic blend of retro arcade games and innovative cocktails in a neon-splashed setting. Visitors can enjoy classic games like Pac-Man, Guitar Hero, and Tapper while sipping on themed drinks such as the Powerstar Martini. It’s a cultural hub where the glory days of gaming meet modern nightlife.
An Unmissable Experience for Leeds’ Night Owls
Leeds’ nightlife scene is welcoming an intriguing new player: NQ64, the video game bar that’s already creating quite the buzz. It’s not just another watering hole; NQ64 merges the love for vintage arcade games with a vibrant bar environment, making it a unique outing for those who wish to combine their gaming passions with a night out in town. Co-owner Matt Robson has seen immense success with the concept across the UK, and Leeds is now joining the ranks with the opening of their very own NQ64 venue.
The Merrion Street location, which was once the home of Manahatta, has undergone a transformation. Now it’s adorned with UV graffiti, courtesy of artists who’ve transformed the space into a neon-splashed haven for gamers and partygoers alike. The spacious setting is designed to encourage exploration, promising visitors a discovery of fun in every corner. With 13 sites now under their belt, the NQ64 team has finely honed the art of delivering a memorable night out.
“NQ64 began as a simple solution to an underused space in Manchester’s Northern Quarter,” Matt Robson recalls. The formula was straightforward: fill the venue with nostalgic games and consoles, concoct a gaming-themed cocktail menu, and let the magic happen. The concept took off, and the rest, as they say, is history. Leeds was a natural next step for expansion, and after years of searching for the perfect spot, NQ64 has found its home in the heart of the city’s vibrant nightlife district.
Level Up Your Night with Classic Games and Innovative Drinks
What sets NQ64 apart is their impressive array of retro arcade games. Visitors can chase high scores on Pac-Man, test their skills with Basketball, or rock out to Guitar Hero. For Matt, the bar game Tapper holds a special place in his heart, offering a meta-gaming experience where players serve drinks to a digital crowd. It’s a nod to the bar’s own ethos – serving up fun and frolics to Leeds’ real-life crowd.
The arcade bar isn’t just about the games – the drinks menu is a star in its own right. Twice a year, the cocktail list is refreshed, ensuring that even regulars have something new to try on each visit. The Powerstar Martini is a crowd favorite, a twist on the Pornstar Martini, with a mix that includes Absolut vodka, passionfruit, vanilla, and a dash of Pink Hooch for good measure. Rory Bourke, the General Manager, has worked diligently to perfect this cocktail, ensuring each sip is a little taste of nostalgia-induced euphoria.
Food, while not their core offering, hasn’t been overlooked. NQ64 has teamed up with local food legends in their other locations, like Nanny Bills Burgers in London and Crazy Pedros in Manchester, and they’re on the hunt to partner with someone in Leeds who shares their passion for great food. The quest is on to find the right fit, someone who can bring a culinary edge to the gamer’s paradise that is NQ64.
A Place for Fun, Games, and Unpretentious Good Times
NQ64 isn’t just about paying homage to the past; it’s about creating a space where fun is the currency, and everyone’s invited to cash in. “We’ve really poured our heart into this place,” says Matt Robson. He encourages those looking for something out of the ordinary to give NQ64 a shot. The ethos is simple: don’t take life too seriously, enjoy the moment, and have a blast while you’re at it.
With doors now open at 11 Merrion Street, NQ64 is poised to become a staple in Leeds’ entertainment landscape. It’s not just another bar; it’s a cultural hub where the glory days of gaming come back to life, and where the drinks bring their own modern twist. Matt’s parting words sum up the experience: “If you’re up for fun and a little something different, come on down. If not, you might just miss out on the time of your life.”
NQ64 is located at 11 Merrion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PG. Brace yourself for a trip down memory lane, with the added bonus of top-notch drinks and a chance to make new memories with old friends – and games.
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NQ64 is a new video game bar located at 11 Merrion Street, Leeds, offering retro arcade games and innovative cocktails in a vibrant environment.
- The bar features classic games like Pac-Man, Guitar Hero, and Tapper, alongside themed drinks including the popular Powerstar Martini.
- Co-owner Matt Robson has successfully expanded the NQ64 concept across the UK, with Leeds being the latest addition to its growing portfolio.
- The venue boasts a unique atmosphere created by UV graffiti, designed to encourage exploration and fun for guests.
- NQ64 aims to partner with local food vendors to enhance its offerings, while focusing on providing a laid-back space for entertainment and enjoyment.