Arcade Bars

An arcade bar is a venue that blends the excitement of arcade gaming with the fun of cocktails and drinks. This can be a bar that features arcade games inside, or a traditional arcade that includes a bar as part of the wider venue. In the UK, alcohol and amusement games have historically been kept separate due to licensing, but today, more entertainment spaces now offer both under one roof, making it easier for visitors to enjoy drinks and gaming in the same visit.

• Modern themed barcades: Newer concept venues, such as NQ64 in Manchester, offer a retro-inspired atmosphere with neon lighting, themed décor, and a focus on classic arcade games, pinball machines, and early golden-era video games. These spaces combine nostalgia, socialising, and drinks in a vibrant, immersive environment.
• Pier and seaside arcade bars: Many seaside piers have bars either next to, or connected with, traditional arcades. This allows friends and families to enjoy drinks and arcade fun in a single location, often with separate areas for gaming and refreshments.
• Adult-focused arcades with bars: Some venues, such as Magic City Arcade in Clacton, integrate late-licensed bars directly into the slots gaming area, catering to adults looking for social arcade experiences. Think of it as a mini casino.

Arcade bars offer a unique experience by blending gaming culture with nightlife and social entertainment, providing something different from a regular arcade or a standard bar.

Arcade bars are growing in popularity because they combine the social appeal of a bar with the fun of arcade gaming, letting friends enjoy drinks while playing classic and modern games under one roof. Driven by a mix of nostalgia, innovation, and social trends, advancements such as virtual reality games, inventive claw machines, and interactive ticket redemption games appeal to both new generations and those rediscovering classic arcade titles. Alongside modern games, the rise of retro gaming has brought younger audiences into venues that previously catered mostly to adults, creating a cross-generational appeal.

The trend is also driven by the desire for out-of-home entertainment in a post-COVID world, and by economic pressures encouraging venues to offer more value. Whether it’s a seaside pier with an on-site bar, a traditional arcade expanding into social spaces, or a themed barcade with neon lighting and cocktails, operators are finding creative ways to combine drinks and games while staying within UK licensing rules. The result is a surge in popularity, as arcade bars deliver memorable nights out for friends, families, and gaming enthusiasts alike.

Arcade bars can be found in cities, towns, and seaside resorts across the UK. A good example is Superbowl UK Arcade in Ipswich, which features a large bar, bowling alley, arcade gaming area, and ticket redemption options all under one roof. On the coast, visitors to most piers will find the perfect blend of social activities in places like Coral Island Arcade and Central Pier Arcade in Blackpool, which offer several bars, casino gaming, and amusement arcades under one roof. In Skegness, the Playa at the Pier concept provides a lovely bar area at the end of the pier, next to the vast Skegness Pier Amusement Arcade. In Great Yarmouth, Wellington Pier Arcade offers a bowling alley with a bar and many arcade machines for patrons to enjoy. Lastly, closer to the capital, Electric Avenue Arcade in Southend has three floors to explore, including ticket arcade machines, bowling, and a bar with a balcony.