Pubs And Bars With Games In Manchester

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By Kiera Chapman Editor Food, drink and nightlife specialist with 8+ years in journalism, including bylines at The Sunday Times and Marie Claire. Last updated on 12th August 2026

Looking to while away the hours with a quirky activity? Whether you're happy chilling alongside mates at your favourite local with some added entertainment, or fancy doing something a little different on a date night, we've got you covered. 

From high-tech social darts to retro arcades and good old-fashioned pool, our guide to the best pubs and bars with games in Manchester has it all. 

Find out more about how we created our guide in our Editorial Policy

Bars & Pubs With Games In Manchester: Our Local Guide




Black Cat Club Manchester

With its interactive darts, featuring a variety of game modes, and tech shuffleboard, where the scoring is taken care of for you, the competitive fun never stops. But this club isn't just about games as it's also home to the city's premier sports viewing experience.

With luxurious copper and burnt orange decor, personal table service, and no need to queue at the bar thanks to push-button ordering, The Black Cat Club offers a premium sports-watching experience like no other. The food menu, designed by the renowned chefs behind El Gato Negro, features delicious small plates, burgers, and wraps - perfect for a fun day out or night of celebration.

Box Deansgate

Box in Deansgate has plenty of games to enjoy when you're not catching the latest footie fixtures on their multiple screens. Blow off some steam during half-time with shuffleboards, darts areas and karaoke machines, as well as a hearty selection of indulgent eats - we're talking barbecue chicken nachos, Neapolitan-style pizzas and tandoori burgers.

Electric Shuffle Manchester

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Located in the heart of Deansgate, Electric Shuffle Manchester is the ultimate destination for a fun, energetic, and interactive night out. Combining classic shuffleboard with cutting-edge technology, this unique venue offers a fresh twist on the traditional pub experience, making it perfect for groups, parties, and casual gatherings alike.

Chomp on some pizzas and sip creative cocktails as you have a go at the shuffleboard tables - the main attraction - that provide an interactive game experience that's easy to learn, yet challenging enough for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a shuffleboard pro or a first-time player, you'll find hours of entertainment at your fingertips.

The Oxnoble

The historic British pub meets modern fun and games at The Oxnoble. Think exposed wood floors, traditional bar finishings and interactive dart boards. 

Sign up for social darts and you can fling arrows from the oche for an hour for just £7 per person. When it's time to recharge your throwing arm, there's well-loved lagers, wines, spirits and classic pub grub up for grabs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of games can you play in Manchester bars?

Tech-enhanced social games (Electric Shuffle's shuffleboard, Black Cat Club's interactive darts and shuffleboard, Roxy Ball Room's crazy pool) use digital scoring and multiple game modes - no rules knowledge required, and the tech handles everything. Classic pub games (The Oxnoble's social darts, Salt Dog Slims' free pool table) are walk-in, low-cost and casual.

What is Electric Shuffle like in Manchester?

Electric Shuffle in Deansgate is Manchester's best dedicated shuffleboard bar — a sleek, Art Deco-inspired venue that takes the classic pub game and upgrades it with digital scoring systems, entertaining mini-games and a screen that records your best moments throughout the session.

What is Roxy Ball Room like in Manchester?

Roxy Ball Room at the Arndale is Manchester's most varied activity bar — the closest thing the city has to a one-stop games venue. Beer pong, bowling, crazy pool (a hybrid of pool and mini golf), table tennis, shuffleboard and basketball are all available across the space, making it the strongest choice for groups who can't agree on a single activity.

Where can I play retro arcade games in Manchester bars?

NQ64 in the Northern Quarter is the most dedicated retro arcade bar in the city — a Northern Quarter institution with a full library of classic arcade machines and consoles, all free to play with a drink purchase.

Do you need to book games bars in Manchester in advance?

It depends on the venue and format. High-tech activity bars (Electric Shuffle, Black Cat Club, Immersive Gamebox) all operate a booking system — you reserve a session or pod in advance, and walk-ins are rarely possible on busy evenings or weekends.