It's 'game over' for boring nights out, as we've rounded up the ultimate list of the best arcade bars in the UK. Swap pints at the pub for giant interactive race tracks, retro machines installed with 1000s of games, VR experiences and a bunch of throwback activities. You'll also be able to get your hands on cocktails and some incredible food like quirky pizzas or loaded burgers.
Last edited by Izzah Kazi
Last updated on 7th May 2024
Four Quarters is one of the best arcades in the UK for adults, with sites in Bristol and London's Peckham, as well as Newcastle. Its northern outpost consists of classic gaming consoles and retro machines for a super nostalgic night out. The quirky pizza menu is full of surprises, with toppings featuring green pesto, pulled pork and bourbon infused mayo.
Enter a virtual world with Play at Pins in Cardiff. Aside from some mega driving games and old-school machines, making it one of the best retro arcade bars in the UK, the main event is the interactive bowling alley. It's taken the lane-based sport we know and love, and combined it with a virtual escape room. They also have drink offers that involve free cocktails...
Lane7 in Sheffield is sticking to the basics as one of the best indoor arcades in the UK. There's no bells and whistles or out-there menu items, just good old-fashioned machines and gaming tables from ping pong to shuffleboard. And if competitive nights out tend to make you extra thirsty, you'll be pleased to know they serve cocktails by the stein. There's more fun on the cards in Durham and Edinburgh.
Home to London's one and only all-year-round ice rink and plenty more up its sleeve, QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl is a wonderland of adult-friendly fun. It also champions 12 neon-lit bowling lanes and one of the best video game arcades in the UK. Heads up: don't leave without tasting some of the filthy fried delights courtesy of MEATliquor.
Gutterball Alley in the West Midlands is home to a top retro arcade in the UK. Refamiliarise yourself with games you haven't seen in years, from coin machines to whack 'n' win. There's also bowling, karaoke, VR and a roller rink for some serious throwback vibes. Cocktails and burgers reign supreme.
Game geeks in Manchester are going to want to pay 1UP a visit. Thanks to arcade and pinball machines aplenty, you won't know where to start. Electronics more your thing? There are consoles installed with all your favourite two-player games. Top it off with a themed cocktail and something from the chicken-dedicated menu that also has vegan options.
Sports fans of Birmingham should be racing to F1® Arcade: the world's first official Formula 1® simulation bar. Through cutting-edge tech, their full-motion simulators are as close as you'll get to driving like Lewis Hamilton. Get fully immersed in the action, with cocktails and tacos waiting for you at the pit stop. You can also satisfy your need for speed in London.
Looking for a place to let loose and have some fun? Say hello to Carousel Leeds, a unique bar that has all the latest and greatest in interactive games, including shuffleboard, interactive darts, Quickdraw shooting simulator and fabulous karaoke rooms. And if that's not enough, they also have an incredible arcade that combines family favourites with brand-new, state-of-the-art tech games to make your experience even more thrilling.
As one of the best free arcades in the UK, ArCains is a must-visit if you ever find yourself in Liverpool. With machines that don't require coins to activate, there's hours of fun to be had while trying to beat your high score. Eats include nachos, pizza and Pic'n'Mix. Looking for a sugar rush that also involves a bit of booze? There are two bars whipping up cocktails, too.
Inspired by the vintage arcade bars of UK pleasure beaches, Penny Lane has brought true childhood nostalgia to Nottingham. Enter the fun zone for ski ball, air hockey, claw machines and donkey derby, to name a few. There's even an old-school whipped ice cream machine and hot dogs to really round off your trip back in time to the 90s seaside.
One of the best amusement arcades in the UK lies within fun-loving bar The Four Thieves. Retro games include Time Crisis, Point Blank and even Dance Dance Revolution. You'll also find a VR station, as well as a huge interactive race track. Break off to the gin garden between rounds and refuel on daring pizzas topped with duck, calamari and everything in between.
The World's End in Brighton is undeniably one of the best seaside arcades in the UK. For starters, there's over 1000 free-to-play console games to choose from, plus limited-edition beers to sip on while you wait for your turn. But the main event has to be the giant interactive race track, where your movements on the steering wheel correspond with your own mini electric car.
Glasgow's trendy activity bar Level X is a great excuse to get the friend group together for some competitive play. With bowling, golf, VR experiences and arcade games for two, you can bond with your mates while having a blast. There's also a site in Middlesbrough if you find yourself further south and in need of a rematch.
Birmingham's NQ64 is throwing things back in a major way with some of the best arcade machines in the UK. Big names include Mortal Kombat, Space invaders, Street Fighter and Guitar Hero. Pinball and old-school consoles are also ready to be played, and there are some super crazy cocktails to try while you wait for your turn. Fun can also be had in Cardiff and London's Shoreditch.
