A new retro arcade bar has announced it is taking over a popular nightclub in Bristol city centre. UK bar chain NQ64 will be opening at the former site of Opa Luxury Hall, a former Greek restaurant and late-night bar on Baldwin Street.
NQ64 has grown from its original site in Manchester’s Northern Quarter to nine retro gaming bars across the UK, having first been founded in 2019. There are two more venues confirmed to open later this year in Shoreditch and Bristol having secured funding to roll out in more UK cities, Business Live reports.
The new Bristol bar is set to open in July and will host around 300 people, making it one of the largest capacity venues along the street. Although Bristol has a smaller arcade bar on Park Street, NQ64 claims to be the first immersive arcade bar experience of its kind in the South West, decorated in the company's signature neon style.
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Matt Robson, NQ64 co-founder said: "I love Bristol, it’s a mega city! I have conducted some thorough research of its vibrant hospitality scene, and I can’t wait to be part of it. I hope that we will bring a fun different offering to the city, but that’s for Bristol to decide!”
NQ64 Bristol will house consoles from the 90s and early 00s as well as an amazing array of retro arcade games going back even further. Guests will enjoy a hit of nostalgia spending an evening playing their childhood favourites, including Time Crisis, Pac-Man, Guitar Hero, Street Fighter, and loads more.
Alongside the games, the adult-only venue boasts a strong drinks offering, including game-themed cocktails like the Powerstar Martini - a twist on a passionfruit martini - Dr Ro Bev Nik (a cherry Old Fashioned) and the Aku Aku Fruit Punch, inspired by Crash Bandicoot. There will be an extended offering of beers, wines, sodas, and retro snacks like Pot Noodles and Space Raiders.
It is not clear when Opa closed down, but its Google listing now reads permanently closed. An application was received by Bristol City Council on proposals to erect a neon sign outside of the building in February 2023.
NQ64 will open seven days a week, from 4pm-2am on weekdays, from 12 noon to 2am on Saturdays and Sundays. It will be for over 18s only - with a launch date confirmed in due course.
14-16 Baldwin Street, Bristol BS1 1SE. https://nq64.co.uk/
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