First starting out in Manchester, NQ64 is an arcade bar filled with old skool retro game consoles. Last week I had the chance to visit their latest venue at their launch event in Liverpool. [ invited ] Hidden away in the old Aloha basement, on Colquitt Street, NQ64 is the ultimate spot for some serious childhood nostalgia.
The Games
Retro games aren’t something that I’m incredibly knowledgeable about but I definitely have a few favourites. As a late 90s baby, when I think of the game consoles I used to have I think of Singstar on my PS2 and busting shapes on my dance mat with my friends. So when I spotted Dance Dance Revolution in the corner of the venue I was ready to get my groove on.
Despite being a trained dancer, I have to admit I was actually pretty terrible at the routines. Heeled boots weren’t exactly the ideal shoes for dancing to Steps’ 5,6,7,8. But it was a lot of fun dancing along, and was actually a bit of a workout!
After a quick lap around the arcade, I spotted an old favourite of mine tucked away in its own little area…Guitar Hero. I definitely still have Guitar Hero somewhere in my house but it somehow felt more exciting finding it in the arcade. It was kind of like how you know when a film that you love (and probably have on DVD somewhere) comes on TV one evening and it just feels more exciting watching it then than it would on your own copy? (…surely I’m not the only person who thinks this).
Anyway, I ended up spending most of the evening playing along to some classic tracks from the game. Think Reptilla by The Strokes and Rock and Roll All Nite by Kiss. It actually got me thinking that maybe I should try and fish out the game at home…
The Drinks
If you thought that retro games were the main drawing point to NQ64 then you’d be wrong. The drinks are equally as amazing! They have an extensive list of different cocktails, each with their own retro-game name. I ended up going for the Blanka which was a tequila based cocktail. I’ll always go for a bitter/sour cocktail over a sweet fruity one and this definitely hit the spot. Looking at the ingredients, it had a lot of similarities to a favourite of mine; a whiskey sour. So I thought it might be tequila’s answer to it.
I also had one of my go-to drinks which was a Floris beer. I’m sure you’ll already know about my love of fruity beers (they’ve become a bit of a regular feature on here) so it’s to be expected! There’s a great range of other bottled beers as well as a pilsner and Camden Hells on draught.
One of my favourite design features of the venue was the unique bar-top. The entire bar had a layer of tokens (that you use to play the arcade games) across the top of it. Such a cool bit of decor right?
Have you visited either of the NQ64 branches yet? Do you have anything similar to it near you? Let me know in the comments. And make sure to tell me what your favourite retro games were!
Female Original
Read next: Life in Liverpool: Jimmy’s.
October 2, 2019
Looks like a lot of fun! Love those retro games. Throwback!❤️
October 3, 2019
It was a great evening! So many good retro games x
October 2, 2019
The design of that bar top is amazing! This sounds like a great place! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
October 3, 2019
Isn’t it fab! It’s such a cool concept – definitely worth a visit next time you’re in Liverpool! x
October 2, 2019
This place looks so fun! I love the ceiling designs! I’ve spent more time than I care to think about playing those type of dancing games. Dance dance revolution for the win!
October 9, 2019
I loved how original the decor was – so different to anywhere else in Liverpool! x
October 3, 2019
Dance Dance Revolution & Pac-Man will ALWAYS be my favs!!! Sounds like such a lovely night out, and those drinks look yum x
October 7, 2019
Oooh Pac-man is a classic! It was a great evening 🙂 x
October 5, 2019
Ahh I’ve seen this place all over instagram, I had no idea it was where Aloha used to be.
Great post xxx
October 7, 2019
As much as I’ll miss Aloha’s pina coladas in a pineapple, the cocktails in NQ64 are amazing! The whole concept is great 🙂 x
October 5, 2019
This looks like such a fun place to go to. I love old arcade games. If I ever get to Liverpool, this will be one of the first places I go to!
October 7, 2019
It’s so different to anything else in Liverpool – such a great venue x
October 7, 2019
wow this looks amazing and so instagrammable, might have to visit for a photo shoot!x
FATIMAH • ROSEYGOLDBOX
October 9, 2019
It’s a great little place! Definitely unique in it’s decor as well 🙂 x
October 8, 2019
wow wow wow this place is amazing! I adore the fluorescent walls and the old school video games<33
Cate // 35mminstyle
October 10, 2019
It’s so groovy isn’t it! I feel like you could have a full night out in there x
October 11, 2019
Wow! love all the pics and this looks like so much fun!
Manon
http://www.bonditobasic.com
October 21, 2019
It’s such a great little venue! x
October 11, 2019
Ah I haven’t visited the one in Liverpool yet but been to the one in Manchester and loved it! Retro games and beer? What’s not to love ?
October 21, 2019
I’ll have to visit the Manchester venue at some point! x
October 15, 2019
My sister and I went to this adult arcade last year and our city and it was so much fun! As a 90s kid, I can appreciate the revival of old school video games. It was fun playing the street fighter games I played as a teenager ? having tasty food and a fruity cocktail made that nostalgic evening feel like a girl’s night out. Sonic the Hedgehog is my favorite game to play. Thanks for sharing your experience???
Natonya | https://justnatonya.wordpress.com
October 18, 2019
Oh wow that sounds fab! Agreed! Having a cocktail to go with the arcade games made it feel like a proper night out 🙂 x