The video game bar has been taking the UK by storm, and Leeds is finally about to get a taste.
Avid gamer? Love a good drink? Seeking a nostalgia hit? If you answered yes to any of those, you’re sure to have a whale of a time at Leeds’ newest gaming bar, NQ64. The past five years has seen them open 13 sites nationwide, and this week marks the opening of their long-awaited Leeds venue. Who’s game?
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“NQ64 started off as a ‘solution’ to fill a small empty unit which wasn’t being utilised much down an alleyway in Northern Quarter Manchester,” co-owner Matt Robson told us. “We filled it with retro arcade machines and games consoles, created a gaming-themed cocktail menu, and people went wild for it!”
So, why was Leeds next on their list? Matt and the team have actually been looking for a number of years now, but with a lack of opportunities available, it just wasn’t on the cards. Following a number of various research trips, they eventually settled upon the former Manahatta on Merrion Street.
And the venue is a far cry from what it used to be. They’ve got their signature UV graffiti plastered on the walls – the artists were given guidance and they really went to town. They’ve utilised the cavernous space of the building, giving guests a space to explore and find pockets of fun round hidden corners.
When it comes to games, they’ve got them in spades. You can lay down high scores on Pac-Man, sharpen your shooting game with Basketball or riff out on Guitar Hero. Matt’s favourite? It has to be Tapper, where you serve beers and clear glasses to an ever-growing crowd of punters – he discovered it at New York City’s Barcade.
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But the fun doesn’t stop there, oh no. The video game-themed cocktail menu is sure to level up your night with a whole load of signature concoctions to slurp. They refresh their offering twice a year, and their expert bar staff are always on the lookout for new drink trends.
Take the Powerstar Martini, for example. Crafted by General Manager Rory Bourke, it’s a twist on the classic Pornstar Martini, heady with Absolut vodka, passionfruit, vanilla, raspberry, mango and even Pink Hooch. The recipe’s been refined over time to ensure optimum deliciousness.
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And to eat? Their other venues have seen them collaborate with tasty food operators, like Nanny Bills Burgers in Shoreditch and Manchester’s iconic Crazy Pedros. They recognise that food isn’t their speciality, so they like to partner with passionate and established brands – they’re still looking for the same in Leeds, so watch this space.
So, there you have it! If you’re still not sold, let Matt himself tell you why you should come down. “We’ve put a lot of effort into what we’re doing so hopefully it’s a great experience. We don’t take ourselves too seriously but try to do things right. If you’re up for a bit of fun and something slightly different then you should come, if you’re not, then don’t!”. We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
NQ64, 11 Merrion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PG.
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