Ready, Player One? Arcade Bar NQ64 launches in Glasgow

NQ64 – the neon-lit retro arcade bar brand that’s taking the UK by storm is coming to Glasgow this spring.  

Opening in Merchant Square, the showstopping new underground gaming and drinking den will be a hit with fun-lovers seeking a memorable night out. Transformations are well underfoot and the NQ64 trademark style promises to deliver an immersive experience for their guests. 

Taking over the former Distrikt club on Bell Street,  the late-night basement venue will be an adult-only playground complete with a multitude of gaming experiences, craft beers and game-themed cocktails – including strawberry gin-based Pacs a Punch and the fiery, rum-heavy Mad Max. 

Ahead of their opening, a host of talented artists are dedicating hours to create eye-catching street art on their ceilings and walls to reflect NQ64’s signature vibe. 

Purveyors of retro gaming, NQ64 brings together the nostalgic video games of your childhood with classic arcades and consoles to boot, all sourced from across the globe. Why not bring back your best Hadouken moves and take on your mates with the likes of Street Fighter, Tekken or Mortal Kombat.  Or have a button-bashing go on classic consoles including SNES, MegaDrive, Gamecube and PlayStation. There’s also a heap of fan favourites to get stuck into including Pac-Man, Mario Kart, Guitar Hero, Time Crisis and Point Blank. 

Bringing a new energy to Glasgow’s entertainment landscape, entry is free with NQ64’s retro arcades and pinball machines operating on tokens which can be bought from the bar, while their games consoles are all free to play.

Handpicking Glasgow as their next location – their second in Scotland, owners behind the successful brand plan to open more across the UK this year. They currently operate over six locations including Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Cardiff and recently opened Edinburgh which launched in August 2021. 

NQ64’s founder, Matt Robson, said:

“Glasgow has always been on our radar. We’ve been looking for the perfect NQ64 location since we decided the grow the brand back in 2019. 

“We can’t wait to share our venue with guests looking for a different night out.

“We’re working hard on a new drinks offering and a couple of other surprises for the Glasgow launch.”