The most recent addition to Pilgrim Street’s vibrant and ever-changing bar scene is NQ64, on the site of what was, most recently, Intermezzo. NQ64 is a first for Newcastle, the latest in a chain of arcade bars across the UK, and the concept is as simple and appealing as it sounds: get served drinks while you lose yourself in old school arcade and console games.
Entering NQ64 on what was a very hot and bright day was quite a shock, but once your eyes adjust to the intense fluoro décor and very welcome air-conditioning, it’s an impressive set-up. The busy, well-stocked bar takes up one side, booth seating another and the rest of the venue is given over to all manner of games.
Whether you’re into old-skool pinball (the Ghostbusters pinball sucked up most of our tokens), enjoy strapping yourself into motor-racing games or love challenging your mates to a dance-off, NQ64 has you covered. The machines take one or two tokens (available in batches of 15 for £8, bought from the bar), while the consoles are free provided you buy a drink. There’s a full list of games on their website.
NQ64 pays as much attention to the bar as the games, with a creative range of uniquely curated arcade-theme cocktails – from Sweet Fighter to Pacs A Punch and even Donkey Kolada (many of which look amazing under the UV lighting). Classic cocktails are available on request and there’s a long list of beers on tap or cans / bottles, as well all the soft drinks you’d expect. All this and a soundtrack of all the finest old-skool hip-hop and R&B.
NQ64 does have a fairly loose dress code (basically smart / casual and no trackies or sports shorts) and admission is for 18+ only. They don’t take bookings but private hire is possible.
So if your idea of a great way to spend an evening is to settle in with a cocktail, a pile of tokens and a classic video game (and why wouldn't it be?), then NQ64 is exactly what you've been waiting for.
