Retro gaming bar in Newcastle – inside NQ64 on Pilgrim Street

By Ania Askwith

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NQ64, 82 Pilgrim St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6SG

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Best for: arcade games, retro games, cocktails, night out in Newcastle

What Is NQ64?

If you love arcade games, great cocktails, and nostalgia, then NQ64 Newcastle may just become your new favourite place. Right in the city centre, this neon-lit bar is full of retro arcade machines, classic consoles, and a seriously cool drinks menu (if you like a good cocktail – their menu will blow your mind! SOOOO good).

We popped in last week to try this place, and here’s everything you need to know before heading to NQ64 Newcastle!

What can you play at NQ64 Newcastle?

This isn’t your average bar—NQ64 is all about the games. Expect a mix of classic arcades, retro consoles, and pinball machines, all set to an epic soundtrack of throwback tunes. I loved that they played old-school alternative pop – some of the songs I have not heard for absolute years, it really added to the fun of the night.

What’s on the NQ64 drinks menu?

It is a gaming bar, but one thing that sets NQ64 apart is its gaming-inspired cocktail menu, which isn’t just playful names– they actually have some of the tastiest concoctions I have tasted.

We went for:

• Peach on the Beach – the taste of blood orange in this was delish. And the cream on top. It was stunning.
• Mountain Doom – matcha, tequila, mountain dew. I have not seen a better combo in a cocktail. It was UNREAL.
• No Uka Uka (mocktail) – fruity and quite summery.
• Hits from the Pong (mocktail) – another fruity one, but could be taken for a cocktail. Really grown-up flavours.

I expected the cocktails to be a bit of an afterthought since it is primarily a gaming bar, but even if you don’t fancy a game – I’d come here for the drinks alone. So, so good! And the presentation of them all was stunning too. Super creative.

What to expect at NQ64 Newcastle and is it worth visiting?

• Games run on tokens available from the bar.
• Great atmosphere. Dark, moody, and covered in neon graffiti.
• Packed with classic gaming nostalgia – there is so much choice.
• Amazing background music.

If you love retro gaming, cool cocktails, and a bar that’s different from the usual Newcastle nightlife, then NQ64 is a must-visit. You don’t have to be a die-hard arcade fan (I am not and I had the best night!), it’s got something for everyone.

Location

NQ64 is located at 82 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6SG. As it’s right in the city centre, you’re right next to Monument Station and not far from Central Station. We park in the Dean Street car park and walk up.

Tips for Visiting

• Do you need to book NQ64 in advance? Nope! Just walk in. We went on a Friday evening, the place was full but not overcrowded, and we never had to wait to play what we wanted.
• How much do tokens cost at NQ64? Token prices vary, but you can buy them in bundles at the bar.
• Can you go to NQ64 just for drinks? Yes! You don’t have to play games if you just fancy a cocktail or two. And they are so worth popping in for. I will be back for the tequila and mountain dew one FOR SURE!!
• Is NQ64 a good date night spot? 100%! It’s fun, interactive, and the tokens go a long way too.
• You can book a Table Area, Semi-Private Spaces if you’re a big group and want something a bit more special, and even an Exclusive Hire of the entire place with all the games to yourselves, and even your own DJ.
• They have all the games you can think of! You can play everything from Tetris and Tekken 5 to Mario Kart and Mortal Kombat, and my fave of them all – the car racing games which for the first time in my life I actually won. It was a one-off, and we were back to normal in the next round, but still. I take it, ha.
• Opening Hours are
• Monday – Friday: 4pm – 2am
• Saturday: 12pm – 2am
• Sunday: 12pm – 1am
• Entry is free, but games require tokens. There are also some free games too.

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