NEW BAR WITH CLASSIC ARCADE GAMES AIMS TO BOOST ABERDEEN’S UNION STREET

The first retro arcade games bar in Aberdeen is due to open at the start of next year.

The launch of Arcade Bar & Gamesat the site of the former Espionage Nightclub represents a £1m-plus investment on Union Street.

The venue has been inspired by popular ‘barcade’ sites in the United States. Work on the site has already commenced and the design and fit-out is being led by award-winning architects, Nicoll Russell Studios.

The interior of the venture will include more than 50 retro video games, pool tables, two bars and one-of-a-kind murals from local street artists.

The expertly curated drinks offering will include an innovative themed cocktail list, a selection of beers, spirits and non or low-alcohol options.

The games offering will include old favourites such as Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Defender, Mario Kart and Dancing Stage in a two-storey site that has a capacity for 350.

The venue, situated on Aberdeen’s main street between Belmont Street and Back Wynd, will also have, basketball, shuffleboard, skee ball and air hockey. Around 30 full and part-time jobs will be created.

Jack Codona, operations manager of Arcade Bar & Games, said: “We’re excited to be opening the first arcade bar in Aberdeen. It’s great to bring a new concept which combines cocktails, beer and retro games to the city.

Opening early next year, work on bringing an unused building back to life is currently ongoing. We’ll have pinball machines and pool as well as a host of arcade games, including many classic favourites from the past.  It’s going to be a bar and entertainment destination with urban street feels.”

The investment was welcomed by Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, the city centre’s Business Improvement Bid organisation that represents over 800 businesses.

He said: “It’s great news that we have a brand new concept coming to the city centre. The arcade bar will bring an unused building back to life and will complement the other night-time businesses within the city centre. We look forward to the opening.”

The new venture would like to support the local business community as much as possible. The extensive cocktail and food menus will be released shortly and will include many local food and drinks suppliers.  Arcade Bar & Games will also be realising further details about the types of games that will be on offer ahead of its opening in the New Year.