Keen revellers made their way to Union Street last night for the grand opening of Aberdeen’s new retro arcade bar.
Arcadia Bar and Games will be opening on Friday evening, putting a retro video-gaming twist on Aberdeen’s bar scene.
Located at 120 Union Street, in the newly renovated Espionage building, the two levels of fun host giant screens, skee ball, pool and countless retro games.
The offering includes classics such as Space Invaders, Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution, Asteroids, Street Fighter, Boxer and Sega Golden Gun.
Many of the games are in their original condition and require specialists to maintain them due to their old age.
Organisers told The Press and Journal that the retro offering has already caused enthusiasts to get in touch looking to organise tournaments for their favourite games.
Student nights out are also in the pipeline, but the owners are keen to stress there is fun for people of all ages at the venue.
Who is behind Arcadia?
Arcadia is owned by the Codona family. They received inspiration for the idea after seeing similar venues in New York and Chicago but said they wanted to “take it up a level” for Aberdeen.
Jack and Alfred Codona said: “Competitive socialising has really taken off in the UK.
“Every major city now has something quite similar. We have done stuff like this for years but this really takes it forward.”
The over 18s venue has undergone a total renovation over the past few months, with local artist Craig Fisher handed full control to spraypaint the building.
He was helped by other local artists Stallan and Reckless. Together they used over 550 cans of spray paint to decorate the venue – which are displayed as PacMan tribute art.
Architect of the redesign Andy Baxter said he was “delighted” to see the building finally completed.
The venue has been designed to be completely cashless with personal contactless cards being provided to all customers.
Each game costs £1 to pay.
Still having fun despite ‘being rubbish’ at games
Becky Tate and her friends Kai Tate, Laura Calder and Leanne Cathcart all came along to the opening despite not being gamers themselves.
They spoke to The Press and Journal while enjoying a game of pool.
Ms Calder said: “I am not into video games at all since I am rubbish but I am really enjoying this place so far.”
Kai said: “I have been to a similar place in Edinburgh called NQ64 but this one is much better.”
Becky said: “There is a great selection of drinks and reasonably priced too.”
The two levels of the venue each have a bar and seating area to enjoy with drinks and Big Manny’s Pizza.
‘Arcadia adds something to this end of Union Street’
Other revellers joining in on the fun were more regular gamers.
Craig Maciver went along with his friends Euan Rolland and Andrew McGettigan. They quickly got stuck into a game that involved punching a boxing bag to get points.
Previously they have attended the similar arcade bar 3 Mad Hatters which opened in October and features Scotland’s largest ball pit.
Mr Maciver said: “This place is similar to 3 Mad Hatters, but it’s more prominent and adds something to this end of Union Street.
“We already have Lane 7 but it’s tiny and it’s nice to have Big Manny’s Pizza on tap.”
The bar has worked closely with local vendors to create a decked-out service including bespoke cocktails curated by 10 Dollar Shake and Fierce Beer IPAs on draught.
Arcadia project brought to life by ‘huge’ team
Gillian Gallan, general manager of Aarcadia Bar and Games, said: “This has been a
huge project to bring to life and we couldn’t have done it without the collaboration of
local artists, mixologists and vendors.
“We hope that we can help to be part of the reinvigoration of Union Street that many have been hoping for.”
The opening times will be from 12am to 12pm Sunday to Thursday, and 12am to 2am Friday and Saturday.
To get involved, follow Arcadia on its website, Facebook or Instagram.
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