Categories > Guides and Tips
Top 15 Must-visit Gaming Cafes in Manchester
Playing video games at home has been the staple go-to activity that every Mancunian can rely on when they have some free time on their hands. It’s even easier to play with friends all around the world because of online connectivity.
However, there’s something about going to a gaming cafe with your actual friends that makes the experience much more special. Luckily for you, there are tons of gaming cafes in Manchester to visit.
Which ones are the best? Check out our top 15 list that you should definitely visit!
Loading Bar Manchester
Address: 294 Barlow Moor Rd, Manchester M21 8HA, United Kingdom
Website: https://loading.bar/
Contact Details: +44 161 400 2196
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday 12–11 PM
- Wednesday 12–11 PM
- Thursday 12–11 PM
- Friday 12 PM–12 AM
- Saturday 12 PM–12 AM
- Sunday 2–9 PM
- Monday Closed
If you’re looking for a cosy gaming bar in Manchester where you can hang out with your buddies, then the Loading Bar is an excellent choice! Here, you’ll find various classic NIntendo games!
In fact, The Loading Bar prides itself in providing one of the best Nintendo experiences. These range from machines that date back to the 80s, and there are also other more modern consoles like the Nintendo Wii and Switch that you can play.
Aside from their Nintendo game library, you can also expect arcades like the original Street Fighter, post-apocalyptic themed games, and a ton of Playstation classics to play!
Pro tip
Aside from gaming, you can also stay tuned to their disco schedules where you can dance with your friends and meet new people who love to game as well! This place is basically the best avenue to meet your fellow gamers— especially Nintendo fans!
NQ64 Manchester
Address: 9 Short St, Manchester M4 1AA, United Kingdom
Website: https://nq64.co.uk/
Contact Details: +44 28 4348 2137
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday 4 PM–2 AM
- Wednesday 4 PM–2 AM
- Thursday 4 PM–2 AM
- Friday 4 PM–2 AM
- Saturday 12 PM–2 AM
- Sunday 12 PM–1 AM
- Monday 4 PM–2 AM
The best thing about NQ64 is it fully embraces the gaming theme. What’s more, it takes everything to the next level by adding numerous arcade machines with classic games.
Unlike other Manchester arcade bars that focus mainly on retro games, NQ64 includes games from the early 2000s as well. Alongside classics like Mortal Kombat and The Simpson Arcade, you can also play Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero!
Pro tip
If you’re 18 or older, you can enjoy alcoholic drinks such as beer and margaritas. Just remember to drink responsibly as this establishment is still ‘kid-friendly’ (kids activities manchester) with neon lights and video games throughout.
Arcade Club
Address: Ela Mill, Cork St, Bury BL9 7BW, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.arcadeclub.co.uk/bury/
Contact Details: +441614649796
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, Closed
- Wednesday, Closed
- Thursday, 4–11 PM
- Friday, 6 PM–12 AM
- Saturday, 11 AM–11 PM
- Sunday, 11 AM–8 PM
- Monday, Closed
Arcade Club is perfect for family fun or a nostalgic weekend getaway. With over 300 classic and modern machines, you can relive the 80s and 90s with games like Mario, Donkey Kong, Pacman, and Sonic.
They also have imported modern games suitable for children and teens, but I recommend introducing them to the games we enjoyed back in the day.
Don’t forget to enjoy some delicious food like pizza (halal pizza manchester), burgers, nachos, and hot dogs while conquering boss fights or completing levels.
Pro tip
Make sure to plan your visit during weekdays or earlier in the day on weekends to avoid larger crowds. This will give you more time and space to fully enjoy the wide variety of arcade games available.
17 Below
Address: 17 Bow Ln, Manchester M2 4FW, United Kingdom
Website: goo.gl/maps/mQhjKk7chjtvW2v19http://www.17below.com/
Contact Details: N/A
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, Closed
- Wednesday – 05:00 – 23:00
- Thursday – 05:00 – 23:00
- Friday – 17:00 – 01:00
- Saturday – 17:00 – 01:00
- Sunday, Closed
- Monday, Closed
While there are a few arcade machines around, the 17 Below gaming cafe in Manchester is a haven for those who love to play pool (infinity pool manchester)!
There are other gaming hubs like pinball machines and arcade games, but pool is their go-to play where people can simply flock and enjoy a good time!
This hidden gem in the city centre is a paradise for pool players. If you’re not into the pool, don’t worry, you can also enjoy their delicious menu like cocktails, barbecue chicken wings, and smoothie drinks!
They play fantastic retro tunes, serve amazing cocktails and a unique selection of craft beers in cans. Plus, you can enjoy free retro arcade games!
Pro tip
Upon entering the arcade, proceed to the reception area of 17 Below. Here, you’ll present your pre-purchased tickets or buy them if you haven’t already. The staff will guide you through the check-in process.
Pixel Bar Manchester
Address: 10 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1DH, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.pixel-bar.co.uk/manchester
Contact Details: +44 7916 030597
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday 4 PM–1 AM
- Wednesday 4 PM–1 AM
- Thursday 4 PM–1 AM
- Friday 4 PM–3 AM
- Saturday 12 PM–3 AM
- Sunday 12 PM–1 AM
- Monday 4 PM–1 AM
Are you looking for a gaming-themed cocktail bar (best cocktail bars manchester)? Then you’ve come to the right place at the Pixel Bar Manchester!
Here, you can drink with your friends while enjoying the Nintendo and video-game themed bar that has iconic characters like Pokemon and Mario everywhere!
Down to their logo, this place has retro all over it! Instead of the obnoxious party music and loud rap tracks, you’ll instead listen to classic and retro 8-bit to 32-bit music from franchises like Metroid, Earthbound, and of course, Pokemon which has a lot of great official music.
If you’re the odd man out from a group of friends who love video games, then you’re in luck because the Pixel Bar also has sports channels to watch while drinking!
Pro tip
Based on experience, I’ve had to bring both gamers and sports enthusiasts to have a good time. The best game to try out are the sports games like FIFA and 2K which are a mix of both worlds if you have friends with diverse tastes in video games.
Dog Bowl
Address: 57 Whitworth St W, Manchester M1 5WW, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.manchesterbars.com/dogbowl.htm
Contact Details: +44 161 228 2888
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday 12 PM–12 AM
- Wednesday 12 PM–12 AM
- Thursday 12 PM–12 AM
- Friday 12 PM–2 AM
- Saturday 12 PM–2 AM
- Sunday 12 PM–12 AM
- Monday 12 PM–12 AM
Dog Bowl in Manchester is an awesome arcade place that you should check out. It’s not just a bowling alley, as the name suggests, but it also has a fantastic arcade centre.
Don’t be fooled by its name, though! It’s actually a very impressive gaming bar in Manchester you and your mates should visit if you’re into amazing retro and party games.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of arcade machines they have there—there’s even a cool 3D version of Pacman! There are also live console games like the PS5 and Xbox Series X with a wide selection of games–that means more fun for everyone!
Pro tip
Among all the options on our list, Dog Bowl has the top food menu. Try out their chicken burger with coleslaw and their affordable cocktails in flavours like cherry and bubblegum. It’s definitely worth a taste!
Fab Café
Address: 109 Portland St, Manchester M1 6DN, United Kingdom
Website: http://www.fabcafe.co.uk/
Contact Details: +441612122997
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday 4 PM–2 AM
- Wednesday 4 PM–2 AM
- Thursday 4 PM–2 AM
- Friday 4 PM–3 AM
- Saturday 4 PM–3 AM
- Sunday 4–11 PM
- Monday 4 PM–2 AM
If you’re looking for a cool arcade experience in Manchester, check out Fab Cafe. It’s perfect for college students and people in their late 20s to 30s. But in our books, what sets this place apart is its combination of video games and a movie-themed restaurant and bar.
You can play old-school games like Mario Kart and Contra while checking out cool movie memorabilia like signed posters and photos. Plus, they have a great selection of drinks at the bar, so you can have a fun time with your family, friends, or significant other!
Pro tip
If you enjoy cosplaying, join their ‘Geek Night’ where you can dress up as your favourite comic book character. This event takes place periodically, so you can join whenever you happen to come across it!
Goodtime Games
Address: Goodtime Games, 212 Burton Rd, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 2LW, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.goodtimegames.co.uk/
Contact Details: +441614450175
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday Closed
- Wednesday 5–10 PM
- Thursday 5–10 PM
- Friday 5–10:30 PM
- Saturday 10:30 AM–10:30 PM
- Sunday 10:30 AM–10 PM
- Monday 5–10 PM
Goodtime Games definitely lives up to its name for giving you a heck of a fun time when visiting there. There is just about everything available to play right off the get-go, from arcade games to party board games.
That’s right, you can sit back and relax while enjoying a few classic board games like Catan and Monopoly, while still having video game options like Mario Kart and Donkey Kong.
Out of all the gaming bars in Manchester, this place feels the cosiest, with its warm lights and a lounge area that you can even bring your kids to!
Pro tip
While it’s great to play familiar games, don’t hesitate to try something new during your visit. Goodtime Games often has unique or lesser-known games available, which can provide exciting and refreshing experiences.
Roxy Ball Room Manchester Deansgate
Address: 76-78 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2FN, United Kingdom
Website: https://roxyleisure.co.uk/location/manchester-deansgate/
Contact Details: +44 161 696 5300
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday 4 PM–1 AM
- Wednesday 4 PM–1 AM
- Thursday 3 PM–1 AM
- Friday 12 PM–2 AM
- Saturday 12 PM–2 AM
- Sunday 1 PM–12 AM
- Monday 4 PM–1 AM
On top of the amazing gaming catalogue of both older and newer titles, Roxy Ball Room’s amazing aesthetics is what makes the whole gaming cafe pop unlike any other.
When it comes to gaming, you can pretty much expect everything— and we mean, everything— that’s in the books. Think: beer pong, Shuffleboard, and their unique Roxy Golf game!
If you want to try out a unique place with great ambience, the Roxy Ball Room is the best place for you!
Pro tip
The Roxy Ball Room can be quite popular, especially during peak hours and weekends. To secure your spot and avoid waiting in line, it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance.
7Sins Northern Quarter
Address: 43-45 Lever St, Manchester M1 1FN, United Kingdom
Website: https://7sins.co.uk/
Contact Details: +44 161 806 0054
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday 3–11 PM
- Wednesday 3–11 PM
- Thursday 3–11 PM
- Friday 2 PM–2 AM
- Saturday 12 PM–2 AM
- Sunday 1–11 PM
- Monday 3–11 PM
There’s more to 7Sins at the Northern Quarter than its already amazing gaming hub. You can definitely play their shuffleboard and pool tables, and you can also play some arcade games while you’re at it.
But what’s even better at 7Sins is their live shows that go from a lively concert into an exciting fire stage show.
There’s plenty to look forward to every night, and you can expect a wild time while also going back to comfort and playing their board, arcade, and party games!
Pro tip
7Sins is known for its creative and unique cocktail menu. Take the opportunity to try out their signature drinks like Tequila and Vodka lineups that have unique combinations if you want to spice things up!
DNA VR Manchester
Address: 30 Brown St, Manchester M2 1DH, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 20 3475 8083
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday 2:40–9 PM
- Wednesday 2:40–9 PM
- Thursday 2:40–9 PM
- Friday 1:20–10:40 PM
- Saturday 10:20 AM–10:40 PM
- Sunday 10:20 AM–9:20 PM
- Monday 2:40–9 PM
DNA VR is a massive hub for virtual reality gaming. It combines top-notch VR technology with a cafe or restaurant setting, allowing players to dive into immersive experiences of shooters, horror, and action games.
If you’re new to VR, you wear a headset to see the gameplay and use controllers to interact with the game world. It’s an incredible way to enjoy gaming like never before!
Pro tip
Do you have dizziness problems? If so, skip this one. You can still hang out with your mates here and enjoy the delicious food and amazing music that they play every hour!
Flight Club
Address: Ship Canal House, 98 King St, Manchester M2 4WU, United Kingdom
Website: https://flightclubdarts.com/
Contact Details: +44 161 537 7250
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday 11:30 AM–12 AM
- Wednesday 11:30 AM–12 AM
- Thursday 11:30 AM–12 AM
- Friday 11:30 AM–1 AM
- Saturday 11 AM–1 AM
- Sunday 11:30 AM–12 AM
- Monday 11:30 AM–12 AM
No, it’s not Fight Club and we can definitely talk about this one! Okay, on a more serious note, Flight Club is a dedicated dart club that’s inside an amazingly ambient and well-lit room for friends and family to enjoy.
It might not have arcade or party board games, but the club does curate a series of competitions with awesome prizes.
So if you’re into darts or want to start playing, you should stop right by and give this unique gaming bar a try!
Pro tip
Flight Club has friendly and knowledgeable Social Darts Hosts who can assist you throughout your visit. Don’t hesitate to ask them for tips, guidance, or any questions you may have.
Twenty Twenty Two
Address: The Basement, Little Lever St, Manchester M1 1EZ, United Kingdom
Website: https://twentytwentytwo.co.uk/
Contact Details: +44 (0)161 237 9360
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday 4 PM–1 AM
- Wednesday 4 PM–1 AM
- Thursday 4 PM–1 AM
- Friday 4 PM–4 AM
- Saturday 1 PM–4 AM
- Sunday 4 PM–1 AM
- Monday 4 PM–1 AM
If you enjoy ping pong, billiards, beer, and arcade machines, then head to Twenty Twenty Two for a fantastic time! This arcade offers a wide selection of classic and modern games, as well as a variety of board, party, and indoor sports games like ping pong.
With its kegs of beer and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s a great place to have fun with friends. Plus, the venue stays lively even during daylight hours!
Pro tip
At Twenty Twenty Two, you can enjoy beer pong on the table tennis tables and even make friends with strangers. Overall, it’s a great way to have fun and socialise.
Sixes Social Cricket
Address: The Corn Exchange, New Cathedral St, Manchester M4 3TR, United Kingdom
Website: https://sixescricket.com/en-US
Contact Details: +442045312000
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, 4–11 PM
- Wednesday, 12–11 PM
- Thursday, 12–11 PM
- Friday, 12 PM–12 AM
- Saturday, 10 AM–12 AM
- Sunday, 10 AM–10 PM
- Monday, 4–11 PM
If you live outside India or Pakistan, chances are, you’ve probably never watched a game of cricket before. And I don’t blame you at all, it’s such a long and complicated sport to digest.
But one thing’s for sure, however, and that is the game is incredibly fun to play. Oh brother, if only there is some way to streamline the sport and make it accessible in Manchester— wouldn’t that be something?
Well, you’re in luck, because the Sixes Social Cricket is a gaming bar that allows you to play an easier version of cricket with friends and family.
On top of its unique niche, you can also buy drinks and eat food which makes this place a dedicated bar or hub for those who enjoy cricket or want to try the sport out for the first time.
Pro tip
While Sixes Social Cricket provides the cricket balls and stumps, it’s recommended to bring your own cricket gear, such as bats and gloves. This way, you can have a personalized experience with equipment you’re comfortable using.
Lane 7
Address: Unit 3, 235 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN, United Kingdom
Website: https://lane7.co.uk/venues/manchester-deansgate/
Contact Details: +44 161 510 0034
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday 3 PM–12 AM
- Wednesday 3 PM–12 AM
- Thursday 3 PM–12 AM
- Friday 11 AM–1 AM
- Saturday 11 AM–1 AM
- Sunday 11 AM–12 AM
- Monday 3 PM–12 AM
Lane 7 is a fantastic gaming bar in Deansgate with a game for everyone! From classic arcade games to bowling and ping pong, there’s never a dull moment.
It’s the perfect spot to have a blast with friends or family and enjoy a variety of exciting games.The bar area is lively, with a great selection of drinks and delicious food options to keep you fueled while you play.
The staff are friendly and accommodating, creating a welcoming environment where you can relax and have a good time.
Pro tip
Lane 7 offers a diverse range of games, so don’t limit yourself to just one. Take the opportunity to try different games like arcade classics, bowling, ping pong, or any other offerings available.
