NQ64, the bar that’s packed with retro arcade games and themed cocktails, has got a new home – and it’s big.
The much-loved arcade bar has shifted over from its original site in a Tib Street basement to a brand new location… in a Tib Street basement.
NQ64 hasn’t moved far – it’s taken on the former Dive bar site next door, complete with its huge outdoor terrace.
Here there’s much more room for activities, from free-play retro consoles to classic arcade games to competitive simulations like Guitar Hero – hidden in its own alcove behind plastic curtains- and dance mats.
Now that it’s four times the size, the new super-sized NQ64 has space for 350 people inside.
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It’s also crammed in plenty of new games, from basketball shooting hoops, a giant Game Boy built into the walls, plus Pac Man, Street Fighter, Time Crisis and more.
You can even find a tiny hidden nook beneath the stairs, with a cosy couch and a Super Nintendo plugged in ready to go. The sign above the door warns ‘mind your head, no fingering’. Classic.
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The walls and floor throughout the huge new space are again splattered with neon paint that glows under the black light (as do your teeth and t-shirts) and glowing murals.
Arcade games at NQ64’s new site in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupA hidden gaming cubby at NQ64’s new site in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupArcade games at NQ64’s new site in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
For the first time, you can order pizzas from Crazy Pedro’s next door, and tuck in while you show off your Super Mario skills.
There are gaming-themed cocktails too, like the Power Star Martini, a twist on a passionfruit martini; the Dr Ro Bev Nik, a cherry Old Fashioned; and the Kong Island Iced Tea, inspired by Donkey Kong.
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On the terrace there are Hooch slushies, boozy ice pops, and supersized cocktails.
Matt Robson, director at NQ64, said: “Moving our OG was initially a tough decision to make, the venue has a very special place in our hearts, but this opportunity was too good to turn down.
Boozy ice pops on the new NQ64 terrace. Credit: The Manc GroupSupersized cocktails on the new NQ64 terrace. Credit: The Manc GroupSupersized cocktails on the new NQ64 terrace. Credit: The Manc Group
“I’m now falling in love with the new location, we’ve created a mad space station outdoor terrace to complement a mega basement space.
“The team have pulled it out the bag, with an upgraded drinks offering to compliment what is probably our best game selection to date.
“It’s time to show it off to Manchester now and hopefully you guys love it like I do, see you at the bar!”
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NQ64’s new bar is now open on Tib Street in Manchester. Tokens for the retro arcade machines are just £8 for 15, whilst consoles continue to be free to play.
First look inside Social Osteria, Stockport’s buzzy new Italian restaurant
Lydia Mastrolonardo
That’s right Stopfordians – we’re gaining yet another brand new addition to our town’s blooming food and drink scene, as Social Osteria opens its doors at Weir Mill.
It’s safe to say we’re in good hands, with the geniuses behind The Social Trattoria, named best Trattoria at the Italian Awards UK 2025, being the ones to bring this new taste of Italy to South Manchester.
Just because we are no longer experiencing the weather to match an Italian summer, doesn’t mean we can’t continue eating like we’re there.
Social Osteria can now be found overlooking the River Mersey, as a beautiful 2,000 sq ft space within the buzzing new canalside development, fully equipped with the classic exposed red brickwork, vaulted ceilings and even the restored original kiln.
As you approach the restaurant, you are greeted by a sunken courtyard and riverside seating, making for the perfect alfresco dining spot, when the warmer weather finally rolls back around.
With the meaning of Osteria being an Italian tavern, for locals to gather and enjoy each other’s company, good wine and honest, flavourful food – the team have stayed true to the name. You can expect dim, ambient lighting, an open kitchen, fresh small plates, flavourful 48-hour pizzas, and traditional pasta.
Vibrant dishes at Social Osteria in Stockport. Credit: The Manc Group
This glamorous new restaurant is promising a spectacular menu, from cacio e pepe butter beans to guanciale topped pizzas and their very own slow-cooked beef shin and pork shoulder paccheri ragu, you know we’re in the right place.
With Italian food running in the family, the team’s cooking practices are rooted in traditional methods, passed down through the generations and then presented to us, with the freshest of ingredients.
It suits Capital&Centric, who’ve taken the same approach to Weir Mill itself – embracing the character of the historic mill whilst transforming it into a vibrant community, for generations to come.
Inside Social Osteria at Weir Mill. Credit: The Manc Group
Set below Stockport’s iconic viaduct, the £60m neighbourhood is now home to 253 apartments alongside bustling cafés, wine bars and stunning restaurants akin to Social Osteria, accompanied by plenty of outdoor seating, green spaces, and riverside viewpoints.
Where Osteria Social now calls home is part of Stockport’s £1 billion Town Centre West masterplan, adding to the town’s growing reputation as one of the best locations to live in the UK.
Social Osteria will officially open Thursday 22 October, at Weir Mill. Be sure to book your tables early as we fear this one might get a little booked up.
Traitors star and comedian Joe Lycett is putting cash behind the bar at two Manchester pubs
Daisy Jackson
Comedian Joe Lycett is putting money behind the bar at two Manchester pubs this week, as he continues to encourage people to get out and support their local boozers.
The TV favourite – who is also currently one of the stars on The Traitors – announced the news as he bid farewell to his fictional TV pub The Lycett Arms.
On the show, he said: “There are 45,000 pubs in the UK – go and give them some love.”
Joe Lycett then proceeded to list 30 brilliant pubs up and down the country, including two in Manchester, and announced that the drinks are on him this week.
He told audiences: “[This] Friday I’ll be putting a little bit of money behind the bar in all the pubs you’ve just seen. I hope you can have a drink on me.”
The pubs he picked out in Manchester are the iconic old boozer The Peveril of the Peak, and the excellent pub and comedy venue The Old Monkey.
The Peveril of the Peak on Great Bridgewater Street is a real icon in the city centre, with its green tiled exterior and its cosy interiors.
Until recently, it was run by legendary local landlady Nancy Swanick, who died in July at the age of 96.
The Peveril of the Peak pub in ManchesterInside The Pev
Commenting on Joe Lycett’s post about his pub offer, they wrote: “You are all more than welcome at The Pev. Give me a shout and I will sort you out with a pie, Joe.”
The Old Monkey, meanwhile, is famed for its comedy nights run by Trapdoor Comedy Club, and for its open mic sessions, as well as award-winning beers.
The Portland Street pub has also very kindly agreed to match Joe Lycett’s donation, which means double the budget for pints for Mancs.
Daisy Jackson -
3rd August 2023 
