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.
‘Manchester’s best lunch deal’ that’s only available for two hours a day
Daisy Jackson
There’s a cafe in the centre of Manchester that’s had queues all the way down the street thanks to its incredible value lunch deal.
Although it’s been in Spring Gardens for two years now, Meridian has remained one of Manchester’s best-kept secrets online, thanks to its decision to stay totally off social media until recently.
That hasn’t stopped the queues though, and they’re all here for the same thing – a loaded £5.80 lunch box.
Tucked away just off Market Street, Meridian is an unassuming cafe operated by founder Dan.
It’s much more than a coffee shop, with a menu of Asian fusion dishes served in the cafe, as well as for grab-and-go lunches.
The lunch boxes start from just £5.80, which gets you a box absolutely packed to the brim with delicious Chinese and South East Asian items.
You start off with a base of either egg rice fried, chips, or noodles; then lash on a sauce like Malaysian curry, Thai sweet chilli, or satay.
Meridian in ManchesterThe Meridian lunch boxes in Manchester
As for the toppings, there’s a massive list including popcorn salt n chilli chicken, Japanese gyozas, roasted pork ribs, tofu bites, and crispy spicy beef.
Plans officially submitted for ‘vibrant’ new food hall in Wythenshawe
Emily Sergeant
Are you feeling hungry? Good, because a new food hall is on the horizon.
That’s right – plans to transform Wythenshawe Civic have taken another exciting leap forward this week, as Manchester City Council and placemaker Muse have submitted a planning application to bring a brand-new food hall to the town.
Set to be housed within the three units next to the former Peacocks store – which has now been demolished – the new food hall will become a ‘vibrant’ destination for independent and local food vendors to attract people with ‘delicious and diverse’ offerings.
Developers also hope the new food hall will keep the suburban Manchester town’s centre ‘bustling’ throughout the day and into the evening.
The announcement that the new food hall is in the works comes as part of the already-announced plans for Wythenshawe Civic – with work to soon begin on everything from the public realm, and outside space, to the vacant office space above the existing Iceland-store, which will also be transformed into modern new workspace to support local start-ups and bring new jobs into the town centre.
Developers also recently submitted three separate applications to create 422 new affordable homes for social rent across three locations in the town centre.
“Listening to local people over the last year and more, we know that Wythenshawe residents want more from their town centre – more things to do, opportunities to spend time in Civic and night time attractions that give the area a lift and attract visitors,” commented Cllr Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council.
“This is the drive behind the Culture Hub. A place for local people with an interest in the arts to take part in creative activities, see a show or enjoy the cinema space – right in the heart of their community.
“This is another exciting chapter in the transformation of Wythenshawe Town Centre.”
Joel Chandler, who is the Senior Development Manager at Muse, added that developers are ‘moving at pace’ with plans to give the town centre the ‘regeneration it deserves’.
“The food hall will be a hive for a range of local outlets and will provide new spaces for the community to spend time in and give the town’s nighttime economy a major boost.”
Daisy Jackson -
3rd August 2023 
