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.
New pie shop with Indian-inspired fillings opens at Greater Manchester train station
Emily Sergeant
At long last, Patel’s Pies – the proper pie shop with Indian-inspired fillings – has got its very own site, and we couldn’t be happier about it.
The business is already a familiar name (to the blue half of the city, of course) thanks to its matchday spot outside the Etihad Stadium, but now, Patel’s Pies will be serving its delicious savoury bakes to the people of the Heatons too – with its brand-new pie shop now opene at Heaton Chapel train station.
Here you’ll find their legendary curry pies with homemade pastry – filled with the likes of keema, butter chicken, and beef madras.
You can grab hot and cold pies to take away, all setting you back an affordable £5.95 each.
Patel’s Pies is now open at Heaton Chapel train station / Credit: The Manc Group
From 11am-2pm, you can also get your hands on the lunch deal, which is any pie, masala mash, spiced mushy peas, and gunpowder gravy.
Patel’s Pies has teamed up with Manc legends Gooey, so you can grab the bakery’s famous cookies and doughnuts here too.
There’ll also be local beers and canned drinks up for grabs.
All pies will set you back an affordable £5.95 each / Credit: The Manc Group
Inside, the shop keeps things traditional, complete with classic pie warmers on the counter and hand-painted signage by Cactus Sign Painting, giving the space the feel of a proper old-school pie shop with a modern twist.
Announcing the new venture, Steve, the owner of Patel’s Pies has said: “We’d love for you to come down, say hello, and support our new venture. It’s our very first day, so please bear with us as we get settled in, we can’t wait to serve you all.”
Patel’s Pies is open now at Heaton Chapel Train Station on Tatton Road South.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
Eats
Trendy Ancoats wine bar Blossom Street Social to close after six years
Emily Sergeant
Trendy neighbourhood wine bar Blossom Street Social has announced its closure after nearly seven years serving the Ancoats community.
Blossom Street Social first opened its doors back in 2019, just months before the country – and the res of the world – was plunged into the COVID-19 lockdowns, but despite all the challenges during the early days, this wine bar went on to become a true staple of Ancoats life – hosting events, exhibitions, wine tastings, and everything in between.
But now, the owners have had to make the heartbreaking decision to close, saying they’ve ‘danced our last dance, played our last record, and poured our last glass of wine in Ancoats.’
Announcing the news in a statement to social media this week, Blossom Street Social said: “Blossom Street Social closes its doors after six and a half years at the heart of the Ancoats community.
Blossom Street Social has announced its closure after six years / Credit: The Manc Group
“When we opened in 2019, just months before the world changed forever, we couldn’t possibly have imagined the journey ahead. Through lockdowns, uncertainty and everything that followed, we somehow managed to build something that became far more than a wine bar.
“Wine was always at the heart of what we did, but so were the conversations, the music, the art and the community that grew around it.
“We’ve hosted tastings, exhibitions, launches, celebrations, social sessions and countless memorable nights. We’ve introduced people to wines they’d never tried before, watched friendships form and shared in some truly special moments.
“We’ve watched first dates become engagements, engagements become marriages, and couples return with babies in tow. We’ve celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, new homes and countless milestones alongside you. We’ve shared conversations, laughter, music and moments that mattered from our little corner of Ancoats. We will never forget them.”
The team then went on to thank ‘every customer, artist, DJ, supplier, collaborator and friend’ who became part of their story.
The owners also gave a special thank you to the staff members who stayed ‘to the very end’ and ‘showed up when it was hard’, admitting that they couldn’t have done it without them all.
Daisy Jackson -
3rd August 2023 
