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 Cat Cafe issues lengthy response to anti-industry statement
Danny Jones
Manchester’s soon-to-return Cat Cafe has shared a lengthy statement responding to the recent suggestion made by leading animal charities that their particular line of business should become a thing of the past.
Cat Cafe Manchester (CCM) closed its city centre premises back in January 2021 like so many others suffering from the post-pandemic struggle, but there are still several other feline-focused coffee shops and similar set-ups located up and down the country.
With that in mind and after the Manchester location announced a comeback later this year – in a prime location on Deansgate, no less – the discussion surrounding the niche industry has turned to issues regarding animal rights, welfare and overall quality of life.
However, rather than simply firing back at the likes of the RSPCA and Cats Protection over their concerns and belief that these venues should be “phased out”, the company has come out to agree with their overarching point whilst still assuring that their sites “are different”.
As you can see in an extensive reply, the brand begins by writing: “We are in strong agreement that there needs to be more regulation in the industry, as we believe many cafes are operating in manners that are harmful to cats.”
They detail how they don’t support ventures that operate by simply piggybacking on vital animal rescue procedures, citing that around 90% of the UK’s cat cafes simply ship prospective pets in and out, creating a stressful environment for its furry residents.
In contrast, Cat Cafe MCR go on to insist that “cats in our cafes are pedigree, as they are best suited to an indoor-only environment [as opposed to rescues who often benefit from outdoor time], and they are bred for temperament, meaning our cats need a lot of attention from people, and also enjoy the company of other cats.
“Our cafes have windows for natural light and there is plenty of space off the cafe floor for cats to get away from customers. They are provided with enough resources spread out throughout a very large building to reduce any competitive behaviour. Our cats are never ever kept in cages – as is the case in some Cat Cafes.”
CCM also explained how the behaviour of their in-house cats is analysed weekly, adding that “if we feel any cat in our cafe is not happy and is showing signs of stress, we would immediately remove them from the environment.”
Besides the obvious soothing quality of the experience for regular customers, cafes like theirs and the canine equivalent CuppaPug in Salford are extremely helpful in providing animal-assisted therapy for people struggling with mental health conditions and those categorised as neurodiverse.
Cat Cafe drew their response to a close by inviting both of the charities in question to work with them in creating new guidelines and strict rules when it comes to animal welfare in these spaces.
They concluded by declaring that not only are they “incredibly difficult to run responsibly” when done properly but that “Cat Cafes are not all the same, and they should not be opened without serious thought and consideration for the cats’ welfare.”
We are still unclear as to when exactly Cat Cafe Manchester will reopen but all we know is that the team will be as dedicated to providing an enjoyable experience for both the animals and visitors when it does.
Shoppers fume as Lipton Ice Tea axes ‘best’ flavour
Daisy Jackson
Another day, another heartbreaking discontinued brand – and this time it’s Lipton Ice Tea letting us down.
The popular soft drink company announced yesterday that one of its best-selling flavours, which many fans argue is its best flavour full stop, will soon cease to exist.
There are a lot of unhappy ice tea fans out there today…
Lipton Ice Tea broke the news yesterday that its Peach flavoured drink is being discontinued, and gave absolutely no logical reasoning for it.
The summer staple, perfect poolside drink, hangover cure, sweet and fruity fix in a bottle, is leaving our fridges.
They wrote in a post titled ‘Rest in Peach’: “You may have heard that our iconic Peach Lipton Ice Tea flavour is getting discontinued. We know – it hurts (sorry if we’ve ruined your go-to afternoon chill bev).”
Lipton Ice Tea then continued: “But don’t worry, the rest of your faves are still here to keep you refreshed.
“And who knows? Maybe one day, Peach will make a legendary comeback. We appreciate your understanding during this period of adjustment and apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
One gutted fan commented: “how tf does a company discontinue arguably it’s best seller.”
Another said: “This is like Coca Cola discontinuing Coke.”
Someone else wrote: “PLEASE tell me this is a joke don’t play with my emotions like this xxx”
And one person said: “Please rethink this decision im going to throw up.”
On TikTok, someone said: “With Lipton Peach Iced Tea gone, a part of me feels lost. It was a comforting escape in this hectic world, and now every empty shelf reminds me of the void it’s left behind.”
Daisy Jackson -
3rd August 2023 
