Retro arcade and bar coming to Union Street

It could create up 30 jobs in the city

Published 4th Oct 2022

Aberdeen's first retro arcade and bar is set to open early next year.

It's located in the old Espionage nightclub building, between Back Wynd and Belmont Street.

It could create as many as 30 jobs in the city, with the building boasting a capacity of up to 350.

More than 50 retro arcade games will be playable, including old favourites such as Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Defender, Mario Kart and Dancing Stage.

There will also be pool tables, basketball, shuffleboard, skee ball and air hockey.

Jack Codona, Operations Manager of Arcade Bar & Games, said: "We’re excited to be opening the first arcade bar in Aberdeen.

Operations Manager Jack Codona

"It’s great to bring a new concept which combines cocktails, beer and retro games to the city.

"Opening early next year, work on bringing an unused building back to life is currently ongoing.

"We’ll have pinball machines and pool as well as a host of arcade games, including many classic favourites from the past.

"It’s going to be a bar and entertainment destination with an urban street feel."

The investment was welcomed by Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, the city centre’s Business Improvement Bid organisation that represents over 800 businesses.

He said: "It’s great news that we have a brand new concept coming to the city centre.

"The arcade bar will bring an unused building back to life and will complement the other night-time businesses within the city centre. We look forward to the opening."

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