NQ64 Arcade Bar - Peter Street, Deansgate

Walking into this fluorescent-bathed basement feels like stepping into a cyberpunk fever dream circa 1987. The walls pulse with graffiti-style neon art while the constant symphony of bleeps, bloops, and quarter-dropping creates the perfect soundtrack for serious drinking. You'll find yourself nursing a expertly-made cocktail while getting genuinely competitive over Street Fighter II or losing hours to Pac-Man. The drinks menu takes gaming references seriously without being gimmicky – think quality spirits with playful names rather than sugary nonsense. Weekend afternoons draw the casual crowd, but evenings transform the space into something more electric. Fair warning: the combination of good booze and nostalgic gaming can turn a quick drink into an all-nighter faster than you can say 'game over'.