NQ64, Bristol

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Blackthorn _ left this review about NQ64

Recently opened on the site of a former Greek restaurant, and before that a couple of unmemorable late night bars, this is now about as different as it’s possible to get from it’s previous incarnation. The restaurant was quite unusual, being fitted out with whitewashed stone walls and murals depicting seascapes, it really was quite unique and almost gave you the feeling that you were in a Greek taverna. Now, even the pub’s own website describes it as a “neon splattered drinking den full of retro arcade games and classic consoles”. That pretty much sums it up, although dark and dingy might be an alternative description.

It's set across two levels, one being a few steps down from street level and the other a few steps up. The bar counter is located on the lower level, but other than that, the décor, if that’s what you can call it, is similar throughout. Gaming machines are clearly the USP here as mentioned, and although I didn’t inspect them closely, there appeared to be a good selection with old arcade games, driving simulators, pinball machines, more modern games with large wall mounted screens and karaoke booths. The music was far too loud, lighting levels were very low and the fluorescent paint that was liberally sprayed around glowed prominently under the UV lights. The flooring was some sort of concrete screed, whilst the paintwork was all black. Other fittings were very industrial such as some sort of corrugated sheeting cladding the bar counter and bare steel joists. There were, I suppose, one or two interesting murals, but other than that it’s difficult to find much to say about the design which is positive.

Predictably there were no real ales on tap, although they did have Beavertown’s Neck Oil and Gamma Ray on keg, along with their own “8-bit hazy pale ale”. The solitary cider meanwhile was Orchard Thieves. This is barely a pub, more of an amusement arcade with a bar, but you can go in and just have a pint which is what we (very quickly) did. On the plus side, the barmaid was pleasant and friendly, although the cynic in me might think that was because when I was presented with the card machine to pay I first had to select a percentage tip to add on, although fortunately there was a no tip option. Best avoided, unless you want to have a go on some of the games machines.

On 3^rd September 2023 - rating: 2
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