Level up your fun at the 6 best arcades in Birmingham
On a rainy Saturday afternoon, I found myself yearning for a bit of fun that didn’t involve another Netflix marathon or mindlessly scrolling through my phone.
I wanted something more lively, something that could bring out my competitive spirit and maybe even stir up some fond memories.
That’s when it hit me: arcades! Bright lights, game tokens, and the thrilling buzz of winning a game—what’s not to love?
So I started searching for the best arcades in Birmingham and was pleasantly surprised by how many cool spots I discovered. From vintage classics to modern VR games, here are my top picks that have made my weekend even more fun lately.
1. NQ64 Arcade Bar
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Website: http://www.nq64.co.uk/birmingham
Address: The Custard Factory, Gibb St, Deritend
Contact: +44 121 461 7898
Hours: Monday to Wednesday: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM | Thursday: 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM | Friday: 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM | Saturday: 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM | Sunday: 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Pricing: Free
NQ64 is like a paradise for retro gamers and a great date idea in Birmingham. The fact that you can enter for free and get 20 gaming tokens for just £10 pleased me.
Try classic games on arcade machines and retro consoles, such as Street Fighter, Space Invaders, and Guitar Hero. Most of them only cost 1 or 2 tokens.
I couldn’t help but try their fun cocktails with game themes. The Mad Max Zombie’s citrus and rum kick stole the show. I also enjoyed their neon-lit decor that transports you back to the ‘80s.
Even better, they have a great deal where you can buy a gaming and drinks combo for just £20, which is ideal for groups. It comes with 20 tokens and two drinks.
Pro Tip:
Arrive around 8 PM on Saturdays to grab a themed cocktail and secure a table near the retro consoles before they get busy.
2. Belong Birmingham
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Website: https://thefort.co.uk/shops/belong/
Address: Unit F2, The Fort Shopping Park, Inside Sports Direct Unit F2, The Fort Shopping Park, 20 Fort Pkwy
Contact: +0343 909 2177
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM | Sunday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
Belong Birmingham at the Fort Shopping Park perfectly combines the nostalgic vibes of retro arcades with the excitement of modern esports.
It features 24 excellent gaming stations, each equipped with a high-end PC, an Xbox One S, and PlayStation consoles, along with comfy GT Omega racing chairs. It’s the ultimate spot for everything from casual gaming to intense tournaments.
Pay-to-play is also available for just £5 per hour, or you can opt for a £10 all-day pass.
I went there with friends and loved how the neon-lit atmosphere felt like a true gaming haven. The best part is that they also host esports competitions and community parties that bring energy even on quieter days.
Pro Tip:
Stations are usually priced hourly, starting at about £2 per hour. For maximum value, combine peak and off-peak hours: hit the peak for the thrill, then stick around into off-peak to extend gameplay at reduced cost. Staff here are gamers too! They often suggest the hottest sessions, so don’t be shy and ask for what’s popular or upcoming.
3. Funstation
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Website: http://funstationuk.com/
Address: Star City Leisure Park, 32 Watson Rd, Nechells
Contact: +44 121 667 7550
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM | Friday: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM | Saturday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM | Sunday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: £
Funstation offers immersive VR and all your favourite fairground games, all in one place.
With free entry and a cashless FunCard system, you can quickly immerse yourself in nostalgic classics like Air Hockey and Milk Jug Toss. You can also use the Typhoon Simulator to get your heart racing.
I like playing those classic video games by tapping my card, then exchanging my prize points for a quirky gift at the counter.
Additionally, for just £14.99 per person, they offer a VIP party package. It includes a 50-minute play session, a ride on the Route 66 dodgems, and a hundred reward points.
Pro Tip:
Load your FunCard during £10 Tuesdays to get the best value. A £15 top-up typically gives you around 100 extra tokens, so you can make the most of your fun.
4. Meetspace VR
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Website: https://www.meetspacevr.co.uk/
Address: Unit 1, Park Regis, 158 Broad St
Contact: +44 800 088 6911
Hours: Wednesday to Friday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: £
Meetspace VR features spacious, free-roam arenas and Zero Latency technology, providing an incredible experience.
They use immersive gun controllers and wireless headsets. This allows you to run, stroll, and even duck your way through exciting games like sci-fi missions or zombie survival.
A VR Quest Arena session costs £20 per adult, and each game typically lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. Game masters will brief you beforehand, so you won’t be unsure of what to do.
I instantly found myself gripping the virtual rifle in their zombie survival game, my hands were trembling with surprise and excitement. And while you wait, you can chill in their lounge area, which has Nintendo Switch games and refreshments.
Pro Tip:
Tell them if there’s something special you’re celebrating! They occasionally give you a VIP upgrade or include extra photo prints from your gameplay experiences as a surprise.
5. F1 Arcade
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Website: https://f1arcade.com/uk/birmingham
Address: 2 Chamberlain Square
Contact: +44 121 227 4010
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: £
F1 Arcade Birmingham is a truly unique entertainment destination in Chamberlain Square, combining the thrill of competitive racing with stylish dining.
With 53 full-motion racing simulators, this immersive venue offers players a variety of gaming modes. This includes flying solo, racing with family, or challenging friends in a group.
With their Ghost Mode features, it’s about as close as you can come to having a real Grand Prix indoors. The elegant restaurant and bar area, serving global cuisine-inspired dishes and signature cocktails, contributes to the upscale atmosphere.
What’s even more exciting are their social packages. These include live race screenings, a winners’ podium, and exclusive gaming rooms.
Pro Tip:
To take advantage of quieter racing sessions and improve your chances of placing top in the lap rankings, choose to schedule during the middle of the week.
6. Lane7
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Website: https://lane7.com/venue/birmingham-the-cube/
Address: The Cube, Lane7 Level 6, Wharfside St
Contact: +44 121 289 5395
Hours: Monday to Tuesday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM | Wednesday to Thursday: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM | Friday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM | Saturday to Sunday: 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Pricing: £
Located inside The Cube, Lane7 is not your typical arcade; it’s a lively mix of retro games and boutique bowling. Alongside the classic arcade machines, you’ll find beer pong, darts, shuffleboard, and even a round of crazy golf.
The dim lighting and industrial-chic decor create a trendy nightlife vibe. I gave their augmented reality darts a shot and was instantly hooked. It’s like classic darts with a contemporary twist.
Additionally, Lane7 is an excellent venue for birthday celebrations and business gatherings, as it also offers private rental areas. You can also enjoy delectable street cuisine and cocktails while playing there.
Pro Tip:
Weekdays from 4 PM to 7 PM are usually quieter. It’s the best time for spontaneous games or even complimentary karaoke.