It’s rare for families to come away from an arcade feeling like they actually got their money’s worth, but not if they visit the Arcade Club.
Tucked away down a side street in Bury, the place is spread over four floors inside Ela Mill and is actually Europe’s largest video arcade.
Since opening in 2015, the air conditioned club has become a sanctuary for gamers and nostalgia seekers alike and is often packed with players of every age.
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There are hundreds of retro and modern machines for visitors to enjoy – with everything from Pac-Man and Space Invaders to Donkey Kong and Sega Rally and kids can play their modern favourites like Fortnite and Rocket League.
There are games spread over four floors (Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
The place extends its opening hours during school holidays and recently welcomed some new additions which have been causing quite a stir.
“The biggest thing we’ve been shouting about is what we’ve dubbed the Summer of OutRun,” said the club’s Dan Butt.
“We’ve brought together an eight-player Sega Outrun 2 SP Super Deluxe setup alongside the original OutRun Deluxe, which as far as we’re aware has never been displayed side-by-side on this scale before. It’s gone down incredibly well and the feedback from visitors has been fantastic.”
The giant Japanese train driving simulator for ages 16 plus (Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
He added: “On top of that, we’ve just taken delivery of a massive shipment of brand new Japanese arcade games, so there are now 30 plus new titles spread across the venue’s four floors.
“One that’s been getting loads of attention is a giant Japanese train driving simulator that’s had everyone in stitches trying to master it. Even regular visitors are finding loads they’ve never played before, so there’s plenty that’s new to discover.”
The beauty of the attraction is that it costs just £10 for kids (up to the age of 15) to play on as much as they want for as long as they want. For 16s and over it’s £18, but you can just go in as a spectator without having to pay. If you have a Blue Light Card or a student card, entry is also reduced to £10.
There are sofas dotted about for those who aren’t playing, as well as a bar on the second floor with tables and a cafe on the third floor selling a range of food and drink.
The menu is reasonably priced too, with 11 inch stone baked pizzas from £4.95, burgers and hot dogs from £3.95 and nachos from £2.95.
There’s loads of food and drink available including large slushies for £3 (Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
We featured Arcade Club Bury a couple of years back when we reported how it had been attracting quite some attention on the film and TV circuit.
It played a key part in the Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire movie with two of its machines – Star Castle and Missile Command – featuring in it after they were requested for the set to add an authentic touch of the 80s.
And the club was also chosen as a major filming location for the hit Netflix show Fool Me Once, starring Michelle Keegan.
During the school holidays Arcade Club Bury opens 11am to 11pm on Thursday, 11am to midnight on Friday (adults only after 6pm), 11am to 11pm on Saturday and 11am to 8pm on Sunday. It also opens on bank holidays.
There are so many games to choose from and kids get unlimited play for £10 (Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
It costs £10 for kids aged five to 15 to play all day long. Under fives are free but must be included on the booking. If adults want to play too it’s £18 per adult, or £46 for a family of two adults and two kids. For more information, or to book tickets, visit the website here.
The giant Japanese train driving simulator is in the adults-only room, which is for ages 16 plus. The room also features pool tables, pinball machines, a bar and more.