Retro arcade · Shoreditch
NQ64, Shoreditch
- Free entry Sunday to Thursday; £5–£10 door charge Friday and Saturday.
- Tokens from £10.50 for 15, or £14 for 25.
- Classic consoles are free to play, no tokens needed.
- Open until 2 or 3am most nights.
What is NQ64?
NQ64 is a retro games arcade bar: a room full of classic arcade cabinets and consoles alongside a cocktail bar. Shoreditch is one of several UK NQ64 sites, on Old Street.
Most nights carry no cover charge at all, which sets it apart from most venues in this set. The cost is entirely in how much you play.
How does it work?
Arcade cabinets run on a token system: buy a bundle of tokens on arrival, then spend them on whichever machines you want, at 1 or 2 tokens per play depending on the game. Classic consoles set up around the venue don't need tokens at all.
NQ64 also runs themed and student arcade nights on some weeknights, ticketed through Fever or Eventbrite, which bundle in a handful of free tokens and cheaper drinks.
How much does it cost?
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Entry, Sun–Thu | Free |
| Entry, Fri–Sat | £5 to £10 on the door |
| 15 tokens | £10.50 |
| 25 tokens | £14 |
| Classic consoles | Free to play |
Most arcade cabinets take 1 or 2 tokens per play; consoles don't need tokens. Verified September 2026.
How much does it cost to get into NQ64, Shoreditch?
Free Sunday to Thursday. £5 to £10 on the door Friday and Saturday.
What is the food and drink like?
NQ64 runs as a cocktail bar first, with a full drinks list; it's not set up as a food venue. Student nights add discounted drinks from £3.50.
How do you get there?
Get directions on Google Maps ↗
256–260 Old Street, EC1V 9DD. A short walk from Old Street station.
How do you book?
No booking is needed for regular entry; it's a walk-in venue. For themed and student arcade nights, tickets are sold through Fever or Eventbrite ahead of the date.
Common questions
- Who is NQ64, Shoreditch good for?
- Our ratings: dates 5/5, groups of friends 5/5, work socials with colleagues 3/5, families with kids 1/5. Best for dates and groups of friends: Free entry Sunday to Thursday, just walk in. Least suited to families with kids: A late-night cocktail bar, not a kids' arcade.
- When is the best time to go to NQ64, Shoreditch?
- Best late night (5/5): Open until 2am, 3am at weekends. Then after work 4/5, weekend afternoons (Saturday or Sunday) 3/5, weekday daytime 1/5.
- Do I have to pay to get in?
- Entry is free Sunday to Thursday. Friday and Saturday carry a £5 to £10 door charge.
- How does the token system work?
- Arcade cabinets take 1 or 2 tokens per play, bought in bundles of 15 for £10.50 or 25 for £14. Classic consoles are free to play without tokens.
- Is there a cheaper way in?
- NQ64 runs student-focused arcade nights on some weeknights, with 5 tokens included in the ticket price and drinks from £3.50.
- Do I need to book?
- It's a walk-in venue; booking isn't required for general entry.
- Where is it?
- 256-260 Old Street, EC1V 9DD, close to Old Street station.
Who's it for?
NQ64, Shoreditch is best for dates and friends, and best late at night.
Group
- Date★★★★★Free entry Sunday to Thursday, just walk in
- With friends★★★★★Retro cabinets and free-to-play consoles
- Work social★★★★★Walk-in only; no group bookings listed
- Family★★★★★A late-night cocktail bar, not a kids' arcade
Best time
- Weekday daytime★★★★★Doesn't open until 3pm on weekdays
- Weekend afternoon★★★★★Opens noon Saturday, 11am Sunday
- After work★★★★★No door charge Sunday to Thursday
- Late night★★★★★Open until 2am, 3am at weekends
Our rating, based on price, age rules, group sizes and opening hours.
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