What started as one man’s love for arcade games has grown into Europe’s biggest free-play arcade experience - a place where nostalgia, fun, and gaming history come together under one roof (or rather, several floors of them!).
From retro favourites to modern showstoppers, Arcade Club brings people together to relive gaming’s golden eras and discover something new.
Arcade Club began with founder Andy Palmer and his personal collection of just 30 arcade machines. Tucked away in the back of the family computer shop, it quickly became more than a local curiosity. Word spread, and people started traveling from across the region just to play the machines. Visitors would come from near and far to immerse themselves in the machines, enjoy a chat, play games for hours - and probably enjoy a cup of tea, too!
Interest grew fast. The collection moved to a warehouse in Haslingden, where over 100 machines filled a cosy underground space. Soon journalists and even the BBC’s Inside Out were knocking on the door. Arcade Club had officially made its debut!
In 2015, we moved into the top floor of Ela Mill in Bury, a stunning Victorian mill packed with history — the perfect setting for a growing collection of arcade legends. With more room than ever, we added bigger, bolder cabinets, a gaming-themed lounge, and hot food and drinks to keep players fuelled.
By 2017, Floor 2 opened, doubling the fun with dedicated spaces for tournaments and events, PC and multiplayer gaming areas, expanded rhythm, fighting, and pinball zones, and a massive 185” broadcast stage for live events.
Today, we occupy all four floors of Ela Mill. Each level offers something unique, from retro cabinets and imported rarities to modern multiplayer experiences. The ground floor even has a dedicated adults-only area, perfect for a nostalgic night out.
We take pride in maintaining, restoring, and preserving our classic machines so they look, sound, and play just as they did when they were first built. Each cabinet is carefully looked after, with the original screens and components kept in place whenever possible, letting players experience the games exactly as they were meant to be played.
Arcade Club isn’t just in Bury. We wanted to share the magic beyond Manchester. In 2019, we opened a second venue in Kirkstall, Leeds, and in 2022, we launched a third site in Blackpool, embracing the town’s seaside arcade heritage.
Every Arcade Club venue has its own distinct vibe, shaped by the building, its layout, and the games inside. From the industrial charm of Ela Mill, to the characterful Leeds space, to the seaside energy of Blackpool, no two venues feel the same - but all are packed with passion, excitement, and fun.
Arcade Club is always evolving, growing, and levelling up. With hundreds of machines and a passionate team, we’re proud to be a place where families, friends, and gamers of all ages can come together.
From a cosy back room to one of the largest collections of arcade and pinball machines in Europe, the heart of Arcade Club has never changed:
A place to play, connect, and celebrate the joy of gaming - past, present, and future.
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