North East Gaming Cafes

Gaming Cafes have certainly grown in popularity over the last few years and there are now a few to choose from in North East England.

Typically, they are a brightly lit space featuring the latest games and consoles where you pay a set price for unlimited play within a certain time frame.

Let me know if you know of any others for us to add to our list. Always check details with venues direct for the most up to date info. Prices checked January 2023 and are subject to change.

Most (if not all) of these venues offer private hire too and are an ideal place to celebrate a birthday too.

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The Gaming Hideaway, Thornaby & Bishop Auckland

North East Gaming Cafes - The Gaming Hideaway

We visited the Gaming Hideaway in Thornaby during a stay at nearby Saltburn by the Sea and had an absolutely brilliant time. I'd certainly recommend. Here are some key points:

The Gamers Package is £16.99 per player for 2 hours. For this you get unlimited access to the gaming consoles and racing simulators plus 3 tokens which can be spent on their VR simulators on the back wall (1 token per turn / 15 minutes - these are great fun).
The Gaming Hideaway is suitable for ages 5+ and accompanying non-playing adults do not pay an admission fee (although if you do want to play, adults are welcome too). There is a cafe where parents can enjoy coffee and snacks. There are dedicated autism-friendly events available too. Find out more and book here.

The Arcade Warehouse, North Shields

North East Gaming Cafes - The Arcade Warehouse Royal Quays

You will find the Arcade Warehouse inside Royal Quays, North Shields. It's worth following their Social Media for special offers as they often run special deals such as parents go free. Here are some key points:

You do need to pay for adults here, even if you're not gaming. The cost is reasonable though at £8.95 per person for a 2 hour sesssion. Under 5s go free.
There are lots of games to choose from including traditional arcade games, pool, air hockey, VR machines and more. There is a cafe selling drinks and snacks and Royal Quays has lots of free car parking and is easy to reach by bus or metro.
Under 14s need to be accompanied by an adult. Find out more and book here.

Retro Bay Cafe, Whitley Bay

North East Gaming Cafes - Retro Bay Whitley Bay

Credit : Retro Bay Cafe

You will find Retro Bay Cafe in the heart of Whitley Bay Town Centre. They offer retro gaming consoles including Sega Saturn and Nintendo 64 and arcade games alongside consoles your kids may be more familiar with. Key points include:

Entry is only £7 per person for a 1 hour 45 minute session of unlimited play here and you only pay for those playing. Under 14s do need to be accompanied by an adult and under 3s are free.
Monthly passes are available (ideal if you're a local) and Whitley Bay is super easy to reach by car, Metro or bus.
There is an on-site cafe serving drinks & sandwiches and a kids meal deal is available. Find out more here.

NQ64, Newcastle

Credit : NQ64

NQ64 in Newcastle is a bar rather than a cafe and suitable for over 18s only. Gaming isn't just for kids so I thought this one was worth including. Here are some key points:

Find NQ64 on Pilgrim Street. You don't usually pay an entrance fee and instead, buy tokens to use on the games.
They run lots of good deals and it is definitely worth giving them a follow on social media. For example a cocktail and 15 tokens for £12 or a pint and 15 tokens for £10.
Games include 24, Guitar Hero, PacMan, Streetfighter and Track & Field and games are generally 1 or 2 tokens. Find out more and book here.

Another gaming bar in Newcastle to try is Four Quarters on Dean Street. Accompanied U18s are welcome before 7pm and they are dog friendly too. I will share more info on them Soon. Find out more here.

Harry's Game Shack, Sunderland

Credit : Harry's Game Shack

Harry's Game Shack is a gaming cafe in Sunderland with very competitive pricing and some brilliant offers. Expect next generation consoles. retro consoles, tournaments and more. Here's some key info:

Game play is £6 for 1 hour, £8 for 2 hours, £10 for 3 hours and £20 for all day
There are some brill special deals available including an after school special (£10 for 2 hours play, rollover food and a Tango Ice Blast) and weekend/school holiday breakfast club (£7.50 for 2 hours play, pop tarts and refillable juice). Find out more and book here.
Non-gamers don't need to pay an entry fee and once your child is responsible enough to be left, they can attend without a parent/guardian

NERD Arcade, Gateshead

Credit : NERD

North East Retro Den (or NERD) is a retro gaming cafe in Gateshead. Here's some key info:

Lots of classic 80s and 90s games
£5 entry for 1 hours unlimited play or £8 for 2 hours unlimted play. Find out more here.

YuMe World, Newcastle

This one isn't strictly a gaming cafe and more of a modern version of a traditional arcade. Here are some key points:

Free entry, you buy credits on a special gaming card to spend on games with bundle deals working out as the best value
Expect the most up-to-date games, a large selection of VR experiences and prize games
Located in the Gate, Newcastle. All ages are welcome. Lots of special offers available - see their social media for info. Find out more here.
If you'd like to make a day of it, check out this bumper list of 75 things to do in Newcastle with kids

The CTRL Pad, Newcastle

North East Gaming Cafes - CTRL Pad Newcastle

Credit: The CTRL Pad

Find The CTRL Pad in the Gate Newcastle. They are having some issues with their website at the moment but here is some key info:

Special after school offers including 1 hour of gaming, unlimited soda and a hot dog or nachos for £8.50 (Mon-Fri 3pm-5pm)
30 minutes gaming is available for just £3, 1 hour is £6 and 2 hours is £10
Cafe area for non-gamers with good deals and prices
Expect older retro games and arcades alongside brand new consoles and releases. Find out more here.

Castle Mania, Amble

Not stictly a gaming cafe but to be honest, options are a bit thin on the ground in Northumberland so I wanted to include them. Castle Mania Soft Play has a gaming lounge which is available for private hire for 10-20 children. Here are some key points:

5 XBoxs, 5 PS4s, 10 TVs, 100s of online games to choose from.
£160 for 30 minutes soft play, 60 minutes gaming and 30 minutes food for 10 guests. Find out more here.

NERD Fest Newcastle 2023

If retro gaming is your thing, don't miss NERD Fest 2023 at Boiler Shop Newcastle (just behind Central Station / next to Crowne Plaza) on easter Monday. Expect guest appearances, transformers, cosplay, retro machines, VR gaming (all included in the ticket price), Star Wars, Geeky Traders and more. Buy your tickets here.