NQ64 London Shorty Sundays: Retro Arcade Gaming with Kids in London
If you’re looking for something different to do with older kids or teens in London, Shorty Sundays at NQ64 is such a fun option. NQ64 is normally an adults only retro arcade bar, but every Sunday it opens its doors to under 18s for a special family gaming session.
One of the biggest changes since we originally visited is that Shorty Sundays now takes place every single Sunday. Previously, families could only visit on the final Sunday of the month, so having a weekly session makes it much easier to fit into a weekend in London.
Shorty Sundays runs every Sunday from 11am to 3pm. Under 18s are allowed inside NQ64 during this time, giving families the chance to play retro arcade games and classic consoles that children would not normally be able to access at the venue.
You’ll need one adult for every three children and the maximum group size is 12 people. Parental guidance is also advised because NQ64 is still primarily an adult arcade bar. There is graffiti around the venue and some games and other content are aimed at over 18s.
What is NQ64 Shorty Sundays?
NQ64 is a neon covered retro arcade bar filled with classic arcade machines, consoles and gaming inspired decor. During its normal opening hours it is an adults only venue, but Shorty Sundays gives families a dedicated window to experience it with children.
We first visited the original NQ64 Soho location, but on our most recent visit we headed to NQ64 Shoreditch, which is the location shown in the photos in this post. The Shoreditch venue has the same bold neon lighting, graffiti covered walls, retro consoles and rows of arcade machines, but one of the coolest features is right at the entrance. When you arrive, there’s actually a slide you can take down into the venue, which is such a fun way to start the experience and the kids absolutely loved it.
There were games I hadn’t played in years, including Guitar Hero and The Simpsons arcade game, which properly took me back. I think that is part of what makes NQ64 so much fun as a family activity because the kids get to discover games they might never have played before while adults get a huge dose of nostalgia.
The new NQ64 Soho venue is even bigger, spread across two floors with more than 60 arcade machines alongside retro consoles. The current gaming selection includes favourites such as Guitar Hero, PAC MAN Battle Royale, Mario Kart Arcade GP and classic pinball. There are also free play consoles from different generations, including Nintendo 64, PlayStation, GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360.
The Soho venue also has some newer activities including UV pool tables and augmented reality darts.
How much does NQ64 cost?
NQ64 uses tokens for its arcade machines.
Current standard token prices are:
15 arcade tokens: £10.50
25 arcade tokens: £14
Most arcade machines require one or two tokens per person per play, so a pot can last a decent amount of time depending on which games you choose.
The retro consoles are free to play.
For Shorty Sundays bookings, NQ64 currently states that everyone receives one pot of arcade tokens. Additional tokens, drink packages and a family pass can also be added or removed during the final stage of the booking process.
The exact Shorty Sundays package price is shown during booking, so I would recommend checking the current price for your chosen London venue and date before visiting.
When is NQ64 Shorty Sundays?
Shorty Sundays now takes place:
Every Sunday
11am to 3pm
Under 18s are only permitted during the dedicated Sunday family hours. Outside of Shorty Sundays, NQ64 is an adults only venue.
This is a big improvement from when we originally visited because Shorty Sundays previously only took place once a month. Families now have the opportunity to visit every Sunday.
You can book your Shorty Sundays session online in advance, which I would recommend, particularly if you are planning to visit during a busy weekend.
NQ64 London locations
There are currently two NQ64 locations in London where families can experience Shorty Sundays.
NQ64 Soho
Orange Yard
Manette Street
London
W1D 4JB
The Soho venue is NQ64’s biggest location and is just a few minutes from Tottenham Court Road. It has two floors of gaming with more than 60 arcade machines, retro consoles, pinball, UV pool tables and augmented reality darts.
NQ64 Shoreditch
256 to 260 Old Street
London
EC1V 9DD
NQ64 Shoreditch is located right by Old Street station and has a huge selection of retro arcade games and consoles. Under 18s are permitted here during Shorty Sundays from 11am to 3pm.
Is NQ64 Shorty Sundays worth visiting with kids?
We really enjoyed our visit to NQ64. It is something a little different from the usual London family attractions and works particularly well if you have older children or teens who love gaming.
It is also a great indoor activity in London, which makes it a useful option for rainy Sundays or colder months when you want something entertaining that does not rely on the weather.
I also think adults will enjoy it just as much as the kids. Seeing games you grew up playing alongside newer arcade machines makes it feel like a family activity rather than somewhere you are simply taking the kids.
The biggest improvement is that families no longer have to wait for one specific Sunday each month. With Shorty Sundays now running every Sunday from 11am to 3pm, there are far more opportunities to experience NQ64 with kids.
If you’re looking for things to do with older kids in London, activities for teenagers in London or a family friendly arcade in London, NQ64 Shorty Sundays is definitely one to add to your list.
