FLASHBACK ARCADE BOLTON image

FLASHBACK ARCADE BOLTON

Video arcade

👍👍 We saw a poster for this place as we were leaving a Sunday night meal at Azuma Buffet so on a whim decided to walk over and check it out, especially as we had noticed banners a few weeks ago while we were approaching Broadway. When we walked in we discovered the arcade is on the 1st floor. It’s all... People often mention arcade, games, kids, hours, play, staff, time, birthday, great, money,


Address

Drake St, Bradford BD1 1JA, United Kingdom

Website

flashbackarcade.co.uk

Contact

+44 7584 190799

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (88 reviews)

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Working Hours

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: arcade (18) games (17) kids (16) hours (10) play (9) staff (9) time (8) birthday (8) great (8) money (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Created By C. 2 years ago on Google
    We saw a poster for this place as we were leaving a Sunday night meal at Azuma Buffet so on a whim decided to walk over and check it out, especially as we had noticed banners a few weeks ago while we were approaching Broadway. When we walked in we discovered the arcade is on the 1st floor. It’s all concrete stairwells with handrails, no lift and no ramps, so it’s not universally accessible. But there is a spacious accessibility toilet on the lower floor. The industrial building was a tiny bit unsettling, but that is not the fault of the Flashback team. It kinda adds to the feeling of surprise when you walk into the arcade (there’s another small stairway down into the arcade) and take in the custom graffiti wall, and all the neon black lighting and electronic sounds. We arrived as a family of four, two hours before closing time & aware that we needed to be responsible parents who would be getting their kids to bed very soon. The boss was hugely generous and gave us a one-off price given the limiting circumstances, and then we were welcomed through the gateway to what was basically my 40-something year old husband’s childhood. There are so many classic arcade games in here. Time Crisis, Space Invaders, Tekken (3 versions, paired consoles for competitive playing), Street Fighter 2 (cue husband’s story about qualifying for a national SFII competition in London as a kid but not going because he darent ask his dad for permission), Daytonaaaaaa (iykyk), Chase HQ and a whole bunch of Japanese imported rhythm games like Chunithm and Maimai. For one entrance fee you have free play of every single game in the arcade arena. That includes the basketball hoop game. And air hockey. It includes everything. Gone are the days of holding your pennies trying to figure out if you are willing to commit your pocket money to the new Japanese arcade machine that just came in (that you don’t really understand) or trying to decide if you should spend your bus fare on ‘just one more’ round of Tekken and walking home instead. For me having grown up as a teen who felt too self conscious to try arcade games (and the commitment of spending my pocket money on it was a huge barrier too) it was a revelation to be able to tap the start button on ANY game in the room, and just try it at no extra cost. In the end I played two rhythm games with my 14yo who has ASD. We grinned together, tapping in time with the music and it was really uplifting to find such a fun family activity where we could connect. I would also happily encourage our kids to get the bus into town and spend the day gaming at Flashback - just like my husband used to. I highly recommend Flashback Arcade. It’s got a fantastic central location for transport (2 mins walk from the interchange for buses and trains) and parking. You can stay on site for fast food (hot dogs/burgers) but will need to bring your own veg/vegan/GF options because if you go off site, you’ll have to pay again to re-enter. As Flashback Arcade grows busier (and I really see this being highly likely because I’m hooked and trying to figure out when I can go with my kids again) I’d like to see a monthly membership fee option for regular attendees, also a late night entrance fee for the last 1-2 hours of opening. One evening a month dedicated to SEND kids/adults, working with local SEND support groups with adjusted entrance fees for Carers would be wonderful. Additionally one day every 3 months exclusively for girls and marginalised gender identities, providing a safe space to play, would be immense. And I’d like to see a more creative (but still small) menu that will include other dietary needs. And maybe a soft serve ice cream machine. The ultimate level up would be to have level access, but that’s a dream scenario. **Edited to add that I have been informed there is a Good Lift which can be used for wheelchair or assisted walking access.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laura J. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely incredible hidden gem of a retro vibed arcade. They went above and beyond to ensure that my son had a fabulous birthday. The owner posted out invites, put up balloons with a banner and table cloth for the day and even took into consideration that we had travelled from Manchester (and allowed us extra arcade time as we got stuck in traffic)! The food was really good and generously portioned (highly recommended the loaded fries). The arcade itself was larger than we expected - there's even a very cool side entrance. The experience from start to end was thoroughly enjoyable and we will most certainly be back again soon.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Imran Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Took the kids (6yr, 11yr & 16yr old) today 06/02/22. Didn't think it was going to be all that based on the ticket price but what a surprise it was. Amazing selection of games for all ages. The staff were super helpful and also provided tutorials on how to play some of the Japanese games. Lovely sociable staff members. Really took me back to my childhood when I played games like Time Crisis 2 & Outrun 2. The food was fresh and the curly fries were amazing and the prices for food and drink were also decent. Played for approx 4 hours and can't wait to go again and stay for even longer. Thank You Mr Patel and team for a great day of nostalgia.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shabba R. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic addition to Bradford. Retro gaming at it finest. Convenient parking nearby. Single entry fee,play as much as you like. Brought back memories from yesteryear. Recommended. Suitable for all ages.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nikki T. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a family day out and came here to check it out, we got a very friendly welcome by the staff and we had loads of fun on the variety of game machines, we also decided to eat there and hot burgers and chips all round, the portions were amazing and the prices fit very well, we are planning our next trip here and can't wait, overall top venue with top staff.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sammy L. 1 year ago on Google
    My son had his 11th birthday party today at flashback arcade. Definitely recommend here for a party and worth the money. It was stress free, the kids all played whilst we sat and had a coffee. The staff were brilliant, the kids loved playing on the games and they all enjoyed the food. Not many people know about this place. In the deal the children all had 2 hours of playing, sat down for food after an hour of playing, then played for another hour and sweet cones were given to the children They allowed us to bring our own cake. Only suggest I have is, providing some temporary lights in the toilets, I know they have had a flood and the power has gone in the toilets. Will be visiting again soon
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adam S. 2 years ago on Google
    I love this venue, I had my birthday here as an adult, and was able to invite friends and kids and everyone had fun. The one of entry fee means you can access all the machine for free, and there's such a range of type of machines (arcade, pinball, racers, shooting, air hockey, bball, simulator and even Nintendo switches) spanning 50 decades. Nostalgia and great fun mixed with friendly staff makes it a great hidden gem for Bradford.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Stephen B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place kids love it here save a fortune not having to put money in every machine you go on hours of fun for them

  • 5/5 zed b. 8 months ago on Google
    visted today. loved it nice bit of nostalgia and a good mix of games, even a console to play on. it cost me £15 to get in and the kids £10 each. we stayed for 3+ hours so great value for money. the only recommendation is that you are missing some of the classics from when I was a kid: golden axe, double dragon, Tetris, robocop, tron, vs super mario bros, ghosts & goblins, 1942 /1943 / time pilot, x-men and maybe one of the old arcade shooters like operation wolf / terminator. get some of these in and "i'll be back"

  • 5/5 Shaila H. 8 months ago on Google
    Visited here yesterday and WOW was I blown away - absolutely magical little gem tucked into the heart of the centre. There were two adults and two children - only cost us £30 for the adult entry as Under 5s were FREE. It was worth it as soon as we walked in - the vibe, the size and the pure variety of games they have to play is amazing and suitable for all ages. We normally go to the arcade next to Hollywood Bowl but this was way better value for money - we spent around 2 hours here and could have easily stayed longer if it wasn't for the kids bedtimes! I am so upset to hear that this place will be closing down soon so get yourself there before October and give this business a final boost before we lose what is an amazing blast from the past in this city!

  • 5/5 What E. 1 year ago on Google
    My child had his birthday here recently and had a great time. Lots of people said it was nice. The staff are truly great. I wasn't sure if three hours would be too much but the boys and girls were well entertained on the brilliant selection of games. Basketball nets, gaming pods, racing car games, pacman style game, dance game, to name a few. There's so much choice. Food was tasty, usual things kids like to eat: burgers, chips, nuggets, hot dogs, juice. They also made an extra burger for a vegetarian last minute, with no fuss. Highly recommend Flashback. Communication good too, answering queries and the likes. We will definitely be coming back here.

  • 5/5 Interject T. 1 year ago on Google
    Travelled up from London on a special visit over the weekend and was not disappointed. This is a rare gem of an arcade gaming venue in the UK. Showcasing a collection of some of the best arcade machines, many imported and unavailable in the west. A must visit for any gaming fan. I would without hesitation recommend this place and will be back soon with some pals! More people should know about this place. 5/5.

  • 5/5 Samantha B. 1 year ago on Google
    My daughter had her birthday at flashback and the staff were fantastic. The staff couldn't do enough for me. I will define be going back and it's a brilliant place for a kids/adults birthday

  • 5/5 Rebecca P. 1 year ago on Google
    Such good value for money! Spent the whole day here for a family members birthday and we all loved it.

  • 5/5 Phil Pan Bee G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great value. It may seem a lot, but some ofvthe arcade games would cost £1 per play. You can certainly get your money's worth. Food basic , vegetarian options , prices are reasonable.

  • 4/5 Lewis F. 2 years ago on Google
    Great selection of games and exclusive ones not seen out of Japan. Absolutely amazing. Only downside was that I thought I was buying an all day pass and I was not so spent £15 centering my day around the place but only got and hour and a half because I popped out to get some lunch. Apart from that, great atmosphere and super fun and exclusive games. I will be back without a doubt (making sure I bring my own lunch though 😬)

  • 5/5 Leanne H. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful Staff, such a lovely bunch of people. Great place, found games for me to play too such as Mario Kart, and I had to practically drag my son and his dad out of there 4 hours later! We had a great afternoon out, highly recommend! I parked at the Leisure exchange 5 minute walk from here which was only £3.60 for the whole day, bargain

  • 5/5 Matthias B. 2 years ago on Google
    Highly recommended 10 / 10 Amazing place to spend quality time with family and friends. We spent 4 hours here and the time flew by. A family ticket for 2 adults and 2 kids was only £40. Food is really good also. We enjoyed our first visit so much that my son just had his 7th birthday party there, and all the boys had an amazing time.

  • 4/5 Joseph R. 2 years ago on Google
    Took my kids ( 5 and 6) on a Sunday ,they loved it . Plenty of parking nearby. The broadway is 2 quid for the day. The arcade is near the old T&A building. There’s plenty of choice of games to play from the old classics from the 80s to the newer stuff and even Japan imports . Food and drink is priced reasonably and there is a seating area where you can sit and watch the kids. Would recommend to anyone of any age. Thanks .


Call +44 7584 190799 Open on Google Maps

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