Retro Room VS Base Arcade
Looking for the best retro arcade in Belfast? Here’s a simple side-by-side comparison of The Retro Room and Base Arcade so you can choose the experience that suits you best.
| FEATURE |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| VENUE | Permanent indoor retro arcade | Pop-up retro arcade |
| LOCATION | Cityside, Yorkgate, Belfast City Centre |
Portview Trade Centre, Lower Newtownards Road, Belfast |
| OPENING HOURS | Open every weekend plus bank holidays and half terms |
Weekend pop-ups roughly once a month |
| PUBLIC ENTRY | No booking needed walk ins welcome |
Ticketed sessions only book ahead online strictly no walk ins |
| PRICING | £7 per hour or £25 all day. All games free to play with a ticket. No coins required. |
£20 adult / £12 child per session. Some games on site £1 per play. |
| GAMES | Vintage arcade games, retro consoles and tabletop games |
Arcade machines, pinball and retro consoles |
| FAMILY FRIENDLY | Under 16s accompanied by an adult | Early sessions are family friendly |
| PRIVATE HIRE | Available every week Mon–Thurs book online from £10 per person per hour with a 30% deposit. |
Enquire online. Bespoke pricing typically minimum of 50 people. |
| FOOD & DRINKS | Affordable options including KFC, Burger King, Subway, Chinese and others. Gallahers bar for pool, darts and drinks 1 minute away from the arcade. |
Bar and food on site third party vendors. Craft beer. Artisan food. |
| BEST FOR | Regular visits, flexible drop-ins, weekday private hire for birthdays etc team it up with Lost City mini golf or a Movie House cinema visit |
Occasional event weekends |
Why choose The Retro Room?
- Permanent retro arcade at Cityside in Belfast City Centre
- Just like the arcades back in the 80s!
- Free parking!
- Open every weekend
- Affordable hourly pricing £7 with the same price for adults and kids
- No need to wait for a pop-up date
- Cinema, mini golf, food options and more on site. Make a day of it!
- Easy options for private hire during the week, book online with a 30% deposit
Who might prefer Base Arcade?
- People who enjoy pop-up event nights
- Visitors who want a 4-hour booked session
- Groups looking for a bar-led venue atmosphere
- Fans of occasional special-event weekends
- Pinball enthusiasts
Visit Belfast's only permanent Retro Arcade!
The Retro Room is open every weekend at Yorkgate, Cityside with unlimited free-play gaming, flexible entry and private hire available through the week.