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Penny Lane: Nottingham’s Nostalgic Arcade Bar and Cocktail Haven

Step into Nottingham’s Penny Lane for nostalgic arcade fun, creative cocktails, and a lively, family-friendly vibe in the heart of the Lace Market.

4.2

Penny Lane in Nottingham’s Lace Market is a vibrant arcade bar blending nostalgic seaside amusement with creative cocktails and classic comfort food. This lively venue offers vintage arcade games like skee ball and donkey derby, a quirky cocktail menu inspired by childhood treats, and a family-friendly atmosphere until 8pm. With its retro décor, neon-lit arcade, and welcoming vibe, Penny Lane is a unique destination for groups, families, and cocktail lovers seeking fun and nostalgia in the city centre.

A brief summary to Penny Lane

  • 9 Fletcher Gate, Nottingham, NG1 1QQ, GB
  • +441157860326
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 12 pm-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 pm-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 pm-12 am
  • Thursday 12 pm-12 am
  • Friday 12 pm-1 am
  • Saturday 11:30 am-1 am
  • Sunday 12 pm-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit before 8pm if bringing children, as under-18s are welcome only when accompanied by adults until then.
  • Purchase tokens for arcade games on-site using cash or card at the token exchange machines.
  • Try the creative cocktails during happy hour for great value on inventive drinks.
  • Book in advance for groups over 15 to secure your spot and pre-order food.
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Penny Lane location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Penny Lane

A Tribute to British Seaside Amusement

Penny Lane was conceived as a love letter to the iconic British seaside arcades of Brighton, Blackpool, and Skegness. The venue recreates the charm and excitement of these classic holiday destinations by bringing a wide selection of vintage arcade games into the heart of Nottingham’s historic Lace Market. Visitors can enjoy games such as ski ball, air hockey, donkey derby, and the traditional 2p penny pushers, all token-operated to maintain the authentic arcade experience. This nostalgic focus is complemented by retro references throughout the bar, evoking a sense of childhood memories and seaside fun.

Distinctive Ambience and Design

The venue’s interior offers a striking contrast between the front bar’s mid-century pastel hues and wood-panelled décor, reminiscent of a 1950s seaside lounge, and the back arcade area’s dark, neon-lit atmosphere. The kaleidoscopic glow of arcade machines creates an immersive environment that feels like stepping into a retro-futuristic playground, often compared to scenes from popular culture such as "Stranger Things." This blend of vintage and modern aesthetics makes Penny Lane visually unique and engaging, appealing to both nostalgic adults and younger visitors.

Creative Cocktails and Classic Comfort Food

Penny Lane’s cocktail menu is inspired by British childhood favourites and seaside treats, featuring imaginative drinks like the "99 Problems But a Beach Ain’t One," garnished with seaside rock and inflatables, or the "Calippo" cocktail served with a whole Calippo ice lolly. The venue offers daily happy hour deals, making these inventive cocktails accessible to a broad audience. The food menu complements the theme with childhood classics such as burgers, hot dogs, halloumi fries, jalapeño poppers, and nachos, providing familiar comfort food to accompany the drinks and games.

Welcoming and Family-Friendly Environment

Penny Lane prides itself on being inclusive and family-friendly, welcoming under-18s accompanied by adults until 8pm daily. The spacious layout ensures that despite its popularity, the venue never feels cramped, offering comfortable seating areas for groups, couples, and families alike. The presence of security staff contributes to a safe and relaxed atmosphere. The venue also caters to accessibility needs with wheelchair access and disabled toilets, ensuring a broad range of visitors can enjoy the experience.

Practical Details and Booking Information

Located at 9 Fletcher Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QQ, Penny Lane operates seven days a week, opening from noon until midnight on weekdays and extending to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. Bookings are accepted for food and drinks, with a £10 per person card authentication deposit for groups under 15, and pre-orders and deposits required for larger parties. The venue is cashless except for game tokens, which can be purchased via cash or card at token exchange machines. The bar’s lively vibe, combined with its nostalgic charm and innovative drinks, makes it a standout destination in Nottingham’s nightlife scene.

A Unique Blend of Playfulness and Nostalgia

Penny Lane offers an experience that goes beyond a typical bar or arcade. It is a place where childhood memories are rekindled through games and décor, where cocktails tell stories of seaside holidays, and where the energy of the crowd creates an inviting and fun atmosphere. Whether you’re challenging friends to a game, enjoying a creatively garnished drink, or simply soaking in the vibrant surroundings, Penny Lane provides a memorable outing in Nottingham’s city centre.

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