It’s been eight years since the last-ever Blockbuster video store closed its doors for the final time, and as convenient as our favourite streaming services are, we really miss the thrill of heading to the video store on a Friday evening to pick out that night’s movie, and then inevitably being charged an arm and leg when forgetting to return it on time. If you, too, miss that nostalgic element of the world’s most popular video rental chain… Let me introduce you to the Northern Quarter’s newest addition, Blockbuster NQ.
Opening in just a matter of weeks, the new bar is founded by Stewart Dean – owner of Chakalaka – and pays homage to the real OG of home movie nights: Blockbuster. Donning the iconic yellow and blue colour scheme, Blockbusters NQ is set to bring a nostalgic air to the city’s coolest quarter, with walls covered in video cassettes, vintage TVs scattered across the venue playing cult films, and the stereo banging out iconic soundtracks.
The creativity doesn’t end there, either. Introducing a mouthwatering menu of cocktails, guests can expect some fantastic names gracing the menu – including the PG & T; a G&T with a pomegranate twist, the VHS’presso martini and the Alcopop-corn cocktail; a creamy and sweet popcorn inspired drink.
In addition to the movie-themed drinks, guests will also be able to try out classic popcorn with modern twists on flavour like ‘roast chicken’ and ‘beef burger’, before retreating to the downstairs speakeasy-like bar which boasts an art deco-cinema vibe with black walls, velvet chairs and a sparkly stage for performances.
Owner Stewart Dean said: “I truly wanted to make somewhere special that people get excited by. I was a huge fan of video stores and my favourite bars are those that immerse you in a secret or provide a bit of an escape. I thought what better homage to an iconic part of our history than to create a parody of Blockbuster, one where you can drink, and the only returns here are for another hit of fun and nostalgia.”
Blockbusters NQ is set to open on May 27th at 60 Oldham Street, M4 1LE, formerly the Toni & Guy training academy.