NQ JPN has opened in London’s Soho, transforming a former arcade bar space into a vibrant fusion of Japanese gaming culture and modern nightlife. Located at 53–54 Berwick Street, the venue represents a bold evolution of the NQ64 concept — a space that once brought Japanese arcade culture to London’s social scene — now reimagined with a more immersive, experiential focus. Source: metro.co.uk.
What It Offers
At its core, NQ JPN is not merely a bar or a gaming lounge; it is a carefully curated destination that blends sensory elements — visual, auditory, and tactile — into a cohesive evening experience. The space takes over the former NQ64 location, which had previously served as a hub for arcade-style gaming and drinks, and now expands that vision into something more expansive and layered.
The design of the main bar is steeped in a futuristic aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the neon-drenched, high-tech environments seen in Japanese anime and manga. Black, red, and chrome dominate the palette, with sharp angles, reflective surfaces, and saturated lighting that create an atmosphere reminiscent of Neo Tokyo. Street art elements, including bold typography and urban motifs, further reinforce the connection to Japanese pop culture and urban design. This visual language sets a tone that is both bold and immersive, contrasting sharply with the more subdued, traditional ambiance of many Soho bars.
Drinks and the Konbini Experience
Drink offerings at NQ JPN are as inventive as the gaming selection. The bar features 12 signature cocktails, each crafted with unique flavour profiles that reflect Japanese culinary traditions. Flavours such as dragon fruit, matcha, and cherry blossom are not only used in the mix but are presented in ways that evoke the sensory richness of traditional Japanese cuisine. For example, the Frozen Dragon Fruit Colada combines the sweetness of dragon fruit with a chilled, refreshing texture, while the Chilli Pepper Margarita delivers a bold, spicy kick that stands out in a menu otherwise focused on balance and subtlety.
One of the most innovative features is the Konbini 7-Eleven bar, a concept that turns cocktail ordering into an interactive, playful experience. Guests select a spirit — such as whisky, vodka, or a Japanese highball — a soft drink, and a flavouring or foam (like matcha foam or mango foam). The idea is not just to consume a drink, but to participate in its construction — a concept that mirrors the experience of building a meal at a convenience store in Japan, where choice and customization are central to the culture.
During a visit, one guest attempted a boba-infused cocktail. While the fusion of bubble tea with alcohol was a creative and novel idea, the execution presented a minor challenge. The tapioca pearls repeatedly became lodged in the narrow straws, making it difficult to sip. Staff acknowledged that wider straws were available, though they were temporarily out of stock at the time. This issue, while small, highlights the importance of practical design in experiential venues — even the most imaginative concepts must be accessible to all users.
The Arcade Experience
Behind a translucent red butcher’s curtain lies a dedicated arcade area, designed to feel like a time capsule of late 1990s and early 2000s Japanese gaming culture. The collection spans multiple genres — rhythm, action, driving, and competitive games — and includes both classic titles and specialist Japanese imports.
Among the rhythm games are Maimai, Jubeat, and Taiko Drum Master, which rely on precise timing and physical coordination. These games are often played with a focus on performance, where players aim to achieve high scores by mastering the rhythm of music. Other rhythm-based titles like Groove Coaster and Panic Park offer a more dynamic, immersive experience, with visual effects and soundscapes that respond to player input in real time.
Driving games such as Initial D 7 Twin and Guitadora provide a different kind of engagement. Initial D, in particular, is known for its intense, competitive spirit and detailed vehicle simulation, making it a favourite among fans of Japanese motorsports. Guitadora, a percussion-based rhythm game, requires players to use a drum pad to match musical cues — a game that demands both musical awareness and physical dexterity.
Classic arcade titles such as Mortal Kombat 3, Mario Kart Arcade GP, and OutRun 2 are also present, offering a nostalgic bridge to earlier generations of gaming. The inclusion of a PlayStation 2 running Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Resident Evil 4 adds a layer of retro appeal, allowing guests to experience iconic games from the early 2000s in a curated, arcade-style environment.
For many visitors, especially those who grew up in the 1990s or early 2000s, the experience is deeply nostalgic. One attendee recalled playing Sonic Basketball during their teenage years and found themselves instantly transported back to those formative gaming moments. The physicality of the games — the button-mashing, the competitive energy — evokes a sense of shared history and community that is rare in modern social settings.
However, the experience is not without limitations. The venue’s ambient soundtrack — a mix of bass-heavy tech house and electronic music — is loud and continuous. This creates a challenge for players who rely on audio cues, especially in rhythm-based games like Guitadora. Without headphones, players often miss the timing of musical beats, which are essential for success. This issue may reduce the accessibility and enjoyment of certain games, particularly for those unfamiliar with the genre or who have a different auditory preference.
NQ Mart: A Japanese Convenience Stop
Adjacent to the arcade is NQ Mart, a brightly coloured counter inspired by Japanese convenience stores. This space is not only a source of soft drinks but also a cultural touchpoint. It stocks more than 20 unusual soft drinks sourced from Japan, America, Thailand, and other international markets. These include options such as matcha iced tea, yuzu lemon soda, and tropical fruit blends that are not commonly found in UK retail.
For guests who are not deeply familiar with Japanese or Asian beverages, NQ Mart offers a gateway into a wider world of global flavours. The variety and presentation of these drinks — often in small, individually wrapped bottles or in unique packaging — reflect the cultural significance of convenience stores in Japan, where everyday items are both functional and experiential.
Why It Matters
NQ JPN does not simply offer a new type of bar or a gaming space. It represents a broader shift in how people experience social leisure in urban environments. In an age where digital entertainment dominates, venues like NQ JPN provide a counterpoint — one that prioritises physical interaction, shared activity, and sensory engagement over passive consumption.
For date nights or group gatherings, the venue offers a setting where conversation is secondary to shared activity. The mix of drinks, music, and arcade play creates a full evening experience that encourages guests to participate, compete, and discover new things together. Whether it’s a friendly rivalry in a rhythm game or a shared laugh over a failed attempt at Sonic Basketball, the social dynamics are built around play and interaction.
While the arcade features many Japanese imports, the experience is not fully accessible to non-Japanese players. Familiarity with 1990s–2000s gaming culture, including specific titles and genres, is required to fully appreciate the depth of the offerings. This may limit the appeal for some visitors, particularly those who have not engaged with arcade culture in the past.
Despite these limitations, NQ JPN succeeds in offering something beyond the usual pub visit. It is a destination that invites guests to step away from screens, pick up a controller, and rediscover the joy of physical play. For those who grew up in arcades, it feels like a return to a bygone era. For others, it may be a new form of social engagement that blends gaming, drinks, and music into one memorable evening.
Even if a visitor loses spectacularly at Sonic Basketball, the cocktails provide a welcome distraction. The venue proves that a night out can be more than just a drink and a chat — it can be an active, shared, and emotionally resonant experience.
Further details on London’s gaming scene can be found on Metro’s London news hub. For more on classic arcade games, see Mortal Kombat and Mario Kart.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: original publisher image. Via original publisher. Image source
