Tucked underground on Great George Street is a brilliant American-style video game bar that boasts a huge range of old-school gaming consoles like the SNES, N64, PS2, and NES.
Called Pixel Bar, it's home to loads of free-to-play retro games - and also boasts a selection of console booths and high-spec gaming PCs that you can rent out by the hour.
With striking custom artwork, LED lighting and ‘cubed’ light fixtures dotted around the subterranean bar, its theme clearly extends to the decor too.
Image: Pixel Bar
Console booths cost just £8 and for that, you'll get a chance to play on a range of different setups including PS5s, PS4s,Xbox Series Xs, and Nintendo Switches.
The gaming PCs, meanwhile, will set you back just £4.50 per hour to play.
With over 21 different games to play on the consoles alone, you can get stuck into old school favourites like Tekken, Mortal Combat and Mario Kart whilst you enjoy a few drinks - and even order in burgers from the kitchen upstairs if you're feeling peckish.
Image: Pixel Bar
But that's not all. Pixel Bar is also a party bar: selling fun gaming-themed cocktails, mocktails and 'magic potion' shots, alongside a more standard list of beers, wines and spirit mixers.
After the year (and then some) spent mostly sitting on the sofa, we're sure plenty of Loiners would be tempted by the idea of buying a 'full health' potion to keep us going on a night out.
Further fun potions on sale include 'mana' and 'stamina', whilst there's also a fully themed cocktail list featuring drinks like the 'Jigglypuff', 'Princess Perch' and the 'Yoshi's Island Iced Tea.'
Image: PIxel Bar Image: Pixel Bar
Burgers from the kitchen upstairs, meanwhile, are worth the trip on their own. Made by Pixel Bar's legendary neighbours Almost Famous, choices range from the house standard 'Famous' cheeseburger to more wacky creations.
Those who like a big burger might be tempted by bacon and frazzle-loaded creation the 'Phoenix', or the double buttermilk fried chicken, double cheeseburger, and halloumi confection that is the 'Awesome HQ."
Open late seven days a week, if you love a good gaming session and a few fun drinks you can't go wrong at Pixel Bar.
To find out more and view the full menu, visit their website here.
Feature image - Pixel Bar
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Inside Sheffield’s new supersize JD Sports Store that has just opened in Meadowhall
Meadowhall has just welcomed a brand-new JD Sports Store - and it is absolutely mega.
Trainer and sportswear lovers, this one's for you as JD Sports has just opened the doors to its newest store.
Located in Meadowhall shopping centre on the Lower Level of the High Street, the new store is almost triple its previous size and spans a whopping 29,225 sq ft.
Shoppers can now browse an ever bigger selection of clothing, footwear and sportswear from big brands like Nike, Montirex, New Balance, Adidas and Berghaus just to name a few.
Image: The Sheff
To make your shopping experience even smoother, the new store features self-service tills so you can be in and out within a flash.
To celebrate the opening, Chunkz and Kenny from popular Youtube collective Beta Squad officially opened the store today and held a meet and greet for fans.
Image: The Sheff
And the celebrations don't stop there, as from Friday 31 July - Sunday 2 August customers can get involved in JD's Spin-to-Win, with the chance to win gift cards, trainers and JD-branded merchandise.
Not only that, but Montirex will be hosting games all-weekend-long.
And if you can't make it that weekend, then do not fear. As on Friday 7 - Sunday 9 August, The Crep Protect truck will be rolling into Meadowhall giving out free goodie bags for customers who sign up to JD Status and follow Crep Protect.
Image: The Sheff
Sneaker Throne will also be offering a shoe-cleaning experience, with demonstrations showing customers how to keep their trainers fresh using products available in-store and goodie bags will be on offer which will also include tokens to play the Cop & Flop game.
So, what are you waiting for? We'll see you there for a fresh new fit.
Shortlist for 2026 Mercury Prize announced with several northern names making the cut
Clementine Hall
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.
Georgina Pellant -
8th October 2021 
