Sydney bars where you can be a kid again, while having a drink

BARS are tapping into the nostalgia of the 90s, with retro arcade games, air hockey, indoor putt-putt and board games including Cluedo and Pictionary.

Louis Rolfe and Kate Quane playing putt putt golf at Holey Moley in Potts Point. Picture: Justin Lloyd

PUT down the phone and pick up a joystick ... Sydney venues are winding back the clock to a time of fewer digital distractions.

Space invaders, mini-golf, air hockey and even board games are making a comeback across the city. Newtown venue 1989 is part retro video game arcade, part small bar. Surry Hills restaurant Goros offers air hockey, while at Misfits Bar in Redfern patrons can play Cluedo, Guess Who or Uno.

 

 

Kate and Louis stop for a sip amid the old-school chaos. Picture: Justin Lloyd

 

 

And indoor putt-putt Holey Moley has just expanded from Newtown to Potts Point. Social demographer Clarie Madden said the pre-digital revival created “an environment where you can be fully present in the game ... and fully present in the conversation”.

WHAT’S ON IN SYDNEY THIS WEEKEND: 20 THINGS TO CHECK OUT

TEN THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN GOING RETRO

“We are now spending 2.7 hours a day connected to social media, people feel they constantly need to be available online and it affects their wellbeing,” she said

.“They are designed to give you the opportunity to meet people on the course. You watch people play, have a laugh and start commenting.

“The chemistry of this as a social activity is a big counterpoint to modern digital life,” he said.

Please be upstanding for a crack at Pacman golf. Picture: Justin Lloyd

At Holey Moley, Louis Rolfe, 26, said: “Finding that bit of childhood is always fun ... you get away from the humdrum.”

He believes a reprieve from digital overload is driving the trend of turning back the clock.

Most of the new bars are channelling trends from the 1980-1990 period immediately before the digital age took off.

“This is creating an environment where you can be fully present in the game playing and fully present in the conversation. It brings back memories of fun family times together, which can help people re-engage with real life.”

She also believes the nostalgia of those in their 20s-40s is a powerful motivator.

“These are some of the key games that were around when these people were kids. It brings back their childhood with activities that are still engaging and fun to play later in life,” she said.

The first venue was launched in Newtown in July last year and there are now 10 sites nationally, with another four in development.

Fun Labs CEO Michael Schreiber, attributes their popularity to social connection.