Super Game Shack Expands with New Arcade and Coffee Shop in Leicester's Iconic Silver Arcade

Leicester's gaming and pop culture scene has received an exciting new boost with the opening of Super Game Shack Level 2, a new arcade and coffee shop located in the city’s historic Grade II listed Silver Arcade. This latest venture by Richard Tewkesbury, the visionary behind the award-winning Super Game Shack, blends retro gaming nostalgia with modern comforts, creating a unique destination for gamers and pop culture enthusiasts alike.

Tewkesbury, a proud Leicester native, opened the original Super Game Shack during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, initially as a six-month pop-up. Defying the odds, the store flourished and was recently named Best Independent Retailer by Your Leicester in 2024. Building on that success, Tewkesbury has now expanded into a second unit within the same building, offering a mix of arcade gaming, food, and retail.

“I started this shop as a six-month pop-up during COVID, gambling everything with just £20 left to my name on opening day,” says Tewkesbury. “It was a huge risk, but we’ve grown into one of the top video game stores in the UK. Winning awards and seeing the community embrace us has been incredible. With Level 2, I wanted to recapture the Silver Arcade’s vibrant energy from when I was a kid.”

A Nod to Gaming and Leicester's History
Level 2 features a carefully curated lineup of classic arcade machines, lovingly restored to provide an authentic coin-op experience. The arcade area has quickly become a favorite for visitors, proving that the charm of retro gaming endures. Complementing this is a fully stocked cafe offering food and drinks, complete with a cozy seating area, arcade machines, and an immersive vibe enhanced by vintage movie posters, music, and pop culture decor.

Beyond gaming, the new store celebrates Leicester’s retail heritage. Drawing inspiration from the Silver Arcade’s bustling days in the 1990s, Level 2 also offers an eclectic mix of toys, clothing, comic books, and Japanese imports—a nod to the independent spirit that once defined the building’s upper floors.

A Revitalized Silver Arcade
The opening of Level 2 is significant for the Silver Arcade, a venue often overlooked despite its historical charm. Tewkesbury’s efforts are bringing new life to the space, and his success could inspire other businesses to join the revitalization of the arcade’s upper levels, which have been largely dormant since 2000.

Visit Super Game Shack Level 2
Whether you're a Leicester local or just passing through, Super Game Shack Level 2 is a must-visit destination. With its perfect blend of gaming, food, and nostalgia, it’s a vibrant addition to the city’s cultural landscape and a testament to the enduring appeal of independent retail and retro gaming.

Make sure to stop by and experience it for yourself!

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5 December 2024

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