AN Ammanford man has fulfilled a life-long dream as he has opened an 80s themed arcade bar in Swansea.
Sam Evans opened Level256 towards the end of 2023, taking over the former rugby shop on Caer Street, opposite Castle Square.
The 20-year-old has wanted to open his own business since he was a child and took the plunge when he bought the store in August last year.
“To say it’s been stressful would be undermining the work we’ve done transforming the building – but I am so proud with how it’s turned out! After months of work, we transported the building straight back to the 80s,” said Sam. “80s music, 80s arcades and 80s vibes, what more could you want?!”
Sam was inspired to create the bar by his own love of the 80s and gaming. “I’ve always loved 80s music, and thought there needed to be the place for 80s music in Swansea… so I opened one up!”
There is a diverse cocktail menu with each cocktail named after an 80s theme such as Beetle’s Juice (a sour melon flavour) and Gintendo (a gin and Archers Schnapps mix); both of which being a play on words of cult classic film Beetlejuice and gaming giant Nintendo. There is also the Bonnie Tyler inspired Tequila Eclipse of the Heart – which is Sam’s personal favourite.
There are also classic arcade cabinets to really get a feel for the 80s, and visitors can give them a go!
Sam continued: “As an avid gamer myself, I from the start always wanted classic arcade cabinets in the venue, and after searching high and low for them, we managed to snatch up four!”
Each cabinet has a selection of three to six games on it which include classics like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and Super Mario and there is a plan to change them out every few months.
“It’s been great opening for the first month,” said Sam. “We’ve had great feedback from customers. Myself and the staff can’t wait to take Swansea by storm in 2024!
There are already plans in place for 2024 including free entry movie nights, giving customers a chance to watch a classic movie. There are also plans for student nights on a Wednesday, which may include drag queens and there will be themed quiz nights too!
Level256 is located at 7-8 Caer Street, Swansea (SA1 3PP). It is open Wednesday and Thursday between 4pm and 12am, 12pm to 1am on Friday and Saturday, and 12pm to 12am on Sunday.
This week it will host a Back to the Future Screening event on Sunday, January 28 from 7pm.
For more information and further events, visit www.level256.co.uk.
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