Brighton has the reputation of a buzzing city in which locals and tourists alike can find joy in both the old and the new. The city has the seaside arcades and long-standing cinemas up its sleeve, but with a mix of contemporary spaces too. If you walk through the city itself, you’ll be met with modern cafés and historic venues that host contemporary events, as well as a panoramic experience of vintage shopfronts. Nowhere is this variety more visible than in city’s vibrant retro film culture. There’s something for everyone in Brighton, no matter their age.
Arcades, Amusements, and Brighton’s Seaside DNA
Although the digital entertainment world has had its fair share of impact on retro gaming, Brighton Palace Pier still remains fully operational with classic games like coin pushers, crane machines, air hockey and more. Because of the huge developments in online digital entertainment, we can now see games like these on various online casino sites.
For example, Buzz Bingo offers several options that are similar in gameplay stylr to those found at Brighton Pier alongside casino games like the Action Bank slot. This mirrors the high-energy, classic arcade-style rhythm based on a bank heist, with free spins, a big bank bonus and vault symbols. But, with that said, the physical arcades still hold fast in such a fast-growing industry, speaking to the enduring rustic charm and tactility.
So, for those who want to have the experience in person despite the increasing popularity of online options, The Palace of Fun and The Dome continue to offer games and remain a central part of the city’s entertainment experience.
Bowling & Social Spaces
Beyond the pier, Brighton has consistently supported venues that lean into retro culture. The Hollywood Bowl venue has ten-pin bowling as well as an arcade zone that includes racing games, air hockey and ticket amusements. These spaces appeal to adults who grew up in arcades and offer nostalgia without needing large, full-scale theme venues. Entertainment venues across the city offer similar experiences, such as tabletop amusements and throwback nights that focus on shared experience.
Vintage Cinema
Brighton’s love of nostalgia extends beyond retro gaming and can be seen in the cinema and film on offer in the city. Duke of York’s Picturehouse, recognised as one of the oldest operating cinemas in the world, remains central to the entertainment scene in the city. It offers a curated film programme that sets it apart from other cinemas, while its facade and traditional layout allow cinemagoers to feel like they have been transported back in time.
Similarly, Duke’s at Komedia offers classic films, re-releases and themed screenings that cater to audiences that want comfort in familiar formats. Cinemas such as these are suited to the aesthetic of the city and the general atmosphere. Audiences still value atmosphere and tradition just as much as new technology.
Brighton’s love of retro is not about turning their back on change. The city is one of the most progressive in the country, but locals and businesses alike want to preserve what made entertainment enjoyable in the first place. Arcades on the pier remain intact, as do other gaming and entertainment venues. Now with advancements in technology and gaming, these same foundations appear on new platforms.
In Brighton, it seems, what is “retro” and what is “current” don’t mean as different things as you might expect.
