NQ JPN brings a futuristic Japanese arcade, a 12‑cocktail menu and a 2,000‑combination drink bar to Soho’s nightlife scene.
Soho’s nightlife has gained a new player on Berwick Street, where the former NQ64 location now houses NQ JPN. The venue is the brainchild of the same team that built the UK’s largest arcade-bar group, and it positions itself as a darker, more adult reinterpretation of its predecessor.
The space draws heavily on neon-laden streets of a imagined Neo-Tokyo, with black, red and chrome dominating the interior, saturated lighting and bold street-art accents that instantly transport guests away from traditional London pubs.
Design and atmosphere: a Neo-Tokyo speakeasy
Walking through the translucent red butcher’s curtain, visitors emerge into a bar that feels part nightclub, part futuristic lounge. The visual language is built around chrome fixtures, LED strips and a palette of deep reds, creating a vibe that is both gritty and polished.
While the aesthetic is noticeably more mature than the original NQ64, it retains the playful energy that made the earlier concept popular. Photographs by Myles Goode capture this immersive setting, highlighting the blend of street-art motifs and high-tech ambience that defines the venue.
Drink menu: 12 signature cocktails and a 2,000-way custom bar
The bar’s beverage program revolves around twelve carefully crafted cocktails that showcase Japanese flavors such as dragon fruit, matcha and cherry blossom. Offerings range from a refreshing Melon and Cucumber Daiquiri to a frozen Dragon Fruit Colada and a daring Chilli Pepper Margarita. In addition to these signature drinks, the venue serves Japanese highballs, a curated whisky selection, a variety of beers including Asahi, and a thoughtful range of alcohol-free options.
A standout feature is the “Konbini 7-Eleven” self-service station, where guests can pick a base spirit, a soft-drink mixer and a flavored syrup or foam. With more than 2,000 possible combinations, the act of ordering becomes an interactive experience. The concept mirrors the hands-on nature of the arcade, encouraging patrons to experiment much like they would with a game controller. Simon Jacobs documented the bar’s colourful layout, emphasizing how the bright, hyper-coloured counter—styled after Asian convenience stores—houses over twenty unusual sodas sourced from Japan, the United States and Thailand.
Arcade collection: imported Japanese cabinets and nostalgic titles
Beyond the main bar lies a dedicated arcade area, its own soundscape dominated by rhythm-game beats and arcade ambience. The collection features a slew of imported Japanese machines seldom seen in the UK, including Maimai, Jubeat, Wacca, Dance Rush and Groove Coaster, alongside classic rhythm titles like Taiko Drum Master. Racing fans can try Initial D 7 Twin, while lovers of competitive party games have access to Panic Park and Bishi Bashi. Familiar Western cabinets such as Mortal Kombat 3, Time Crisis 2, Mario Kart Arcade GP and OutRun 2 sit alongside a PlayStation 2 console running Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Resident Evil 4, providing a bridge between nostalgic memories and fresh Japanese experiences.
The arcade’s aesthetic pulls from late-1990s and early-2000s Japanese gaming, manga and anime, yet it is filtered through the venue’s sleek, neon-rich visual identity. For customers who crave an extra layer of immersion, the space includes a Purikura-style photo booth and a small selection of headphones—useful for rhythm games that compete with the venue’s booming tech-house soundtrack. The combination of a cutting-edge drink menu, a high-energy music programme that runs until 3 a.m. (with DJs taking over on Fridays and Saturdays), and an expansive arcade makes NQ JPN a versatile destination for dates, after-work drinks or a full-night out.
