Archie Brothers Is Auckland's New Circus-Themed Arcade Bar for Kidults

Step right up, folks — the circus is in town. Though it's not the kind with animals and screaming kids, but rather an extravagant circus-themed arcade bar set to boggle all the senses.

Now open within a vibrant, sprawling space at the new Westfield Newmarket, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is the latest venture from the Funlab crew (Holey Moley) and sibling to the Sydney and Melbourne venues of the same name. And yes, it's got that same fast, fun, kid-like energy that'll have you abandoning all adult sensibilities right at the front door's red velvet drapes.

Prepare for a serious sensory overload as you cruise this room, between the buttery scents from the old-school popcorn stations, the tunes emanating from the DJ booth and the hyped-up sounds of different arcade games. Here, you'll find over 65 arcade machines, including everything from dodgem cars to virtual reality experiences, six bowling lanes and Jurassic Park shoot-out games. Try your luck nabbing a prize on one of the many claw machines, or venture behind a mysterious curtain to zap zombies and blow your mind on the Thrill Rider motion ride.

All that gaming is sure to prove thirsty work, but Archie's bar offerings will hold its own, with a slew of carnival-themed and candy-laden beverages available until midnight every day of the week. On tap, you'll find renowned staples such as Steinlager's Tokyo Dry and Little Creatures, but the real drawcard is the cocktail list. Your skills on the air hockey table can only improve after sipping one of the Magnum-dipped espresso martinis. Something we'd certainly sip on again is the Candy Stand. This strawberry shake comes garnished with a giant lollipop, whipped cream and a generous amount of sprinkles.

Food is American-diner-meets-theme-park, with a playful circus twist. You'll be devouring bites like The Chock — served in cardboard cut-out car and sandwiched between two fluorescent green buns, this Southern fried chicken burger comes loaded with bacon, guacamole and aioli. Add on a nifty condiment-filled syringe to step up the Insta-worthy factor, before heading back out to that bumper car arena.

Find Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq at Level 3, Westfield Newmarket from 19 September, 2019.

Image: Tony Collins.