Coming Soon: Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq Is Moving Its Arcade Games and OTT Cocktails to Bowen Hills
With its old Toombul home closed since the 2022 floods, and now set to be torn down, the circus-themed arcade and bar is heading to King Street.
A circus-themed arcade bar was the kidulting experience that Brisbane didn't know it needed when it opened back in 2019. That spot: Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, which set up shop at Toombul as part of its then-new entertainment and dining precinct. But since the shopping centre was inundated with water in the 2022 floods, there's been no fun and games to be had.
Now that Toombul is officially being torn down, the team behind Archie Brothers has announced that the brand's only Brisbane site is on the move. Next stop: Bowen Hills, settling into King Street from Wednesday, September 6 with arcade games, drinks, bowling and more.
Funlab, which is also boasts boozy mini-golf chain Holey Moley, Strike Bowling, the also games-related B. Lucky & Sons and challenge-room venue Hijinx Hotel in its stable — and opened a new Holey Moley and Hijnx Hotel in Chermside just last year — will take over a 340-person space. Inside, visitors will find everything from excuses to mash buttons to OTT cocktails, plus a six-lane bowling alley and karaoke rooms.
Archie Brothers Bowen Hills will also feature Hungry Hungry Hippos, Connect 4 Hoops and Mario Kart games, The QUBE virtual reality experiences, and party rooms.
More dodgem cars, air hockey, basketball hoops, VR, Dance Dance Revolution — that's all on the way to the King Street precinct as well.
On the drinks list: alcoholic concoctions like the Pop Till you Drop (made with fireball, butterscotch, apple juice, maple popcorn, bitters and whipped cream) and the Candy Stand (a strawberry shake featuring white rum, Frangelico, a vanilla candy frosted rim and a giant lollipop, plus whipped cream and sprinkles).
Archie Bros' food menu focuses on over-the-top novelty American diner grub — and fits right in with the circus decor. At Toombul, that included three-meat burgers, giant pretzels, and potato gems with garlic aioli that's served in a syringe.
The venue will launch with a shindig, taking place on Saturday, September 16 as part of Brisbane Festival. at the 80s-themed street party, expect games — obviously — plus dance competitions, DJs spinning old-school tracks and roller skating all across King Street.
"Following the closure of our Archie Brothers venue in Toombul Shopping Centre after the 2022 floods, we've been looking for the next best home for Archie Brothers in Brisbane — and where better than Bowen Hills? The heart of Brisbane," said Funlab CEO Michael Schreiber.
"We're looking forward to bringing our much-loved brand back to the people of Brisbane, providing residents and visitors alike with an unforgettable experience where imagination knows no bounds, and they can create joyful moments and lasting memories."
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq will open at 3/30 King Street in Bowen Hills on Wednesday, September 6 — head to the venue's website for further details.
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