Tilt

Belfast’s hottest new hang-out spot, Tilt, opened its doors on the Ormeau Road barely three months ago and boasts two floors of super cool, super relaxed arcade-style drinking space.

With an upstairs inspired by a Brooklyn games arcade, you can find three American pool tables, a pinball machine, two air hockey tables and several old-school games machine (with such favourites as Pac-Man, Tetris, Space Invaders and Frogger).

The décor can only be described as ‘cool’ and very American, without being kitsch, predictable or too stereotyped. The exposed brick walls are caked in graffiti and cartoonish drawings, which give the whole place a very street, yet very relaxed atmosphere. The only additional decoration is in the form of massive mirrored frames that have quotes spray painted inside them. I imagine the design brief was something along the lines of ‘cosy warehouse’; All in all, very nice to look at indeed.

At the bar you can get a range of jam jar cocktails with names inspired by videogames such as 'Bowser's Brew', 'Streetfighter' and 'Zelda'. And burgers and hotdogs are on hand to get you through those strenuous games of pool.

As if all that wasn’t enough, Tilt always has something to entertain you: Tuesday night is games night with free pool, air hockey, arcades and pinball from 8.30pm (not to mention the recent introduction of a Nintendo Wii), Wednesday is quiz night (the grand prize is a £30 bar tab), Thursday is meal deal day (2 mains and 2 drinks for £15) and the Worker’s Party is on Friday. Quite a busy schedule.

With its easy-going atmosphere, fun cocktails and arcade games to pass the time, I think Tilt is going to be one of Belfast’s coolest new locals.

By Laura Caldwell

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