Playbox is the striking city centre arcade that welcomes you with an eerie smile.

Back-to-back entrances on Bold Street and Concert Square force guests to walk through the smile of a grinning clown. However, the venue’s interior is a far cry from its Coulrophobia-inducing doors.

Ditching the typical funfair theme and block colours for an urban playground aesthetic, Playbox is an adult arcade and bar that takes guests through until 4am in the morning.

Dotted around the venue are gaming machines including “VR sniper”, “Daytona racing simulator”, air hockey and basketball tables with 12 playable in total, with more on the way. Consoles and under-table football equipment are also available for those wanting to take the weight off.

A fully stocked bar takes up a cosy corner of the venue with retro game-inspired cocktails like “Pac – Martini”, “Smashed Bandicoot” and “Drunky Kong”. If you feel peckish, there are also Detroit-style deep-pan pizzas.

The venue shifts from an adult playground to a full-fledged bar in the evening with DJs and live music taking partygoers right the way through until 4am, with all of the gaming machines fully functioning until closing.

Opening hours are Monday -Thursday, 5pm until 3am. Friday, 4pm until 4am. Saturday, 2pm until 4am. Sunday, 2pm until 3am.

NEWS STORY © LIVERPOOL ECHO