1UP is a bar in Didsbury, Manchester. Rated 4.8 stars from 52 Google reviews. Known for pricing that actually makes sense and staff who remember you're a person. Best for casual drinks with friends and gaming night.
1UP
Quick Verdict
Locals are returning because the pricing is honest, the staff genuinely care, and there's nowhere else in Didsbury quite like it. One complaint about smoke management and 2 ID disputes aside, the consistency of five-star reviews suggests the concept's working.
You want to drink cheaply, play retro games or table tennis, and not pretend you're somewhere else.
About 1UP
1UP is a gaming bar in Didsbury that trades on nostalgia and function in equal measure. You're walking into a space packed with SNES games, arcade cabinets, pool tables, pinball machines, and UV table tennis — the sort of place where you can order a drink and actually do something with your hands besides scroll. The cocktail offer is straightforward: 2 for £10, and the staff will build you something custom if you ask nicely. Pints are cheap by Didsbury standards. The console booths have PS5 and Xbox, though the game library is still being filled out. It's LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safespace. Reviewers mention it's welcoming to families during the day and draws a crowd on quiet nights — the sort of venue developing its own following rather than chasing one. The decor leans hard into gaming references and clever ideas. It's not trying to be a gastro-pub or a cocktail den. It's trying to be a place where you can actually play something.
What Stands Out
Pricing that actually makes sense
Multiple reviewers note '3 pints for a very reasonable price' and 'cheapest pint I've had in the village.' The 2 for £10 cocktail offer is mentioned specifically as value.
Staff who remember you're a person
Reviewers describe staff as 'super friendly and chatty,' 'amazing and lovely people,' and willing to 'create a personalised cocktail.' One reviewer mentions the bartender made them something custom that 'tasted amazing.'
Games that actually work and matter
Reviewers specifically mention SNES games, Sega Megadrive (Street Fighter II), arcade cabinets, pinball, pool, UV table tennis, and PS5/Xbox in booths. One reviewer returned specifically to play UV table tennis.
What Customers Say
Would definitely recommend if you are looking for something to do with your kids Thanks so much
They created a personalised cocktail just for me which tasted amazing!
Fancy a pale ale and a quick bash at Streetfighter II on a Sega Megadrive? Then this is the place for you!
Real quotes from Google Reviews
Practical Information
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about 1UP
SNES, Sega Megadrive arcade cabinets (Street Fighter II confirmed), pinball machines, pool tables, UV table tennis, and PS5/Xbox in booth consoles. Reviewers note the console game library is still being expanded.
Pints are the cheapest in Didsbury by reviewer accounts. Cocktails are 2 for £10. Reviewers specifically praised the pricing as 'nothing short of amazing in this day and age.'
Yes. Multiple reviewers mention visiting with 6-year-olds and describe staff as 'super friendly and chatty' and making families 'feel really welcome.'
Yes, the venue accepts reservations, though no online booking system is available — call ahead.
Yes. It's explicitly marked as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace.
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