Retro café offers fresh approach

A new retro games caf that doubles as a retailer has opened in Cornwall, combining food and drink with gaming.

The outlet is based in Falmouth and has been named Loading. It was set up by local entrepreneur James Dance and specialises in games and hardware from previous generations, with customers able to play before buying.

The caf is equipped with a range of consoles and arcade tables, and sells a range of refreshments from snacks to alcoholic drink in addition to its games products.

The main inspiration for Loading was a music caf near here – I wondered why had nobody done that with games,” said Dance. It also helped that GameStation shut down and Costa was replaced with concessions stands in other shops.”

The ambitious retailer is already working on setting up a complementary website through which he can sell his retro products, and hopes to expand his business to multiple stores in future.

Dance hopes his business model will spread and inspire other indies, filling what he sees as a niche in the market.

Games are slowly establishing themselves as a more respected medium so places should start selling them in a better way, rather than just stacking them up along an aisle,” added Dance.

I think there is a market for something like this across the country. I’m not really competing with other games retailers – instead I’m working alongside them to complement their newer games offerings. Hopefully I could work with a few smaller chains – maybe you’ll see Loading caf concessions in other retailers.”