14-04-2025
Inside the hidden gaming bar at the heart of the town centre
A much-loved independent gaming venue situated in the heart of the town centre has received a nomination for a prestigious award.
Game Vault has been nominated for a Bolton News Best Family Indoor Entertainment Award. (Image: Leah Collins)Game Vault, on the bottom floor of Market Place shopping centre, is in the running to be crowned Bolton News Best Family Indoor Entertainment Award.
The colourful venue promises fun for families. (Image: Leah Collins)The business, which launched two and a half years ago, recently secured a larger unit to accommodate the venue's popularity. With an array of different games and machines for every age group in the family, it's not difficult to see why Game Vault has gained so much traction.
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The venue opened two and a half years ago. (Image: Leah Collins) Speaking to The Bolton News Craig Holden, from Westhoughton, who is one of the three owners, said: 'The three of us, Martin Prichard, Peter Jackson and myself, we wanted to do it before COVID. We noticed a gap and we thought we could provide a fun, vibrant space that targeted different demographics.
"I wasn't in the business before we launched, I was in the shutter business, Pete was in electronics. We all took the plunge, we're very lucky that it paid off.
The exciting space also becomes a bar in the evening. (Image: Leah Collins) 'We attract lots of different people – of course we have families coming in to use the games with their kids, we have teenagers and young adults coming in on weekends too. We become a bar in the evening, which is good as we can cater to as many people as possible.
'The vault has games from all eras – vintage and new, including VR, roller-coaster simulations and retro games. There's a pool area for people wanting more of a relaxed vibe.
The space has retro, modern and VR games. (Image: Leah Collins) 'The landlord at the Market Place has been great to us, we really can't thank them enough and how accommodating they've been. We're an independent business and the Market Place has also been great with helping us.
'Also, a massive thank you to all our customers and the people who have supported us on this journey. It's been wonderful to see people come to support us and we always welcome new faces.
'We've just managed to extend our lease for the place, which is amazing news as it means we can secure our future for the long term.
'We hope to continue serving the community and would definitely recommend those looking to try something new to check us out!'
Voting slips, which readers can fill in to vote for their favourite, will be in the paper until Saturday, April 19. The winner will be announced shortly after voting closes. Don't forget to pick up a copy of today's paper to vote.
