The first birthday of a city bar with retro arcade games will be celebrated this weekend.

YouTuber Peter Leigh opened Barcadia in a disused pub in Prince of Wales Road in May 2023 and it quickly gained a lot of interest, with people travelling from all over the country to play on the retro game machines and enjoy a pint or two.

One year on, the success shows no signs of slowing down.

Norwich Evening News: Peter Leigh loves spending time at the bar, which was always a dream of hisPeter Leigh loves spending time at the bar, which was always a dream of his (Image: Peter Leigh)

"The business has grown a lot - especially in the last six months," said Peter.

"Trade has increased, despite it not being the best time to work in hospitality, and businesses are falling all around us.

"The different concept of the bar has made it popular - particularly in Prince of Wales Road"

Norwich Evening News: Barcadia is set up with loads of retro gaming machinesBarcadia is set up with loads of retro gaming machines (Image: Peter Leigh)

Peter Leigh started his YouTube account Nostalgia Nerd around a decade ago and now has just shy of 540,000 subscribers.

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The bar opened following a successful fundraising campaign at the start of 2023 that saw £27,781 raised for the site, which Peter said had "always been a dream" of his.

"It's been both a fun and a challenging year," he reflects, one year later.

Norwich Evening News: Barcadia moved into a former pub in Prince of Wales RoadBarcadia moved into a former pub in Prince of Wales Road (Image: Peter Leigh)

"It has gone by so quickly! It is definitely a passion project of mine, and I love being there.

"Seeing people enjoy the place, play on a machine and leave with a smile on their face has been rewarding."

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To celebrate Barcadia's first birthday, Peter has announced that customers can enjoy 20pc off their bill by saying 'Happy Birthday' at the bar.

Norwich Evening News: The bar has started hosting live music events which havedrawn crowdsThe bar has started hosting live music events which havedrawn crowds (Image: Peter Leigh)

Peter also has plans in place for the second May bank holiday weekend, with a three-day pop-up with Bun X and a quiz on the cards.

"It's really exciting," he added.

"It's been a fantastic year, I've met some fantastic people, we've had great customers, so I'm looking forward to the next one!"