An interactive gaming venue catering for gamers with multiple console stations is to open in Liverpool ONE. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool ONE is to be home to a new esports gaming venture.

Due to open early May, Level Tap will occupy 6,500 sq ft in Hanover Street. It will offer a games library that will cater for a wide range of gamers and host a variety of competitive titles from all genres.

The venue will feature eight console stations, all containing a Nintendo Switch and either a PS5 or an Xbox Series X, along with two racing simulators and 22 PCs. And it will host and broadcast live events from around the world.

Spanning two floors, Level Tap’s mezzanine floor will be a base for streamers and competing teams broadcasting their gameplay onto projectors and TVs around the venue.

The lower level will house a lounge area, with bar and dining tables, as well as an ‘arena’ seating over 100. 

It will serve a range of gaming-themed cocktails, shakes, seltzers and draught and bottled beer, wine and soft drinks, as well as pizza slices, sides, snacks and sundaes.

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Adam Rydings, Level Tap founder, said: “Liverpool is increasingly becoming a huge gaming centre, with a renowned status for games development.

“Combine this with Liverpool ONE’s reputation as the city’s central hub, home to a community of innovative food and beverage, retail and competitive socialising outlets, the new Hanover Street unit seemed the obvious choice in which to open our debut venue.

“Here, we’re looking to create a home for those passionate about esports and gaming, enabling them to play, watch and socialise together.”

Also due to open in Liverpool ONE this year is Gravity Max, a multi-activity entertainment venue in Liverpool. Costing £10m,  Gravity will occupy 100,000 sq ft on the upper floors of the former Debenhams store.

Rob Deacon, senior asset manager at Liverpool ONE one owner Grosvenor, added: “Level Tap’s exciting new concept is at the forefront of the growing esports market, combining the gaming world, with a hospitality-led experience.

“We’re excited to welcome the first dedicated esports venue to Liverpool, a city which is widely regarded as the UK’s most sociable.”

Metis and Starka acted for Liverpool ONE, whilst Level Tap dealt direct.