Entering That Retro Place, which opened on Caterham High Street last November, is like walking back into your childhood. Shelving racks are filled with stacks of board games, including Go For Broke, Othello and Mouse Trap, plus a cornucopia of video games, consoles and memorabilia stretching back decades.
Out the back are several full-size arcade machines, allowing gamers the pleasure of outrunning the Pac-Man ghosts and jumping the barrels thrown by Donkey Kong. If you grew up playing Sensible Soccer, Metroid or Frogger, the nostalgic feelings that hit you as you take it all in are immense.
While owner Havard Spring is delighted that his cafe is bringing joy to customers of a certain age, it is his intention to also introduce these vintage games to a new generation.
“The young people that visit have been brought up on modern console games, with infinite chances to replay when you lose a life. I’d love them to experience the adrenaline rush you get when you know you’re down to your last token – or the thrill when you add your name to the high score table!”
Operating a ‘try before you buy’ policy, customers can play the games and consoles before taking them home.
“Ordering online might be convenient,” says Havard. “But having something physical in your hands that you can take home immediately? There’s nothing better!”
Havard sources, cleans and renovates everything he sells himself, and customers can bring in broken kit for him to fix, or swap old consoles for refurbished ones.
Gained over a lifetime of playing in arcades and on computers, his near-encyclopaedic knowledge of all things gaming means he is always happy to answer specific queries.
“If you want to know how to clear a few levels in Super Bomberman, or want the rules of Game of Life summarised in 30 seconds, I can do that!”
Once you’ve finished browsing the shelves, That Retro Place offers hot and cold drinks (including Havard’s popular Belgian hot chocolate with an ever-changing range of toppings), cakes, cookies, muffins and crisps. He is also looking at bringing in other food options in the near future, such as sausage rolls.
“I’ve deliberately kept the prices low, as I want this to be a place that children can drop by after school, or families can afford to come in for a drink and something to eat without it breaking the bank.”
The busiest periods are afternoons and weekends, so it’s easier to find a table to play games or have a drink outside of these times. With warm weather coming, there is also plenty of outside seating.
“It’s a calm, chilled environment which is perfect for small groups to meet up in and, in particular, great for those who may find the noise and lights of a busy coffee shop overwhelming.”
That Retro Place is also available for hire on Wednesday evenings, and April sees a new Subbuteo League starting up, sponsored by the English Subbuteo Association, who have donated a 1960s set.
“Two guys from ESA made a special detour here on their way to Tunbridge Wells – home of the game and where Federation International Sports Table Football is holding its World Cup in September – they have been really supportive. That’s one of the things that’s great about this place, so many interesting people have walked through the doors, drawn here by a love of all things retro!”
Havard has plenty of innovative plans for the future of the cafe: to keep up-to-date search ‘That Retro Place’ on Facebook, and keep an eye out for the upcoming launch of its new website.
