Game Show All Stars: ‘I tried to be a contestant on all of the major TV game shows at a new Yorkshire bar’
An activity bar inspired by some of the UK's favourite game shows has opened its second Yorkshire venue. Founded by Hannah Duraid, the entrepreneur behind The Great Escape Game, Game Show All Stars opened its first flagship venue in Sheffield’s Orchard Square, in September 2023.Five weeks ago, Game Show All Stars opened up in Leeds city centre above Central Arcade. Our reporter Sophie Mei Lan went to try it out.
Countdown, Bruce's Price is Right, and even some of the BBC Mastermind episodes used to be filmed at Leeds studios.
Like many, I’ve always imagined myself trolley-dashing on Supermarket Sweep, or I’ve found myself doing anagrams just for fun, ala Countdown.
I even used to daydream about which friend I would choose to call on Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
While I no longer watch game shows, the idea of a themed bar where I could play along with family and friends sounded up my street.
Game Show All Stars is based where Geek Retreat used to be upstairs in Central Arcade but you access via Central Street, near to where the new House of Koko will be opening.
Once we found our way in we were greeted by staff. We’d booked the first session at noon as children can come until early evening when it becomes over 18s only.
According to TripAdvisor its first location in Sheffield is the number one nightlife destination in the city.
It’s a compact location with different games to take part in as well as a bar and seating area.
The welcoming staff quickly explained that normally they’d have music on but they were having teething issues.
We were handed cards each to play the games and a score sheet. Up to five people can play against each other.
There were two hosts to guide the groups around and play each game.
Plink plonk is a coin dropping game similar to Tipping Point and there is a “fastest fingers first” game inspired by Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, as well as a Wheel of Fortune style game.
There’s another one where you can throw shopping from your trolley through holes, a Countdown inspired game and one similar to Higher or Lower.
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The staff managed to guide us around while showing us the ropes of each game.
As it was quiet they only had to manoeuvre us and another group around which means there was no waiting in between games.
We had a good giggle although we did get competitive. We broke up our ‘head on head’ battle, by having a drink at our table in between. They also serve pizzas and game show themed cocktails.
It took around an hour for the two of us but it would probably take 90 minutes for larger groups. It costs £16 pp although concessions are available.