Highest Score Arcade opened in Cross Keys Shopping Centre in August 2024, offering air hockey, table football, pool, pinball and arcade machines.
The business was launched by James Petherick with the support of his friend – and former UK pinball champion – Rich Mallett.
James had several pinball machines in his house and decided to open Highest Score to share his love for the game. He also wanted to introduce pinball and arcade games to the next generation and bring a sense of nostalgia to people who grew up with them.
At the time, he said: “It’s a great opportunity to learn something that’s healthy. Many parents with teenagers struggle to keep them off devices.
“It’s [pinball] a game that gets kids away from screen time.”
Rich said: “In the 70s and 80s, before video games, pinball machines were everywhere – cafes, bars, restaurants, clubs – but when video games came, pinball took a back seat.
“Now, it’s booming, with more tournaments offering more prize money.”
James Petherick (left) and Rich Mallett (Image: Newsquest) Now, Highest Score has closed its doors – but it is unclear if the closure is temporary or permanent.
On June 28, the company posted retro-style graphics that say “game over” and “out of credits” on its official Facebook page.
On Wednesday afternoon (July 2), Highest Score was shut and the lights were off.
Highest Score’s website says ‘CLOSED’ under the opening hours section, and Google lists the business as ‘permanently closed’.
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