“No new or damaged coins allowed,” reads the sign inside a new amusement arcade in Yorkshire which gives you old pennies when you enter.
But while it’s a new venture, there is nothing new about the arcade machines inside which include classics such as Laughing Jolly Jack, Crazy Farm Yard, Pussy Place a Penny in the Slot, the Marathon Cycle Race, The Spiritualist Room and the Love test.
Sophie Mei Lan stumbled across the Old Penny Lane Family Entertainment Centre.
Most of us head to the seaside for the best amusement arcades, but now you can head to York for a taste of some of the best arcade machines from years gone by.
“We’re one of the only four or five amusement arcades in the country which celebrates all the best machines that were more about having fun than gambling,” said owner of Old Penny Lane Family Entertainment Centre Bob Hanley.
Old Penny Lane Family Entertainment Centre which is dubbed ‘an interactive museum’ opened in Feasegate in York at Easter with victorian and vintage games.
After years of dreaming about opening his own arcade, Bob said he has finally collected enough sought after games over the past 30 years at antique and collectable auctions to open his very own Victorian and vintage arcade.
“It’s only been going seven weeks and we’re getting busier, people are coming back for more.
“It’s just £3 to enter and you get a cup of old pennies to play on the games.”
From a laughing boy to fortune teller machines, slots and coin grinders where you flick pages to make a scene for a silent film, the arcade has it all.
Plus there’s a one of a kind generating station which dates back to 1927.
While York Castle Museum nearby has a selection of penny arcade machines, Bob said Penny Lane Arcade is one of only five dedicated vintage arcades in the country.
He added: “There’s one in Pocklington. They’re so much better than the new arcades.”
Bob’s friend Grant Parker, who has been instructed to maintain the historic machines, said that he loves the laughing boy machine and some “golden oldies.”
“It’s a unique place and I love looking after these machines and seeing people have fun on them.”
While this is family-friendly and not about gambling, Bob said he is taking a gamble at the footfall he’ll need to cover the £40,000 rent.
Grant Parker playing games.