About Reload Bar & Games
Reload Bar & Games was a unique gaming-themed bar in Canberra’s Civic district. Opened in 2014 by gaming enthusiasts Ravi Sharma, Jim Andrews and Marc Brown , it combined a craft-beer pub with retro arcade cabinets, modern consoles and board games. Over more than a decade it became an iconic part of Canberra nightlife – local media called it a “pop culture and video game-themed venue” and an indispensable Civic bar . Signature features included neon “cyberpunk” lighting on interior walls and a giant Nintendo-themed TV console showcased at the entrance . Notably, a blue police-box “TARDIS” sculpture stood in the outdoor beer garden, making Reload a city landmark and selfie spot . The venue spanned an indoor laneway bar (about 120 seats) and an adjoining outdoor beer garden (about 70 seats) . In practice it held roughly 190 people sitting or standing, mixing relaxed seating with open gaming areas.
Events and Programming
Reload Bar & Games hosted a wide range of events. On any week you might find quiz and trivia nights, pub board-game meetups, open-mic karaoke and weekly themed dance parties. The bar frequently ran genre nights (80s rock, punk, country, emo, K-pop, Taylor Swift, etc.) and regular gaming tournaments (Mario Kart, Tekken, Smash Bros, etc.). A closing-month schedule in 2025 included costume parties and even a live “WWE-style” wrestling show . The official program typically listed “game nights, tournaments, karaoke and themed parties” as recurring events . Live music and DJ sets were common – past lineups included local and touring acts in electronic, funk, reggae and soul styles. Special events like a Souljazz Soundsystem block party or a “Carnival in Capital” reggae/DnB festival drew crowds. For big ticket events, advance tickets sold out quickly; casual evenings were often free or low-cost. (Typical event tickets ranged roughly $15–$30 depending on the performer or theme.) Reload also hosted private bookings and corporate parties, arranging custom game competitions and food/drink packages. In short, guests could expect anything from competitive gaming tournaments and cosplay contests to retro dance nights – all with a fun, community-driven atmosphere.
Tickets and Booking
Reload Bar & Games did not have a traditional walk-up box office. Instead, tickets for concerts or club nights were sold online (via event pages or social media announcements) and sometimes at the door. Popular shows often sold out, so pre-booking was wise. Fans signed up for Reload’s mailing list or followed its social media to catch presale dates. Entry fees depended on the event: small trivia or open-game nights were often free or just the price of a drink, while larger shows or themed parties charged a cover (typically in the $15–$30 range). On nights with limited tickets, arriving early helped secure entry. For general bar nights, no ticket was needed. Reload did offer table reservations for groups, especially for outdoor seating, but these needed to be arranged in advance. At busy events the bartenders also managed door sales of a few extra tickets. In any case, always bring photo ID (drivers licence or passport) for age verification. It was recommended to arrive 30–60 minutes before peak times, since queues could form when the venue neared capacity.
Seating and Layout
The layout was an open laneway-style space divided into gaming and seating zones. The indoor bar area featured communal high-top tables and stools (approximately 120 seats total) . In one corner was a DJ booth/stage raised slightly for live acts. Surrounding the bar and stage were rows of arcade machines and console setups. A standout wall installation was a cartoonishly enlarged Nintendo Switch (actually a TV) that greeted visitors at the entrance . Reload’s official site highlights four “gaming zones”: a video-game lounge (PlayStation, Xbox, Switch consoles), a board-game area, an indoor arcade section (classic capsule cabinets and pinball) and an outdoor beer garden . We can list these as:
Video Game Lounge – consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
Board Game Area – tables stocked with dozens of board games
Beer Garden – open-air outdoor patio with seating and cover
Arcade Section – banks of retro and modern arcade cabinets
During shows, seating was largely unassigned. The “best” place depended on your preference: standing near the front or stage gave the best audio/visual view for concerts, while bench seating farther back offered comfort and quick bar access. The beer garden provided a more relaxed vantage under the sky (though it could get chilly in winter). In general, most of the room was general admission standing room. No formal VIP area existed (aside from booking out the room), but higher-up booths and corners were sometimes treated as “premium” spots by groups. Acoustically, sound boards and speakers were oriented to cover the crowd evenly, so sound quality was good even mid-room. (One caveat: the far far corners of the building had slightly muffled audio.) Overall, the intimate, open plan meant the crowd could easily mingle. The Hollywood Boulevard layout allowed stream of people across the lanes – something Reload embraced, rather than fixed seat rows.
Getting There and Parking
Reload Bar & Games was located just off Northbourne Avenue in central Canberra (Verity Lane in the heritage-listed Sydney Building, Civic) . By car, the closest paid parking is the Canberra Centre multi-level car park (enter off Lonsdale Street) – only a 4-minute walk . Other nearby options include the Constitution Avenue car park (8 minutes’ walk) and the Olympic Pool car park (10 minutes) . On-street parking in the CBD is limited, especially overnight, so many visitors opted for these covered lots. Rideshares and taxis can drop off on Northbourne Ave (at Verity Lane) or Odgers Lane next to the bar. For public transport, Verity Lane is immediately adjacent to the Civic Bus Interchange on Alinga Street , which has frequent services from all over the city. A new light rail (tram) stop is also being constructed at the nearby Canberra Centre, making it easy from Gungahlin or Belconnen. Bus routes R4 (Gungahlin), R3 (Belconnen) and many others run to Civic. In short, visitors could either walk a few minutes from the city centre or Canberra Centre (400m away) or hop off at the main Civic interchange – it’s very accessible by public transit .
Inside the Venue
On entering, expect a casual pub atmosphere with game rooms everywhere. Staff would check IDs (Reload served alcohol) and, on busy nights, search bags for glass and safety. The interior vibe was lively and welcoming – walls lit with neon art, video-game soundtracks mixing with DJ sets. The main bar offered a full drink list: a range of local craft beers on tap, themed cocktails, cider and soft drinks. The venue’s menu emphasized easy share eats – indeed, their “Let’s Reload” menu boasts burgers, nachos and wings, plus lighter snacks . Vegetarian and vegan options were explicitly available . Fried chicken wings and gourmet sliders were crowd favorites, fueling gamers between rounds. A compact kitchen meant food was made-to-order; lines could form at peak times. The outdoor beer garden (with heaters and the TARDIS photo booth) had its own drink rails and TV screens for sports or streams. Restrooms were on the main level; design listings noted that there were wheelchair-accessible toilets available . There was no formal coat check, though patrons often hung jackets on chairs. Free wifi might not have been advertised, so many guests simply used their own data. The venue sold Reload-branded T-shirts, caps and small merchandise alongside games tokens. Connectivity (cell signal) was generally good inside. For tech, many console and arcade machines accepted reloadable tokens (available at the bar). On-site chargers and USB outlets were not a feature; visitors often swapped power packs to recharge phones if needed. Overall, the inside felt bustling and inclusive – a melting pot of gamers and casual drinkers enjoying games in a secure, fun setting.
Nearby Amenities
Reload is in a bustling part of the city with many options for pre- or post-show dining and drinks. Directly on Verity Lane is Verity Lane Market – a modern food-hall with six vendor stalls (everything from Korean fried chicken to Indonesian satay, Mexican, pizza and more) and the Verity Bar serving cocktails and craft beer . VisitCanberra calls it a “magnificent food hall featuring chef-driven cuisine and world-class drinks” . This means you could grab ramen, tacos, pizza or cocktails just steps away. Across Northbourne Ave is the Canberra Centre shopping mall (2-3 minute walk) with cafes, brewpubs and fast food. Nearby eateries include Asian fusion bistro Iyo Izakaya, the bar-lite café Monster Kitchen, and Capitol Bar & Grill. If you arrive early, consider dining at family-friendly pubs around the corner on Lonsdale Street. For accommodation, several hotels cluster within walking distance: the Novotel and Ibis Canberra Centre are very close (with discounted parking after 6pm), and boutique hotels in Braddon are a short drive. Late-night transportation: ride shares and taxis are plentiful (downtown Canberra has active late-night taxi stands at the Civic Interchange). Buses stop around midnight, so plan accordingly; an Uber from Civic to most suburbs is easy. The bench style lanterns of Verity Lane also mean there is ample pedestrian lighting at night, so walking from nearby hotels (Hyatt, Capital Executive, etc.) is safe and not far. Reload staff often recommended allowing extra time to find parking or rain-safe walking routes, especially in winter. In summary, Reload Bar & Games was well-served by nearby bars, laneway restaurants (like those in Verity Market) and transport options, making it convenient for a full night out in Canberra.
What Makes This Venue Special
Reload Bar & Games earned a devoted following thanks to its one-of-a-kind blend of gaming and social venue. It was far more than “just another bar” – the owners fostered an inclusive, fun environment for people who might not feel at home in mainstream clubs. In interviews many patrons said they felt uncomfortable at larger nightclubs but welcomed and safe at Reload . The décor and events reflected every fandom: from weekly nerd trivia to costume contests, Reload celebrated pop culture fully. Its cultural impact went beyond the barroom – for example, it hosted regular interstate esports events and even inspired a separate “Active Gamers Australia” kids program during its run . Leigh local news noted that Reload was essentially Canberra’s gaming hub and community space, and its closure left a noticeable gap in the city’s entertainment scene. Musicians and DJs loved playing there because the crowd was genuinely enthusiastic and diverse (retro gamers, anime fans, cosplayers, hipsters and more). The iconic TARDIS outside, neon arcade signs and frequent themed decorations made every visit feel special. In short, Reload was famous for its friendly staff, geeky charm and sense of community – making it a beloved venue for both artists and audiences alike .
Visitor Tips and Information
To make the most of Reload Bar & Games (or check its status), keep these tips in mind. Verify the current status: the venue closed permanently in March 2025 after a final series of themed parties . There have been occasional one-off returns (for example a special Halloween event in late 2025), but as of now plan on it being closed unless announced otherwise. When it was open, ID was required at the door – only 18+ entry was allowed after 9pm (as it served alcohol) . Dress was casual or gaming-casual (video game T-shirts, cosplay, etc. were common and welcomed). There was no formal dress code beyond the usual “no shirt, no shoes, no service.” It’s wise to carry a light jacket for the outdoor beer garden (it can get cool at night) and socks if you play dance games (bare feet systems can be rough).
For arrival times: Reload’s hours were roughly Tuesday–Thursday 4pm–midnight, Friday 4pm–2am, Saturday 2pm–2am, Sunday 2pm–midnight . It was closed on Mondays. For busy nights (Friday and Saturday after 8pm), arrive early if you want entry without a long wait. Keep in mind that after events end, buses may be scarce; it’s wise to book a rideshare or taxi in advance. Accessibility: the venue did provide wheelchair access ramps and disabled toilets , but the laneway layout is narrow in spots. If you have mobility needs, consider calling ahead (the business listed ‘wheelchair access’ on venue info ). Finally, common mistakes: don’t expect to try gaming without coins or tokens (you typically exchange money for game credit), avoid bringing outside food/drink, and remember that Reload was mostly standing space during events. Checking the venue’s social posts for any age limit exceptions (strict over-18) or special instructions is always a good idea before planning your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reload Bar & Games still open?
No – as of 2025 Reload Bar & Games has permanently closed. Owners announced its final night on 22 March 2025, concluding over a decade of operation . Since then there have been occasional one-off events (e.g. a Halloween re-opening in 2025), but the venue does not operate on a regular basis. Always check official channels; reopening has not been scheduled.
Where was Reload Bar & Games located?
Reload Bar & Games was in Canberra’s City Centre on Verity Lane, in the historic Sydney Building at 34–38 Northbourne Avenue (near the Canberra Centre mall) . Verity Lane is a little alley adjacent to Northbourne Ave, accessible from Alinga Street and nearby streets. It’s two blocks north of the Canberra Centre and one block west of the Civic Bus Station.
How do I buy tickets for events at Reload Bar & Games?
Reload Bar did not have a physical box office. Ticketed shows were sold online (through official event pages or partner ticketing services) and sometimes at the door if available. The venue’s social media and website announced ticket releases and presales. For popular acts, tickets often sold out in advance. General entry nights or free events required no ticket. There was usually no separate service fee beyond the advertised price.
What types of events and entertainment were held at Reload Bar & Games?
Reload Bar & Games hosted a mix of gaming-focused and general nightlife events. Typical programming included video-game tournaments and console competitions, board game meetups, and themed costume parties. The bar also ran live DJ nights, karaoke, live music (bands and solo acts), trivia nights, and cosplay gatherings. Special events ranged from retro arcade leagues to themed dances (punk, country, K-pop, etc.) . They even held novelty events like amateur wrestling shows in their laneway. Essentially, if you love games or pop culture music, there was usually something on the calendar.
How much did tickets cost at Reload Bar & Games?
Ticket prices varied by event. Small weekly events (game nights, small concerts) were often free or had a modest cover ($5–$10). Larger concerts, theme parties or imported DJs typically charged in the $15–$30 range per ticket. Major headline acts or special events (for example, celebrity DJs or wrestling shows) could be a bit higher. VIP table bookings or group packages were extra. Many events used tiered pricing (early bird vs. general admission). In all cases, prices were published ahead on the event page or flyer.
What was the seating capacity of Reload Bar & Games?
Reload Bar & Games held roughly 190 people in total: about 120 seats inside the main bar area and 70 seats in the outdoor beer garden . However, much of the space was general admission standing room. At maximum capacity, events could be packed tight, so early arrival was important for big shows. The intimate size meant sold-out shows still felt lively, and there was always room to stand or pull up a seat.
Did Reload Bar & Games have VIP or reserved seating?
Reload Bar & Games did not have a formal VIP section. Seating was mostly communal (benches, bar stools, outdoor tables) on a first-come basis. On certain nights, customers could reserve tables in advance (especially in the outdoor beer garden) but that simply guaranteed a table, not a raised VIP area. For concerts, events were general admission standing, though some people treated side booths or raised benches as “preferred” spots. In short, there was no closed-off VIP lounge; the experience was very communal.
What was the dress code at Reload Bar & Games?
The dress code was casual. Gaming-themed or pop-culture attire (graphic tees, cosplay outfits, etc.) were welcome and common. There was no strict dress code enforced beyond basic nightclub rules: no shoes, no shirt, no service policy. On themed nights (80s, costume contests) people often dressed up for fun. In general, wear something comfortable suited to standing, dancing or playing games. Closed-toe shoes were recommended for safety around arcade areas. Overall, feel free to match the bar’s relaxed, fun vibe.
Were there any age restrictions at Reload Bar & Games?
Yes – because Reload served alcohol, it operated as an 18+ venue. Patrons needed to be at least 18 years old after 6pm. On weekend evenings and all night performances, strict ID checks enforced this (drivers licences or passports were required). During special family-friendly hours (when they occasionally hosted children’s board-game afternoons), younger guests could attend, but after dusk it was 18+ only. The venue had this posted on its door/website and followed ACT liquor-license regulations.
Were children allowed at Reload Bar & Games?
Generally, no. After opening hours, recalling that Reload was primarily a late-night bar, it was officially 18+ only. Children or seekers of a purely family-night atmosphere would not be permitted in the evenings. The space was designed as a pub/arcade for adults, including alcoholic beverages at the bar. (If any special daytime “family days” were ever offered in earlier years, they were rare and not part of its standard program.) Parents should plan separate outings for kids, as Reload’s adult audience and environment was not suited for children.
Did Reload Bar & Games serve food and drinks?
Yes. Upholding its bar status, Reload served full bar drinks and pub food. It offered a range of craft beers on tap, cider, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks and coffee. On the food side, there was a kitchen with burgers, nachos, loaded fries, chicken wings, sliders and similar “bar snack” fare, as promoted on their menu . Many customers praised the burger sliders and wing deals. Food service operated throughout the night during opening hours. The bar staff could split checks and cater to gaming groups with snack platters. Vegetarian and vegan options were explicitly on the menu, ensuring options for all dietary preferences .
Were vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes. Reload Bar explicitly offered vegetarian and vegan options on its menu . For example, alongside burgers and wings, the menu included vegetarian slider or nacho options. They aimed to cater to all diets. Most bar/food specials could be modified with veggie toppings or plant-based proteins on request. In short, vegans and vegetarians had several choices rather than only one “side salad.”
Was Reload Bar & Games wheelchair accessible?
Yes – Reload advertised itself as wheelchair accessible. The entry on venue listings confirmed wheelchair ramps and disabled toilets were provided . Inside, there were accessible restrooms. The outdoor beer garden also had ramp access. However, the space was narrow in places (as it’s a heritage laneway), so mobility might be slightly restricted during peak crowds. If accessibility is a concern, it was best to call ahead. But generally the staff were accommodating and the bar layout allowed for wheelchair entry and seating.
Where could I park near Reload Bar & Games and what were the costs?
Nearby parking options included the Canberra Centre multi-storey (Lonsdale St, about a 4-min walk) and Constitution Ave car park (8 min walk) . The Olympic Pool car park (~10 min walk) was another choice. Rates depended on the lot (expect standard city rates, typically ~$3–$5/hour in those lots; after 5pm some lower evening rates applied). On-street parking near Verity Lane was very limited and enforced. Some visitors used park-and-ride lots on the city’s outskirts and bused in. Taxi and Uber drop-off/pickup directly on Northbourne Ave or Verity Lane were also convenient if you didn’t want to pay for parking.
What public transport serves Reload Bar & Games?
The Civic Bus Interchange on Alinga Street is right next to Verity Lane , so most city buses stop within a 1–2 minute walk. High-frequency routes from all major suburbs (such as R4 from Gungahlin or R3 from Belconnen) terminate there. The Newcastle Avenue tram (light rail) is also being extended to Canberra Centre (less than 5 min walk). In practice, you could catch any city-bound bus and alight at the main city interchange, then walk down Verity Lane. For example, buses on Northbourne Avenue (e.g. route 200 to Tuggeranong) have stops near the old cinema; from there it was a two-block walk. For a precise plan, use Canberra’s bus timetables for Civic Interchange.
What were the opening hours of Reload Bar & Games?
Before closing, Reload Bar’s hours were roughly: Monday closed; Tuesday–Thursday 4:00 pm–12:00 am; Friday 4:00 pm–2:00 am; Saturday 2:00 pm–2:00 am; Sunday 2:00 pm–12:00 am . In other words, it popped up in late afternoon/early evening on weekdays and from mid-afternoon on weekends. These hours could change for special event nights (sometimes opening earlier). Always check current listings as times may have shifted in its final year, but this was the typical schedule as per the venue’s own postings .
Could I book a private event or party at Reload Bar & Games?
Yes, Reload Bar offered private hire options. You could book the bar or sections of it for parties, corporate events or group gatherings. They had packages for group bookings, including food and drink combos and even game tournament setups. To arrange a takeover (for a birthday, company night, etc.), you would contact them well in advance via their website or email. For such bookings, the whole venue or larger zones could be closed to the public. Since they often handled themed nights, they were quite flexible with private-event themes and schedules.
What happened to the TARDIS outside Reload Bar & Games?
The blue TARDIS (Doctor Who prop) was a famous fixture outside Reload for several years. According to news reports, it was sold by the owners when the bar was preparing to close . In other words, the real-life TARDIS has been removed and no longer stands in the beer garden. It now resides in a private location. The loss of the TARDIS was noticeable to fans, but it was part of winding down as the venue closed. It had originally served as an eye-catching landmark; now it’s kept off-site.
What games and consoles were available to play at Reload Bar & Games?
Reload Bar & Games had a massive collection of games. The arcade section featured classics like Street Fighter II, Pac-Man, Dance Dance Revolution, pinball machines and other arcade cabinets . The video-game lounge included consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) with multiplayer titles like Mario Kart, Smash Bros, Guitar Hero and sports titles. There were also dozens of board games in the board-game zone to share with friends. In short, patrons could enjoy every genre – retro arcade fighters, rhythm games, racing simulators and modern esports titles – all on-site .
Was Wi-Fi or phone charging available inside Reload Bar & Games?
Reload Bar did not prominently advertise free Wi-Fi, as most visitors used their mobile data to coordinate gaming or social meetups. Cell reception inside was generally good (4G networks worked well). Charging ports were not a major feature; patrons often used portable battery packs or swapped console controllers with charged batteries. In practice, if you needed to juice up a phone, you likely had to ask staff to plug into a back-bar outlet or step outside. The focus was on gaming rather than staying online, so it was best to come prepared with a charged device.
Why did Reload Bar & Games close?
The owners decided to close Reload Bar so they could move on to other projects . It was not because of poor health or legal issues, but rather that the founders felt the time had come after more than ten years. They had explored selling the business and had offers, but ultimately chose to wrap up the bar. Rising costs and the challenges facing many small businesses in Canberra may have contributed. The closure was voluntary and carefully planned with a farewell schedule of events, rather than a sudden shutdown.
