Liverpool is brimming with unique spots for a memorable date night, but if you’re looking for something truly out of the ordinary, you might want to head straight to the Baltic Triangle. Here, you’ll find the newly opened HotShots Darts, an AR Darts venue that’s taking the city’s nightlife by storm. This isn’t just a date night—it’s a date day that promises to be filled with laughter, friendly competition, and maybe a little bit of nostalgia.
HotShots Darts isn’t just about throwing darts—it’s an immersive experience that takes this classic pub game to the next level. Housed in the beautifully restored Cains Brewery building, HotShots offers a perfect blend of nostalgia, fun, and a hint of friendly competition that makes for an unforgettable date night.
Their interactive darts games include fan-favourite Bullseye, reimagined with augmented reality. The moment you step into the venue, you’re transported back to the retro days of the ’70s and ’80s. The walls are adorned with vintage toys and board games like Mousetrap and The Game of Life, evoking a sense of nostalgia that had us pointing at the walls and reliving our childhoods.
The venue currently offers a fantastic deal: 60 minutes of darts and four drink tokens for just £25 per person. Whether you’re a darts pro or a complete novice, the interactive elements make it accessible and entertaining for everyone. And if you want to mix things up, you can even head upstairs for a few rounds of shuffleboard.
No date night is complete without good food and drinks, and HotShots certainly delivers on that front. The menu is packed with crowd-pleasers like hot dogs, burgers, chicken wings, and pizza. For those who love to share, the small plates are a must-try, with highlights including halloumi fries, honey mustard sausages, and mushroom arancini.
We couldn’t resist asking the bartender for a cocktail recommendation, and we were not disappointed. The Electric Boogaloo, made with Cachaça, fresh lime, and a hint of jalapeño, was a revelation—spicy, tangy, and incredibly refreshing. If cocktails aren’t your thing, HotShots also offers a selection of local beers, perfect for washing down their hearty food offerings.
After an hour of darts, you might be tempted to keep the fun going, and luckily, you’re in the perfect place to do just that. A short stroll through the courtyard of Punch Tarmeys (where you can catch live music acts every weekend) leads you to ArCains—a haven for gamers and anyone with a love for nostalgia.
ArCains boasts four floors of gaming excitement, including arcade games, VR experiences, immersive rides, and old gaming consoles. Entry is just £25 per person for unlimited gaming, which includes access to the new 18+ floor with gaming PCs. With bars on every floor, you can keep the drinks flowing as you explore everything from retro classics to cutting-edge VR.
So for under £60 per person, you can enjoy a full day and night of entertainment, drinks, and delicious food. Start with an afternoon of immersive gaming experiences at ArCains, then savour some great food and drinks before enjoying an hour of interactive darts at HotShots, finishing off with some live music in Punch Tarmey’s courtyard.
Is this the best date night in Liverpool? We certainly think so. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, make sure to add this experience to your must-do list. You won’t regret it.
