Highest Score Arcade, Salisbury’s prominent independent amusement venue, has announced it will close its doors at the end of September 2025, bringing an end to over a year of operations rooted in grassroots community enthusiasm and retro gaming culture.
Despite a spirited fundraising campaign that initially looked set to provide a lifeline for the ailing arcade, escalating operational costs and insufficient visitor numbers have forced owner James Petherick to make the difficult decision.
Founded in August 2024 by James Petherick, the Salisbury-based Highest Score Arcade quickly garnered interest from local gamers and enthusiasts across Wiltshire.
Catering to fans of classic arcade titles and pinball machines, the arcade was lauded for its affordable pricing, vibrant atmosphere, and a community-first approach.
However, just a year after launch, Petherick was compelled to temporarily shutter the business, leading to widespread speculation that its closure would be permanent. A dramatic turnaround came in July 2025, when an outpouring of support from the Salisbury community and arcade fans worldwide rallied to raise over £3,000 in just two days.
This remarkable fundraising drive, highlighted in coverage by the Salisbury Journal, enabled the venue to reopen for a short time and provided a glimmer of hope for its continued operation.
“Supporters from Salisbury, Wiltshire, and even further afield came together to raise enough money to secure the arcade’s short-term future,” Petherick told the Salisbury Journal, expressing deep gratitude for the generosity shown during the campaign.
Despite initial optimism, operational realities soon set in.
In statements to the BBC, Petherick explained, "The business model was not sustainable due to mounting costs—including significant electricity expenses—and lower than anticipated visitor turnout." As a result, he acknowledged that he will have to sell many of the arcade's larger gaming cabinets while opting to keep pinball machines for his personal collection.
"It is regrettable that it has come to this," Petherick added.
Highest Score Arcade’s challenges mirror wider trends in the UK arcade scene, as venues grapple with high running costs and evolving entertainment habits.
Freeplay Arcade, another well-known Dorset venue, has also faced closure but reportedly plans to reopen at a new location. For now, Salisbury’s gaming community faces the loss of a vibrant local hub that brought retro gaming and social connection to the forefront.
The short-lived success of the fundraising campaign stands as a testament to the passionate support of the community and the enduring appeal of classic arcades, even as economic realities pose persistent challenges for such independent ventures.
Despite a spirited fundraising campaign that initially looked set to provide a lifeline for the ailing arcade, escalating operational costs and insufficient visitor numbers have forced owner James Petherick to make the difficult decision.
Founded in August 2024 by James Petherick, the Salisbury-based Highest Score Arcade quickly garnered interest from local gamers and enthusiasts across Wiltshire.
Catering to fans of classic arcade titles and pinball machines, the arcade was lauded for its affordable pricing, vibrant atmosphere, and a community-first approach.
However, just a year after launch, Petherick was compelled to temporarily shutter the business, leading to widespread speculation that its closure would be permanent. A dramatic turnaround came in July 2025, when an outpouring of support from the Salisbury community and arcade fans worldwide rallied to raise over £3,000 in just two days.
This remarkable fundraising drive, highlighted in coverage by the Salisbury Journal, enabled the venue to reopen for a short time and provided a glimmer of hope for its continued operation.
“Supporters from Salisbury, Wiltshire, and even further afield came together to raise enough money to secure the arcade’s short-term future,” Petherick told the Salisbury Journal, expressing deep gratitude for the generosity shown during the campaign.
Despite initial optimism, operational realities soon set in.
In statements to the BBC, Petherick explained, "The business model was not sustainable due to mounting costs—including significant electricity expenses—and lower than anticipated visitor turnout." As a result, he acknowledged that he will have to sell many of the arcade's larger gaming cabinets while opting to keep pinball machines for his personal collection.
"It is regrettable that it has come to this," Petherick added.
Highest Score Arcade’s challenges mirror wider trends in the UK arcade scene, as venues grapple with high running costs and evolving entertainment habits.
Freeplay Arcade, another well-known Dorset venue, has also faced closure but reportedly plans to reopen at a new location. For now, Salisbury’s gaming community faces the loss of a vibrant local hub that brought retro gaming and social connection to the forefront.
The short-lived success of the fundraising campaign stands as a testament to the passionate support of the community and the enduring appeal of classic arcades, even as economic realities pose persistent challenges for such independent ventures.