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Highest Score arcade in Salisbury could do with some support

johnh

Site Supporter
10 Years
Joined
Apr 17, 2012
Messages
255
Location
Bournemouth
Hey folks

I'm not affiliated, but I saw this on FB and thought it was worth posting here. Shame if we were to lose another pin venue, so if you're in the Salisbury area on Friday 11th or Saturday 12th, it's a quid minimum donation for all you can eat. They have a Stern D&D which I'm quite excited to play (badly of course). and a bunch of other pins and old school vids. https://www.highestscorearcade.com/
Or, if you can't make it but want to help, there's a link to a gofundme page. https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-salisburys-only-arcade-open-8

Screenshot 2025-07-10 at 13.54.47.webp

And of course,@Moonraker / Special When Lit is less than 10 mins down the road so you could do a twofer :) https://specialwhenlit.co.uk/
 
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If I hadn't committed myself work wise I would have gone down. Just to say whoever is going not to take the p%$s and pay just £1, pleaae support as generously as you can and keep these arcades/clubs going.
 
Just to add that James is a big supporter of the pinball scene, taking half a dozen machines to pinfest last year, being a host venue for the South West Tournaments and attending/supporting tournaments when and where possible.

I don't have any issues with him opening at the same time as SWL, there's room for both of us and can only wish him every success in order to make a living for himself. SWL is a hobby for me, my full time job helps me make my living.

Good luck James,I hope it goes well.
 
Spent a couple of hours at Highest Score in Salisbury this morning. James is a great host and it’s really nice line up (pins and vids). Played Baracora and F14, never played either before, nice to see them both out in the wild. Bit of time on TZ, TAF, JD and Fishy. But, I definitely got my moneys worth playing Stern D&D. Loved it! Must have spent at least an hour on it (Whilst keeping an eye over my shoulder to make sure I wasn’t hogging it). Adding this to the top of the list of machines I need to own.
I’m hoping James is able to stay open, I’ll definitely be going back.
 
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Feels like pinball is on a massive down turn in this country. Have people just fallen out of love with the hobby?
 
Feels like pinball is on a massive down turn in this country. Have people just fallen out of love with the hobby?
On the contrary mate, I genuinely believe more people are playing now than ever. The problem is that these places aren't for profit unfortunately. If this is someone's hobby and not their stream of income they can be ok. We have to remember that despite many of us owning multiple machines, these clubs and the competitions can be a big financial outlay for some people when you factor in the travel, accommodation, food and entry price. I try to go to as many tournaments as possible simply for the love of it but it does add up.
 
It could also be rents going up, National Insurance contributions going up, business rates relief going the wrong way, minimum and living wage going up. It’s tough for any small business right now. On top of that, many people have less in their pocket at the moment.
 
Feels like pinball is on a massive down turn in this country. Have people just fallen out of love with the hobby?
Nah it’s a combination of a few things, I believe that in summer no one is buying because every one is either going on holiday or spending on the house/garden.
Next the economy isn’t great, bills are high etc so this isn’t leaving much of disposable income.
 
Always quieter in summer


Prices have reset to pre covid

Quality and popular games still selling

I still get weekly inquiries about games l don't want to sell often very generous. AFM in particular.

Bills are too high in the UK on commercial premises full stop .

Barcades are everywhere in the US. Pinball more popular rents cheaper and of course new pins much cheaper meaning better return on investment.
 
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