SideQuest closes down three venues

UK-based gaming cafe chain SideQuest has announced the permanent closure of three of its venues.

The cafe chain revealed its Elephant Park, Coventry, and Canterbury locations will cease operations on November 30th.

Announced in an Instagram post published on November 25th, the three venues provided gamers a platform to take part in esports competitions, along with a space for teams to practice ahead of high-profile events.

The closure of the chain’s Canterbury venue comes a year after the SideQuest Hub opened in the historic city. Visitors could play a variety of titles on 40 PC stations, games consoles, and racing simulators.

“These venues were never just gaming spaces. They were meeting points and memory makers,” said SideQuest on Instagram. “We’ve been privileged to watch strangers become regulars and regulars become friends. Thank you for the incredible energy, the unwavering support, the late nights spent with us, and the amazing tournaments we shared.”

Customers with existing bookings at the three venues impacted by the closures are advised to contact SideQuest as soon as possible.

Founded in 2022, SideQuest established itself as one of the UK’s leading gaming cafe chains, hosting a variety of events. In 2024, its Charing Cross, Elephant Park, and Coventry venues hosted watch parties for the League of Legends World Championship. Across the three venues, over 400 people attended.

With three of its four venues closing their doors, the future of SideQuest remains uncertain. The chain’s X account hasn’t posted since October 14th, leaving many in the dark surrounding upcoming events planned to take place in November and December.

The closures are a significant blow to the UK’s gaming and esports venue sector. In recent years, the Belong Gaming Arenas have also ceased operations.

In a statement to Esports Insider, SideQuest reveals that its Charing Cross store will remain open as normal, and no other venues are impacted with closures.