Up A Level York

02/05/2026

Blood on the Clocktower this Saturday (9th May). Arrive from 6pm. There will be beginner friendly games for anyone who hasn't played before. Message to book!

29/04/2026

For those who know me, you'll know that I'd pretty much do anything to not put myself out there. I'm happy to hide away in the background and not be noticed.

So when I decided to start my own company, it was a scary prospect.

I've always thought that games bring people together. But with a comfortable ice breaker to hide behind when necessary. I believe games taught me skills that have helped me in life. So after a successful education and career, I wanted to start my own place.

I started Up A Level with a team of like-minded friends. And similar to any group, we all had our own strengths and weaknesses. We brainstormed names, locations, games, prices, menu options over many many nights around pool tables and pints.

And then we launched and, just like with any first business, there were way more costs than I initially thought and lots more things that we wanted to get. But we managed through obstacles and hard times.

We've built a community here of geeks and gamers. Something York has been missing. We've found a niche and a home here and we've given the community a playground to socialise, game and learn. We host tournaments and have amazing birthday parties. But the main thing is that we make people happy and bring them together. Strangers, families, friends. We make them feel welcome and comfortable here and we've given them a safe space to be themselves.

But now, business rates have risen, bills have increased, suppliers want more money for much less service.

I can't explain the amount of thoughts I've had over the last few weeks about what to do with Up A Level. I've considered closing, liquidating, selling... running away. And then I think of my customers who come here week in, week out and support the business, who have found a home here when there are few places in York to offer this.

So with that in mind, I got to work. I've negotiated with the council, with utilities, with the landlord. And I've managed to reduce the rent, the rates and some bills. It's more manageable. It might even get to a stage to be profitable again. And I've made some decisions. I want to stay open. With some changes. I'm only keeping the first floor, Pinball is moving out so that I have space for another tabletop room. I may change the hours at some point. I'm getting another job so that I don't have to take a wage from the business.

I know how much this place means to people and I know how much it means to me. So, very reluctantly, I've set up a crowdfund type thing to help with some of the bills. If you can spare anything to put towards it, I would be very grateful. In return, I'll stay open as long as I'm able to and I'll grow the business where I can. It's not a guarantee that I'll stay open but, I'll do my best.

Thanks for reading. If you'd like to give to the fund, please do so at the following link:

To raise money to grow the community and continue the business.

15/04/2026

Many many thanks to those who nominated Up A Level gaming lounge for YorkWorks Business Awards 2026!!!! 🥳

If you’d like to vote for us, please do so at the following link. We’re nominated in multiple categories so please do vote in all of them. 🙏

Vote for the York Business Awards 2026.

12/04/2026

Taking bookings now for our Musical Theatre quiz!!

09/04/2026

Some exciting little events happening this month. If you want to run any events in our spaces then please do get in touch :D

07/04/2026

One more day to go before this exciting new event.

Still time to get yourself a place :D

One week to go before the first of our two part event in the main lounge.

Get your tickets now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-psychology-of-cults-two-part-event-tickets-1984716794359?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

01/04/2026

One week to go before the first of our two part event in the main lounge.

Get your tickets now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-psychology-of-cults-two-part-event-tickets-1984716794359?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

01/04/2026

Break a leg Black Sheep Theatre Productions for opening night and the rest of the run of Parade this week. You may even spot a familiar name in the programme ;)

29/03/2026

Easter Holidays are here!

25/03/2026

Coming up in two weeks time we have the first part of a double bill event with one of our regulars. Rich has a vast amount of knowledge and experience to share with people and we are looking forward to what will be such an insightful evening :D

Get your tickets via this link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-psychology-of-cults-two-part-event-tickets-1984716794359?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl