What happens when you cross an arcade parlour and a circus? The creation of a world unlike any other; an explosion of colour, spiked shakes and all the retro games from your childhood (yes, there’s pac-man).

Sydney was the lucky state to first house Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, and now Melbourne’s Docklands will be paid a visit by the ringmaster with the launch of a second venture down south. The fantastical funhouse is brought to you by Funlab, the masterminds behind Holey Moley and B. Lucky & Sons. As with all the company’s successful outlets, this venue has a theme, and will pay tribute to the amusement parks and circuses of yesteryear, reimagined in the 21st century. The outlet is focused on nostalgia, combining aspects of the funfairs and arcades with a digital twist. “We’ve taken the energy and craziness of the circus and sideshow and upcycled it for the 21st century,” says Michael Schreiber, CEO of Funlab.

Designed as an escape from the everyday, Cirque Electriq is a neon-lit oasis with all the traditional circus paraphernalia, cue bearded ladies. Offering unapologetically childlike entertainment for an adult audience, both the Alexandria and Melbourne venue are home to bowling, dodgems and arcade games with the addition of virtual reality and 3D theatre rides. Carnival-style games offer up one-of-a-kind prizes scored from pawn shops and collectible retailers, everything from novelty candy to Star Wars figurines in original packaging.

The overall space is anchored around a tricked-out cocktail bar, dishing out boozy, candy-topped milkshakes and all the hot-dogs and burgers your heart desires. The menu is just as entertaining as the funhouse itself, with diner meets amusement park delights. Think kransky dogs loaded with cheese, American mustard and slaw, with wedge-style ‘elephant fries’ to match. For libations, each handcrafted drink features a decorative rim and balancing act topper. Sip on the Colourful Clown with whipped cream and fairy floss, or The Big Topper which boasts an entire lamington atop its peak. For something a little stronger, The Funhouse concoction includes butterscotch schnapps, Licor 43 and vanilla vodka, fuelling all your in-house adventures.

Sydney’s seen the circus, now it’s Melbourne’s turn for a dose of funhouse frivolity. The venue is scheduled to open on October 18, so send your childlike senses into overdrive, and pay the funfair a visit.

Archie Rose Cirque Electriq
The District, 440 Docklands Drive, Melbourne
archiebrothers.com.au/locations/melbourne