Exciting update on Galleon Bar owner Stephen Pierre's new arcade-themed bar
“I want HQ to be something the town is proud of, like an oasis. There is optimism in Blackpool at the moment, and we want to be part of the town’s changing face.”
The owner of Blackpool’s Galleon bar has given a major update on the future of his latest business venture, a two floor arcade, bar and art gallery.
Stephen Pierre, 54, bought the new venue- named Hidden Quest- at auction earlier this year for a knockdown price of £200,000. Following months of designing and organising, planning permission has now been lodged ahead of Hidden Quest’s construction.
In July, Stephen told the Gazette that the downstairs area of the venue will be used as an art gallery. The first floor shall comprise a bar and eatery, complete with a small kitchen and a seating area. There will also be an isolated video games room.
The second floor will house a number of arcade machines, another bar and a rooftop terrace which will be used as a smoking and outdoor drinking area during the summer months. Some renovations have already been completed and the planning application seeks permission to demolish parts of the building which are not of use to the arcade.
Stephen has said previously that he wants Hidden Quest to lead a new cultural movement in Blackpool, inspired by art, youthful collaboration and the soon-to-be-built Multiversity. Stephen has been a strong supporter of Blackpool’s bid to be named both a city and the 2029 UK City of Culture, describing both as ‘important’ for the area.
His beloved Galleon Bar has long been considered one of the town’s most inclusive and progressive venues, and Stephen wants to build on this concept for Hidden Quest. “We want to make the bar diverse and accommodating and harbour a real sense of community and togetherness,” he told the Gazette over the summer.
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“The art gallery will be really cool, curated by local artists Robin Ross and Andre Orenko. Blackpool has been crying out for a good gallery, and I want to have a gallery that works for the community but also works commercially.”
“The bar and arcade will come a bit later in 2028, as we want to wait until the Multiversity campus is finished, as we see a lot of the students as our target customers. It will be a big game changer.
“I want HQ to be something the town is proud of, like an oasis. There is optimism in Blackpool at the moment, and we want to be part of the town’s changing face.”