First Look: Kingpin Melbourne’s $13M Collins Arcade Playground Brings Bowling, Batting And More
Kingpin has opened the doors to its $13 million flagship entertainment precinct inside Collins Arcade, signalling the brand’s next chapter as a premium social destination. The new 3,500-square-metre venue blends dining, drinks and next-level entertainment—a place that practically glows from within, dripping neon light and humming with energy, reimagining how Melburnians come together to play.
Kingpin’s Collins Street flagship goes beyond your typical dark, cramped arcade bar. It radiates polish and personality in equal measure, with marble-topped ping pong tables, mood-lit shuffleboards and plush seating zones that make every corner feel like an invitation—whether you’re here to challenge a mate at darts, share mezze with friends or blow off steam in what’s essentially an open-space rage room (only instead of smashing things, you’re taking it out on a batting cage or the scoreboard).
The Rise of the 'Third Space'
Recent research commissioned by Kingpin shows Australians are embracing out-of-home socialising like never before, with 47% visiting a ‘third space’ weekly—that precious zone between work and home where we actually breathe. The same study found that 59% of Australians (and 61% of Victorians) now seek out venues that seamlessly combine dining, drinks and entertainment, while half prefer destinations offering multiple experiences under one roof.
Kingpin’s newest outpost directly answers that shift—creating a sleek, all-in-one sandbox for grown-ups who want a night out with more options than just ordering another round.
Beyond Bowling
While bowling remains a key part of the experience, the Collins Street outpost vastly expands Kingpin’s repertoire. The venue introduces a series of first-to-Australia attractions, including an immersive batting cage adaptable for cricket and tennis, Supercharged Shuffle (a high-energy rework of shuffleboard), and even indoor lawn bowls for those who enjoy their competition served with a wink of nostalgia.
These join Kingpin's signature favourites—bowling, darts, karaoke, table tennis and more than 90 arcade games—forming what Kingpin calls “a redefined world of play.” As Chief Operating Officer Belinda Falzon put it, “Kingpin Melbourne will set a new benchmark for entertainment in the heart of the city” and “redefine how we gather, dine and play.”
A Bar & Grill with a Melbourne Soul
Over on the dining floor, Kingpin’s bar and grill keeps pace with the city’s booming restaurant culture. Executive Chef Adam Moore leads the kitchen with a Mediterranean-meets-Australia menu anchored by a live-fire charcoal grill and wood-fired pizza oven. Highlights include vibrant share plates, premium local mains and the impressive half-metre Communal Crust pizza that’s tailor-made for group feasts.
True to Melbourne form, the venue’s sustainability ethos runs through the details—a living herb wall, built in partnership with Greenspace, grows micro-herbs onsite using 60% less water, ready to garnish dishes just moments after harvest.
Local Art and Distinct Identity
The venue’s industrial-luxe design reflects Melbourne’s unmistakable mix of grit and artistry. Working with Ignite Architects, Kingpin collaborated with local creatives to integrate street-inspired visuals and sporting nostalgia throughout the space.
In tribute to the city’s cultural icons, award-winning street artist Matt Adnate was commissioned to create a large-scale mural celebrating Dame Edna Everage, honouring Barry Humphries’ legacy and the irreverent humour that helped define Melbourne’s creative spirit. The precinct is expected to attract more than one million visitors annually, marking a new milestone for Melbourne’s evolving entertainment landscape.
Kingpin officially opens January 17 at 10am, with early-bird arrivals scoring free ice strawberry matchas, $20 arcade credit and complimentary donuts!
Visit Kingpin Melbourne at Lower Ground, 260 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD from Saturday, 17 January 2026.
Main Image Credit: Kingpin | Supplied