The Retro Directory

Synth Repairs in Hertfordshire - Plasma Music Limited

Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

Hemel Hempstead-based Plasma Music Ltd (Alex Bhinder) provides specialist synth and electronic instrument repairs and restoration — including vintage synthesiser servicing, keyboard contact replacement and a long-life 'Live Forever' backup battery mod — plus valve amp servicing/valve changes, bespoke music electronics and a recording studio. Mail‑in or drop‑off repairs accepted.

Synthesizer Keyboards | New & Second Hand at Absolute Music

Bournemouth, Dorset

Absolute Music is a large Bournemouth-based music superstore selling new and second‑hand synthesizers — including rare vintage analogue instruments — alongside studio kit and accessories. They operate a 14,000 sq ft showroom with in‑house technicians who inspect used gear, a repair/workshop, rehearsal rooms and a recording studio. Suitable for buying, demoing or getting synths serviced.

Tass Romsey | TV | Norris Close, Romsey, UK

Romsey, Hampshire

Independent TV and audio specialist in Romsey offering repairs, servicing and sales with a recognised vintage hi‑fi and video capability (mid‑1970s to 1990s). Services include TV and hi‑fi repairs, installations and setup, aerial/satellite work (subcontracted), and videotape/audio transfers to DVD/CD. Workshop visits by appointment only.

Testing, Assessing and Repairing Your Sinclair ZX Spectrum (All Models 16k, 48k, 48k+, 128k, +2, +3 and Issues) – PopeyMon Games and Consultancy

PopeyMon Games and Consultancy (PopeyMon Games & Fun) is a UK-based specialist in vintage computers and games with a strong focus on Sinclair ZX Spectrum models. The site offers testing, assessment, repair and refurbishment services (including recapping), refurbished boards and parts, original/tested 1980s tape players and power supplies, commission sales and a webshop of retro hardware and games. Services are provided remotely (posted-in machines) and include technical consultancy.

The Arcade Exeter | Exeter Gaming Bar – Arcade Bar in Exeter offering up the best in retro gaming.

Exeter

The Arcade Exeter is a cosy arcade-themed bar in Exeter offering a selection of retro coin-operated arcade machines and games consoles for customers to play, seating for about 20, regular gaming contests and fortnightly tournaments (in partnership with Respawning), plus a full drinks and cocktails menu. Suited to gaming groups and retro gaming nights.

The Arcade Vaults | The community for players and creators

Cardiff, Cardiff

The Arcade Vaults is a community-run gaming venue in central Cardiff with multiple floors of classic and modern games, retro cabinets and a vintage pinball league. It hosts weekly and monthly events (eg. Wayback Wednesday, tournaments, LAN nights), offers party and venue hire, running community rooms and a PC suite for co-working and game development workshops.

The Best Gaming Arcades in Birmingham, UK - Pinball Factory

Birmingham, West Midlands

Volunteer-run pinball arcade and club in the Zellig Building, Digbeth. Around 30 machines (restored classics and modern Stern titles), flat-entry freeplay sessions, membership with unlimited access and league nights. Open to walk-ins during listed hours and available for event hire.

The Centre for Computing History - How Are You Cambridge?

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Museum in Cambridge exhibiting the history of computing with hands-on vintage computers and games consoles, rotating exhibitions, educational workshops, guided tours, events and volunteer roles. The site is fully accessible and includes a small café; admission fees and concessions apply.

The Centre for Computing History Museum – Cambridge

Cambridge

The Centre for Computing History (Cambridge) is a hands-on museum dedicated to preserving and exhibiting computing and gaming hardware from the 1970s–1990s. Displays cover classic home computers, early consoles and arcade history, with interactive exhibits (eg. Big Trak), an education room and a visitor café/snack bar.

The Gamers Lounge – A showcase and community for retro and novel video games

Guildford and Woking

Community-run showcase preserving and playing retro video games on original consoles. Hosts regular public events at The Boileroom (Guildford) and Woking Library, archives games using flashcarts, and is available for private or corporate event hire.

The Hi-Fi Hospital For All Your Hi-Fi Service

Kells, Meath

Ireland’s Hi‑Fi Hospital is a specialist nationwide service centre for vintage and modern hi‑fi. They offer component‑level PCB repairs, restoration of vintage audio (including turntables), professional PA and domestic hi‑fi servicing, a range of parts and hand‑made audio cables, plus a selection of reconditioned vintage hi‑fi sold with warranty. Open to the public by prior appointment.

The Jim Austin Computer Collection

Fimber, East Riding of Yorkshire

The Jim Austin Computer Collection (The Computer Sheds) is a private museum in Fimber, East Yorkshire, with over 1,500 computers and thousands of related artifacts spanning the history of computing. Open to the public by guided tour (donation requested), the collection includes mainframes, Cray supercomputers, DEC machines, Altair 8800s, early calculators and many rarities. Tours and volunteer opportunities are available by arrangement.