There’s a new destination in town for Cairo’s nostalgia lovers, where influences from the 1970s and 2000s come together to create a unique gaming experience that unleashes your inner child. Designed as a playground for adults, Brass Monkey champions the notion of ‘Growing Young Again’ by immersing guests in arcade heaven – think fully equipped bowling alleys, old-school video games and visual sport simulators. All that whilst tucking into delicious American-influenced cuisine.
For the Egyptian capital, nothing like this has ever existed. So, when Brass Monkey Cairo threw open its doors in June, bookings were hard to come by for those seeking a blast from the past. Marking the brand’s first opening outside of the UAE, the highly anticipated site is set within U Venues – a popular lifestyle destination in New Cairo by El Sewedy Group. Residents who were lucky enough to get an exclusive invite to its launch have since spread the word, attracting guests from across the city.
There’s no wonder why. Featuring crowd favourites from Dubai such as ten pin bowling alleys, basketball hoops and classic games like Pac-Man, the dynamic two-level destination has it all – whether retro arcade machines are your thing or you just want to have a drink at a cool bar. The designer at the helm of the Brass Monkey brand, having already envisioned two venues in Dubai, Prospect Design International has transported its unapologetically nostalgic style to New Cairo's 5th Settlement in seamless fashion.
“It’s incredibly exciting that together with our client, we’ve created a Dubai brand that’s been exported outside. The design for Cairo is a natural evolution from the first-ever Brass Monkey on Bluewaters Island, respecting its counterpart to allow for a seamless replication of the visual concept,” says Fady Chams, Owner of Prospect Design International on the approach for Brass Monkey Cairo.
As such, the venue evokes an industrial aesthetic complemented by vibrant, electric neon lights that create a lively, energetic atmosphere. Alongside vintage elements and arcade games, artwork adds a playful feel to the space, with murals tipping their hat to monkey-inspired brand’s origin. Patrons can expect a large central bar, which features zigzag neon lights around the bulkhead, as well as a spacious opening between the mezzanine and the bowling alleys, monkey fair section, and gaming area. In the pool table section meanwhile, the design team have added a golf simulator for those wanting to practice their swing, a new addition to the Brass Monkey offering.
Originally launched in 2020, Brass Monkey introduced a unique entertainment experience. The brand’s first two venues – at Bluewaters Island and City Walk – took Dubai by storm, mesmerising expats and tourists with their retro roots. Cairo has been an immediate hit too, taking visitors to a bygone era where they can get lost in a world of throwbacks. Brass Monkey also has plans to unveil a new Bahrain venue soon, so watch this space!
