what’s new in town
PASTIME PINBALL
Downtown Manchester just got a whole lot
more fun! With dozens of pinball machines,
classic arcade games, and deliciously tempting
snacks, Pastime Pinball is a blast from the past
and a breath of fresh air. Owners Beth and
Marty Friedman have created a one-of-a-kind
interactive entertainment experience that is
both impeccably curated and innovatively
compelling. Equal parts museum and arcade,
every pinball machine at Pastime Pinball is fully
functional and playable, with informational
plaques lining the walls that trace the timeline
of pinball’s evolution through the past seven
decades.
The machines are artfully grouped together in
chronological order. Each group has a distinct
theme and pays expressive homage to the
culture of its era. From the colorful carnival-
inspired aesthetic of the earlier and simpler
machines of the 1950s and ’60s, to the more
polished, computerized, and sleek modern
machines of today, every period in pinball’s
history is represented. Highlights include a The
Simpsons machine, an Oktoberfest machine, and
a truly unique pinball machine with transparent
glass walls around the base allowing one to see
the inner mechanical workings in action while
you play.
The atmosphere inside Pastime Pinball is
open and welcoming. Red carpeted floors
and custom-made pinball-theme modern
art sculptures create a remarkably novel
environment that incorporates style elements
of both retro video arcades and 20th-century
futurism. The owners are knowledgeable and
approachable—and are happy to talk about the
history of the machines as well as to give helpful
tips and tricks to guide you in your pinball
journey. The bottom two floors of the space
are entirely dedicated to pinball, and the top
floor has a snack bar complete with everyone’s
favorite snacks and novelty beverages (such as
root beer floats), in addition to beer and wine.
No matter your level of gaming experience,
Pastime Pinball has something for everyone.
Pinball wizards will be in a niche hobbyist
nirvana as they marvel over an array of
meticulously maintained and beautiful
machines. Casual gamers will find a charmingly
inviting space where they can share a smile and
a lively laugh with friends as they indulge in
some tasty treats and play classic games to their
heart’s content. With all-inclusive 30-minute
and 4-hour unlimited play options that allow
you to play as many times as you want on all
60-plus machines, everyone who comes by gets
a great deal on their pinball adventure whether
their stay is short and sweet or long and lavish.
4802 Main St., Manchester.
802-366-1200 or pastimepinball.com
manchester life magazine 2020 33