The nostalgia bug can bite at a moment’s notice! As a kid, playing an arcade game on a cocktail table was awesome. There was never any worries in reaching the controls. When an opportunity presents itself to get that ‘sit down and play an arcade game on a table‘ feeling, you must act fast!
I recently found a restored Leisure & Allied Industries (LAI) cocktail table on eBay. Controlling my emotions, I set a limit on how much I would spend to get the table. I was prepared to miss out, even if someone bid a dollar more. To my surprise, I ended up winning the auction.
I couldn’t wait to pick up the cocktail table, so I messaged the seller and asked if I could pay and pick up the table that day. In the cover of darkness, I ferried the precious cargo back to my abode. The table currently sits proudly in the family room, begging to be played at every opportunity.
There are a few few things I would like to modify on the table – the artwork, buttons and their layout, and then the MAME setup (yes, I know, it is MAME’d!) . Apart from that, the table is in great condition and the restoration looks like it was done by someone that loves giving some TLC to heritage listed arcade machines. This will look great next to the Space Invaders cabinet. Time for some Galaga!
