Flip Out to open in former atria Watford John Lewis

Flip Out is planning to remodel the 33,000 square foot basement of the former department store ahead of a planned opening later this year.

The multimillion pound venue will feature a variety of attractions for children and families to enjoy including a large 'Ninja Playground', high-tech dodgems, roller skating rink, donut slides, trampolines and a “huge” inflatable area.

Flip Out will launch in a 33,000 sq ft unit in the former John Lewis' basement. (Image: Flip Out) It also promises to offer the entertainment chain’s “most immersive” Laser Quest experience, where players will compete against each other in a space-themed stage with bright lights, special effects and mazes.

It promises to offer the chain's most immersive Laser Quest experience. (Image: Flip Out) Drift trikes will also make an appearance at the new venue, which allow visitors to race around corners on specially-adapted tricycles.

After the fun, visitors will be able to enjoy food at the onsite diner with pizza and burgers for the kids and Costa Coffee for parents.

The new venue will feature drift trikes. (Image: Flip Out)

We Do Play co-owner, which owns Flip Out, Richard Beese said: “The team at We Do Play are over the moon to be launching in atria Watford, transforming the sizeable John Lewis unit into a centre of adrenaline-fuelled attractions that are fun for every single member of the family and birthday party packages will be out of this world.

​Dodgems are one of the many attractions coming to atria Watford. (Image: Flip Out) “We can’t wait to start on the build at atria Watford,” he added. "The team at the shopping centre are great to work with and are ensuring that the whole experience for us, from taking on the lease to starting the transformation of the former John Lewis site, goes smoothly.”

Atria Watford is managed by Global Mutual and head of European retail asset management Steve Gray said he was “delighted” to see Flip Out join the shopping centre.

A Ninja Playground at a Flip Out venue. (Image: Flip Out) He added: “This is somewhere fun and exciting that families and children of all ages can enjoy. We know the opening will create a real buzz.”

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Flip Out currently operates 31 locations across England, although the Watford branch will be its first in Hertfordshire.

The former John Lewis in atria Watford. It is the latest business to be confirmed for the former department store which was divided up after it shut its doors in 2020 during the pandemic.

Poundland, Dunelm, Peacocks, and Choice have all already launched, while B&M has confirmed it will take over a ground floor unit, although it is not known when it will open.