Bristol Business of the Week is Puzzlair
Posted on: 20 Jul 2015Puzzlair Is The Real Life 4D Escape Game that has become one of Bristol's best attractions.
If you liked The Crystal Maze then Puzzlair in Bristol is a definite must. Rated the number one activity in Bristol on Trip Advisor and recommended for all ages. If you’re looking for a unique way to spend an hour with friends, family or colleagues then Puzzlair is your answer. You and your group have 60 minutes to escape from a locked room! And why is it 4D? Because you are inside the game.
We caught up with Puzzlair general manager Gabor Nemeti…
When did you set up Puzzlair and can you give us a brief outline of what Puzzlair is all about?
We have opened on January 1st 2014. Puzzlair is an exciting, clever game, where you have to work in a team and fight against the clock! One of the best ways to spend an hour with friends, colleagues, family members.
You’re from Hungary originally, how did you end up in Bristol?
Yes, I'm from Hungary, as is this 2-5 people version of the game. There’s actually another type from Japan for groups of 10 and over which is similar in some ways. I have lived in Wiltshire and Weston-Super-Mare before moving to Bristol.
How's business?
Business is constantly growing. It was a "one man show" for a long time and we didn't want it to grow too quickly. We wanted to make a strong base and build on strong reviews straight from the customers - that is the best marketing tool - the satisfied customer/player. Now we have this strong basis so we can move forward. Now we have 2 full time employees - The Angels.
Puzzlair are currently ranked number 1 on Trip Advisor for Bristol attractions and we’ve never see you outside the Top 3. This must be very pleasing for you. Any tips for generating such great customer feedback?
Well, it’s great but not easy at the same time. The secret is that right after you step in to Puzzlair you are our customer and friend! I rate the customer service quite high just like my colleagues. Still, most of the people have never heard about escape games at all so they are a bit wary, because they have no idea what to expect. But we are with them and then "Let the game begins"
How do you find running an independent business in Bristol?
We emigrated from Hungary and I have to say it is easy if you know what you want to do and you have the concept to do so. The government and the council are very helpful.
Where do you like to eat out in Bristol?
There is a Hungarian Kitchen in Stapleton - called Wanderer's Plate. They remind me of delicious Hungarian food from home. I love The Ashville Restaurant in Southville as well. And of course Tiffin Time on the Midland road. Katie and her food are lush! I can cook well if I need something special…!
What's your favourite place in Bristol?
Well, outside Puzzlair?! I think I haven't found it yet, but in the last 3 weeks we have distributed more than 10k leaflets around Bristol and I've found lot of lovely places. The Harbourside is great.
Where do you see Puzzlair in 5 Years time?
This is a difficult question: The Escape Game itself is a very new activity and we don't know what is going to happen over 5 years. As a concept it may all come to end or just like cinemas it will live on. Will have to wait and see!
What advice would you give to any aspiring Bristol small business owners?
Be yourself! Have a concept that you believe in and stick to it. This is the one thing you can defend. If you are yourself and treat your customers correctly, they will come back to you.
If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day which one thing would you change?
I would reconsider the waste collection around the city centre. Sometimes you can find the city very dirty on a Sunday morning.
Find out more about Puzzlair by visiting www.puzzlair.co.uk or call 07706 053498.