Getting to know: Gareth Beeston, Other World Escapes

There's nothing like being stuck in a room with your nearest and dearest and racing against the clock to escape. Escape rooms have become a popular activity for a group of people who need to find something to do that suits everyone. Arguing over code words, discovering hidden treasures and a lot of team work = the perfect way to get to know each other.

We chat to Gareth Beeston of Other World Escapes, an escape room in Portsmouth about how and why he started.

Hi Gareth, lovely to meet you! How long have you been running your business for?

I have been in business since 2016, opening my Southampton branch in 2017 and my Portsmouth branch in 2018. When I played my first escape room back in 2015 in Amsterdam, I fell in love with the genre and for me, I thought this would be an amazing opportunity to put my creativity and marketing skills to practice.

What made you start your business?

I really wanted to add an extra layer of interactivity to my escape rooms, so started to create and build interactive characters in the rooms as the way for players to get hints.

Who would you say your Experiences were for?

I would say the escape room experiences are for anyone over 5 years old. If you like to solve puzzles, adventure, films, or are looking for a novel way to perform team building this would suit you. It is great for teams of friends, families, for stag/hen dos, for corporate team building, people on a date, and just about any combination of people. From groups of 2 – 40 players we can cater for basically any size groups.

What can people expect from your Experience?

People can expect an exciting, fun, challenging and immersive series of adventures with twists, turns, lightbulb moments, interactivity, comedy and a memorable experience. Enter Lapland, a Mayan temple, a pub, a 1930s cigar lounge or a chip shop and find out that not everything is as it seems. A character will introduce themselves to you and you need to solve puzzles, find clues and immerse yourself in various challenges as a team to complete your mission within the time.

What do you love most about Hampshire?

I love Hampshire because of its beautiful beaches, scenery and things to do. There are always things going on. It’s the perfect balance of busy and peaceful all at the same time. I particularly love where I live, Southsea, as it’s right near the beach with loads of independent businesses.

Who are your favourite Hampshire businesses?

I love Dice board game cafe, Rapscallions pirate rum bar, Desi Indian café, Garage Lounge café and Huis Belgian bar. These are all in Southsea and are great places to eat, drink and be merry.

What do you prefer?

Beach or City? Beach

Tea or Coffee? Coffee

Spring or Autumn? Spring

Cosy pub or bustling restaurant? Cosy pub

Something active or something creative? Something creative

Finally, what are you most looking forward to over the next 12 months?

I am really looking forward to opening my brand new escape room adventure, The Journey to Xibalba, which is a journey to the Mayan underworld. It’s my most challenging build yet and will be my most immersive. I also am writing a business plan for a brand new immersive experience that I hope to open in the next few years.

🕵️ Book your Escape Room Experience here | £26 per person

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