Seven board game cafes in the UK
Board games are going through, what you might call, a resurgence. And whether you’re a fan of Scrabble or Snakes and Ladders, there’s no denying it’s a great way to spend a few hours. It seems the hospitality industry is keen to jump on board the trend though with the opening of board game cafes all around the UK. In this blog, we’ve even rounded up seven of the best places to go – if you do fancy checking them out.
1. Draughts
Location: London
Best for: Foodies
Disconnect from social media and technology, and instead reconnect with fellow game enthusiasts, at Draughts which has two sites in London. As well as a great selection of classic games, this board game café is known for its food and drink including craft beer. Hey, after a few rounds of Dominoes, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. There’s also the option to hire out the whole venue for bigger celebrations and group game nights.
2. Meeple Perk
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Best for: Keen gamers
Boasting nearly 500 games, Meeple Perk is Newcastle upon Tyne’s first cafe of its kind offering a selection of games, hot drinks and tasty food. Even better, you can get yourself a membership that allows you to play as many games as you want and there are plenty of themed nights including a Murder Mystery evening. Some of the games on offer include Dungeons & Dragons, Marvel Champions and Monikers – and while it might be relatively new on the scene, it’s becoming a firm favourite with those who play board games. The full list and library pot of games can be found here.
3. Board
Location: Exeter
Best for: Newbies
Exeter’s Board is a fantastic gaming restaurant that’s a great choice for a night out, for all gaming abilities. In fact, on hand are a number of Game Gurus who will wander around and help you out if you get stuck or can’t agree on the rules! As well as classic board games and new releases, there’s an American-inspired menu of milkshakes, pulled pork and chicken strips. The process is super simple too. You just sit down, browse the gaming library, and pay for anything you’ve had or played at the end.
4. Goodtime Games
Location: Manchester
Best for: Vegans and vegetarians
Let the good times roll in this colourful cafe close to Manchester. For an hour of gaming, Goodtime Games costs just £2.50 per person and tables can be reserved for three hours. If the table’s not been booked after that, then you’re able to stay free of charge. What’s more, the menu is completely vegan and vegetarian, and the drinks system is Bring Your Own Bottle – as long as you’re over 18. From card games to family-favourite board games, the full game library can be found here. There’s even a whole host of events each month including weekly networking sessions too.
5. Sugar and Dice
Location: Liverpool
Best for: Dog owners
Sugar and Dice in Liverpool might look like a normal cafe but when you head inside and you’ll discover that it’s anything but. In fact, there are hundreds of games, a menu of delicious homemade food, and deals for students, children and those under five! It costs just £2 per person, per hour and the game cover charge is even capped at £5 for four hours of fun. Don’t worry if you get stuck though or don’t know where to start as the staff are self-confessed game geeks and would be delighted to help.
6. Chance and Counters
Location: Birmingham
Best for: Large groups
With locations in Bristol and Cardiff, Birmingham is Chance and Counters’ biggest site and is set in an iconic Custard building in Digbeth. The building itself is huge and there’s room for more than 100 gamers. Modern decor, bright pops of colour and comfy furniture make it feel intimate and friendly though. Choose from over 500 games, browse the selection of draught beers and cider from the local area and fill up on wings, loaded fries and dirty burgers.
7. Bad Moon
Location: London
Best for: Wargame lovers
Play more than 300 board games and wargames in Bad Moon’s bespoke and game-themed cafe, which serves up a delicious selection of sandwiches, pastries and drinks. There are 150 games to take your pick from and events going on throughout the year including a Jenga tournament. You can even pick up vouchers that can be used in-store and there’s a huge amount of games available to buy online.
