I’ve collected board games ever since I was a child so when I found out that board game cafes were a thing I’m not going to lie, I geeked out a little bit. I went to Plonk recently which has a huge stock of games and left me feeling nostalgic so I came home and did some research so you guys don’t have to look too far when you’re after a cute date night with your friends.
Draughts
I feel like Draughts is the OG of board game cafes. Although I’ve never been (not yet anyway!) the reviews of this quirky little hidden gem are so lovely.
Draughts first launched in 2014 and boast over 1,000 games, including old time favourites and hard to find sets.There’s a £6 per person game charge but you’ll be able to play as many games for as long as you want.
Pair your battle with some of their tempting posh junk food style food, from vegan ‘fish’ and chips to beef brisket tacos, Korean style chicken to halloumi nuggets.
They now have two sites in Hackney and Waterloo, both with outdoor spaces, perfect for soaking up the summer rays while battling it out over a game of Monopoly.
Where: HACKNEY & WATERLOO
Cakes & Ladders
I LOVE the name and the concept of this place. Cakes & Ladders [link removed] is basically a revamped double decker bus in Wood Green known for serving up great coffee, stellar cheese toasties and boasting over 500 board games to play..
They’ve reopened since lockdown and can be found serving up food and drink socially distanced and have outdoor seating, perfect for al fresco gaming.
2021 UPDATE: They have now permanently closed!
Where: 5 RIVER PARK ROAD, WOOD GREEN N22 7TB
Loading
Whether you’re a hardcore videogamer or you prefer the old school dice and board games, Loading is the perfect place for you to bring out your competitive nature and settle those scores.
Expect everything from the latest PS4 or Switch game to classic board game classics, including the 90s Dream Phone board game – if you know, you know.
p.s. this place used to be called Scenario so you may have heard of it under that name.
Where: 97 STOKE NEWINGTON ROAD, STOKE NEWINGTON, DALSTON N16 8BX
Library Pot
Ok so I stumbled upon this place by accident last year and vowed that I would go back when I had the time because it’s just incredible! There are literally rows upon rows of board games lined up along the walls when you step inside Library Pot.
They even serve food and drink to keep you well fed during those serious game sessions. Sessions cost £5 per person per session, plus a £10 minimum spend per individual too.
Where: 86 KEW ROAD, RICHMOND TW9 2PQ
Ludoquist
At Ludoquist you can chose from more than 1,000 board games to play whilst grabbing some pizzas or panini’s. Prices are £5 per person during peak times and £2.50 off peak.
You can even purchase some of the favourite board games here so the ffun doesn’t have to stop once you leave the cafe!
Where: 63-67 HIGH STREET, CR0 1QE
Bad Moon Cafe
Located just a short walk from Borough Station, Bad Moon Cafe is the perfect place to head post Borough Market shopping. It’s spacious and well lit, which lets face it is a lot less intimidating to go to.
They offer barista coffee, a large selection of locally-brewed craft beers, sandwiches and wood-fired Basilico pizza to get stuck into whilst you get your game on.
There is a charge of £4 per person, which gives access to our entire board game library without a time limit. These tables are suitable for parties of 2 – 4 people.
Where: 159A GREAT DOVER STREET, SE1 4GZ
Hello You
I’m Rosie!
