Where to play board games in London

Waiting for a table in a restaurant can be rather boring, and entertainment is usually limited to hitting up the bar for a drink. Three Rounds Tavern has instead put together a cosy little nook with leather recliners, a vinyl record player, and a homely vibe, letting you settle in with a board game as you wait for your turn at the Chinese comfort food, signature cold cuts, potent baijiu-based cocktails, and other culinary temptations.

Now with two locations, Draughts is London's first bar that's dedicated to board games. Players will find thousands of options on the shelves here, turning games into a lively and modern pastime. The space is comfortable and you can enjoy drinks from cocktails to craft beer plus tempting burgers and tacos whilst you play.

Board games are the main attraction at Library Pot, a simple restaurant and café with a big choice of games to play and its own mahjong leagues. Children and larger groups are welcome at this busy spot. The menu includes burgers, pizza, and curries, plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available.

West London's The Muse Lounge is a style-conscious spot for food, drinks, shisha, and board games. It's a buzzy space with a wide assortment of modern and classic games available. Pair them with European and Middle Eastern dishes that go from small snacks to substantial meals like lasagne, plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Play chess outside with a giant game set at Norfolk Square Gardens in Paddington. This leafy garden square is flanked with trees and Grade II listed houses, and has a well-groomed lawn that's ideal for walks and picnics. The giant chess set is a big draw here, making the classic game even more challenging and fun.

The Sun of Camberwell has a friendly and relaxed vibe and a quirky look that blends the old with the new. This traditional pub has a spacious beer garden, a broad choice of drinks and classic British food, and plenty of comfy corners to settle into with one of their board games. The pub does a traditional Sunday roast and there are spaces for private hire.

Brimming with modern style, The Den at St Martin's Lane is a laid-back spot for food or drinks, including afternoon tea. It's a cosy venue that feels like a retreat from the outside world. You'll find modern British cooking on the menu, a wide choice of drinks, and a selection of board games.

Based at The National Theatre, The Understudy is a lively pub with a cool contemporary interior and fab views of the river. The drinks list is focused on craft beer but other drinks like wine and spirits are served. Bar snacks are on offer too, and you can enjoy a board game whilst you relax in this on-trend space.

Easygoing venue Bad Moon Café has plenty to keep gamers entertained. The venue has a large library of board games as well as tables for Warhammer and Magic: The Gathering. It puts on events and tournaments too. In the simple and stripped-back space you can play a game whilst sampling pizza and a wide choice of drinks including hot drinks, cocktails, and other alcoholic drinks.

Grade II listed pub The Wells Tavern was built around 1849 and remains a popular venue in Hampstead. It's a smart and airy setting with indoor and outdoor tables, plus private dining spaces. Classic British food is on the menu and the drinks list is varied. Dogs are welcome here and there's a selection of board games for guests to play. 

Although Plonk is best known as a fun spot for crazy golf, the locations in Hackney and Borough Market are also destinations for board game lovers. The golf courses feature nine holes of challenging fun but you're also welcome to visit just to hang out in the cosy bar and enjoy a few drinks with your favourite board game.

Located along the canal in Hackney Wick, Rule Zero is a quirky drinking spot with an entire floor dedicated to tabletop games. Play chess, cards, or Scrabble, or take the chance to learn how to play a new game from the friendly staff. You can also sample a varied range of drinks and snacks here.

Tottenham's The Beehive is a cosy local pub with three rooms and a beer garden. Expect classic pub grub and a varied selection of beers and ales. There's plenty of entertainment too including live gigs, life drawing sessions, and a choice of board games to go with your drinks.

New Cross pub The Royal Albert is a sophisticated drinking spot that has a classic look and a buzzing atmosphere. There are events like live jazz, a pub quiz, and life drawing, or you can simply play a board game over a few drinks. A full range of drinks are served plus seasonal food, including a classic roast every Sunday.

If you're looking for a bustling neighbourhood bar in West Hampstead, check out The Gallery. This place is on-trend with wooden flooring and exposed brick walls. The venue does a varied range of drinks, including cocktails, and a few food options like burgers, sandwiches, and fried chicken. There are a few board games that you can play plus there's a weekly quiz.

On the border of Islington and Hackney there's The Rosemary Branch, a theatre, pub, and kitchen. This vibrant space has colourful walls and comfy sofas where you can relax with a drink. In the pub you can play board games whilst enjoying something from the pub's 23 beer lines. The food menu focuses on pub favourites and a variety of events take place in the theatre.

Clapham pub The King & Co is modern but still cosy. It's an exciting place to eat, hosting a rotating selection of street food vendors. At the bar there's a great selection of beer, with 18 keg lines and six cask lines. You can play board games here or come for events like DJ sets, live acoustic music, and pub quizzes.

Based near London Bridge, The Gladstone Arms is a cheerful family-run pub with lots going on. It has an intimate roof terrace as well as a cosy indoor lounge. You'll find locally-brewed beers at the bar plus a menu of pub grub with an Indian influence. Board games are available plus there's regular live music and comedy.

In Kentish Town you'll find Rogues Quarter, a simple board game café with a homey look. You can browse a large library of board games or play war games on the huge gaming tables. The venue also runs gaming tournaments with prizes. Tapas and bigger plates like nachos are served, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Based in Forest Hill's old post office, Sylvan Post is a quirky pub that retains some of the post office's original fittings. There's vintage furniture, a strong sense of community, and an extensive choice of cask ale and craft beer to try. The food menu centres on upscale pub grub, including a Sunday roast. Board games are available and events like quizzes take place.

You'll notice The Old Red Lion thanks to its striking mock-Tudor style, complete with low ceilings and beams inside. This is a Grade II listed pub that's been open since the 1930s. There's a menu of classic pub food like gammon steak or haddock and chips but you can also settle into a cosy corner with your favourite board game and an ale or glass of wine.

Between Archway and Highgate you'll find The Charlotte Despard, an airy and comfortable pub with a resident cat. This pub has a big choice of beer, wine, and real ale, as well as plenty of activities to keep the atmosphere going. Relax with a board game, play darts or pool, or join the weekly quiz.

Head to Escape Bar when you need to get away from it all. There's a laid-back and fun atmosphere, a wide range of drinks including keg beers, and lots going on to keep you entertained. Choose from the large selection of board games on offer, or drop in for live music, quizzes, and open mic nights.

Gamers are in for a treat at Loading Bar. Whether you prefer board games or video games, you'll find heaps of choice plus game-themed cocktails. You're welcome to stay as long as you like at this friendly venue and all games are free to play if you're buying a drink.

Family-run pub The Dove has a traditional look and sits in the heart of bustling Broadway Market. There are outdoor tables too next to the classic tiled exterior walls. A vast selection of global wines and beers, including more than 100 bottled options, are served. Thai and classic British dishes are available, plus there are board games to keep you busy.

Award-winning pub The Three Compasses is an authentic East London boozer that's been around for hundreds of years. It has a fun and lively atmosphere enhanced by live sport, pub quizzes, and drag bingo, but you can also settle in with a board game. The bar focuses on cocktails and craft beer whilst street food pop-ups provide the food.

If you're in Croydon, head to board game café The Ludoquist. This blue-fronted venue has over 1,400 games to try out, including jigsaws, games for children, and complex strategy games. There's a fun atmosphere here and a tempting menu of pizza, paninis, snacks, and a varied range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including tea and coffee.

Bring Monopoly to life at Monopoly Lifesized, a unique activity that's great with friends, family, or for team-building. Make your way around a giant life-sized game board, take on challenges, and earn as much cash as you can. There's an on-site bar and restaurant where you can relax after your game.

In Upper Street you'll find The Steam Passage Tavern, a friendly and contemporary pub with indoor and outdoor tables. Kids and dogs are welcome in here. As well as live sport and a varied choice of drinks and food, the pub has board games for guests to enjoy. Serious gamers can drop in on a Monday, which is designated as board game night and packed with competitive fun.

If you fancy your chances in a chess tournament, head to Coffee Zee in Holloway Road. This work-friendly coffee shop has a laid-back feel and serves house-roasted coffee as well as a variety of fresh café food like sandwiches. Spaces are available for hire here too. On Fridays there's an after-hours chess club where you can compete against other local players.