Where to play board games in London

Where to play board games in London

If you're looking for a fun activity to do at the pub but you're hopeless at quizzes, terrible at pool, and would clear the room with your karaoke skills, settling in somewhere for a few drinks over a board game is a great alternative. London has lots of places where you can play board games, including plenty of cosy pubs and dedicated board game cafés. If playing in public is the only way you can avoid the traditional family row over Monopoly, this guide is for you – the guide to where to play board games in London.

Tamsin Spargo, Thatsup
Tamsin Spargo
  1. The best venues for board games in London
    1. 1
      Draughts Bars for board games
    2. 2
      Library Pot Games in Richmond
    3. 3
      The Muse Lounge Stylish and welcoming
    4. 4
      Norfolk Square Gardens Outdoor chess
    5. 5
      The Sun of Camberwell Quirky traditional pub
    6. 6
      The Den Modernist escape
    7. 7
      The Understudy Riverside theatre bar
    8. 8
      Bad Moon Café Lots of gaming fun
    9. 9
      The Wells Sophisticated Hampstead pub
    10. 10
      Plonk More than just golf
    11. 11
      Rule Zero A whole floor for gaming
    12. 12
      The Beehive Cosy pub in Tottenham
    13. 13
      The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms Friendly Holloway local
    14. 14
      The Royal Albert Smart South East London pub
    15. 15
      The Gallery Buzzy local bar
    16. 16
      The Rosemary Branch Vibrant multipurpose space
    17. 17
      The King & Co Cosy Clapham pub
    18. 18
      The Gladstone Arms Traditional family-run pub
    19. 19
      Rogues Quarter Hotspot for games
    20. 20
      Sylvan Post Quirky pub in converted space
    21. 21
      The Old Red Lion Eye-catching mock-Tudor pub
    22. 22
      The Charlotte Despard Action-packed pub
    23. 23
      Escape Bar Time to escape
    24. 24
      Loading Bar All about games
    25. 25
      The Pembury Tavern Simple and cosy
    26. 26
      The Dove Traditional Hackney pub
    27. 27
      The Three Compasses Long-established East London pub
    28. 28
      The Boogaloo Lively North London venue
    29. 29
      The Ludoquist Huge choice of games
    30. 30
      Monopoly Lifesized A unique way to play
    31. 31
      The Steam Passage In the heart of Islington
    32. 32
      Tea House Theatre Lively tea house
    33. 33
      Coffee Zee Friday night chess club
    34. 34
      Richard the First Join the backgammon club
    35. 35
      The Crown Quirky pub near Vicky Park

Jump to

The best venues for board games in London

Draughts Hackney Draughts Waterloo
Draughts Hackney
draughtslondon.com
Draughts Waterloo
draughtslondon.com
Draughts Hackney Draughts Waterloo

Bars for board games

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.

  • 41 Kingsland High Street, Dalston Arch 16, Leake Street, South Bank/Lambeth/Southwark
    Draughts Hackney
    41 Kingsland High Street, Dalston
    Draughts Waterloo
    Arch 16, Leake Street, South Bank/Lambeth/Southwark
  • Draughts Hackney
    draughtslondon.com
    Draughts Waterloo
    draughtslondon.com
    Draughts Hackney
    0793-093 62 37
    Draughts Waterloo
    0790-344 19 76
  • Draughts Hackney Draughts Waterloo

Library Pot

Games in Richmond

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.

The Muse Lounge

Stylish and welcoming

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.

Norfolk Square Gardens

Outdoor chess

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

Quirky traditional pub

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.

The Den

Modernist escape

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.

The Understudy

Riverside theatre bar

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.

Bad Moon Café

Lots of gaming fun

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.

The Wells

Sophisticated Hampstead pub

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. 

Plonk Borough Market Plonk Hackney
Plonk Borough Market
plonkgolf.co.uk
Plonk Hackney
plonkgolf.co.uk
Plonk Borough Market Plonk Hackney

More than just golf

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.

  • Arches B-E, Montague Close, Southwark Arch 407 Mentmore Terrace, Hackney/Dalston
    Plonk Borough Market
    Arches B-E, Montague Close, Southwark
    Plonk Hackney
    Arch 407 Mentmore Terrace, Hackney/Dalston
  • Plonk Borough Market
    plonkgolf.co.uk
    Plonk Hackney
    plonkgolf.co.uk
  • Plonk Borough Market Plonk Hackney

Rule Zero

A whole floor for gaming

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.

The Beehive

Cosy pub in Tottenham

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.

The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms – Board games
The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms
The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms – Board games
The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms
The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms – Board games
The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms
The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms – Board games
The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms
The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms – Board games
The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms
The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms – Board games
The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms
The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms – Board games
The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms
The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms – Board games
The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms

The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms

Friendly Holloway local

Just off Holloway Road, The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms is a friendly pub with a terrace. This award-winning pub has a traditional interior and attracts a diverse clientele. Help yourself to one of the board games stacked up on the bar whilst you enjoy a drink. The pub offers a full range of drinks but gin is a speciality.

The Royal Albert

Smart South East London pub

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.

The Gallery

Buzzy local bar

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.

The Rosemary Branch

Vibrant multipurpose space

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.

The King & Co

Cosy Clapham pub

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.

The Gladstone Arms

Traditional family-run pub

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.

Rogues Quarter

Hotspot for games

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.

Sylvan Post

Quirky pub in converted space

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.

The Old Red Lion

Eye-catching mock-Tudor pub

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.

The Charlotte Despard

Action-packed pub

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.

Escape Bar

Time to escape

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.

Loading Bar Peckham Loading Bar Dalston
Loading Bar Peckham
loading.bar
Loading Bar Dalston
loading.bar
Loading Bar Peckham Loading Bar Dalston

All about games

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.

  • 120 Peckham Hill Street, Peckham 129 Stoke Newington High Street, Stoke Newington
    Loading Bar Peckham
    120 Peckham Hill Street, Peckham
    Loading Bar Dalston
    129 Stoke Newington High Street, Stoke Newington
  • Loading Bar Peckham
    loading.bar
    Loading Bar Dalston
    loading.bar
  • Loading Bar Peckham Loading Bar Dalston

The Pembury Tavern

Simple and cosy

At The Pembury Tavern you'll find a huge choice of beer, including guest brews, plus authentic Neapolitan pizza to munch on. Spaces for private hire are available too. The pub's interior has a simple look and there are plenty of cosy spaces to settle in with a drink and a board game.

The Dove

Traditional Hackney pub

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.

The Three Compasses

Long-established East London pub

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.

The Boogaloo – Board games
The Boogaloo
The Boogaloo – Board games
The Boogaloo
The Boogaloo – Board games
The Boogaloo
The Boogaloo – Board games
The Boogaloo
The Boogaloo – Board games
The Boogaloo
The Boogaloo – Board games
The Boogaloo
The Boogaloo – Board games
The Boogaloo
The Boogaloo – Board games
The Boogaloo

The Boogaloo

Lively North London venue

North London's The Boogaloo is a top party destination with its own radio station broadcasting from a converted bin shed in the garden. This eclectic venue is simple and understated, serving a range of drinks and classic pub grub. Board games are available to pass the time plus there are events like comedy clubs, live music, and a pub quiz.

The Ludoquist

Huge choice of games

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.

Monopoly Lifesized

A unique way to play

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.

The Steam Passage

In the heart of Islington

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.

Tea House Theatre – Board games
Tea House Theatre
Tea House Theatre – Board games
Tea House Theatre
Tea House Theatre – Board games
Tea House Theatre
Tea House Theatre – Board games
Tea House Theatre
Tea House Theatre – Board games
Tea House Theatre
Tea House Theatre – Board games
Tea House Theatre
Tea House Theatre – Board games
Tea House Theatre
Tea House Theatre – Board games
Tea House Theatre

Tea House Theatre

Lively tea house

Check out Tea House Theatre, a lively venue combining a café, British restaurant, and theatre space that hosts a wide range of performances. Get cosy here with a cup of tea - books, newspapers, and a selection of classic board games are on offer to keep you occupied - think chess, Scrabble, Ludo, and dominos. Food is also available here throughout the day.

Coffee Zee

Friday night chess club

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.

Richard the First

Join the backgammon club

Greenwich pub Richard the First has a certain level of notoriety, but is also a pleasant destination for drinks and homemade British food. Board game fans can visit for the monthly backgammon club where you can meet other players, put your skills to the test, and sample food and drinks in a friendly atmosphere.

The Crown

Quirky pub near Vicky Park

Trendy East London pub The Crown overlooks Victoria Park and has a distinctive interior that blends traditional and modern style. Food and drinks are served here and there's lots happening to keep patrons entertained. Game night is on in the function room every Monday - check out the board games on offer, enjoy free popcorn, and get competitive whilst you play.

Board games – About the guide

Where to play board games in London - Our guide to where to play board games in London is updated regularly. If you know of a great venue for board games in London that we haven't featured in our guide, feel free to get in touch. Please let us know if you see any mistakes in our guide to places to play board games in London. Have you visited any of the places mentioned in the guide? Don't forget to write a review on Thatsup.

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