The best board game cafés in Manchester

Fan Boy Three is a local game store and board game café in the Northern Quarter. The award-winning venue offers a welcoming space for playing a wide range of board games, card games, and other tabletop entertainment. There's an extensive library of games to browse and try out, while the on-site café provides drinks and snacks. Fan Boy Three also runs a packed programme of events ranging from demo sessions to organised play tournaments.

Located in West Didsbury, Goodtime Games is a board game café and store that welcomes vegan and vegetarian patrons, hosting numerous events like regular mixers and tournament nights. The café boasts a vast library of board games, from quick and easy party games to more involved tabletop campaigns. The in-house kitchen offers a variety of plant-based flatbreads, pizzas, and other snacks to enjoy while playing, complemented by cocktails, milkshakes, and other beverages.

Buzzin' Meeples, Prestwich's board game club with a strong local vibe to it, offers a library of over 600 games. From cherished classics like Scrabble to the newest Kickstarter sensations, this venue allows you to book a table and enjoy endless tabletop gaming sessions. Designed with gamers in mind, the space includes practical features like cup holders. Some games can be rented or purchased, and there's a Tuck Shop providing drinks and snacks for a quick refuel.

Geek Retreat is a welcoming and inclusive community that celebrates geek culture across the nation. This family-oriented comic and tabletop gaming café stands out with its distinctive purple-and-yellow colour scheme, offering plenty of enjoyable activities. Visitors can peruse comics and board games, enjoy the latest issue with a milkshake or a burger, or join in on events like gaming leagues, all while making new friends along the way.