Board games have picked up in popularity in recent years, providing a fun activity for young and old alike. Whether you're a fan of classic board game titles or the latest tabletop games by independent designers, whether you have an established gaming group or are looking to make new friends over a shared hobby, Manchester's café scene has you covered. From cosy spots perfect for casual gaming sessions to bustling venues hosting regular events and tournaments, you'll find the perfect place to enjoy your favourite board games while indulging in delicious food and drinks. Dive into our selection and find your new favourite board game café in Manchester.
Dice, tokens, and other tabletop gaming objects on a table
Where to play board games in Manchester
Manchester's best board game cafés
Award-winning board game café 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.
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25 Hilton St, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
- Website • 016-124 777 35
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Didsbury's vegetarian board game café
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.
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212 Burton Rd, West Didsbury
- Website • 016-144 501 75
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Part of the local community
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.
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219 Bury Old Rd, Prestwich
- Website • 016-151 183 08
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Tabletop games nationwide
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.
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40 Bolton St, Bury
- Website • 016-147 824 80
- Read more on Thatsup