The best board game cafes in London you need to visit

Forget saving board games for a rainy afternoon – London’s gaming cafes have transformed tabletop fun into a full-blown social adventure.

From immersive game nights to delicious snacks and themed drinks, these quirky hotspots blend cosy charm with a competitive edge, making them the perfect backdrop for laughter, rivalry and epic showdowns. 

Whether you’re a die-hard board game fan or simply after a fun evening out, explore our guide to the best board game spots in London, where you can battle dragons, test friendships over Monopoly and enjoy a playful day out in the heart of the capital.

Draughts: epic game nights and seriously tasty bites

Created to bring people together over counters and cocktails, Draughts is one of London’s leading board game bar chains, featuring shelves stocked with more than 1,000 games at each venue. With bustling locations in Waterloo, Hackney, and the newly opened Stratford, it’s the perfect place to dive into an afternoon of strategic battles and good old-fashioned fun.

Draughts also hosts an impressive menu that caters to all cravings, with everything from tacos and cheeseburgers to Korean fried chicken and meat-free options. And with plenty of drinks on offer, you’re never far from a mid-game refresh.

Open late and ready to host everything from birthday parties to team nights out, Draughts welcomes gamers of all ages – kids under 12 go free, and teens enjoy half-price entry.

How much does it cost to play? Waterloo and Stratford: £7.50 off-peak or £9.50 peak. Hackney: £7.25 off-peak or £8.50 peak. All sessions at Draughts are three hours long.

Otter Chaos: gaming, good vibes and great pizza

Tucked beneath Brixton station in a charming railway arch, Otter Chaos offers a warm and welcoming space for every kind of gamer. With more than 500 games to choose from, it's the perfect outing for everything from epic battles to casual roll-and-play fun.

The atmosphere is cosy and buzzing, filled with the satisfying sounds of dice rolling, the shuffle of cards and the chatter of friendly competition. One of the highlights? Their delicious homemade sourdough pizza, best paired with a refreshing cocktail as you settle in for your next gaming session.

Otter Chaos doesn’t just provide games – it aims to build a community. From social mixer nights and regular Dungeons & Dragons sessions to themed evenings like Blood on the Clocktower, there’s always something exciting on the calendar.

How much does it cost to play? Otter Chaos charges a small hourly table fee to help maintain its game collection. Adult entry costs £2 per hour or £5 for three hours, while children’s entry is £1 per hour or £2.50 for three hours.

Loading Bar: where nostalgia meets next-gen gaming

Mixing vintage charm with console classics, Loading Bar is London’s ultimate hangout for all game lovers. This mini chain of gaming bars – established in Stoke Newington in 2014 with an extra outpost in Brighton – serves up game-inspired cocktails and a treasure trove of retro delights like Jurassic Park Safari, Judge Dredd Pinball, and Point Blank 2 Arcade.

But the fun doesn’t stop at the board game shelf. Whether you're in the mood for a table football showdown, battling it out on Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch, or jumping from pinball flippers to a tabletop duel, Loading Bar has you covered for an all-in-one gaming experience.

Boasting two buzzing bars with space for over 100 guests, it’s ideal for gathering your crew – and with doors open until midnight on weekdays and 1am on Saturdays, the good times keep rolling.

How much does it cost to play? Book your spot for £2 per person, per hour, with a two-hour game session to kick off the fun.

The Ludoquist: a board game haven

If you're looking for a board game cafe that truly takes gaming seriously, The Ludoquist is your spot. With an impressive library of nearly 1,500 games – including family favourites, mind-bending puzzles and quirky gems from Japan – you’re guaranteed to find something you'll love (or fall in love with).

A laid-back, cosy setting in Croydon, it’s perfect for settling into hours of strategic showdowns or laugh-out-loud party games with friends and family. Fuel your fun with a moreish snack menu and top-tier pizzas, ideal for tucking into as the competition heats up.

How much does it cost to play? Enjoy a three-hour game session costing £8 for adults or £4 for under 16s.

Library Pot: Richmond’s best-kept gaming secret

Nestled in leafy Richmond, Library Pot is a quirky fusion of licensed restaurant and board game cafe, offering more than 700 games from frantic fun like Kitchen Rush to adventurous games like Forbidden Island – with new titles arriving all the time.

The menu is just as diverse, serving everything from hearty chicken burgers to zingy kimchi noodles and Thai green curry. Whether you're sipping herbal tea or clinking cocktails, this cosy spot is the perfect combination of laid-back cafe and lively bar.

Known for its welcoming vibe and thriving Mahjong leagues, Library Pot also hosts regular meetups where curious beginners can learn the ropes alongside seasoned players.

How much does it cost to play? Sessions last up to five hours, costing £6.50 per person, plus a £15 minimum spend on food and drinks.

Bad Moon Cafe: London’s home for tabletop battles

With locations in Borough and Holloway Road, Bad Moon Cafe has become the heart of London’s tabletop gaming scene – championing everything from Warhammer and Magic: The Gathering to a wide range of board games for casual and competitive players alike.

Boasting 15 custom-built 6×4 gaming tables, each paired with intricately themed terrain, Bad Moon Cafe is the ultimate battleground for fantasy warfare. Whether you’re gearing up for an epic skirmish or shuffling your deck for a strategic showdown, you’ll find the perfect setup to bring your game to life.

Once you’ve chosen your battlefield, refuel with a tempting menu of snacks and drinks – think mouthwatering sandwiches and indulgent milkshakes. Don’t miss their regular events, including social nights and tournaments spotlighting fan-favourites like Magic: The Gathering.

How much does it cost to play? Bad Moon Cafe offers three table types. Board or card game tables and small wargaming tables, ideal for skirmish games like Kill Team and Warcry, are £7 per person for up to 4 hours. Large wargaming tables are £9 per person for just under four hours.

The Arcanist's Tavern: where gaming gets magical

Be transported to a fantastical new world at The Arcanist’s Tavern in Shoreditch. With immersive decor, custom-built wargaming tables and a board game library packed with everything from timeless favourites to indie gems, this magical hotspot is a board game cafe like no other.

Step inside and expect a cloaked adventurer to beckon you into an epic quest. Inside, there’s everything from industrial warzones to old temples matching the setting of whatever game you’re playing.

Make sure to visit The Apothecary, their themed food and drink bar inspired by role-playing games. Sip on potions, tuck into fantasy-themed fare and soak in the bubbling cauldrons – all while diving into your next tabletop quest.

How much does it cost to play? Access to the game library via a table in The Apothecary costs £7 per person. Role-playing booths and special wargaming tables carry an additional fee.