Things to Do In London for a Board Gamer

Written by Charlie Pettit

Draughts Waterloo

@tabletopmag Those of you who told me to go to Draughts Waterloo next time I was in London were absolutely right – a perfect board game spot, super atmospheric, amazing food, great staff, and clearly set up by board game lovers. Run, don't walk! #flgs #tabletopgaming #boardgames #ttrpg #boardgamesoftiktok #gamestore #draughts #waterloo #thingstodoinlondon ♬ original sound - Charlie @ Tabletop Gaming Mag

One of my personal favourites, Draughts Waterloo (though they have a venue in Hackney too) is located in the Leake Street Arches, which is a place you’ll want to check out anyway – it’s an incredible show of graffiti art that’s ever changing, so no visit is the same twice. Draughts is a board game café, but one which arguably leans towards the evening crowd, serving great meals amidst a selection of board games. With its arched walls, exposed brick, and multiple levels, it feels like a very cool venue to be in, but it stands out for its staff, who are on hand to make solid recommendations. It very much feels like a place made by a board game fan, but it’s a fabulous place to grab some food and drinks with friends.

Ludoquist Board Game Cafe & Shop

The Ludoquist is well known and well-loved amongst board gamers, having cemented itself in our hearts over the years. With well over a thousand board games to play, it’s no surprise it’s become a great hub for new and old gamers alike, and Nick Smith, its owner, is a friendly and recognisable face at gaming events too. It’s as much a café as it is a bar, and there’s some great food to be had too. It’s a perfect place to head to if you’re not certain what you want to play, as there’s always your next favourite waiting for you on its shelves!

Arcanist's Tavern

The Arcanist's Tavern in Shoreditch is another space to play board games like those above, but it puts a real and incredible emphasis on RPGs too. Separating themselves from what we’ve come to expect from a board game space, it aims to provide an immersive experience, across the Apothecary (board gaming space), Guild Hall (Wargaming space) and Archives (RPG space). All of them have an extra touch, from themed drinks to RPG booths offering sound dampening, dice rollers, and privacy curtains. It's not been open long, and it’s a very special place to be for board gamers, but it’s a must-visit for RPG players.

Orcs Nest

Orcs Nest opened back in 1987, as a change in direction for its owner from guitarist in a punk rock band and his foray into the fashion industry, remarkably remaining in the same location since. The store is within London’s West End, meaning it’s home to a lot of casual browsers, but it’s fair to say there’s PLENTY to see. It may be a small shop, but it’s one that crams every inch of it with board games – over two levels!

Phantom Peak

Phantom Peak is a little different from the others on this list. Billed as an immersive experience, but very difficult to explain what it is without actually being there, it feels like a mixture of a real life RPG, but with board game or escape room puzzle-y elements. Essentially you spend a few hours in an artificially created town (that’s huge, honestly), with different adventures to play and storylines to solve. Characters you encounter are improv actors, and as you’re venturing across the town with different (and almost always bonkers) missions, it feels exactly the same as when you’re venturing forward with your adventuring party, especially if your usual group is roleplay heavy. It’s currently at Canada Water, but may be moving, so if you’re planning on going later in the year, google ahead first.