Top 10 Board Game Pubs and Cafés in London

Where to head in London for a decent dice-roll.

By Rex Adams | Updated Sep 13 2024

A close-up of a colorful board game with multiple circular paths. Yellow, green, red, and blue game pieces are placed on the board. A six-sided die showing three red dots faces up, indicating a recent roll. The game is set on a reflective surface.

The days of board games being relegated to the Christmas family reunion are over, my friend, because in London, rolling the dice and sipping on a pint is as socially acceptable as pondering over a pub quiz or sharing a meal. So, if your idea of a perfect night out involves asking your friends, "Shall we meet for a game of Cluedo?" – you're in the right place. Welcome to the ultimate guide to the best board game cafes and pubs in London, where the games are hot, the drinks are cold and the good times are guaranteed to roll!

Find more fun things to do in London with our guides to the best gaming arcades in London and the best activity bars the capital has to offer.

Two people play a block-stacking game on a table with various snacks and drinks. Items include popcorn, pretzels, beer, cans of soda, and wooden blocks. One person reaches for a block, while the other sits nearby. Bright and colorful setting. — Draughts via Facebook

Multiple Locations

Draughts, London, is a mecca for Competitive Socialising that's been revolutionising how Londoners enjoy their leisure time for nearly a decade. With multiple locations, this iconic board game haven has been drawing in a diverse crowd, from seasoned strategists to those nervously rolling their first dice, and from first dates to lifelong pals and visiting families.

A crowded tabletop gaming event is depicted. People are gathered around large tables filled with game boards, miniatures, rulebooks, and gaming paraphernalia. A bottle of water and a beer bottle are visible in the foreground among the gaming materials. — Bad Moon Cafe via Facebook

159a Great Dover St, London SE1 4GZ

Bad Moon Cafe is a haven for those who revel in the realm of roleplaying, RPG, and all things D&D. While its board game collection might be more compact compared to others, it's here that the magic truly happens with Dungeons & Dragons and Warhammer enthusiasts.

A bustling bar scene with diverse patrons enjoying drinks and socializing. A waiter, wearing a light green shirt, is serving a drink to a customer at a crowded table. The atmosphere is lively with people engaged in conversation and laughter. — players social via facebook

1 Crispin Pl, London E1 6DW

Players Social isn't just a bar; it's the board game paradise. This is where you'll find yourself engaged in epic battles of shuffleboard, ping pong showdowns, and table football clashes, all while perusing a menu that's nothing short of extensive and a drinks list that's a game-changer in itself - and the best part? From 10 am to midday, there are free games (subject to availability), making it the perfect spot to kickstart your day with a dash of competition.

Street view of a building with three businesses. The central business has a pink facade and signage that reads Loading with Loading Bar underneath. To the right is a place advertising cocktails, disco, and late nights. To the left, there is a shop with books displayed. — Loading.bar

129 Stoke Newington High St, London N16 0PH

Loading Bar, the lovechild of Tokyo's gaming cafes and London's penchant for a great time, first set up shop in Soho back in 2010 before leveling up to a new location in Dalston last year. With a treasure trove of over 100 games, from the tried-and-true classics to hidden gems like The Walking Dead Card Game, inspired by the hit TV series, you'll never run out of adventures to embark on.

A vibrant bar with teal-tiled walls, wooden shelves filled with an assortment of liquor bottles and potted plants. The bar counter displays various bottles and glasses, while pendant lights with tassels hang from the ceiling, illuminating the cozy space. — The crown and two chairmen. via facebook

31-32 Dean St, Greater, London W1D 3SB

Sundays just got a whole lot better with The Crown & Two Chairmen Pub in the picture. This charming pub takes Sundays to the next level with a collection of classic games like the Logo Board Game, Scrabble, and Monopoly. Whether you're after a leisurely lunch or a family dinner, The Crown & Two Chairmen serves up tempting and flavoursome food, accompanied by an explorative drinks menu, all within an authentic and welcoming atmosphere.

A shallow metal pan filled with a dish of baked eggs in a rich tomato sauce, garnished with chopped parsley. The dish is placed on a red napkin, and slices of bread are visible in the background. — Image © Facebook via @konnigans

63-67 High St, Croydon CR0 1QE

Ludoquist! is a haven for board game aficionados, and it's well worth the journey south of the river. With a staggering collection of over 1,400 games, and a welcoming price tag of just £7 per person for three hours of gameplay (with the possibility to play longer if space allows), it's a bargain that no board game fanatic can resist.

A vibrant display of various board games on shelves in a store. Games include Catan, Pandemic, Ticket to Ride, Azul, and others, with colorful boxes arranged neatly. The shelves are densely packed, showcasing a wide selection of games for different ages and interests. — D20 via Facebook

87 Queen's Rd, Watford WD17 2QN

With a passionate gaming community at its core, D20 is where the dice are always ready to roll. They're not just about casual gaming; D20 sets the stage for competitive spirits too, hosting tournaments like Yu-Gi-Oh and Marvel Champions, as well as welcoming newcomers to the world of Dungeons & Dragons during their D&D nights.

Thirsty? Whether you're in the mood for a glass of wine or a teetotal slushy, D20's got you covered.

A person dressed in a patterned suit is sitting at a table. The table has a plate with a hamburger and a small basket of fries. The background includes dark red curtains. The person is partially out of frame with only the torso and legs visible. — book.ennismore.com

45 St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4HX

Step into The Den, a modern haven and the perfect spot to decompress after navigating the bustling streets of London. The ambiance is a splendid mix of sophistication and cheeky British charm – you'll find yourself at ease in no time, but what truly sets The Den apart is its stash of board games and other activities, making it the ideal destination for a night out with friends.

A shelf displaying a variety of board games, including Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Operation, and Battleship. The games are stacked in an organized yet casual manner, with the shelf situated against a dimly lit background. — Spit & Sawdust via Facebook

21 Bartholomew St, London SE1 4AL

This Borough-based boozer is like a craft beer lover's dream, boasting an impressive selection of brews that'll have you sipping and savoring. But that's not all; it's also a treasure trove of retro games, inviting you to bring your crew and relive your youth.

Black and white image of a cozy café with several people inside. One person is on a ladder, reaching for items on a high shelf, while others sit at tables or stand near the counter. A large menu board and a clock are visible on the brick wall behind the counter. — The Gallery via Facebook

190 Broadhurst Gardens, London NW6 3AY

The Gallery beckons as your cozy basement escape; with board games aplenty, this charming brick-clad pub is not your run-of-the-mill watering hole. It's a snug haven, complete with a record collection that could rival a vinyl enthusiast's dream.

Top 10 Board Game Pubs and Cafés in London

Draughts

Bad Moon Cafe

Player’s Social

Loading Bar

The Crown and Two Chairmen

Ludoquist!

D20

The Den at St Martins Lane

Spit & Sawdust

The Gallery