Experiences
The 5 Best Board Game Cafes in London
A thousand games, a decent pint and no rush: London's board game cafes for a proper night in, out.
In short: our top picks are Draughts Waterloo, Draughts Stratford and Otter Chaos. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
The board game cafe is the antidote to a loud night out: hundreds of games, a games guru to teach you the rules, and food and drink brought to the table so you never have to move. London’s are genuinely good, from a railway arch under Waterloo to a Brixton favourite pouring cocktails. It is the cheapest long evening in town, charged as a small cover per person. Go with a group and block out a few hours.
| Place | Area |
|---|---|
| Draughts Waterloo | Waterloo |
| Draughts Stratford | Stratford |
| Otter Chaos | Brixton |
| Library Pot | Richmond |
| Bad Moon Cafe | London |
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Editor’s choice
Draughts Waterloo
Why we pick itLondon's original board game cafe, over 1,000 games in a Leake Street railway arch under Waterloo, with craft beer and food.
board game cafe
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Draughts Stratford
Why we pick itThe newer Draughts by the Olympic Park, glass-fronted with waterside seating and the same 1,000-game library.
board game cafe
-
Otter Chaos
Why we pick itA Brixton favourite across two Atlantic Road arches, 500-plus games with cocktails and sourdough pizza.
board game cafe
-
Library Pot
Why we pick itA licensed board game restaurant in leafy Richmond, 700-plus games alongside a proper food menu.
board game restaurant
-
Bad Moon Cafe
Why we pick itImmersive decor and custom wargaming tables with a deep game library, accessed through The Apothecary.
board game and wargaming cafe
Before you book
Most charge a per-person cover of around £7 to £10 for the session rather than by the game, and the good ones get booked out on weekend evenings. Turn up for the quieter afternoons if you want the pick of the library. Staff will recommend and teach games, so do not be put off if you are new to it.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Draughts Waterloo is our editor's choice: London's original board game cafe, over 1,000 games in a Leake Street railway arch under Waterloo, with craft beer and food. Draughts Waterloo, Draughts Stratford and Otter Chaos lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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