A board game cafe offers a unique and enjoyable experience that combines the social aspect of gathering with friends or family and the excitement of playing board games.  We are huge fan of playing family board games and visiting board game cafes whenever we find them. A few weeks ago our kids were away at Scout camp, so we took the chance to visit a board game cafe without them! We chose Draughts London as it’s a great central location near Waterloo.

Why you should visit Draughts London

If you haven’t yet visited a board game cafe, here are some benefits of visiting:

Social interaction: Board games bring people together and promote face-to-face interaction. A board game cafe provides a comfortable and welcoming environment where people can build relationships in a relaxed environment and have some fun.

Variety of games: Board game cafes typically have an extensive collection of games, ranging from classic favourite board games to modern titles. This variety allows visitors to explore and try out new games, expanding their horizons and introducing them to different genres and mechanics.

Expert guidance: Board game cafes often have knowledgeable staff members who can help explain the rules and guide players through the games. This support is especially valuable for newcomers, making the experience more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Stress relief and relaxation: Engaging in board games can be a great way to unwind and escape from the stresses of daily life. The cafe setting provides a laid-back atmosphere where people can disconnect from screens.

Skill development: Board games promote cognitive skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, strategic planning, and communication. Regular visits to a board game cafe can help individuals enhance these abilities while having a fantastic time, which means they make the perfect family destination.

Community building: Board game cafes often organise events, tournaments, and themed nights, fostering a sense of community among board game enthusiasts. These gatherings create opportunities for like-minded individuals to connect, share their passion, and form lasting friendships.

Draughts London has two branches and we visited the Waterloo branch. We booked online but you can try a walk-in. We booked a table for 2 hours which was long enough to play three different games and enjoy drinks and lunch. The first game we tried was Carcassonne Gold Rush. We are big fans of Carcassonne so enjoyed trying a different version of the game. The rules were quite simple and we were happy to learn a new game – which was so much easier without our children playing too! We spent about 40 minutes on this game.

Our second choice was Ticket To Ride Amsterdam – we love Ticket to Ride and didn’t have this version. The game board was small, similar to Ticket to Ride London, which meant this was a quick and easy game. The rules were so similar to other version of the game that we were able to sit and play.

With our 2 hours almost up we had to time to squeeze in one more game. Again we chose a game we were familiar with – Exploding Kittens-Recipe for Disaster. We have a few Exploding Kitten games but this was a larger version where you could pick your own game by picking out a selection of the cards.

Our 2 hours went by so quickly and we really enjoyed ourselves. We will definitely go back with our children soon, the location is off the Leake Street Tunnel, which is a place we visit quite often, and so close to the South Bank and our favourite bits of London.

If you like the sound of Draughts London you might like these:

Snacks and Ladders Board Game Cafe

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