Fun on every level
1 / 10

Draughts London

4.4
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

London's ultimate board game cafe with over 1000 games, global pub grub, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, more game options

CrowdLow
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Fun on every level

Draughts London

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, more game options

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

London's ultimate board game cafe with over 1000 games, global pub grub, and a vibrant atmosphere.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"A top-tier game café blending atmosphere, variety, and affordability. Perfect for groups seeking fun without fuss."

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TIP

🎯 Book in Advance!

Secure your spot, especially for groups or weekend visits. Walk-ins might mean a wait .

💰 Great Value Gaming

Unlimited games for a set fee is fantastic value for hours of fun .

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vast Board Game Library

Vast Board Game Library

Explore over 1000 board games, from classics to unique finds. Something for everyone!

Graffiti-Adorned Vault Setting

Graffiti-Adorned Vault Setting

Immerse yourself in a lively, energetic atmosphere within a unique, graffiti-covered space.

Global Pub Grub & Craft Beer

Global Pub Grub & Craft Beer

Enjoy delicious food and a great selection of drinks to fuel your gaming marathon.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Peak Times

Draughts is a popular spot, especially for groups and date nights. Booking online is recommended to secure your spot, particularly on weekends or evenings. Walk-ins are possible, but you might face a wait if it's busy.TikTok

Understand the Gaming Fee

There's a fee for unlimited board game access, typically around £7.50-£10 per person for a 3-hour session.TikTok+1 This covers access to over 1000 games, making it a great value for extended play.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, more game options
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, good for groups
Crowd
Medium
When
Friday & Saturday nights
Why
Buzzing vibe, but book ahead
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Literally one of my favourite places to go @Draughts London #fyp #games #datenight #activities #london #friends #couple
@estee_x
30.6K likes • 637.9K views

🎯 Book in Advance!

Secure your spot, especially for groups or weekend visits. Walk-ins might mean a wait.TikTok

💰 Great Value Gaming

Unlimited games for a set fee is fantastic value for hours of fun.TikTok+1

Unlimited board games from £7.50pp (3h)🎲♦️ 📍@Draughts London | 5 Aquatics Walk, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London, E20 2AS I loved the cosy vibes, large tables, great cocktails & food🥂 Especially loved how they had multiple of each game❤️‍🔥over 1000 for you to choose from btw!!🥳 Really a place to unwind, spend quality time with your friends & partners! Bring out that inner child and ...
@tazventures
7.2K likes • 128.1K views
If you're looking to add some friendly competition to your next pub night in London, you have got to check out Draughts! This bar is home to literally hundreds of board games, covering all of the classics and some other more unique options! Send this to your group chat immediately! 📍Draughts Waterloo, Arch 16, Leake Street, London, SE1 7NN #london #londonlife #londonbars #quirkybar #gamesbar #t...
@secret.london
2.4K likes • 84.9K views

🗣️ It Can Get Loud

The buzzing atmosphere is part of the charm, but expect noise during peak times.Reddit

🤝 Friendly & Helpful Staff

Staff are praised for excellent service, refunds, and even birthday celebrations.Reddit

Things to do in London: Board Game Cafe🎲♦️ [Save to add to your London Bucketlist 🇬🇧] 📍 Draughts London 🚇 Venues in Waterloo, Stratford and Hackney 📹 (Video is filmed in Waterloo venue) ♟️Cosy board game cafe with over 1000 games to play 💷 Price: unlimited board games from £7.50pp for 3 hour session 🍔 Food and drinks available 👫 Perfect for a date night or with friends ✨Follow for more fun th...
@runawaywithrachel
426 likes • 20.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book in Advance!

Secure your spot, especially for groups or weekend visits. Walk-ins might mean a wait.TikTok

💰 Great Value Gaming

Unlimited games for a set fee is fantastic value for hours of fun.TikTok+1

🗣️ It Can Get Loud

The buzzing atmosphere is part of the charm, but expect noise during peak times.Reddit

🤝 Friendly & Helpful Staff

Staff are praised for excellent service, refunds, and even birthday celebrations.Reddit

🍽️ Delicious Food Options

Don't miss the food! Nachos are a standout, and halal options are available.Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You might be here for hours, so comfy footwear is a good idea!

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Draughts London is highly praised for its immense board game selection, vibrant atmosphere, and excellent value. Visitors rave about the friendly staff, delicious food (especially the nachos), and the unique setting, making it a top choice for groups, dates, and families. While it can get loud during peak times, this is seen as part of its energetic charm.

"This board game café boasts an impressive selection of games paired with spacious tables ideal for immersive play. The graffiti-adorned vault setting creates a lively, energetic atmosphere that draws you in.Food and drink are reliably good elevated for a gaming venue with pricing aligned to local standards. Gaming costs around £10 per person, offering excellent value for extended sessions.It can get noticeably loud during peaks, but that’s integral to the buzzing vibe. A small but curated selection of games for sale adds a nice touch for enthusiasts.Verdict: A top-tier game café blending atmosphere, variety, and affordability. Perfect for groups seeking fun without fuss. Highly recommended."

Minkee Chong

"Came with my best friend and stayed for hours! Tons of two-player board games, great food (including halal chicken), and fantastic value. I’ve already rebooked for a group visit. Highly recommend! ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و ♡"

Tanya A

"Amazing experience here the other day!

The staff were incredibly friendly and professional, we had an issue where I was chaged twice for two separate bookings and a staff member came up to ask why I had two bookings, after explaining I tried to email about it she very kindly refunded the extra booking right there and then!

I accidentally ordered a diet coke and they happily replaced it with a full fat, and everyone had smiles on their faces and gave excellent service!

This was between 4pm and 7pm on the 30th of November.

I hope all the staff on shift that day get praise for their excellent customer service!

I also asked for the staff to congratulate the birthday boy, and not only did they congratulate them, they also offered a treat!

The food and drinks were amazing, best Nachos in London for sure!

Will be returning!"

Alexander Gibson

What People Like

Vast board game library
Lively atmosphere
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Can be loud
Beer prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Draughts has multiple locations. The Waterloo venue is located at Arch 16, Leake Street, London SE1 7NN.TikTok The Stratford venue is at 5 Aquatics Walk, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, E20 2AS.TikTok The Hackney venue is at 41 Kingsland High St, London E8 2JS.TikTok All are accessible via public transport, with nearby tube and bus links.

Parking availability can vary by location. It's generally recommended to use public transport in London due to congestion and parking costs. Check local parking options for your chosen venue.

Each location offers a similar board game experience. Waterloo is known for its graffiti-adorned vault setting,TikTok+1 while Stratford is a newer, spacious venue.TikTok+1 Hackney is another option for those in East London.TikTok

Yes, all locations are well-served by the London Underground. Waterloo is near Waterloo station, Stratford is near Stratford station, and Hackney is accessible via nearby Overground and Underground stations.

Accessibility can vary by venue. The newer Stratford location is generally more modern and may offer better accessibility. It's advisable to contact the specific venue you plan to visit for detailed information.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There's a gaming fee, typically starting from £7.50 per person for a 3-hour session.TikTok+1 This grants you unlimited access to their extensive board game library.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends and larger groups, to guarantee a table.TikTok You can book online through their website.

Opening hours vary by location and day. Generally, they are open from late morning to late evening, with later closing times on Fridays and Saturdays.TikTok Always check the specific hours for your chosen venue online.

Yes, walk-ins are accepted, but availability is not guaranteed, especially during busy periods. Booking ahead is the best way to avoid disappointment.TikTok

Yes, the standard gaming session is usually 3 hours.TikTok+1 Some TikToks mention 2-hour slots, so it's best to confirm when booking or upon arrival.TikTok

🎫 🎮 Onsite Experience

Draughts boasts an impressive library of over 1000 board games, ensuring there's something for every taste and skill level.TikTok+1

Absolutely! Draughts has a great selection of two-player games, making it perfect for couples or one-on-one challenges.Reddit

While not explicitly stated as a service, the staff are known for being friendly and helpful.Reddit You might find other patrons willing to explain rules, or you can often find rulebooks easily.

Yes, Draughts is family-friendly and suitable for kids, with a wide range of games that appeal to younger players too. They even host birthday parties.TikTok

The atmosphere is lively and energetic, especially in the Waterloo venue with its graffiti-adorned vault setting.Reddit It's a buzzing social hub perfect for groups.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Draughts offers global pub grub, with options like burgers, loaded fries, and nachos. They also have halal chicken options.Reddit

Yes, they offer a good selection of drinks, including cocktails and craft beers. The 'House Rules Lager' is mentioned as a decent accompaniment.Reddit

Pricing is generally aligned with local London standards for a gaming venue. While beer can be a bit steep, the food is considered good quality and tasty.Reddit

While not mandatory, ordering food and drinks is encouraged and enhances the overall experience. It's a great way to fuel your gaming sessions.TikTok

While specific vegan options aren't detailed in the provided content, pubs and cafes in London typically offer vegetarian choices. It's best to check the menu directly or inquire with the venue.

📸 📸 Photography

Definitely! The graffiti-adorned vault setting at Waterloo is particularly photogenic.TikTok+1 The vibrant atmosphere and unique decor make for great shots.

Yes, you're welcome to take photos of the games and your group enjoying them. It's a fun way to capture memories of your visit.

The unique interior, especially the graffiti art, provides excellent backdrops. Capturing your group in the midst of a game adds to the fun photos.

Early evening or weekday visits might offer fewer people in the background, allowing for clearer shots of the venue and your group. However, the lively atmosphere during peak times can also make for dynamic photos.

Generally, flash photography is acceptable in most public venues unless otherwise stated. Be mindful of other patrons and avoid using flash if it might be disruptive.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Draughts is a fantastic spot for families looking for an engaging and fun outing. With over 1000 games, there are plenty of options suitable for children of all ages, from simple classics to more interactive games.TikTok The relaxed atmosphere and the availability of food and drinks make it easy to spend a few hours entertained. It's a great alternative to screen time and encourages family interaction and problem-solving together.TikTok

👫 Couples on a Date

For a unique and interactive date night, Draughts is a top choice. It offers a playful way to get to know each other and spark some friendly competition.TikTok+1 The cozy ambiance, especially in the Waterloo venue, and the option to enjoy food and drinks create a relaxed yet exciting setting. It's a more engaging alternative to a typical dinner or movie date.TikTok

👥 Groups of Friends

Draughts is perfectly suited for group gatherings. The large tables and vast game selection mean everyone can find something they enjoy, fostering a lively and social atmosphere.TikTok+2 It's an ideal venue for birthday celebrations, team outings, or just a fun night out with mates, offering hours of entertainment and shared experiences.Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Draughts offers excellent value for money. The gaming fee provides unlimited access to a huge library of games for a set price, which is very affordable for extended entertainment.TikTok+1 Combined with reasonably priced food and drinks, it's a budget-friendly way to enjoy a significant chunk of time in London without breaking the bank.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Draughts Experience: More Than Just Games

Draughts London is more than just a place to play board games; it's a social hub designed for connection and fun. The core offering is access to an enormous library of over 1000 board games, catering to all interests and skill levels.TikTok+1 Whether you're a seasoned gamer looking for a complex strategy game like 'Spirit Island' Reddit or a casual player wanting to revisit classics like Connect 4 or Jenga,TikTok+1 Draughts has you covered. The pricing structure, typically around £7.50-£10 per person for a 3-hour session, makes it an incredibly affordable way to spend an afternoon or evening.TikTok+1

The atmosphere is a key part of the Draughts appeal. The Waterloo branch, in particular, is renowned for its unique setting within a graffiti-adorned vault, creating a vibrant and energetic environment.TikTok+1 This lively vibe is amplified by the sounds of friendly competition and conversation, making it a great place for groups, dates, and family outings.TikTok+1 While it can get loud during peak times, many find this contributes to the overall buzzing experience.Reddit

Beyond the games, Draughts offers a solid menu of global pub grub and a good selection of drinks, including craft beers and cocktails.TikTokReddit This ensures that your gaming marathon is well-fueled. The food is consistently praised for its quality, with nachos being a particular highlight.Reddit The staff also receive consistent accolades for their friendliness and excellent customer service, often going the extra mile to ensure guests have a memorable time.Reddit

Navigating Draughts: Locations and Logistics

Draughts operates multiple venues across London, each offering the same core board game experience but with distinct settings. The Waterloo location is famous for its unique, graffiti-covered vault ambiance, providing a visually striking backdrop for your gaming sessions.TikTok+1 The Stratford venue, situated near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, is a newer and more spacious addition, offering a modern environment.TikTok+2 For those in East London, the Hackney branch at 41 Kingsland High Street provides another convenient option.TikTok

Getting to any of the Draughts locations is generally straightforward via London's extensive public transport network. All venues are well-connected by the Underground and Overground services. It's advisable to check the specific travel advice for your chosen location, as parking can be limited and expensive in central London areas. The venues are designed to accommodate groups, with ample table space to spread out both games and food comfortably.Reddit

When planning your visit, remember that booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends and evenings, as Draughts is a popular destination.TikTok The gaming fee, typically around £7.50-£10 per person for a 3-hour slot, covers unlimited game access.TikTok+1 While walk-ins are possible, securing a reservation ensures you won't miss out on the fun.