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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more game options

Draughts London
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more game options

Highlights
Must-see attractions
London's ultimate board game cafe with over 1000 games, global pub grub, and a vibrant atmosphere.
"A top-tier game café blending atmosphere, variety, and affordability. Perfect for groups seeking fun without fuss."

🎯 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 .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Graffiti-Adorned Vault Setting
Immerse yourself in a lively, energetic atmosphere within a unique, graffiti-covered space.

Global Pub Grub & Craft Beer
Enjoy delicious food and a great selection of drinks to fuel your gaming marathon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Understand the Gaming Fee
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
🗣️ It Can Get Loud
The buzzing atmosphere is part of the charm, but expect noise during peak times.
🤝 Friendly & Helpful Staff
Staff are praised for excellent service, refunds, and even birthday celebrations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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.
🗣️ It Can Get Loud
The buzzing atmosphere is part of the charm, but expect noise during peak times.
🤝 Friendly & Helpful Staff
Staff are praised for excellent service, refunds, and even birthday celebrations.
🍽️ Delicious Food Options
Don't miss the food! Nachos are a standout, and halal options are available.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You might be here for hours, so comfy footwear is a good idea!
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Draughts has multiple locations. The Waterloo venue is located at Arch 16, Leake Street, London SE1 7NN. The Stratford venue is at 5 Aquatics Walk, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, E20 2AS. The Hackney venue is at 41 Kingsland High St, London E8 2JS. 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, while Stratford is a newer, spacious venue. Hackney is another option for those in East London.
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. 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. 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. 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.
Yes, the standard gaming session is usually 3 hours. Some TikToks mention 2-hour slots, so it's best to confirm when booking or upon arrival.
🎫 🎮 Onsite Experience
Draughts boasts an impressive library of over 1000 board games, ensuring there's something for every taste and skill level.
Absolutely! Draughts has a great selection of two-player games, making it perfect for couples or one-on-one challenges.
While not explicitly stated as a service, the staff are known for being friendly and helpful. 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.
The atmosphere is lively and energetic, especially in the Waterloo venue with its graffiti-adorned vault setting. 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.
Yes, they offer a good selection of drinks, including cocktails and craft beers. The 'House Rules Lager' is mentioned as a decent accompaniment.
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.
While not mandatory, ordering food and drinks is encouraged and enhances the overall experience. It's a great way to fuel your gaming sessions.
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. 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
👫 Couples on a Date
👥 Groups of Friends
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Draughts Experience: More Than Just Games
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. This lively vibe is amplified by the sounds of friendly competition and conversation, making it a great place for groups, dates, and family outings. While it can get loud during peak times, many find this contributes to the overall buzzing experience.
Beyond the games, Draughts offers a solid menu of global pub grub and a good selection of drinks, including craft beers and cocktails. This ensures that your gaming marathon is well-fueled. The food is consistently praised for its quality, with nachos being a particular highlight. 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.
Navigating Draughts: Locations and Logistics
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.
When planning your visit, remember that booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends and evenings, as Draughts is a popular destination. The gaming fee, typically around £7.50-£10 per person for a 3-hour slot, covers unlimited game access. While walk-ins are possible, securing a reservation ensures you won't miss out on the fun.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit