Draughts
Choose from hundreds of board games at this fun board games bar.
Choose from hundreds of board games at this fun board games bar.
Mon: 12pm–12am
Tue, Wed, Thu: 11am–12am
Fri: 11am–1am
Sat: 10am–1am
Sun: 10am–12am
Located in the famous Leake Street graffiti tunnel beneath Waterloo Station, Draughts has turned a once-dank railway arch into one of the city's most popular venues devoted to all things board games.
Spread over two floors and with over 1,000 unique games on the shelves, you can recreate Christmas at home or find a secluded spot to quietly unlock the mysteries of the universe. If the weather suddenly takes a turn (as often happens in London), this is the perfect spot to settle in and ride out the rain showers.
They have every board game you could ever think of and more, all kept in great playing condition. The tables are designed especially for board game playing with spaces underneath for putting your cards if you are keeping them under wraps, or your plates if you need to remove your snacks during a particular pivotal moment in the game.
This quirky South Bank venue is perfect for a family board game session, breaking the ice on a first date or as an alternative place to catch up with friends. With a seasonally changing menu and rotating drinks, at Draughts there's also plenty of sustenance on offer to keep you going over a long involved gaming session.
Working with popular London dating organisations It's A Date and Thursdays, Draughts Waterloo plays host to regular speed dating events that offer single Londoners the chance to mix and mingle in an easy-going, friendly and down-to-earth space - with board game entertainment making for the perfect ice breaker.
The Games Night speed dating format sees you playing tabletop games in groups of four (two men, two women). Tickets cost from £24. View upcoming Its A Date events here and book.
The venue has a small but extremely well-curated shop area where you can buy your favourite tabletop games to take home. A brilliant place to shop for gifts, in addition to a wider variety of board games and card games there's also some fun merch and quirky stocking fillers on sale.
Let the games begin! For a Christmas lunch party with a difference, Draughts is a brilliant venue. There's a variety of Christmas packages to choose from and, of course, hundreds of games for post-dinner entertainment. Festive packages include festive bites like pulled turkey and stuffing sliders, pigs in blankets and rosemary panko brie bites, plus a choice of bowls such as truffled macaroni and cheese, festive sprout and clementine slaw and sweet potato and parsnip fries. For dessert, there's the ever-popular Christmas spiced churros, while drinks options include wines, beers and mulled wine. Packages start from £45 per person for two bowls and two bites, dessert and drinks. Find out more and book here.