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6 Must-Visit Board Games Cafes in Manchester [Where You Can Play, Eat, and Relax!]
Image this: It’s a drizzly Mancunian afternoon (as usual), and you’re tired of scrolling through Netflix, pretending you’ll finally start that documentary about obscure 18th-century inventions.
This is where Manchester’s board game cafés enters—where the real action happens. Whether you’re a dice-rolling dungeon master, a Scrabble savant, or someone who just likes flipping Monopoly boards in a fit of rage—these spots have got you covered.
Now, I have to admit, I’m that person who always ends up being the banker in Monopoly, mostly because I’m bad at numbers but great at looking like I’m in control. And trust me, these cafés are so good that even my mates forgave me for misplacing a few 500-pound notes.
Let’s dive into Manchester’s finest board game havens!
Fan Boy 3
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Address: 25 Hilton St
Contact details: +44 161 247 7735
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun 10AM-10PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Fan Boy 3 is a proper paradise for gaming fanatics. You walk in, and boom – shelves bursting with games, friendly faces, and the hum of dice rolling on tables, it’s no wonder they snagged the title of the UK’s favourite board game store back in 2019!
Their game library, bursting with over 500 options, is enough to make any gaming enthusiast swoon; dungeons and Dragons, Tales from the Loop, Pathfinder—you name it, they’ve got it. At just £3 for adults and £1 for kids under 14, it’s a steal for the hours of fun you’ll get.
Into miniatures? Bring your own army, and they’ll provide the battleground for just £4.
Fancy a bite while you’re at it? Their café’s got your back with snacks to fuel your game marathon.
If you’re new to the scene, their events are a great way to dip your toes into the world of tabletop gaming, with friendly faces ready to guide you through.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss their event calendar. Whether you’re a role-playing rookie or a tabletop titan, there’s something for everyone – and more events here than any other board game café in the UK.
GoodTime Games
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Address: Goodtime Games, 212 Burton Rd, West Didsbury
Contact details: +44 161 839 0333
Operating Hours: Tue-Sun 12PM-11PM, Closed Mondays
Pricing: ££
Website
Menu
GoodTime Games is small but mighty, with only seven tables tucked away in this cosy gem. It’s like your best mate’s living room, but with a next-level board game collection and a cracking vegan menu.
Here’s how it works: book a table for £1.50 (which comes off your tab) or try your luck with a walk-in. Once you’re in, it’s £3 per hour to play or £8 if you’re really settling in for the night.
What makes GoodTime special, though, is the staff.
They’re on hand to size you up (in the friendliest way possible, of course) and match you with games that suit your skill level and time limit. No more getting stuck halfway through a three-hour epic when you’ve only got an hour to spare.
Their drinks game is strong, too. Locally roasted coffee, smoothies, and even vegan wine are all on offer. Plus, no extra charge for alternative milks – how’s that for a win?
Pro tip:
If you are overwhelmed by the choice of games, let the staff teach you one. They’ve got a knack for turning newbies into board game pros in no time.
Buzzin’ Meeples
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Address: 219 Bury Old Rd, Prestwich
Contact details: +44 161 123 4567
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun 11AM-11PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Menu
Buzzin’ Meeples is less of a café and more of a community hub, where board game lovers gather like bees to honey. The vibe? Warm, welcoming, and wonderfully chaotic.
With over 600 games stacked on their shelves, you’re spoilt for choice. And here’s the twist: if they know and trust you, you can even take games home for a spin. Trust like that is hard-earned, and Buzzin’ Meeples has nailed it.
The Tuck Shop is your go-to for snacks and drinks, perfect for keeping you going during a marathon Monopoly session. And if you fancy a tipple, bring your own booze after 6PM – just be prepared to fork out £3 for corkage.
The real charm, though, is the owners. They’re more than happy to source any game you’ve fallen in love with but can’t find in store. It’s like having your own personal game hunters.
Pro tip:
Swing by early on weekends, the tables fill up fast, and you don’t want to miss out on the action.
Cosy Club
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Address: Corn Exchange, 37 Hanging Ditch
Contact details: +44 161 631 4101
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun 9AM-12AM
Pricing: ££
Website
Menu
Cosy Club is like that friend who’s good at everything—be it breakfast, brunch, or boozy nights out. You want pancakes? Sorted. Fancy a posh dinner? Done. And if you’re just after some nibbles and cocktails to pair with a game of Connect 4, well, they’ve got you covered there too.
Once you’ve loaded up on snacks and drinks, grab a game from their collection. The Cathedral Room is a must if you’re rolling deep with a big group—it’s got these long tables that seem almost purpose-built for game night showdowns.
And here’s a tip: two-player games like Dominoes or a cheeky round of Scrabble are perfect if you’re on a more laid-back vibe. Order some food, sink a pint or two, and lose track of time in this cosy, manor-house-meets-grandma’s-living-room setting.
Moreover, Cosy Club makes it easy for first-timers to dive into the fun without feeling overwhelmed. Their game collection covers all the classics, so you can start with something familiar like Connect 4 before branching out.
Pro tip:
If it’s a weekend, book ahead. This place gets busier than a Manc pub on match day.
HOME
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Address: 2 Tony Wilson Place
Contact details: +44 161 200 1500
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun 9AM-11PM
Pricing: ££
Website
You might not think of HOME as a board game spot, but trust me, it’s a hidden gem. This place has got it all—cinemas, galleries, a theatre—and best of all, plenty of nooks perfect for setting up a board game battle.
Whether it’s Scrabble, Monopoly (the Manchester edition, of course), or even a deck of cards, HOME is the kind of spot where you can roll up, grab a seat, and lose yourself in a game.
The bars on each floor serve everything from coffee and cake to proper pints, so you’re sorted no matter your vibe. It’s best suited for smaller groups, though; more than three or four, and you might struggle to find a spot where you are not in the middle of a social whirlwind.
That said, the upstairs areas are usually quieter, so scout around and settle in for as long as your competitive spirit can last.
Pro tip:
Pop upstairs if the ground floor’s too busy, it’s quieter, and the vibe’s just right for a game or two.
Nexus Art Cafe
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Address: Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama
Contact details: +44 161 236 0100
Operating Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Closed Sundays
Pricing: ££
Website
Menu
Tucked away underground, Nexus Art Cafe feels like stumbling upon a secret hideout in the heart of the Northern Quarter. It’s cosy, unassuming, and filled with little nooks where you can lose a whole day playing board games.
Be it a cheeky round of Dungeons and Dragons or a more relaxed go at Cranium, there’s space for every type of gamer here. The atmosphere? Think mismatched chairs, sofas that you’ll sink into, and the kind of eclectic decor that feels effortlessly cool.
Their menus have all the essentials: sandwiches, cakes, and a brew that’ll warm your soul. And if you’re settling in for a serious session, trust me, the tea and coffee here will keep you going through even the longest campaigns.
Here’s the kicker—right next door, there’s a shop selling hundreds of board games. So if you’re feeling inspired (or just want to flex your new game skills immediately), grab one, bring it back, and dive straight in.
Pro tip:
Head down early to snag one of the comfier spots, it’s first come, first served, and the best nooks go quickly.
