With a plethora of websites and YouTube channels dedicated to the hobby, it appears that board gaming is defying the digital age and garnering new enthusiasts at a rapid pace. But why? For many, tabletop gaming is indelibly linked to a feuding bout of Monopoly that never actually finishes, or childhood games of Snap.
Two things spring to mind. Firstly, the variety, quality, and depth of games available – massively increased over the last ten or twenty years – offer an engaging and compelling way to spend anywhere from fifteen minutes to several hours. And secondly, the social nature of games and our decreasing love affair with alcohol provides us with a fun activity when hanging out with friends.
Many host board game evenings at home, but getting into the hobby can be expensive, so an easier way of dipping your toes into the water is to frequent your local board game café. Mine is Goodtime Games in the south Manchester suburb of West Didsbury, and boy, is it good. Inside, it’s homely and welcoming, with wooden tables, a funky playlist, and 500 games to choose from. There are spaces outside too, perfect for party games in the warmer weather. The staff are super friendly, as are the other gamers, and a well-priced food and drink menu will be constantly calling out to you. More on the refreshments later.
For those new to a board game café, the concept is simple. You book a table for your party, at a cost of £3 per person per hour (capped at £8 per visit), and if you’re not sure what to play, the staff will suggest some games and teach you how to play them. There are plenty of fun options that you can jump straight into; equally (once you get hooked), you’ll find all kinds of fiendish strategy games that’ll have your mind working overtime. Goodtime Games offers an annual membership at £34.99, which lowers the cap to £4.50 per visit, gives you 10% off food and drink for your table, and discounted event tickets.
But none of my friends like board games! I hear you cry. That’s where the events come in. Regular sessions run on Monday and Wednesday. Book on the website (£6.50 for members; £8 non-members) and turn up. That’s it. You don’t have to worry about what to play, or who to play with, because owners Tom and Nick will help group people together, suggest games, and show you how to play. And suddenly, you’ll have made a bunch of new friends.
Wednesday is home to Midweek Mixer, a smorgasbord of casual and party games. A social and light-hearted atmosphere floats over proceedings, and games are short and fun. If hardcore strategy is your bag, then Mindful Mondays has you covered. Games will often last two or three hours, but you’ll have an incredible mental workout, and plenty of laughs along the way. People post on the group chat if there’s a specific game they want to play, which might be a brand new one from Kickerstarter or Gamefound, popular crowdfunding sites, meaning you could be playing a game that has yet to reach the shops. Other events include Blood on the Clocktower, a social deduction evening, Learn & Play, where you’ll learn a specific game, and several one-off evenings.
Should you feel a pang of hunger or thirst while rolling and dealing, you’ll be pleased to know that Goodtime Games will serve you handmade pizzas, light bites, and cakes, and is fully licensed. The menu is vegetarian with most dishes available as a vegan option. The quality of the food is top-quality, and as a verified carnivore, I can confirm the meat substitutes taste pretty much like what they’re replacing. Hot drinks, milkshakes, and smoothies are available too.
The café also sells games. Ask inside or browse the website for what’s available. And of course, you can play them first before you decide to buy. Whether new to the hobby or an experienced gamer, Goodtime Games welcomes you with open arms. Open all day Saturday and Sunday, and every evening except Tuesday.
