Noughts & Nibbles is a friendly, independent board game café based in the heart of Bicester town centre. We opened with a simple idea: to create a community where people could switch off from screens, enjoy great food and drink, and spend proper time together around a table.
The idea came from a love of games, family time, and the belief that board games are brilliant at bringing people together. Whether it’s a family discovering a new favourite, a group of friends settling in for a competitive evening, or someone coming along solo to join an event, Noughts & Nibbles is built around connection, play and community.
Our venue is in a converted former banking hall, which gives the café a lovely mix of character, space and quirkiness. One of the more unusual features is The Vault - our dedicated private room, perfect for Dungeons & Dragons, small group gaming, private hire, parties, and anyone who likes the idea of rolling dice in an actual old bank vault. It’s quickly become one of the most talked-about parts of the café.
Our Board Game Collection
At the heart of Noughts & Nibbles is our game library, with something for every age, confidence level and type of player. Our collection of games ranges from quick party games and family favourites through to strategy games, cooperative adventures, dexterity games, card games, children’s games and heavier hobby titles.
Guests will find well-known gateway games such as Catan and Ticket to Ride. But also newer discoveries and games that customers may not have come across before. Like Chef! A game designed by a father and daughter team local to Bicester! We love helping people choose the right game for their group - whether that’s something light and silly over coffee and cake, or something deeper for a full evening at the table.
We also keep developing the library based on customer recommendations, new releases, and the needs of our growing community. Part of the fun is watching people arrive saying, “We don’t really play board games,” and leave having found three they want to play again.
Events and Community
Community is a huge part of what we do. Alongside casual table bookings, Noughts & Nibbles runs a growing programme of events including Magic: The Gathering drafts, Pokémon events, Blood on the Clocktower, chess, Dungeons & Dragons, quiz nights, and special one-off sessions.
We aim to make events friendly and accessible, whether guests are experienced players or completely new. That balance matters to us. Hobby gaming can sometimes feel intimidating from the outside, so we work hard to make sure people feel welcome, included and able to ask questions without feeling silly.
We’ve also hosted local community events and are always looking for ways to collaborate with local groups, schools, clubs and independent businesses. Noughts & Nibbles is more than a café with games on the shelves - it’s becoming a small community hub for people who want somewhere relaxed, sociable and a bit different.
Food and Drinks
Of course, games are even better with good food and drink. Our café menu includes barista coffee, tea, soft drinks, cakes, toasties and snacks as well as a fully licensed bar. We use Dark Horse Coffee, a local roastery, and our coffee has already become one of the things customers regularly comment on.
We want the food and drink to feel like a proper café experience, not an afterthought. Guests are welcome to come in just for coffee and cake, grab lunch, meet a friend, or settle in for a longer gaming session. You don’t have to be a board gamer to enjoy the space - but we’re always happy to tempt people into trying something from the library.
Why Visit Noughts & Nibbles?
People should visit Noughts & Nibbles if they want a warm, relaxed and genuinely social experience. We’re not just about playing games; we’re about making it easy for people to spend time together.
Families can discover games that work across different ages. Friends can enjoy an evening that doesn’t revolve around a screen. New players can try something without needing to buy it first. Experienced gamers can find events, organised play and a growing community. And anyone can pop in for coffee, cake and a change of scenery.
What sets us apart without a doubt is the atmosphere and a real focus on community. Our guiding phrase is “A table for every player,” and that’s exactly what we’re building - a place where everyone feels welcome.
You can find Noughts & Nibbles in Bicester town centre where we will welcome you for a coffee, a game or even just a chat!
