In a world dominated by screens, The Ludoquist stands as a place where families and hardcore gamers can come together under one roof and enjoy hours of fun.
The concept for the café started in roughly 2016, where co-owners Nick and Carrie Smith broached the idea of doing something with boardgames, a lifelong hobby of Nick’s. Throwing ideas to the wall, they discussed game design, a store, possibly a café. They eventually settled on the idea of a café and turned it into a reality after a year and a half of planning.
Open since November 2017 on Croydon High Street, The Ludoquist boasts a collection of over 1,000 unique games, all seen from the moment you step into the café. Additionally, it is home to the best selection of Collector Quality games in the UK, where versions like Catan’s 10th anniversary edition, Small World’s Designer Edition and many others are proudly displayed for collectors and curious gamers to play.
Steadily approaching almost 9 years in business, the business isn’t just about maximising profits – rather, it’s about creating a welcoming space for those who want to sit down around a game and enjoy face-to-face interactions. In his own words, “This is about giving people a nice place to sit down and provide a safe place for nerdy people to be nerdy.”
Customers are welcomed in by a friendly team of staff always eager to answer any questions they may have.
There’s no need to go to the bar to order as table service is offered through the use of buzzers on tables, meaning there’s more time to get comfortable and enjoy the games! Customers have a lot to choose from menu-wise as The Ludoquist offers paninis, stone-baked pizzas and an array of bowl foods. Anyone with dietary restrictions needs not worry with a selection of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian friendly foods on offer. Cocktails and mocktails are all affectionately named after the boardgames they have to play, with happy hour during the week from 4 to 6PM.
Nick’s current favourite game to play has to be Flip 7 – it’s easily explained, a great café game for those unsure about what to play, and anyone can play. One of his more hardcore favourites is Terra Mystica.
Nowadays, it isn’t surprising to see a family smashing out Hungry Hippos sat next to a group of people playing Dungeons and Dragons. There is a unique blend of all sorts of people coming to the café, all united under the same goal of spending quality time together. Nick states that being based in Croydon comes with its challenges given the area’s reputation, but he likes to think that The Ludoquist acts as a shining beacon.
Hosting several events during the month, they are most looking forward to their new Quiz Nights this Saturday. This one is sci-fi themed, though they have also hosted a Disney themed one with more to come. Every Friday evening they are home to Blood on the Clocktower sessions, and are particularly looking forward to the Hobbit-themed Magic: The Gathering cards.
During the school holidays, they host Kids’ Dungeons and Dragons sessions where children can learn how to play. All events hosted are listed on their website where parents and gamers can book.
