If you’re looking for something a bit different to do in London — something that’s fun, relaxed, and perfect for all ages — then Draughts London is definitely one to add to your list. Located in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this board-game café combines delicious food, creative drinks, and hundreds of games for an evening packed with laughter and (just a little!) friendly competition.
We recently visited as a family, and it turned out to be one of our favourite nights out in a while.
Draughts London: A Fun Family Night of Board Games, Food & Friendly Competition
What Is Draughts London?
Draughts is London’s original board-game café, and it completely redefines “game night”. Imagine shelves filled with hundreds of games — from timeless classics like Chess and Cluedo to modern favourites like Dobble and Catan — all ready for you to play while enjoying good food and drinks.
Whether you’re a die-hard strategist or just looking for something fun to do on a rainy day, Draughts London has something for everyone. The best part? The friendly staff are always on hand to recommend games or explain the rules, so even beginners will feel right at home.
It’s the kind of place that makes you forget about screens for a few hours and enjoy each other’s company.
Our Experience at Draughts Stratford
We visited the Stratford branch, which sits right in the heart of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The venue has a modern yet cosy atmosphere, with long tables, warm lighting, and rows upon rows of board games lining the walls.
Choosing which games to play was actually the most challenging part — there were so many! We finally settled on Dobble, Connect, and Banana (a Scrabble-style game) to start with, and the laughter started almost immediately.
Once our food arrived, we decided to pause the competition and refuel. Nick went for the Beyond Meat steak burger with chips, Sienna had the kids’ burger, and I chose the crispy chicken and hot honey bao — all absolutely delicious. For starters, we shared Korean fried chicken, halloumi fries, and nachos, and of course, we couldn’t resist finishing with a sweet plate of churros. I paired my meal with a perfectly mixed Cosmopolitan, while Nick enjoyed a craft beer.
After dinner, we moved on to Cluedo — the perfect way to end the evening. It got surprisingly competitive, and Nick solved the mystery almost at the same time as I did!
It was such a simple evening, but so much fun. We left with full stomachs, big smiles, and already planning our next visit.
Food & Drinks at Draughts London
The menu at Draughts London is inspired by global street food — think bao buns, burgers, tacos, and nachos — all packed with flavour and perfect for sharing. There are vegetarian and vegan options too, so everyone is covered.
Their drink selection is just as impressive, offering craft beers, cocktails, spritzes, and non-alcoholic options for those who prefer a lighter choice.
What makes it even better is that Draughts is family-friendly. Kids are welcome (until 9 pm), and the lively, easygoing atmosphere makes it ideal for parents looking for something new to do together.
Why You’ll Love Draughts London
- Hundreds of games for all ages and skill levels
- Delicious, creative food and drinks
- Perfect for families, friends or date nights
- Great indoor option for rainy London days
- Convenient Stratford location, close to the station and the Olympic Park
Useful Information
- Location: Draughts Stratford, 5 Aquatics Walk, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 2AS
- Nearest station: Stratford (Jubilee, Central, DLR, Overground, National Rail)
- Admission: Free gaming admission is often included with table bookings — check their website for details
Website: draughtslondon.com
Instagram: @draughtslondon
Tip: It’s worth booking in advance, especially on weekends or during school holidays, as it does get busy.
FAQs About Draughts London
- What is Draughts London?
Draughts London is a board-game café where you can enjoy hundreds of games alongside tasty food and drinks — perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends. - Where are Draughts London locations?
Draughts currently has two London venues — one in Stratford and another in Waterloo. Both offer the same fantastic mix of games, food, and fun. - Do you need to book a table at Draughts?
Yes, booking is recommended, particularly on weekends and school holidays. You can book online via their website. - Can kids visit Draughts London?
Absolutely! Children are welcome before 9 pm, and there are plenty of family-friendly games suitable for all ages. - How much does it cost to play games at Draughts?
There’s usually a small gaming cover charge per person, but it’s sometimes included with your meal. Check the latest details online before you go.
Final Thoughts
We had such a fantastic evening at Draughts London — it’s one of those places that brings everyone together, no matter the age. If you’re looking for a fun and different night out that combines excellent food, friendly competition, and a cosy atmosphere, this is definitely worth adding to your London list.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like my guides to Prison Island London: The Ultimate Family Experience and Squid Game Immersive Experience London – Would You Survive?.
Have you ever been to a board game café like Draughts London? Which game would you pick first?
*Disclosure: We were invited to review Draughts London. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
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