London Players' Backgammon League

Backgammon run by Dicky Biddle, the founder and organiser of the London League

• UK Backgammon Champions League ukbgchampionsleague.weebly.com/ ukbgchampionsleague.weebly.com/ The annual competition that pits the cream of all regional leagues within the UK against each other.

• Cotswolds Invitational Backgammon Weekend cotswoldsinvitationalbackgammon.weebly.com/ cotswoldsinvitationalbackgammon.weebly.com/ London Players' flagship event. A Backgammon weekend for the discerning player where choice of venue is as important as the Backgammon event itself. This weekend consistently sells out.

• North London Backgammon Club northlondonbackgammon.webs.com/ northlondonbackgammon.webs.com/ London most popular Backgammon Club hosted by London League founder Dicky Biddle. Launched 2015

• Fulham Backgammon Club fulhambackgammon.weebly.com/ fulhambackgammon.weebly.com/ Another Backgammon club hosted by Dicky Biddle which means it is an ideal place to visit if you are just starting out in the game.

• BucksGammon www.bucksgammon.webs.com/ www.bucksgammon.webs.com/ Buckinghamshire's first Backgammon Club hosted at the Drawingroom in Chesham. This club launched on 11th April 2012. Probably the coolest place to play BG in the UK.

Backgammon-friendly places to play League Backgammon in Central London. You'll need to bring your own board. If you would like to recommend a venue, please email me, chelseamuffin@aol.com. PLEASE NOTE GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

• 55 Baker Street www.55bakerstreet.co.uk/shopping/our-retailers www.55bakerstreet.co.uk/shopping/our-retailers A collection of tasteful food outlets with use of an Atrium in this building, warm and covered all year round. An ideal opportunity to play alfresco in Central London. The Atrium is only available during office hours,

• Allsop Arms, Baker Street www.allsoparms-marylebone.co.uk/ www.allsoparms-marylebone.co.uk/ In between Baker Street and Marylebone, this is a suitable pub for those wanting to be near a travel hub. Not the best pub in the area but an easy to find convenient location.

• The Volunteer, Baker Street www.thevolunteernw1.co.uk/ www.thevolunteernw1.co.uk/ Very keen to have BG players in their pub. So excited to see you, they may even tweet a photo of you playing.

• Royal Oak, Borough https://www.harveys.org.uk/pubs/the-royal-oak-london/ https://www.harveys.org.uk/pubs/the-royal-oak-london/ Ivan Scheer: The Royal Oak in Tabard Street is a 2 minute walk from Borough Underground Station. It is very small and shabby, owned by an independent brewery and it would be easy to not give it a second glance. However Eric McAlpine is a great fan of the food, quite rightly so, standard pub fare with a great specials board too. My bangers (and Mash especially) was good and his Game Pie looked great. Apparently the Sunday Roasts are fab and the place fills up, so you need to get there early. On Saturday it opens at 11am and at midday there was plenty of room for us to play undisturbed. I did not see the upstairs but the loo was better than some other pubs. Altogether a very useful location/venue for a North/South match.

• Roundhouse Cafe, Camden www.roundhouse.org.uk/bars-and-kitchen/made-bar-and-kitchen/ www.roundhouse.org.uk/bars-and-kitchen/made-bar-and-kitchen/ Looks a good place, but I imagine this is at it's best off-peak during the day and on weekends when they don't have a big gig on.

• Friends House Cafe, Euston www.friendshouse.co.uk/caf%C3%A9-restaurant www.friendshouse.co.uk/caf%C3%A9-restaurant A Quaker Centre Cafe serving locally sourced, organic and Fairtrade food. Lovely gardens on a sunny day.

• Hilton Euston www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/hilton-london-euston-LONEUHI/index.html www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/hilton-london-euston-LONEUHI/index.html Central and good location for BG meet ups! Ideal for those Friday nights when everywhere seems to be full.

• The Woolf & Whistle, Euston Square https://www.imperialhotels.co.uk/en/restaurants-and-bars/woolf-and-whistle https://www.imperialhotels.co.uk/en/restaurants-and-bars/woolf-and-whistle Some rather suspect soft furnishings but food & drink are well priced. Nice big tables to play on.

• The Canonbury Tavern, Highbury & Islington www.thecanonbury.co.uk/ www.thecanonbury.co.uk/ The Canonbury Tavern is a short walk from Highbury and Islington tube station, on Canonbury Place. This historic pub with its large garden has been rapidly gaining a reputation for serving some of the finest British seasonal food in London.

• The Estorick Collection Cafe, Highbury & Islington www.estorickcollection.com/visitor_info.php www.estorickcollection.com/visitor_info.php A gallery of modern Italian Art with cafe and outdoor courtyard. Great for the Summer.

• White Swan, Highbury & Islington www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-white-swan www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-white-swan I know it is a Wetherspoons pub, which are usually dirt cheap and full of drunks. However, this was not full of drunks or too crowded; it had enough light and was not too noisy. And it cost half the price to drink and eat in than it would do in other pubs. Very happy with the Thursday Curry Night deals.

• Bill's, Islington https://bills-website.co.uk/restaurants/london-islington-2/ https://bills-website.co.uk/restaurants/london-islington-2/ I have been to the one in Berkhamsted, Herts and never been disappointed . A good place to eat, drink and a perfect environment for BG. I would recommend any of the Bill's establishments for BG.

• Scarsdale Tavern, High Street Kensington www.scarsdaletavern.co.uk/ www.scarsdaletavern.co.uk/ Haven't been in this pub in decades but it is still as pleasant it has always been. Tucked away off Ken High St, this is a lovely place to play BG. Great beer and food. Tasteful music at the right volume.

• The Mitre, Holland Park www.themitrew11.co.uk/ www.themitrew11.co.uk/ Home of Holland Park Backgammon , every Sunday evening. Situated on leafy Holland Park Avenue.

• Milestone Hotel, Kensington www.milestonehotel.com/ www.milestonehotel.com/ As recommended by Michael Ireland: "Paul and I were made most welcome at the Milestone and although drinks are somewhat pricey, it was a pleasure to play in their drawing room, and the staff were exceptionally polite."

• Casa Tua, King's Cross www.allinlondon.co.uk/directory/1150/166457.php www.allinlondon.co.uk/directory/1150/166457.php Ben Owen: Casa Tua is a quirky comfortable and a cosy cafe run by typical Italians - boisterous, attentive and friendly - tucked away in a hidden back street less than 5 minutes walk from King's Cross station. Play in the basement in small alcoves sitting on sofas and armchairs surrounded by pleasant artwork. (Although we didn't eat, I know that) the food is delicious, and they serve great coffees and juices!

• The Parcel Yard, Kings Cross Station www.parcelyard.co.uk/ www.parcelyard.co.uk/ A useful transport hub pub in the railway station (not underground). if you head in the direction of platforms 9, 10, 11 then you'll see it pretty easily at the top of some steps. The pub was busy but is a good venue as there are many different sections with plenty of tables and they are nicely spaced out. Food and beer was good but it was a bit expensive. Ivan Scheer: "The Parcel Yard is growing on me especially the Waiting Room with tables 34 - 41 ish. Big enough to get tables in corners and noisy enough that we are not a distraction or much of a curiosity to other drinkers and staff. The food is ok, but I haven't found a great dish yet. Loos just about acceptable.... Well connected for transport." It has been confirmed that you can book tables here requesting a specific table number. Those in the know, request table 26.

• Hamilton Hall, Liverpool Street Station www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/hamilton-hall www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/hamilton-hall An ideal transport hub to meet and play. The Hamilton Hall itself has recently been returned to its former glory and is quite an overwhelming room to play in. Best to grab a table upstairs or down the side on the ground floor where it isn't so noisy or busy.

• The Barrowboy & Banker, London Bridge www.barrowboy-and-banker.co.uk/ www.barrowboy-and-banker.co.uk/ Pleasing venue and another in the functional Fuller's Ale & Pie range. Who ate all the .....

• The Bok Bar, Marylebone https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/16566/bok-bar-london https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/16566/bok-bar-london Make a careful note of this pub's location beforehand as there was no external signage. It's a large square-shaped island bar with access passages to rear and side and seating alcoves at rear. Wooden panelling the main theme with Art-Nouveauish lighting and mirrors. Up to two real ales plus multiple keg beer fonts. Thai meals & snacks available.

• The Mandeville Hotel, Marylebone www.mandeville.co.uk/ www.mandeville.co.uk/ Not a pub but a hotel. Recommended by Roger Phillips, this looks a luxurious place to spend a few hours playing Backgammon.

• Sports Bar & Grill, Marylebone https://www.sportsbarandgrill.co.uk/marylebone https://www.sportsbarandgrill.co.uk/marylebone A popular central transport hub to play with Backgammon players. Just need to avoid any big sporting events when the place is full of bellowing sports fans

• St. George Hotel, Marylebone www.stgeorge-hotel.net/ www.stgeorge-hotel.net/ Fast becoming a favourite venue with League players, their Conservatory Lounge is perfect location for Backgammon in this privately owned hotel.

• Barley Mow, Mayfair www.taylor-walker.co.uk/pub-food/barley-mow-mayfair/pid-C0696 www.taylor-walker.co.uk/pub-food/barley-mow-mayfair/pid-C0696 As recommended by Michael Flesch. I know this pub and you can't get much closer to the centre of London than this.

• The Goat Tavern, Mayfair https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pub/goat-tavern-mayfair/c0628/ https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pub/goat-tavern-mayfair/c0628/ Located just off the famous Bond Street, the Goat Tavern has history dating back to 1686. It lies in the very spot where the Great Mansion Clarendon House used to stand. Usually a quiet place to play BG.

• Kings Head, Mayfair www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/thekingsheadmayfairlondon/ www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/thekingsheadmayfairlondon/ Mark Dixon: A very good basement there with lots of tables ideal for playing. We actually managed to find a seat and table on the ground floor - the staff very happy for us to play. Food is good.

• The Monument, Monument gkpubs.co.uk/pubs-in-london/monument-pub/ gkpubs.co.uk/pubs-in-london/monument-pub/ Mark Dixon writes: "We played in the Monument Pub, by the Monument itself and the station. I do recommend it; lots of tables & very good size for backgammon. Also the bar manager happens to be a backgammon enthusiast and spent a large amount of his shift watching our matches, respectfully, but then chatting afterwards about the game, positions etc. ... A nice central place next to a station with great connections."

• Le Pain Quotidien, Notting Hill www.lepainquotidien.co.uk/store/notting-hill/ www.lepainquotidien.co.uk/store/notting-hill/ A great place with a very spacious / airy upstairs room by Notting Hill Underground. Organic pastries and yummy coffee.

• Sawyer Arms, Paddington www.sawyerarms-paddington.co.uk/ www.sawyerarms-paddington.co.uk/ A great Central London venue near a transport hub. Not too busy and the key USP is the high tables and stools so those with bad backs can stand for a while, when they play. Amen to that.

• 5th View, Waterstones, Piccadilly www.5thview.co.uk/ www.5thview.co.uk/ For those that would prefer to avoid a noisy pub in Central London, try the 5th Floor bar (The View) at Waterstone's on Piccadilly. They had food and drink and a very relaxed atmosphere toward lingerers. They have many board games for people to play (the table next to us was playing Monopoly), so they don't frown at games-players. Only caveat is that they close at 10pm, so I would definitely recommend nothing much later than a 6:30 (preferably 6pm) start. Recommended by Reggie and Belinda. Footnote: If the match is not finished by 10pm the Three Crowns is pretty quiet by that time and is 1 minute away just behind Waterstones on Babmaes Street.

• Second Cup Cafe, Portobello Road mysecondcup.com/ mysecondcup.com/ I like the look of this place. There is a good atmosphere and it is BG-friendly. If like me you have this internal conflict as to whether you should drink alcohol during high-pressure league matches, this place serving coffee may be the answer.

• The Keepers House, The Royal Acadamy www.keepershouse.org.uk/ www.keepershouse.org.uk/ At the Royal Academy in Piccadilly, you can mix your love of Backgammon with your appreciation of art. Quiet and open till late. Please note, one of you needs to be an "RA Friend" for both of you to gain entry.

• Betjeman Arms, St Pancras www.thebetjemanarms.co.uk/ www.thebetjemanarms.co.uk/ Another useful transport hub for our Out-of-Towners to meet opponents situated in the bustling St Pancras International Station. You could even play before heading off to Paris.

• The Den, Mondrian at Sea Containers https://www.morganshotelgroup.com/mondrian/mondrian-london/eat-drink/mondrian-london-den https://www.morganshotelgroup.com/mondrian/mondrian-london/eat-drink/mondrian-london-den "Situated between Sea Containers Restaurant and Dandelyan Bar, it is the perfect place to sip a cup of tea, enjoy a game of backgammon or share a bottle of wine with friends. The Den is Mondrian London's hangout parlour, offering wine, champagne and light snacks throughout the day." - Jury is out on this so would welcome more feedback on it.

• South Bank www.southbanklondon.com/ www.southbanklondon.com/ There are several places along the South Bank suitable for an evening of BG and if you can get a table on a summer's evening it can be idyllic. Thanks to Peter Durrans for his review: We mostly play in the NATIONAL THEATRE, which is a backgammon-friendly venue. They have recently re-organised their internal layout, replacing some of the tables with lower coffee tables. However, we have still managed to find suitable ones to play on the first floor (Lyttelton Theatre level 1) or near the cafe area on the ground floor. The ground floor Espresso Bar offers a good range of drinks and other refreshments. I have also played Mike Ireland in the Queen Elizabeth Hall (also nearby on the South Bank), which has a number of suitable tables and coffee, tea etc. Occasionally they may have an event organised. Some people have tried playing at the Festival Hall but I would NOT recommend that as it is usually much busier and noisier. We have never needed to play there.

• Duke of Clarence, South Kensington www.geronimo-inns.co.uk/thedukeofclarence/ www.geronimo-inns.co.uk/thedukeofclarence/ Stylish Chelsea Pub, can get crowded during peak times but great off-peak.

• Tea House Theatre, Vauxhall www.teahousetheatre.co.uk/ www.teahousetheatre.co.uk/ This looks an irresistible place to visit with loose leaf teas and sumptuous cakes. At least if you roll lousy dice you can console yourself with a few naughty calories.

• Greencoat Boy, Victoria www.taylor-walker.co.uk/pub/greencoat-boy-victoria/c0630/ www.taylor-walker.co.uk/pub/greencoat-boy-victoria/c0630/ The Greencoat Boy was built toward the end of the 19th century. It epitomises Victorian design at its very best. The building is situated a stone's throw away from Westminster Abbey and two stones from Buckingham Palace.

• Grosvenor Arms, Victoria www.guoman.com/en/hotels/united_kingdom/london/the_grosvenor_hotel/restaurants_and_bars/the_brasserie.html www.guoman.com/en/hotels/united_kingdom/london/the_grosvenor_hotel/restaurants_and_bars/the_brasserie.html Pub in the Grosvenor Hotel right next to Victoria station. Great central venue with many good tables and good light. I will use it again. They are happy for non residents to use it.

• Leon, Victoria leonrestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/victoria-street/ leonrestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/victoria-street/ Looks like a tasteful, healthy fast food joint. Apparently has plenty of space upstairs allowing you to eat well and yet play BG as well. Certainly a place I would be curious to go to next time I'm in Victoria.

• Prince of Wales Feathers, Warren Street https://www.theprinceofwalesfeathersw1.co.uk/ https://www.theprinceofwalesfeathersw1.co.uk/ Directly opposite Warren Street Tube Station. If needed there is an upstairs area that is quiet and has good width and height tables.

• Auberge, Waterloo www.auberge-restaurant.co.uk/waterloo/ www.auberge-restaurant.co.uk/waterloo/ Andrew Rogers: The Auberge was accommodating and comfortable, allowing us to nestle in a corner four person table in the dining room. Although Ivan had what looked like a very tasty salad, I got the impression they would not have minded if we only had drinks. It was a Tuesday which may explain the restaurant being fairly empty, but if the location works for both parties I would recommend it.

• 202 Westbourne Grove www.202london.com/ www.202london.com/ Fancy a bit of brunch with your Backgammon? You can't get much trendier than here to play your league matches.

• Vagabond, Victoria www.vagabondwines.co.uk/portfolio/victoria/ www.vagabondwines.co.uk/portfolio/victoria/ A popular choice for one Central London player. Lots of wine choice and 9 craft beers on tap

Backgammon-friendly places to play League Backgammon in Central London. You'll need to bring your own board. If you would like to recommend a venue, please email me, chelseamuffin@aol.com PLEASE NOTE GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

• Ariana Restaurant, Mile End www.ariana-restaurant.co.uk/Mile%20End/index.html www.ariana-restaurant.co.uk/Mile%20End/index.html Popular with our Iranian players, this restaurant offers a blend of Persian and Afghan cuisine. "....the staff were accommodating, and allowed us a table for 4 on a busy night so we could play and eat comfortably."

• The Half Moon, Mile End www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-half-moon www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-half-moon Wetherspoons comes up trumps again. You just can't argue against the value for money and as a beer drinker I'm always happy to give 'Spoons a go.

• The Duke, Wanstead www.thedukewanstead.com/ www.thedukewanstead.com/ Home of the Wanstead Backgammon Society. Very happy to host London League players.

Backgammon-friendly places to play League Backgammon in Central London. You'll need to bring your own board. If you would like to recommend a venue, please email me, chelseamuffin@aol.com

• Twelve Pins, Finsbury Park www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/10/1074/Twelve_Pins/Finsbury_Park www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/10/1074/Twelve_Pins/Finsbury_Park A colourful pub with tables outside. Popular with Arsenal fans for obvious reasons.

• The Wrestlers Arms, Highgate thewrestlershighgate.com/ thewrestlershighgate.com/ Tom Hudson: "a lovely pub to play in."

• The Clissold Arms, Muswell Hill www.clissoldarms.co.uk/ www.clissoldarms.co.uk/ The spiritual home of the Kinks, this hospitable pub is very keen to host Backgammon. Regular Backgammon nights on the second Wednesday of each month.

• The Mossy Well, Muswell Hill https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/london/the-mossy-well-muswell-hill https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/london/the-mossy-well-muswell-hill Tad Collins: The Mossy Well is the new Wetherspoon in Muswell Hill. It is bright and airy with plenty of suitable tables for BG and not very "Wetherspoony" due to a fair contingent of the posher Muswell Hillers

• The Alfred Herring, Palmers Green https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/london/the-alfred-herring-palmers-green https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/london/the-alfred-herring-palmers-green Ivan Scheer: Very nice typical Weatherspoons with bright lighting, no background music, even the quiz didn't distract, good loos, extensive suitable menu (with calories) and clean tables. Easy on street parking 60p for the half hour required. I look forward to going there again. Good for backgammon.

• Breakfast Club, St.Albans www.webs.com www.webs.com A favourite of mine for breakfast and brunch. Closes at 3pm but ideal for those St.Albans players who wish to play early in the day.

• Mermaid, St.Albans https://www.lemonrock.com/mermaid https://www.lemonrock.com/mermaid Former home of St Albans Backgammon and former CAMRA pub of the year. A small pub with parking and modest beer garden. Too small for a BG club but ideal for one-off league matches.

• Waterend Barn, St.Albans https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/hertfordshire/waterend-barn-st-albans https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/hertfordshire/waterend-barn-st-albans A great enormous building (2 barns) with all the usual Weatherspoon's facilities and a very high ceiling for part. Easy, cheap parking very nearby in the Civic Car park (free after 6.30pm . Definitely a recommendation for Backgammon.

• Cultivo Lounge, Letchworth thelounges.co.uk/lounges/cultivo-lounge/ thelounges.co.uk/lounges/cultivo-lounge/ I know, not strictly in the Capital but what a fun place this looks to play. Chris Purchase managed to play two league matches here. Underlines Chris's impeccable tastes.

Backgammon-friendly places to play League Backgammon in NW London. You'll need to bring your own board. If you would like to recommend a venue, please email me, chelseamuffin@aol.com

• The Beaufort, Hendon www.beaufortpubdining.co.uk www.beaufortpubdining.co.uk Very comfortable, new, friendly, plenty of space. It could be convenient for East and North-West Londoners to meet in the middle. As suggested by Vicky & Roger.

• The Oxford Tavern, Kentish Town https://www.oxfordtavern.co.uk/ https://www.oxfordtavern.co.uk/ This Kentish Town pub gets the thumbs up from regulars who play there.

• Hart and Lova Bakery, Kilburn www.hartandlova.co.uk/ www.hartandlova.co.uk/ If pubs aren't your thing during the day perhaps a naughty alternative would be cakes and coffee. We'll soon spot who has been playing too many league matches in this welcoming establishment.

• Priory Tavern, Kilburn www.priorytavern.com/ www.priorytavern.com/ Proudly announces: "NO SCREENS & NO MACHINES mean that people have more opportunity to socialise in a friendly house that provides free wi-fi, board games, darts and the daily papers. " Sounds good to me.

• The Salt House, St John's Wood www.salthouseabbeyroad.com/ www.salthouseabbeyroad.com/ A very nice venue with the added excitement of walking past the Abbey Road studios and the famous zebra crossing to get there. The landlord was very accommodating and the food was excellent.

• The Railway, West Hampstead https://railway-pub.co.uk/ https://railway-pub.co.uk/ Great location as right next to the station. Food menu OK but it seemed like the healthier stuff was more expensive than the non-healthy. Very happy with us playing Backgammon. A couple next to us got a chess board from behind the bar and started playing.

• The Castle, Harrow-on-the-Hill www.fullers.co.uk/rte.asp?id=4&itemid=49&task=View www.fullers.co.uk/rte.asp?id=4&itemid=49&task=View Not quite Central London but if you were in the same division as me I might suggest this excellent pub to you as it is halfway out to where I live in Buckinghamshire. Fantastic food, real ale and decor make this a great place to play and they are game-friendly. You can go sight-seeing around Harrow School after your matches. Memorable also because I beat the legend Lawrence Powell twice here.

• Sportsman, Croxley Green https://whatpub.com/pubs/WAT/248/sportsman-croxley-green https://whatpub.com/pubs/WAT/248/sportsman-croxley-green "A Proper Boozer" for those of us old enough to remember life before pale grey Gastro Pubs serving fancy food on roof tiles. Great beer, great landlady and a bunch of bearded old men sitting at the bar. Very happy to have us playing Backgammon. Would definitely go back.

• The Beech House Amersham https://www.beechhouseamersham.co.uk/ https://www.beechhouseamersham.co.uk/ A popular destination for those playing at this end of the Metropolitan Line. Walking distance from the tube station.

• The Metro Lounge, Amersham thelounges.co.uk/metro/ thelounges.co.uk/metro/ Not the first time one of these quirky establishments from the Lounge Group have been recommended on here. Great for those of us that live in Buckinghamshire. Home to Amersham BG Club.

• The Pomeroy Inn, Amersham www.vintageinn.co.uk/content/vintage-inn/en/restaurants/south-east/thepomeroyinnlittlechalfont www.vintageinn.co.uk/content/vintage-inn/en/restaurants/south-east/thepomeroyinnlittlechalfont With a handful of players in the League all living within a short distance of Amersham it is no surprise to find this pub with a great outdoor area recommended as a venue. Fantastic for the summer but equally cosy in the Winter

• The Drawingroom, Chesham the-drawingroom.co.uk/ the-drawingroom.co.uk/ The quirky home of BucksGammon. BG players always welcomed here.

Backgammon-friendly places to play League Backgammon in SW London. You'll need to bring your own board. If you would like to recommend a venue, please email me, chelseamuffin@aol.com PLEASE NOTE GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

• White Hart, Barnes www.whitehartbarnes.co.uk/ www.whitehartbarnes.co.uk/ An excellent venue overlooking the river in a delightful part of London.

• Revolution, Clapham www.revolution-bars.co.uk/bar/london-clapham-high-st/ www.revolution-bars.co.uk/bar/london-clapham-high-st/ A rare venue for League BG South of the river. I'm told it's quite trendy and it looks like it has comfortable tables and chairs for playing. Plus cocktails to drown your sorrows.

• Megans, Fulham megans.co.uk/ megans.co.uk/ We met here for some Brunch with our Backgammon and we weren't disappointed. As long as you can put up with the snooty locals displaying a complete lack of class, this is a lovely place to play.

• The Bird in Hand, Mayford www.birdinhandmayford.co.uk/ www.birdinhandmayford.co.uk/ This pub has recently been refurbished, has great food (as you can see!) and plenty of suitable tables for backgammon. Would recommend for south-west based players.

• The White Cross, Richmond thewhitecrossrichmond.com/ thewhitecrossrichmond.com/ Another great riverside pub, ideal for summer Backgammon. Can be tricky to get to on very high tides. Take your wellies.

• The Runnymede on Thames, Egham, Surrey https://www.runnymedehotel.com/ https://www.runnymedehotel.com/ For those in the South-West that would prefer to travel out of London to play rather than travel into London. Plenty of parking and a selection of places to eat and drink.

• The Wellington, Fulham www.thewellingtonpub.com/ www.thewellingtonpub.com/ The new home for Fulham Backgammon Club. The Landlord loves Backgammon so much he had Backgammon boards painted onto the tables.

Backgammon-friendly places to play League Backgammon in West London. You'll need to bring your own board. If you would like to recommend a venue, please email me, chelseamuffin@aol.com PLEASE NOTE GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

• The Drayton Court Hotel, Ealing www.draytoncourtlondon.co.uk www.draytoncourtlondon.co.uk Mike Ireland: They made us very welcome, and the tables and atmosphere in the drawing room are ideal for Backgammon. Given their location adjacent to West Ealing station, and their tasty, albeit slightly pricy menu, it's an ideal venue for any west-London based league players.

• The Grange, Ealing www.grangeealing.co.uk/ www.grangeealing.co.uk/ Lovely big pub - popular with the Ealing Yummy Mummies so there may be the odd shrieking kiddy but this is more than made up for by great beer, friendly staff and a luxurious outdoor area. Plus 3 hours free parking in the road opposite.

• The Rose & Crown, Ealing www.roseandcrownealing.co.uk www.roseandcrownealing.co.uk As reported by that gentleman of impeccable tastes, Roger Phillips: " Plenty of room, wide tables, good light levels and no problem with the Backgammon.

• The Black Lion, Hammersmith theblacklion-hammersmith.co.uk/ theblacklion-hammersmith.co.uk/ We stumbled across this place on a busy Sunday afternoon. It was very popular but we were able to squeeze in with our Backgammon Board. The food looked excellent and being by the river looks a great spot for some summer Backgmmon in their beer garden.

• The Hop Poles, Hammersmith www.hoppoleshammersmith.co.uk/Venue.aspx www.hoppoleshammersmith.co.uk/Venue.aspx A convenient pub next to West London's most central transport hub.

• The Rising Sun, Isleworth www.risingsunisleworth.co.uk/ www.risingsunisleworth.co.uk/ The Pub is very friendly and well suited for BG games. Easily found on one of Isleworth's key roads, The Rising Sun is a popular haunt promising a good feed and award-winning beer. A traditional ale house, the pub pulls some of London's best beer - and provides a lovely patio garden for you to enjoy it in!

• Green Man, Middlesex www.johnbarras.com/pub/green-man-bedfont/c0445/ www.johnbarras.com/pub/green-man-bedfont/c0445/ Mike Ireland: Aircraft taking off were within oil-dropping distance of the beer garden where we played, but being aeroplane buffs we enjoyed the distraction of trying to identify airlines/aircraft from their underbellies between moves. Kitchen open all day, and reasonably priced grub/drinks, so recommended for other west London based league players who don't mind the decibels.

• Bush Theartre, Shepherds Bush https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/your-visit/library-bar/ https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/your-visit/library-bar/ Another gem of a recommendation from Ben Owen who has a good track record on finding the most interesting places to play. "Very comfortable - perfect venue for backgammon with nice sized tables and benches. Good bar. Definitely recommend."

Check out the Calendar on this website to see when these events are on.

• Backgammon London www.backgammoninlondon.co.uk www.backgammoninlondon.co.uk London's newest Backgammon organisation run by League player Andrew Selby

• Backgammon in the Park www.bgip.co.uk/ www.bgip.co.uk/ A Social Backgammon Club that plays in Holland park during the Summer months

• St Albans Backgammon www.freewebs.com/stalbansbg/ www.freewebs.com/stalbansbg/ Just a short hop from London and a very competitive standard of play.

• Backgammon in Clapton https://www.facebook.com/groups/1432289346989506/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1432289346989506/ Hosted by Simon Morecroft on the East side of London.

• Clapton Chouette claptonchouette.blogspot.co.uk/ claptonchouette.blogspot.co.uk/ A firendly little chouette in East London.

• Backgammon in Ealing https://www.facebook.com/ealingbackgammon?ref=stream https://www.facebook.com/ealingbackgammon?ref=stream Meets every Thursday and the first Monday of each month in West London.

• Birmingham Backgammon Club www.birminghambackgammon.weebly.com www.birminghambackgammon.weebly.com Host to the Birmingham Open and weekly club nights on Mondays

• Bristol Backgammon www.bristol-backgammon.org/ www.bristol-backgammon.org/ Bristol's leading Backgammon Club, whose league was the inspiration for the London Players' League. Ian Tarr provides Backgammon twice a week in Bristol and Londoners are always welcome.

• Worcester Backgammon Club www.worcesterbgc.co.uk/ www.worcesterbgc.co.uk/ Run by the enigmatic Jones Brothers, this has to be the most enthusiastic clubs out there. Ideal for those just starting out in the game, wanting to learn to walk before they run.

• British Isle Backgammon Association www.backgammon-biba.co.uk/ www.backgammon-biba.co.uk/ Quarterly Tournaments through out the UK

• The UK Backgammon Federation ukbgf.com/ ukbgf.com/ This newly formed organisation hosted the UK Open in September 2014

• CityBackgammon https://sites.google.com/view/citygammon/home https://sites.google.com/view/citygammon/home Run by DeeDee and DeePee to cater for all the BG playing suits.

• Etiquette www.bkgm.com/articles/page05.html#etiquette www.bkgm.com/articles/page05.html#etiquette A few interesting articles on how to behave at and around the Backgammon table. How many impolite misdemeanours are you guilty of? Worth remembering next time you sit down to play. You can eat up many hours trawling though the rest of this excellent Backgammon Galore website, it's well worth it.

• UKBGF Backgammon Resources ukbgf.com/backgammon-resources/ ukbgf.com/backgammon-resources/ A handy page of Backgammon links to resources put together by the good folk at UKBGF.

• Chris Bray Backgammon www.chrisbraybackgammon.com/ www.chrisbraybackgammon.com/ The Independent Newspaper Columnist and Author's website, includes a useful Position of the Day.

• Chicago Point www.chicagopoint.com/ www.chicagopoint.com/ Legendary U.S. Backgammon Magazine now in an online format

• Gammon Links www.chicagopoint.com/links.html www.chicagopoint.com/links.html A U.S. web page but it is the mother of all Backgammon links sites; especially useful for "Mark your Calendar".

• BG Online www.bgonline.org/ www.bgonline.org/ There is so much interesting stuff on this site, including the world's premier BG forum, that you may never need to leave home again.