Venues/Links

London Players' Backgammon Events

Venues Inner London

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

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/

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/

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/

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/

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.

The Hunter S., Dalston

thehunter-s.co.uk/

Nice pub, apparently the manager is keen on Backgammon.

Friends House Cafe, Euston

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

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

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/

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

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

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/

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/

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.

Milestone Hotel, Kensington

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

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/

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

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/

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

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/

Not a pub but a hotel. Recommended by Roger Phillips, this looks a luxurious place to spend a few hours playing Backgammon.

St. George Hotel, Marylebone

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

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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.

Second Cup Cafe, Portobello Road

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/

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/

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

"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/

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/

Stylish Chelsea Pub, can get crowded during peak times but great off-peak.

Tea House Theatre, Vauxhall

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/

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

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/

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/

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/

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.