Links/Venues

Links and BG-Friendly Venues

London Players' Backgammon Events

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

UK Backgammon Champions League
www.ukbgchampionsleague.weebly.com
The annual competition that pits the cream of all regional leagues within the UK against each other.
Cotswolds Invitational Backgammon Weekend
www.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.
Devon Backgammon Retreats
https://mailchi.mp/6f3834b52474/devonbg
Commencing in late 2024, Backgammon breaks in South Devon, minutes from the beach in luxury holiday accommodation
BISH
www.bishbg.weebly.com
Backgammon in South Hams - Having moved away from the London area it wasn't long before we started a new club near our new home. If holidaying in Devon, be sure to call in.

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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Mitre, Holland Park
  www.themitrew11.co.uk/
  Situated on leafy Holland Park Avenue.
- 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.
- Sports Bar & Grill, 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/
  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."
- Earl of Lonsdale, Notting hill
  https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/16398/earl-of-lonsdale-notting-hill
  Ben Owen: The Lonsdale has comfortable seating and tables in the back, which are perfectly suited for backgammon. However, lighting could be a little improved. The pub is unquestionably unique in that it doesn't allow mobile phones or laptops etc to be used anywhere within the pub! The benefit is that you can concentrate on your game since you will not be receiving any calls. It's a Samuel Smiths pub, so it's basic pub grub food, and beer is cheap - £3.70 a pint in Notting Hill is ain't bad. NO REAL ALE!!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 202 Westbourne Grove
  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/
  A popular choice for one Central London player. Lots of wine choice and 9 craft beers on tap
Venues East London
Backgammon-friendly places to play League Backgammon in East 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 Half Moon, Mile End
  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/
  Home of the Wanstead Backgammon Society. Very happy to host London League players.
Venues North London & St. Albans
Backgammon-friendly places to play League Backgammon in North London & St Albans. 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 Gate, Arkley
  https://thegatearkley.co.uk/
  Lovely pub garden, good food, good portions. Very handy for Barnet-based players
- 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/
  Tom Hudson: "a lovely pub to play in."
- The Clissold Arms, Muswell Hill
  www.clissoldarms.co.uk/
  The spiritual home of the Kinks, this hospitable pub is very keen to host Backgammon.
- 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
  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.
- Mermaid, St.Albans
  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
  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
  https://thelounges.co.uk/cultivo
  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.
- The Boat, Berkhamsted, Herts
  https://www.boatberkhamsted.co.uk/
  Cracking pub on the river just outside but still within reach of London. Highly recommended.
Venues North-West London & The Chilterns
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
- Freemasons Arms, Hampstead
  https://www.freemasonsarms.co.uk/
  Great for Summer outdoor play.
- The Old Bull & Bush, North Hampstead
  https://www.thebullandbush.co.uk/
  The Old Bull & Bush is a premium pub, bar, and restaurant with its very own courtyard, centrally located in the heart of the picturesque town of North Hampstead.
- The Beaufort, Hendon
  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.
- Hart and Lova Bakery, Kilburn
  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.
- 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/
  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/
  Not the first time one of these quirky establishments from the Lounge Group have been recommended on here. Great for those that live in Buckinghamshire.
- The Drawingroom, Chesham
  the-drawingroom.co.uk/
  The quirky home of BucksGammon. BG players always welcomed here.
Venues South-West London
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/
  An excellent venue overlooking the river in a delightful part of London.
- The Kings Arms, Fulham
  https://www.kingsarms-fulham.co.uk/
  Very near Putney Bridge, a pleasant place to when it is quiet.
- Megans, Fulham
  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/
  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.
- Aragon House, Parsons Green
  https://www.aragonhousesw6.com/
  Once home to Fulham Backgammon Club, great location to play matches both indoors or outdoors.
- The White Cross, Richmond
  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/
  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.
Venues West London
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 Rocket, Acton
  https://therocketw3.co.uk/
  Great modern Mediterranean food and superior wines, complemented by friendly but unobtrusive service, ensures every visit to the Rocket restaurant lives up to your highest expectations.
- Duke of Kent, Ealing
  https://www.dukeofkent.co.uk/find-us
  Handy pub with car park. High tables and chairs, a great venue to play in, recommended by Ben Owen and Anna Price so you know it must be good.
- The Ealing Project
  https://ealingproject.co.uk/about/
  Ealing Project is a great venue in the middle of Ealing with lots of high sized tables to play on. Relax in their cinema, or flop onto comfy sofas with a drink from the bar, after any high intensity match!
- The Grange, Ealing
  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
  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 Old Ship, Hammersmith
  https://www.oldshiphammersmith.co.uk/
  Ben Owen: The pick of the quartet of pubs that lie on this stretch of the River Thames. This Young's pub, serving good ales with a decent menu, is a great place to play league BG on a warm summer's evening.
- The Coach & Horses, Isleworth
  https://www.coachandhorsesisleworth.co.uk/find-us
  A friendly local pub in the heart of Isleworth on the A315 in between Brentford and Hounslow. The nearest station is Syon Lane.
- The Rising Sun, Isleworth
  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!
- Bush Theartre, Shepherds Bush
  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."
- St Margaret's Tavern, Twickenham
  https://www.stmargaretstw1.co.uk/
  A stone's throuw from Twickenham so avoid on Rugby International Days.
Other Backgammon in London and Beyond
Check out the Calendar on this website to see when these events are on.
- St Albans Backgammon
  www.freewebs.com/stalbansbg/
  Just a short hop from London and a very competitive standard of play.
- Birmingham Backgammon Club
  www.birminghambackgammon.weebly.com
  Host to the Birmingham Open and weekly club nights on Mondays
- Bristol Backgammon
  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/
  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.
Backgammon Links
- A Kid's Guide to Playing Backgammon
  https://www.playgroundequipment.com/a-kids-guide-to-playing-backgammon/
  If a kid can learn this game, there is hope for all adults out there looking to learn the game.
- 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.
- Chris Bray Backgammon
  www.chrisbraybackgammon.com/
  The Independent Newspaper Columnist and Author's website, includes a useful Position of the Day.
- Chicago Point
  www.chicagopoint.com/
  Legendary U.S. Backgammon Magazine now in an online format
- Gammon Links
  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".