The Best Board Game Cafes in Birmingham in 2026

Discover the Best Board Game Cafes in Birmingham in 2026

Birmingham, the UK's second-largest city, has developed a fantastic board game cafe scene that reflects its diverse, creative culture. From the iconic Custard Factory to the Utilita Arena, here are the best board game cafes in Birmingham in 2026.

1. Chance & Counters

Birmingham's biggest board game café, housed in 3,500 sq ft inside the iconic Custard Factory in Digbeth. Chance & Counters offers over 700 games, 10 lines of craft beer and cider, burgers, loaded fries, wings, specialty coffee, and tea from Bird & Blend. Dog-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Gaming admission is £3 per person for two hours or £6 for four hours, free for kids 14 and under. Booking is strongly recommended on evenings and weekends. A chain with additional locations in Cardiff, Leeds, and Bristol.

Address: Courtyard Unit 8, The Custard Factory, Digbeth, Birmingham, B9 4BG
Website: chanceandcounters.com/birmingham

2. Sliced N Diced

An LGBTQIA+-owned and run board game café in Selly Oak with over 300 games, a bottomless brunch available every day, cocktails, locally produced Birmingham craft beers, and an extensive vegan and gluten-free menu. Games are categorised by type (two-player, cooperative, strategy, family, kids, and more) to make selection easy. Notable events include Blood on the Clocktower nights and an ongoing Kingdom Death: Monster campaign in a private room. Table hire is £2.20 per person per hour, capped at £12 per day. Private hire available.

Address: 850 Bristol Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 6HW
Website: slicedndiced.uk

3. Game Guru

Opened in November 2025 at the Utilita Arena, Game Guru is Birmingham's newest dedicated board game venue. It combines a library of 450+ board and card games with a full kitchen serving wood-fired pizza, craft burgers, fried chicken, and a brunch menu, alongside specialty coffee, craft beer, and cocktails. A membership app lets you collect points, unlock rewards, and order from your table. Weekly events include Play & Connect on Mondays, Member Meetups on Tuesdays, Social Game Nights on Wednesdays, and Family & Friends Day on Sundays. Membership tiers (Casual Player, Core Gamer, Golden Ticket) offer unlimited play and priority event access.

Address: Unit 1, Utilita Arena, King Edwards Road, Birmingham, B1 2AA
Website: gameguru.co.uk

Birmingham's Gaming Culture

Birmingham's multicultural character is reflected in its board game cafes, which welcome everyone and feature games from around the world. The city also hosts UK Games Expo annually, one of the UK's largest tabletop gaming conventions.

Visitor Tips

• Chance & Counters and Game Guru are both in central Birmingham, close to New Street Station
• Sliced N Diced is walkable from Selly Oak train station
• Excellent craft beer and local Birmingham brewery selections at all venues
• Family-friendly during daytime hours at all three locations
• Reservations strongly recommended, especially on weekends
• Student discounts available at select venues

Experience Birmingham's welcoming board game cafe scene in 2026!