Marche Board Game Cafe — Restaurant in Melbourne

Marche was a big disappointment because it is so full of promise. My friend and I reserved a table, and noted ahead of time I would have my 6yo daughter with me who would not be gaming, but would be ordering food. When we arrived the staff gave us a hard time about her sitting with us without paying $25. We wound up paying $50 for the two adults to have a table for three hours.

We were then sat at a very small 4-chair table (more like a 2-top in a restaurant) which didn't have enough space for most of the games we were interested in. Over the next couple of hours we enjoyed a small game, and ordered an extra round of drinks as well as snacks.

Two hours in to our 3 hour reservation, my wife dropped in from shopping. She was going to sit down and order food and a drink just to hang out, but the staff insisted she pay the $25 to sit. We tried to get the fee down to at least $10 since she was only there for an hour, but "no sorry that's our policy."

Keep in mind the chair was with our table, and that if she had sat down and ordered food the place would have made more money. But no, they didn't want our money unless it came with extra money.

We wound up leaving an hour early, as Marche felt both unwelcoming and smug about its lack of welcomeness. I appreciate that a business needs to make money, but this felt like a clear case of cutting off the nose to spite the face. If they had just been reasonable we likely would have stayed for a longer period, perhaps rented a bigger table, and certainly bought more food and maybe dinner. As it was they sent us away with a sour taste in our mouths.

4 stars for potential 1 star for...

No split bills, and NO refunds, but there was NO signage displayed and NO mention on their website from when I visited. It is only on entry that you are told that there are no split bills, and AFTER payment that there are no refunds.

I understand no refunds but here's the story behind it - the host asks me "10 people?" and I go "Yeah" without counting - I accept it was my mistake. then Later when getting our free drinks (combo w/ the board games for $15) I realise there's only 9 of us, so I ask "can I get a refund?". They say "no, sorry, we have a no refund policy - that's why I asked how many people before." They were both apathetic and unapologetic, and I was simply confused as this was mentioned 10 minutes after having made the purchase ??? Surely if there's no refunds they should mention it beforehand? Or at least there should be signage that they don't do refunds? Their service needs to be improved.

Food was pricey but average.

Chess sets were missing pieces, as well as checkers. Stains on the chairs. However many games to choose from, some new sets some old and missing pieces.

There was hand sanitiser around on several tables, however no soap or toilet paper in the toilets. You return your played games on the return station where they will later sanitise the games. No complaints here, good job to battle covid, however the bathroom issue needs to be reviewed.

Place was nice and cosy

Overall if you're going as a large group you're better off buying the game and picking another cafe to eat and play...

I would have given this place a 5/5 if the host at the front was more helpful and welcoming. It was our first time visiting that place and we booked ahead for board games and food, we were told we had to pay an entrance fee of $25 per person which is pretty steep just to play board games. It does come with a free drink though which brings down the price abit depending what you pick of course.

The male host with the glasses seemed stand off-ish, not smiling, looked impatient when we tried to sort out our payment as we couldn’t split it because one person had to pay which made us flustered and apologetic holding up the line but he didn’t acknowledge our sorry. Honestly, he didn’t look like he wanted to work or be there. He was probably having a bad day but the front needs someone with a more welcoming attitude.

The entrance price is not displayed on the website either when you book which makes it confusing so we had no idea we had to pay upfront when we arrived.

The other staff members were nice, helpful and attentive when we asked questions. The food and drinks were great.

The QR codes on the tables do work which is great but the list needs to be updated.

All in all, it was still a fun experience. It’s just minor changes need to be made or discussed as it looks like it has been a problem with other...