Rogues Quarter — Restaurant in London

Not Welcoming to Beginners

I had a really disappointing experience at Rogue Games. As a complete beginner to Magic: The Gathering, I signed up for a pre-release event after their website explicitly stated it was "geared towards players of all experience levels and a great way to dip your toes into the world of MTG." I paid £45, expecting a welcoming environment to learn.

However, the organizer was incredibly rude and unwelcoming. I was a few minutes late, and he called me, asking where I was because everyone was waiting. When I offered to just watch and get my pre-release deck since I was new, he rudely snapped, "If you don't know how to play why did you sign up? Someone else could have signed up in your spot." He still told me to come, but then mentioned signing up for an app that wasn't referenced anywhere.

Upon arrival, he publicly told me in front of about 25 people that I shouldn't have signed up. When I pointed out what their website said, he flat-out denied it, stating, "this is not an event for learning, no." He then dismissed me, saying he could refund me another day, and continued playing.

While I understand if an event isn't for beginners, their website was misleading, and there was no clear agenda for tournament start times. The organiser's behavior was completely unwelcoming. Instead of offering a chance to watch or meet people, he publicly pushed me out.

It's a shame, as I was hoping to find a local MTG spot, but it definitely won't be...

The best board games café I've been to, period. I've been visiting for slightly over 2 years.

It's a local place where you can talk to and get to know the owner and feels much nicer than a chain. It's got a comfortable, cozy vibe, a few hundred games and no limit in hours after you pay the game fee. I've had dozens of great evenings with friends here. The owner knows practically every game and will make quick on the spot recommendations for you and your group depending on your mood, complexity and experience. He also refreshes the stock with new releases pretty regularly.

The food is excellent, it's not overcomplicated, it's filling and imo better and cheaper than the usual overpriced nerd snacks. There are some of the usual suspects like fries and nachos but there are also fresh sandwiches, tortilla and dips as well as packaged nuts, crisps etc. The beers are great and there are even some standard and signature cocktails (the Potions).

The café does Halloween and other special occasion parties with set menus and cocktails as well.

I met my current partner and most of my good friends in London here and I've always found the groups here welcoming to newbies and outsiders so really can't fault the social aspect. This and the vibe are the most important and hardest to get right and...

Rogues Quarter isn’t just a café—it’s a community engine disguised as a board game haven. Tucked into the heart of Chalk Farm, this LGBTQ+ friendly venue blends tabletop culture with comfort food, craft cocktails, and a warm, inclusive vibe that feels more like a living room than a business.

Atmosphere: Step inside and you’re greeted by shelves stacked with hundreds of games—from indie Kickstarter exclusives to nostalgic classics. The space is bright by day, cozy by night, with huge 6'x4' tables perfect for sprawling campaigns or casual rounds of Codenames. Whether you're deep in a Magic: The Gathering match or sipping a cocktail called “Potion of Charisma,” the vibe is playful, welcoming, and quietly electric.

Food & Drink: The menu is surprisingly ambitious for a game café. Highlights include:

Tapas-style small plates – ideal for sharing mid-game, with options like halloumi fries and spicy cauliflower bites

Beef burger – juicy, satisfying, and often praised by regulars

Desserts – indulgent without being heavy; perfect with a hot chocolate or espresso

Craft cocktails & mocktails – cheekily named and well-balanced, with a few surprises

Vegetarian options are plentiful, and the kitchen caters to dietary...