The Blog Begins – London
February 4, 2010 by Robert
Filed under Gaming Blog
Do excuse me if this blog post is a bit on the rough side, but I’m doing it all from an iPhone app, and doing it while on the move – I’m in London! The big city! The London! London town! Does London have any nicknames? I’m struggling here. Londonium Fundonium!
I’m here in London for a little break, to recharge the batteries after filming my TV show. I’m also here to see a Todd Rundgren gig on Saturday, which will probably be the highlight of my year. But I’ll be sneaking in some gaming too.
I travelled with my beloved Citadels, which you’ll find a review of in the review section of the site, and Summoner Wars. I haven’t had the chance to get SW on the table yet, but I have Friday night scheduled as my first session. I will talk about it at length.
Anyway, here’s the big question – where’s the best boardgame shop in London? In London Bundun?
ZoZ!
Rab, checkout The Orc’s Nest, just off Picadilly Circus. Loads of board games there. http://www.orcsnest.com/ http://is.gd/7HFSZ
Umm…
Playing Games near the British Museum is probably the best from my experience – a pretty comprehensive range and friendly-enough, knowledgeable staff.
There’s a little shop in Camden Lock market that stocks the basics (Catan, etc) and those “wooden puzzle”-type things.
The Chess & Bridge shops on Euston Road and Baker Street stock chess, bridge, go, cards and poker equipment and a very few more modern games.
Last time i popped down to London i tried to visit all the major games shops. By far the best selection is to be found at leisure games in Finchley. It is a little out of the centre but well worth the trip. If they aint got it then I don’t know who will!
The most central one is Orc’s Nest, which is near Seven Dials, but I’ve found it a bit unfriendly. Leisure Games is better, but that’s in Finchley, so a bit of a trek. Luckily for me, my local shop Eclectic Games in Reading is better than either, but that’s a 45 minute train journey away.
I always end up at Playin’ Games opposite the British Museum, but then I love the British Museum… To be honest it’s not exactly massive or comprehensive but it’s pretty cheery. Plus it’s right next to the British Museum, I mean they’ve got the fucking Rosetta stone.
Think Orc’s Nest gets a thumb’s up from most people as well, disappointingly not right next to the British Museum though.
Playin’ Games is just around the corner from where I work and is pretty good, ditto the Orc’s Nest – although the staff usually seem totally miserable that you’ve turned up to give them your money. Neither place is particularly brilliant and both gave me totally blank looks when I turned up asking about local groups for gaming. If you’re ever in Ealing for some reason, I can recommend And So It Begins (geeky name but awesome store). There’s a nice place in Camden Market somewhere too (tiny, tiny store near the lock but good staff and stacked to the ceiling with games – can’t remember the name though!) Otherwise, it depends a bit on exactly where you are.
Oh, london calling to the faraway towns (sorry just couldnt resist =)
Aye, ye olde Orcs Nest is a good start.
Shout where you’re going to.
Holy crap! I suggested Summoner Wars and you actually picked it up?! This made my week, Robert! I hope you love it as much as I do!
The very best shop is in Finchley, Leisure Games. In case you have time, it worths a visit. Cheers!