Contact Details

Opening Times

Mon: 16:00-23:00
Tue: CLOSED
Wed: 18:00-23:00
Thu: 16:00-23:00
Fri: 16:00-23:00
Sat: 12:00-21:00
Sun: 12:00-21:00

How much will it cost?

Adult entry is £5 per person (14 years+).

Child admission costs £3 (ages 5-13) and requires adult supervision.

Under 5’s are free.

Discounts

For groups of 10 or more, the price is £3 per person when booked in advance. A non-refundable deposit is needed to secure your reservation.

Members of Harbour Lights/Picturehouse receive complimentary regular admission by presenting a valid membership card. Carers accompanying a paying guest have free entry. Students can access the cinema for £3 on Thursdays.

Utilize our loyalty card for a complimentary entry. Don't forget to collect stamps during each visit!

About Us

Discover Board in the City: where boredom is banished for good! Welcome to endless entertainment!

Immerse yourself in a realm of creativity, joy, and bonding at Board in the City, the premier destination for board game enthusiasts! Offering a selection of more than 1,000 games ranging from traditional favorites to contemporary hits, there's a perfect match for every tactician, narrator, and chance-taker. Whether you're an experienced player or seeking a delightful outing for the whole family, we have an ideal game ready to be explored.

Being a Community Interest Company (CIC), we are more than a café. We are a vibrant center committed to uniting people, endorsing local projects, and providing a cozy environment for everyone. Each latte we serve embodies our dedication to community welfare.
Sip and play games to support community projects that create a positive impact.

Gather your loved ones and embrace excitement at Board in the City! Create lasting memories with every game you play. Dare to embark on a new adventure every time!

Hundreds of Games!

With a collection of over 1000 games, ranging from classics to modern designer ones, there is something for everyone. Choose a game, start playing, and if you need assistance, our games masters are available to guide you.

Controllable Time Limit!

Feel free to enjoy our space within the limits of your budget. Unlike typical establishments, we encourage you to linger without additional costs for your time spent here. Make yourself at home, relax, and indulge in our selection of food and beverages to fuel your experience.

Help the Community!

The majority of our resources are reinvested in the community. Cover charges contribute to enhancing our game library, organizing events, and supporting our dedicated team.

Overall, we provide our services to the community free of charge.

Visitor Information

Entry requirments and cost

We accept reservations, walk-ins, and groups, and warmly welcome families with children. Reservations are encouraged to secure your table. Please note that entrance fees are in place at all times to support the longevity of our establishment.

Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult in order to make a booking with us.

Private Hire Rooms

In addition to our open spaces, we offer a specialized venue for comprehensive strategic planning sessions, available for exclusive rental.

Discover our exclusive private function room available for rent, equipped with a large TV, vibrant LED lighting, and wall-mounted speakers to enhance your gaming experience. Additionally, we offer the option to provide a Dungeon Master for hire to lead an exciting DnD session.

The café offers a private function room and an upper level suitable for group meetings. Pricing depends on the number of participants and the day, typically ranging from £40 to £90. For detailed information, kindly reach out to us directly.

Parking

Street parking near the cafe is limited to 2 hours with restrictions from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Please read the signs before you park! Convenient public parking options like Ordnance Road, Kings Park Road, Compton Walk, and Bevois Valley Road are available within a short walking distance for extended stays.

Public transport

Our location is conveniently served by bus routes U6C, U6H, and 20 in both directions. Simply hop off at Denzil Avenue, right at our doorstep. The law courts are conveniently located just a 5-minute walk away, with easy access from buses 1, 2, U1C, U1A, U2C, and U2B.

Accessibility

Our facility is equipped with wheelchair access, a restroom for people with disabilities, and a ramp for easy entry. The premises are well-lit and generally provide a comfortable noise level for conversation, although it may be louder during special events.

Feel free to reach out with any inquiries you may have. We are committed to providing the information you need in a timely manner.

Frances Hayes
Stumbled across this place as our daughter was on a cubs trip nearby. We spent a happy 90mins playing card games. It was busy so I recommend booking a table. They have loads of games on offer for you to play and a basic food menu. You pay £5 per person to play the games/table hire, we also had 2 hot drinks and a waffle and the total was just under £20. We need one of these Bitterne way!
Tonks. Stray
A wonderful establishment that welcomes everyone with open arms. Hayley provides exceptional service, ensuring all guests have a great time. Alex is remarkable in catering to all your food and beverage needs. My youngest daughter adores the D&D sessions, while Hayley has expanded our board game horizons with her extensive expertise, challenging even my eldest daughter's skills.
Katie Welsh
The friendly and accommodating staff create a welcoming atmosphere. This inclusive place offers diverse activities, including freshly prepared delicious food and a wide selection of hot and cold beverages. It's an excellent spot to enjoy an afternoon or evening playing board games. If you're new to gaming, the staff can provide recommendations and even give you a tutorial.
Matthew Stark
Vast array of games available! The staff is exceptionally welcoming and skilled at guiding and clarifying game rules for group play.

A casual setting with reasonably priced food and drinks. I will certainly return for more!
Harriet James
Such a delightful and inviting atmosphere! The team members were incredibly amiable, ensuring a warm reception. A wide array of games is available, with step-by-step guidance provided, sparing the need to read instructions. A return visit is certainly on the agenda.
Mike Race
A remarkable location, a true jewel in Southampton's crown.

I was impressed by the exceptional gaming environment designed to accommodate individuals with ADHD and Autism during my daughter's gaming session.

What a wonderful and inclusive place. Bravo.
Keith Buatti
A truly fantastic experience! The staff provided exceptional service, creating a wonderful atmosphere. Despite the lively environment, we were able to fully enjoy our activities without any distractions. The food was delicious and accompanied by top-notch customer care. I will certainly revisit when I'm in the area and encourage others with even a slight interest in games to explore this venue. Establishments like this deserve our patronage and appreciation!
Emma Nichols
Fantastic location! The staff is incredibly friendly, the food is delicious, but the highlight is the wide selection of games available. Seek recommendations for the best gaming experience. Consistently exceeds expectations.
Jennifer Barnes-Nunn
This charming venue boasts delightful ambiance and helpful volunteers. While board and tabletop games are the main draw, the food and beverages are equally delightful. Exploring a new selection from the drinks menu comes highly recommended.
Radmila Zas
Ideal spot for a weekend getaway. Warm and welcoming staff, wide variety of games to enjoy, and delicious coffee. This has become our go-to spot in Southampton for quality time with our loved one, especially if nightclubs and pubs are not your scene. Appreciate the great experience!

© Copyright 2023 Board in the City CIC