Board games · Waterloo
Draughts, Waterloo
- £7.95pp midweek before 4pm, £9.95pp at peak.
- Over 1,000 games, with staff to teach you any of them.
- Under-12s play free; 13 to 17s pay £4 to £5.
- Up to three hours at the table, in the Leake Street graffiti tunnel.
What is Draughts, Waterloo?
Draughts is a board game café and bar: you pay a gaming fee for a table, then play anything from a library of more than 1,000 games while ordering food and drink. Waterloo sits in a railway arch in the Leake Street graffiti tunnel, beneath Waterloo station.
There's a second Draughts in Stratford, at the Olympic Park.
How does it work?
You book a table and pay a per-person gaming fee, which gives you unlimited access to the library for up to three hours, subject to availability. Game Gurus on the floor will suggest a game that suits your group and teach you the rules.
It's one of the most family-friendly venues in this guide: under-12s play free, and teenagers get a reduced rate.
How much does it cost?
| Adult | Age 13 to 17 | Under 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-peak | £7.95 | £4 | Free |
| Peak | £9.95 | £5 | Free |
Per person gaming fee. Off-peak is midweek from opening to 4pm; peak is midweek from 4pm, all day at weekends and on bank holidays. Verified September 2026.
How much does Draughts, Waterloo cost?
£7.95 per adult off-peak or £9.95 at peak, for up to three hours of games.
Do kids pay at Draughts?
Under-12s play free; 13 to 17-year-olds pay £4 off-peak or £5 at peak.
What is the food and drink like?
A full kitchen runs alongside the games, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, plus a bar with beer, cocktails and Prosecco. Outside food and drink isn't allowed.
How do you get there?
Get directions on Google Maps ↗
Arch 16, Leake Street, SE1 7NN. Leake Street runs underneath Waterloo station, a couple of minutes from the exits, and close to the South Bank.
How do you book?
Book a table online through Draughts' own site; it's recommended at peak times and weekends, when tables sell out.
Common questions
- Who is Draughts, Waterloo good for?
- Our ratings: dates 5/5, groups of friends 5/5, families with kids 5/5, work socials with colleagues 4/5. Best for dates, groups of friends and families with kids: 1,000-plus games and a kitchen, in the graffiti tunnel. Least suited to work socials with colleagues: Easy for mixed groups, no skill needed.
- When is the best time to go to Draughts, Waterloo?
- Best weekday daytime (5/5): £7.95pp before 4pm midweek. Then weekend afternoons (Saturday or Sunday) 4/5, after work 4/5, late night 2/5.
- How much is Draughts, Waterloo?
- £7.95 per adult off-peak or £9.95 at peak, for up to three hours. Under-12s are free.
- How many games are there?
- More than 1,000, with Game Gurus on hand to recommend and teach them.
- When is Draughts, Waterloo open?
- Noon to 11pm Monday to Thursday, noon to midnight Friday, 11am to midnight Saturday, and 11am to 11pm Sunday.
- Can children go to Draughts?
- Yes. Under-12s play free and 13 to 17-year-olds pay a reduced rate.
- Is there a time limit?
- Tables are held for up to three hours, subject to availability.
Who's it for?
Draughts, Waterloo is best for dates, friends and families, and best weekday daytimes.
Group
- Date★★★★★1,000-plus games and a kitchen, in the graffiti tunnel
- With friends★★★★★Game Gurus teach you anything in the library
- Work social★★★★★Easy for mixed groups, no skill needed
- Family★★★★★Under-12s free, 13 to 17s £4 to £5
Best time
- Weekday daytime★★★★★£7.95pp before 4pm midweek
- Weekend afternoon★★★★★Peak £9.95pp; book ahead at weekends
- After work★★★★★Under Waterloo station
- Late night★★★★★Closes 11pm most nights, midnight Friday and Saturday
Our rating, based on price, age rules, group sizes and opening hours.
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