Nestled on the cobbled East Parade, running alongside Sheffield Cathedral, Gamers Guide Cafe is a new hub for board game enthusiasts, families and anyone seeking a warm, inclusive space. Co-owned by Matthew and Kitti, the venue opened in August and has established itself as a versatile and welcoming community space where you can unwind, discover new games or simply enjoy great coffee and small bites in an aesthetically pleasing spot with historic views.
The cafe’s roots stem from the personal passions of its owners. Matthew, with a background in business and finance, was inspired to open his own space after feeling disconnected from the typical 9-to-5 work life. His wife Kitti, with a love for hospitality, wanted to create a welcoming environment in the heart of Sheffield. Together, they envisioned a space that merged their interests in board games – Matthew, a longtime enthusiast, and Kitti, a more recent convert – with a strong commitment to inclusivity.
As Matthew explains, “We never set out to make it a big business or focus on making lots of money. We wanted to do something we loved and give back to the community at the same time.”
One of the key features of Gamers Guide is the personalised experience they offer. You can browse their library of games yourself, but staff are always on hand to recommend and teach you the rules if needed. In fact, if you book a table in advance, they’ll even set up the game before you arrive, making it easy to jump straight in. “We call ourselves Gamers Guide because we make the experience as convenient as possible,” says Matthew. “Our mission is to reach people who aren’t necessarily into board games and introduce the hobby to a wider audience.”
Inside the light and airy space you’ll find custom-made tables designed specifically for gaming. These can be slotted together in various configurations, allowing flexibility depending on the type of game being played or the numbers involved.
Their board game selection is ever-evolving, with new additions every week. Much like a craft beer pub changing its offerings on tap, the cafe aims to keep things fresh and exciting, providing something for everyone and all ages. Whether you’re in for a quick round of Bananagrams or ready to dive into an epic all-day session of Twilight Struggle, Gamers Guide Cafe has you covered.
But it’s not just about the games. The cafe also offers a flexible space for those who want to use it for different activities. From Dungeons & Dragons sessions to quiet evenings with a glass of wine, the attractive space with exposed brickwork, large windows and an adjoining room for privacy can accommodate various needs and is available for event hire. Kitti adds, “We have all sorts of people visiting, from takeaway coffees in the morning to couples wanting to enjoy a relaxing wine evening to gamers coming in for a full-day session. That’s how we want it to be.”
They are particularly committed to providing support for neurodiverse customers. Understanding that noisy environments or background music can be overwhelming for some, the owners have purposefully designed a flexible, calming space.
In terms of food and drink, there has been plenty of good feedback on their coffee, sourced from the popular Nottingham-based roaster 200 Degrees. Whether you’re popping by for a quick takeaway or settling in for some games, the cafe also offers a menu of snacks and small plates, including vegan and dietary-friendly options, to keep visitors fuelled during longer visits.
With a a few dedicated venues now open in the city, Sheffield is becoming an increasingly well-established spot for board gaming, but Gamers Guide Cafe brings something unique to the scene by combining the relaxed atmosphere of a coffee shop with guided support to help newcomers into the hobby. “Some say they’re not a board game person” says Kitti. “But I think everyone is – they just need to find the right game for them.”
So, whether you’re a board game veteran or just looking for a new place to unwind, Gamers Guide Cafe is worth a visit. Open daily from 11am to 11pm during the week (and slightly earlier on weekends), pop in and play or simply enjoy some good coffee and a bite to eat. Either way, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
Find out more about the cafe and their upcoming events by visiting thegamersguidecafe.co.uk
