Thirsty Meeples
Oxford's board game cafe — over 2,500 games, a bar, and someone on hand to explain the rules.
Thirsty Meeples is a board game cafe with a bar licence, and it's one of the most distinctive venues in Oxford. Over 2,500 board games line the shelves, from Catan and Ticket to Ride to obscure strategy games that take four hours. You pay a small cover charge for table time, pick a game (or ask the staff for a recommendation), and order drinks while you play.
The staff are the secret weapon. They know the collection inside out and can recommend games based on your group size, how long you want to play, and whether you're the type who flips the board when you lose. They'll teach you the rules, too, which saves the usual 45 minutes of arguing over the instruction booklet.
What to order
The drink selection is surprisingly good — craft beers, cocktails, decent wine, and a range of soft drinks and hot chocolate for the non-drinkers. Food is light — nachos, toasties, cake — designed to fuel gaming sessions without getting grease on the cards.
The vibe
Joyful and nerdy in the best way. Groups of friends laughing over a competitive game, couples on dates that are actually fun, families on rainy afternoons. It's loud on weekend evenings and mellow on weekday mornings. Booking is strongly recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday nights. A good option for groups, date nights, and rainy-day entertainment.
Nearby
Within a few minutes' walk
