London’s pioneering board game café DRAUGHTS is set to expand with a third location at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s 10-year history. The new venue, scheduled to open in Spring 2025, will be situated alongside major cultural institutions in the developing East Bank district.
The expansive new location will span 4,110 square feet across two floors, including a 570-square-foot covered terrace offering views of the London Stadium and Waterworks River. The space will accommodate over 150 guests indoors and an additional 40 on the terrace, making it the brand’s largest venue to date.
DRAUGHTS founder Nick Curci sees the Olympic Park location as strategic for the company’s growth. “Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was the standout location for our latest venue, offering both bustling neighbourhood trade and high visitor numbers as part of its destination status,” he said. The presence of the London Stadium and the developing East Bank cultural district were key factors in the decision.
The board game bar will join an impressive roster of institutions at East Bank, including the BBC, London College of Fashion (UAL), Sadler’s Wells, UCL East, and the V&A East. Mark Camley, Director of Stratford Waterfront Retail Management Company, welcomed the addition: “Draughts will be the first retail tenant at Stratford Waterfront. Their unique board game restaurant and bar offer will be a compelling draw complementing the five other high-quality food and beverage outlets opening soon.”
Since its launch in 2014, DRAUGHTS has established itself as a pioneer in London’s competitive socializing scene, with each venue housing an extensive library of over 1,000 board games. The concept has proved popular among diverse groups, from serious gamers to casual players and families.
The new Olympic Park location represents a significant expansion for DRAUGHTS, which currently operates two successful venues in London. The announcement comes as part of a broader growth strategy, with the company hinting at further expansion plans over the next three years.
When it opens next spring, visitors can expect the same combination of board games, food, and drinks that has made DRAUGHTS a London favorite, now in a prime location within one of the city’s most exciting new cultural districts.
