Chance & Counters in Leeds is a board game cafe located on Merrion Street, offering over 500 games, comfort food, and a wide beverage selection. With a cozy atmosphere that blends the excitement of a bar with the comfort of a living room, it’s the perfect place to socialize and create memories while indulging in delicious food and challenging your mind with a variety of board games.
What is Chance & Counters in Leeds and what does it offer?
Chance & Counters in Leeds is a board game cafe offering over 500 games, comfort food, and a wide beverage selection. It’s a cozy venue blending an upbeat bar vibe with the comfort of a friend’s living room, perfect for socializing and creating memories. Located at 6-8 Merrion Street, it caters to all gaming preferences and dining tastes.
The Arrival of Chance & Counters
In a vibrant move that melds entertainment with culinary delights, the heart of Leeds welcomes a new late-night hotspot, Chance & Counters. Born from the passion of board game enthusiasts and seasoned by the spirit of camaraderie, this board game cafe takes residence in the former Yard & Coop location on Merrion Street. Patrons are beckoned to immerse themselves in a realm where over 500 board games await to challenge the mind and spur the imagination.
The inception of Chance & Counters can be traced back to the visionary minds of two friends, including Managing Director Stevie Cowrie. The concept blossomed from their university days filled with weekend board games. Their inspiration grew from witnessing the rise of board game cafes in Canada, leading to the establishment of the very first Chance & Counters in Bristol during 2015. Now, Leeds emerges as the fifth city to host this extraordinary venture. After a three-year quest for the perfect spot, the Merrion Street venue was selected, signaling that sometimes, patience does indeed reap rewards.
The transformation into the coveted Chance & Counters ambiance is a blend of the new and the nostalgic. The captivating shabby chic aesthetic, characterized by rugged and exposed brick decor, remains predominantly untouched. This deliberate preservation of style is a nod to the site’s history and a testament to the cafe’s commitment to maintaining a charismatic environment that feels both novel and familiar.
A World of Games and Gastronomy
Every nook of Chance & Counters is meticulously crafted to enhance the gaming experience. Custom-made cabinetry and dedicated board gaming tables with cleverly designed shelves exemplify their attention to detail. Such accommodations ensure that the focus remains on the thrill of the game, without compromising on comfort or convenience.
The cafe’s gaming repertoire ranges from timeless classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to the obscure gems waiting to be discovered. “What we try and do is challenge the stereotypes of what people think board games are about,” explains Steve. Nine different game categories cater to all preferences, whether you’re pressed for time or intent on indulging in an epic battle of wits. For those craving physical engagement, the dexterity category beckons with favorites like Jenga and Catch the Moon, while the party category promises to elevate any pre-drink gathering with games like Cards Against Humanity.
Amidst the strategic conquests and friendly rivalries, Chance & Counters satiates the hungriest of gamers with a menu brimming with comfort food. Smash burgers, loaded fries, and nachos complement the gaming marathon, but the crowning delicacy is the garlic bread loaded fries—a personal favorite of Steve, boasting bespoke garlic mayo and a herby parmesan crumb. Such culinary creations prove that this establishment doesn’t just play games; it plays to the senses.
The Beverage Selection and Ambiance
To perfectly pair with the delectable offerings, Chance & Counters serves an array of beverages that ensure no one’s glass runs dry. Craft beer aficionados will rejoice at the ten lines featuring local brews from Northern Monk, North, and Kirkstall. Wine connoisseurs and cocktail enthusiasts haven’t been overlooked, with a selection that ranges from the zesty kick of a margarita to the smooth depth of an old fashioned. And for those eschewing alcohol, a variety of soft drinks alongside coffee and tea provide ample choices to fuel the competitive fire.
Describing the vibe of the cafe, Steve highlights the unique fusion of an upbeat bar atmosphere with the comforting familiarity of a friend’s living room. It’s a place designed not just for casual hangouts but also for forging new memories. Whether you’re seeking a casual escape after work or a lively venue to prep for upcoming family game nights, Chance & Counters promises an experience that extends beyond the board and into the heart of social connection.
Located at 6-8 Merrion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PQ, Chance & Counters invites you to indulge in its offerings throughout the week, with varying hours to accommodate late nights and leisurely weekends. Closed on Mondays, the venue opens from 4 pm to 11 pm Tuesday through Thursday, 4 pm to 1 am on Fridays, 12 pm to 1 am on Saturdays, and 12 pm to 10 pm on Sundays. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a novice eager to explore, this board game cafe is poised to become a cherished part of Leeds’ cultural tapestry.
- Chance & Counters in Leeds is a board game cafe offering over 500 games, comfort food, and a wide beverage selection.
- The cafe is located at 6-8 Merrion Street and provides a cozy atmosphere that combines the excitement of a bar with the comfort of a living room.
- Chance & Counters was inspired by the rise of board game cafes in Canada and was established in Bristol in 2015 before opening in Leeds.
- The venue features custom-made cabinetry and dedicated board gaming tables to enhance the gaming experience.
- The menu at Chance & Counters includes comfort food like smash burgers, loaded fries, and nachos, and the beverage selection includes craft beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.