On Upper Symonds Street, across from Hell Pizza and down a bit towards the city (number 173 to be exact), there’s a rad new café that opened on the 26th of August. It’s a bit special, because not only does it serve great coffee and delicious snacks, you can take advantage of an incredible collection of tabletop games. If you get there at the right time, you might even score the really impressively sized table at the back of the café. There’s a private, bookable space upstairs, too, and I honestly cannot think of a better spot for a birthday party – though this isn’t officially open just yet. Once it is, it will be available for hire by the half day.
There are more games there than you can shake a proverbial stick at – somewhere between 300 and 400, at last estimate. They’ve helpfully arranged them into sections – such as quick to learn, games for couples, and adults only (ask for Cards Against Humanity at the Counter). All your old favourites are there, and so are heaps of new and exciting ones that you’ve probably never heard of. If you’re in the market for trying out something new, the owners, Emma and James, are really helpful, and keen to share their extensive knowledge. They’re also available if you get stuck on a rule or you need some clarification.
The coffee and food are excellent, which I am thankful for, because every time I’ve been to Cakes n Ladders, I’ve not wanted to leave. Twice we’ve stayed right up until close, nervously glancing at the clock to figure out if we can fit in just one more round. [Also worth noting, though, that if you’re after a dinnery thing instead of a snacky thing, Ramen Do, a few doors down from Cakes n Ladders, does brilliant meals.]
Cakes n Ladders also hosts theme days and tournaments and all kinds of good stuff like that. The next one coming up is the Halloween Spooktacular on October 31st. According to their website, there’ll be zombie, witch and wizard games, along with face painting, giveaways, costumes and candy. AND – if it’s your kind of thing – a Zombie Dice tournament beginning at 4PM! (It should definitely be your kind of thing.)
Cakes n Ladders is such a cool space, and I’d strongly encourage everyone to visit it – even those who don’t consider themselves gamers. Once you’ve been, you’ll have to go back, because like me you’ll have a “to play” list as long as your arm. One of the best things about that, is the price. They only charge $2.50 per person, per hour – so even if you stay the full twelve hours on the weekend (and I asked, and nobody has done this yet – maybe I should be the first?), you’ll only pay $30 for a full day of all you can eat gaming. That’s pretty much the price of a movie and popcorn, for twelve hours of fun.
Emma and James also have a good range of games for sale, and if there is something you’re desperate for that they don’t have – ask at the counter. They may well be able to source a copy for you.
The opening hours for Cakes n Ladders are: Wednesday to Friday, 5PM – 10PM, weekend days 10AM – 10PM. They’re closed Monday and Tuesday.
When you arrive, ask at the counter for a meeple. I recommend Klaus.
And you must try the brownie.
From Emma and James themselves, here are some game recommendations to get you started:
Are you a casual gamer? Play Monopoly with the family on occasion? Looking to level up? Try out:
- Mr Jack (for 2 players)
- Chupacabra: Survive the Night
- Ticket to Ride – they seem to have just about all the maps! I want to play all of them.
Are you a hardcore tabletopper? Tried out all the well known Euro games? Try out:
- Euphoria: Build a Better Dystopia (I can vouch for this one. What a stunning, rewarding, complex game)
- Elder Sign
- Eldritch Horror
- Galaxy Trucker
