The Dice Saloon

Brighton is always an exciting and unique place to visit; with it's fusion of British seaside scenery, heady bohemian atmosphere and the colourful attractions that echo the city's nightlife. The lanes are bursting with vibrancy and flavour, even in the hidden recesses there are places to delight and tempt you (yes, Choccywoccydoodah, I am talking to you!). But now there is another reason to visit, and that is the new board games café - The Dice Saloon!

This establishment boasts a sizeable area at 2,000 sq. foot whilst catering for all forms of table top gaming, and hosting tournaments and events in their extremely comfortable setting. There are designated areas for war games, RPG tables and board games in the café. There is a growing library of games to play ,that has multiplied since my first visit. There is a shop section selling a vast array of games and war gaming merchandise and materials, and of course there is the café which offers delicious snacks and homemade treats. The friendly and knowledgeable staff make the experience even more memorable, as it feels like you are in your local games shop, chilling and playing fun games. There is something most familiar and welcoming about The Dice Saloon that makes me want to do the long drive just to spend some hours in that environment. There is a good selection of games in the library that whet a variety of appetites. Ah, I could quite easily camp out all day and night in a board games café, as long as the food keeps on coming to fuel me! Constant gaming and occasional eating are top priorities in my life right now. 

During my first visit to The Dice Saloon, a shipment of new games had just arrived and I was one of the lucky ones to unbox and play Blood Rage, which was great as I am still eagerly awaiting my copy. My other favourite game of the day was Forbidden Island and that has gone on my Christmas list!

Blood Rage is an epic strategic game with the mechanics of area control and card drafting. The beautifully sculpted miniatures and fine artwork make this game aesthetically pleasing as well as very enjoyable to play. I gained points by dying and having my warriors placed in Valhalla. Points for being killed? Yes please! Very handy for fodder like myself.    

  

Forbidden Island is a co-operative game. I love this game, not just because it has fantastic artwork and great components but because it plays so smoothly and the experience feels different every time. Players draw cards to reveal which part of the land will flood, the flooded tiles are then turned over. If they draw the same card again and it has not been saved then it sinks. You must collect ancient relics before the lands they are resting in sink, and you must keep the helicopter escape pad safe. This is great fun, a race against time and water.

I made a few purchases from the shop and topped up my pretty dice collection, adding some lurid colours to the jar. I have visited this cafe twice now, and hope to go there again before Christmas to take over another table for the day. The Dice Saloon is really is an excellent venue to visit, so next time you are in Brighton why not drop by, sink into the comfy seats and enjoy some games in good company.   

Thanks for reading!

Marisa xx