How to Host a Card Game Night in Your Venue

Across the UK, “competitive socialising”, the trend combining traditional games with food, drink, and friendly rivalry, has quietly taken over pubs and cafés. The number of venues offering these experiences has grown by an estimated 40% since 2018, and the momentum shows no sign of slowing.

As themed bars continue to open across the country, traditional venues like pubs and cafés are turning to offering experiences and activities to increase footfall. Research by CGA states that around 60% of UK consumers are more likely to visit a pub if it offers experiences or activities, and of those who do go out to socialise competitively, 35% will do so every week.

Hosting a card game night at your venue as part of a regular selection of activities, like board games or TTRPGs, could help your venue flourish, with operators often linking venue performance to programming themed nights and bringing in mixed-age groups throughout the week, when venues tend to be quieter.

Pubs, bars, and cafés make ideal locations for card game nights, offering not just tables, but atmosphere. Unlike traditional gaming stores or community halls, they provide good food, comfortable seating, and a social buzz that encourages guests to stay longer and connect.

Non-traditional venues also provide a relaxed environment where guests can meet new people while enjoying a drink or meal. And while Gen Z leads the charge in social entertainment, a well-run game night can attract players of all ages, from students and professionals to parents and retirees looking for midweek fun.

Top tip: Try to create a welcoming, mixed-age event. While younger crowds often drive the trend, people from all walks of life can enjoy a few rounds of light-hearted competition.

Many venues rely on live sport to attract customers midweek, but not every night can be a match night. Among UK sports fans, 92% say midweek sport increases their pub visits, but there are still evenings when the screens stay off and the seats stay empty.

Hosting a card game night fills those gaps, bringing new reasons for people to visit and stay longer. It encourages group visits, fosters a sense of community, and creates memorable shared experiences. When guests enjoy themselves, they’re more likely to recommend your venue to friends and family, helping your business grow through positive word of mouth.

Hosting a card game night isn’t as simple as just putting boxes on tables and welcoming people into your venue; it takes careful planning and management.

Plan The Right Time

Avoid clashing with live sport or major TV events to give your night the best chance of success. Midweek evenings, like Tuesdays or Wednesdays, often work well for drawing steady local crowds.

Set Up the Space in Your Venue

Ensure sturdy tables and comfortable chairs are available for your players, along with good lighting. Placing your players in a specific area of the venue is essential, as you don’t want games scattered around the venue. Foster a sense of community, even if people are playing different games, by placing them near each other.

Provide some initial free snacks and drinks on or near the tables, before customers arrive to showcase the best of your venue, encouraging patrons to purchase more later in the night.

Have Helpers on Hand

Staff or local enthusiasts who understand the games can guide new players, explain rules, and keep things moving. Having “teachers” on hand creates confidence for first-timers and helps the night flow smoothly.

Set Expectations

Before the start time, set down some ground rules and expectations for caring for the games and the pace at which they should be played. It’s key to keep games moving while promoting a positive atmosphere and support of your venue.

Depending on numbers, you may need to offer a variety of games for different skill levels.

Gather Feedback

After each session, ask attendees what they enjoyed most and what could be better next time. Small adjustments based on real feedback will help your events grow and stay fresh, whether it’s your first night or your fiftieth.

Promotion is everything. Even the best game night won’t succeed if people don’t know it’s happening.

Advertise early and across multiple channels:

• Display posters and table signs in your venue
• Post regular updates on social media and local community groups
• Encourage attendees to bring friends or share photos from the night
• Partner with nearby gaming stores or hobby groups for cross-promotion and shared audiences

Word of mouth is your biggest ally; give guests something worth talking about!

Countless games can call a pub or café’s card game night home. From tabletop role-playing games to board games, and trading card games to strategy games, a proper night of competitive socialising isn’t complete without having a wide variety of card games available to choose from.

For strategy, games like Cursed Tides, a pirate-themed adventure where players assemble fleets, outwit rivals and steal treasure, are the perfect choice. With fast-paced rounds but enough tactical layers to keep seasoned players coming back for more, this game is ideal for venues to offer for up to five players.

A more fun option that can also provide an accessible choice at the table is Guess That Doodle, which encourages creativity as players sketch combinations of three prompts for teammates to guess. It offers easy set-up and endless, varied fun!

More and more consumers are looking for an entertaining night out with friends that isn’t just a conversation around a table. By offering a regular card game night at your pub, bar or café, you can not only help build a community but also turn increased footfall into potential regular customers.

By stocking the games yourself, you can also keep them on hand for customers looking for something to do on a cosy Sunday afternoon with a drink; fun doesn’t have to be confined to specific themed nights!

Our card games make a perfect choice for a bespoke games night at your business premises. Get in touch with us today to find out more about wholesale pricing, availability and tailored recommendations for your venue. 🎲🃏