Why is this Wellington café packed out in the evenings?

The Boardroom Café has set out its stall as the go-to place for board gamers, collectable card gamers and Pokémon fans. Themed evenings deliver well attended events for like-minded players of all abilities. 

They are about to embark on the next stage of the business and I went to find out more… 

The Boardroom Café, in the heart of Wellington town centre, is currently fundraising to support much-needed refurbishments.

I spoke to Jenni, who runs the café with her husband, Jon, and asked what refurbishments they were planning to carry out.

“There are three key areas of the café where we are planning focused investment.

“Firstly, the Gamer’s Gallery. This is one of our most used and versatile spaces. Because it supports so many different groups, it is now showing clear signs of wear. We plan to refresh the décor while keeping it aligned with the rest of the building, so the space can continue to adapt to a wide range of uses.”

“Secondly, several essential pieces of café equipment are reaching the end of their lifespan. Replacing them will reduce downtime during busy periods and support the day-to-day running of the business.”

In addition to this, Jenni explained that the refurbishments will help them expand the menu and allow them to provide more food safely for customers with allergies.

She went on to say that for day-to-day visitors, the changes will allow the café to operate more efficiently, and that an updated layout will improve speed, with the overall goal of making visits “more relaxed and enjoyable”.

More welcoming

For regular visitors who use the Gamer’s Gallery, she said the impact will be noticeable straight away, with updated seating, heating and soundproofing being added to “create a more comfortable and welcoming environment for longer sessions and varied activities.”

She also explained that, “The refresh will also open up new digital opportunities. Our gaming communities regularly ask to watch and share games with others.

“Introducing portable streaming equipment and overhead cameras will allow both us and our players to broadcast events online, strengthening community connections, responding directly to player demand, and extending our reach beyond the café.

Responding to challenges

I also asked about the large neurodiverse community that uses the café, and how they would be affected by the refurbishment.

Jenni explained: “We have always aimed to respond to the challenges our guests face, not just related to neurodiversity but any situation where a reasonable adjustment can improve their experience.

“If an adjustment is within our control, we implement it wherever possible, although some limitations remain, for example, due to the age of the building, our bathroom is still located upstairs.”

She added that feedback from neurodiverse guests often highlighted that they became overwhelmed by sensory input very easily, and that the café has introduced measures to “reduce sensory strain, helping guests feel more comfortable”.

They also hope that these changes will allow neurodiverse guests to stay at the café for longer, without fatigue caused by masking or heightened sensory stimulation.

She finished by saying, “Overall, the refurbishment will help us build on what we already do well, providing a warm, inclusive space that supports both casual visitors and our active community groups.”

“…a much needed geeky hang out spot…”

I also spoke to some of the guests who frequent the café.

One explained, “I think the cafe has been a much needed geeky hang out spot in Wellington as there wasn’t really anywhere on that side of Telford to play various board and card games that I enjoy. A refurbish would be a welcome change and I’m sure it will turn out great!”

Another commented; “My experience at the cafe has always been exceptional. All of the staff have always been friendly, open and helpful. I think the refurbishment is so important to the community that Jon, Jenni Lyndsey and all the staff have built as it gives them a space that can meet all the needs of every person/group that they help and support.

“They also deserve it so much as they have poured their heart and souls into the cafe and it shows in everything they do”

The Boardroom Café’s refurbishment plans reflect its growing role as a community space in Wellington, supporting both casual visitors and organised groups.

The strong response to its fundraising efforts, with more than £1,000 raised towards a £3,000 target, demonstrates the value many place on having an inclusive and accessible space at the heart of the town.

The Boardroom Cafe can be found at 13 New Street, Wellington, Telford, TF1 1LU