“Don’t underestimate the power of a good hobby.”

Tucked away in Stafford Park, The Ork Forge is a relatively new addition to Telford’s tabletop gaming scene. The independent shop, which focuses primarily on indie tabletop games, has been open for just over a year.

Nathan Proctor and co-owner Lewis opened the store in February last year with a clear aim: to create a space shaped by its players.

“We wanted it to be a community-led place,” Nathan said. “We wanted somewhere people could come and play.”

In its first year, the pair say they have had to adapt quickly. “We’ve learned to think outside the box,” he explained, reflecting on the challenges of running an independent hobby shop, including a flood and heating issues.

The store’s most played games include Necromunda, Moonstone, Conquest, Konflikt ’47, Corvus Belli Infinity and Celestial Infinity, a game produced in Telford. 

Regular gaming sessions fill much of the shop’s table space, which is free to use. A small selection of food and drink is available at retail price, but the emphasis remains on providing space rather than service.

Staff take a largely hands-off approach during games. Players are left to enjoy themselves unless they ask for assistance. Demonstrations are available for most systems on request, allowing newcomers to try a game before committing.

Alongside miniatures and hobby supplies, The Ork Forge also stocks comics, an area of particular interest to Nathan, who has been reading and writing comics since childhood.

“I want to build up the comic readers as well,” he said. “We do really well with comics online, but I want to see the community grow in store.”

The shop attracts a broad age range, including families, and offers demonstrations across most of its gaming systems.

“You can request a demo for pretty much any system and we’ll happily walk you through a game,” Nathan said. “There’s a real community feel here across all ages. A lot of people come in with their kids, and it’s great to see everyone getting excited about different things.”

Following the closure of Nerdy, a former gaming shop in Shrewsbury, The Ork Forge was given several gaming tables. Nathan says they intend to keep the original wrapping on them as a tribute to the former store’s generosity and the community it built.

Looking ahead, the owners say they hope to fill what they see as a gap in the local market for affordable, well-made hobby goods. Accessibility is also part of their longer-term plans. They are considering converting a small corner of the shop into a sensory room and replacing the current flooring with carpet to make the space more comfortable.

The shop has also begun working with Telford Autism Hub on potential events and has also hosted activities involving the RAF.

Community feedback plays a role in shaping the shop’s events and stock. Much of this takes place through Discord and social media.

“What’s being heavily pushed through social media and what your local regulars actually want can be very different,” Nathan said. “You’ve got to try and balance the two.”

In addition to retail stock, the team also design and build their own terrain, ranging from small table pieces to larger buildings suitable for multiple games.

After a year in business, The Ork Forge appears focused less on rapid expansion and more on steady growth, building on its existing community and seeing where it leads next.

Opening times-
Monday 12-17:00
Tuesday 12-17:00
Wednesday- Friday 14:00-22:00
Saturday 12-22:00
Sunday 10-16:00

Park Industrial Estate, Unit A12 Stafford Park 15, Telford TF3 3BB.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JbzXq82D9/
Website: https://www.theorkforge.com