This newest board game cafe in SG is so Instagram-worthy, we just HAD to check it out

Now, we’re well aware that board game cafes aren’t exactly new to Singapore. Still, there’s no denying that the mere mention of it often brings up the mental image of cramped couches, microwaved food, and one too many UNO card sets. Yikes!

So when we first heard about King and the Pawn — naturally, we were intrigued. The newest board game bar and cafe in Singapore, they have over 300 board games available as well as amazing comfort foods, beer on tap, as well as locally roasted coffee. Uh, talk about being a far cry from microwaved foods and bottled water!

With our curiosities sufficiently piqued, we decided to head down and check it for ourselves. Keep reading to see if we liked what we found!

King and the Pawn review: how did we find the place?

Located on a quiet stretch by Purvis Street, King and the Pawn was easily discernible with the cute signage out front. Duck through the door and mount the (frankly) daunting flight of stairs up to the space above…

…and be awed by the absolutely gorgeous interior. The room is nice and spacious, with large windows allowing an amazing amount of light to flood in. Yup, we all know what that means— prime lighting for your Instagram photos, of course!

Upon further inspection, we discovered some pretty cute touches throughout the space. Think hand-painted snakes and ladders (a sneaky reference to a childhood favourite game for many of us), coasters made of scrabble tiles, and quirky neon signs. The entire room is done up in bright, cheery colours, with there even being an attic space upstairs! We recommend you head on up if you’d like to escape the hustle and bustle of the lower floor.

On to the one of the major selling points of King and the Pawn: the games, of course! Trust us, you’re not going to find typical board game fare such as Monopoly or Game Of Life here.

Instead, you’ll get unique options such as Klask: an air-hockey inspired game that involves launching balls into your opponent’s goal using magnetic pieces. This was our favourite amongst the plentiful options, with it evoking a lot of competition within the group.

It may look deceptively simple, but it actually is a lot harder than it looks. Friendships were tested, a screaming match (or two) occurred, and there was definitely some sulking involved by the end of it. You’ve been warned!

Other hot favourites include Sushi Go Party and Santorini. These are relatively more relaxed options, especially if you’re looking to spend a more chill night with your friends.

Not feeling any of these games? Well, there are more than 300 options for you to pick from, so we wouldn’t worry about it. Shelved carefully across the bar, the games are even organised neatly according to Light, Medium, and Heavy — which essentially refers to difficulty levels. Beginners should always go for the light option first to avoid being too frustrated with trying to figure out the rules and regulations of more complex games.

If you’re still at a loss as to what to pick, you can always refer to the helpful placards detailing what type of game they are. Choose from a selection that focuses either on either dexterity, strategy, cooperation, and more!

And if all things fail, the helpful staff at King and The Pawn will be more than happy to teach you how to play the games.

The food arrived shortly after we picked out our games, and we were definitely floored by the selection available. If you expected stale french fries and canned green tea, well, it is about as far as you can get at King and the Pawn.

We ordered some of their most popular dishes, which includes the Truffled Honey Croque Madame (SGD22) and The King’s Nachos (SGD23).

Our top pick? The Camembert Brulee (SGD22). Picture this: Camembert cheese that is both light and sweet, paired with an assortment of roasted grapes, apple slices and crostini. Yum! The crunch of these items perfectly complements the subtle flavouring of the cheese, with the crisp brulee layer adding an amazing kick that just ties the whole dish together. Definitely an ideal sharing dish between small groups of family and friends.

Another great sharing dish is the Tomato and Grape Bruschetta (SGD10). The cherry tomatoes are a nice burst of fresh flavour, especially when eaten with the sweet roasted grapes and tart olives. The whipped feta cheese is light enough not to overwhelm the rest of the flavours on the plate as well, while the bread is perfectly browned — with crispy edges all whilst having a soft, moist middle. It makes an excellent snack as you work your way through the games!

Those with a sweet tooth, on the other hand, are sure to love the Spiced Apple French Toast (SGD18). Drizzled generously in salted caramel sauce and paired with slices of maple syrup coated bacon, it was love at first bite. It is also surprisingly filling, so don’t go around thinking that this would make a good dessert after your main!

As for drinks, you can pick from a diverse range that includes cocktails, craft beers, ciders, wines, coffee, tea and many more. The options are endless, and you can even choose between wine by the glass or by the bottle!

Oh, and did we mention that coffees are all locally roasted cuppas from cult coffee chain Dutch Colony? Nice! If you’re not so much a caffeine lover, try out their teas instead. You can also get a freshly brewed pot from tea connoisseurs Teapigs.

If you’d like to witness our whole experience, just watch the video below to check out our full review of the King and the Pawn.

(Spoiler alert: there are definitely a lot more fun food and games involved).

King and the Pawn: where is it, exactly?

It can be found smack dab between National Library and South Beach, with it being a eight minute walk away from City Hall MRT station and Bugis MRT station. How convenient! Make sure to look out for the king chess piece and salt shaker sign if you find yourself getting lost along the streets.

Here are all the other details you need before making a trip down for yourself:

King and the Pawn: 

Address: 24 Purvis St, level 2, Singapore 188601

Opening hours: Tues-Thurs: 5.30pm-11.30pm, Fri: 5.30pm-2am, Sat: 11am-2pm, Sun: 11am-10pm.

Contact: 6259 1913 | Site | [email protected]