London’s chess scene is a lively mix of long-running club nights, civic library meetups, Mind Sports centres and veteran clubs that feed the national leagues.
Below are ten of the best places across the city where players of every level can find regular games, classes, league matches and a friendly crowd. I list each club’s name, physical address (or regular meeting venue), publicly listed contact details and a short note on why you might go. Sources for each listing are given after the entry — call or check the website before you travel (venues and nights sometimes change).
- Chess & Bridge (The London Chess Centre)
Address: 44 Baker Street, London W1U 7RT (Marylebone).
Contact: Phone +44 (0)20 7486 7015 · Email: info@chess.co.uk · Website: chess.co.uk.
Why go: More than a shop — Chess & Bridge (often called the London Chess Centre) is the city’s go-to retail hub for boards, clocks and books and often hosts events or informal street-table play outside the shop. Great first stop if you need gear or local event info.
- Streatham & Brixton Chess Club
Address / regular venue: Streatham Library / Mark Bennett Streatham Centre, 63 Streatham High Rd, London SW16 1PN (home nights and central-London match venues vary).
Contact: Website: streathamchess.org (club calendar & contacts on site).
Why go: One of London’s long-running community clubs with active junior work, local rapid events and lots of league activity; good mix of social and competitive nights. Check their venues page for which hall they’re using that week.
- Wood Green / Haringey Chess (Wood Green Library chess activities)
Address: Wood Green Library / Hornsey Meeting Rooms — 187–197A High Road, Wood Green, London N22 6XD (library club sessions).
Contact: Local library / ECF club listings provide event contacts (see Haringey / ECF pages).
Why go: Strong grassroots scene with regular junior and adult sessions and a borough that fields competitive teams in the London leagues. Wood Green is also a powerhouse name in London league chess.
- Battersea Chess Club
Address: Battersea Labour Club, 81–83 Falcon Road, Battersea SW11 2PF.
Contact: Website: batterseachessclub.org.uk · club contact pages list officers and email signups.
Why go: One of London’s oldest clubs (Victorian origins) with a relaxed club-night, active teams and a friendly atmosphere for players moving from casual to competitive chess.
- Metropolitan Chess Club (The Met)
Address / venue: The Artisan Centre / Artizan Street Community Centre, 1 Artizan St, London E1 7AF (City of London).
Contact: Website: metchess.org (club contact & fixtures).
Why go: A classic City club founded in the 19th century — strong on over-the-board league play and ideal if you want regular mid-week competitive chess near Liverpool Street/Aldgate.
- Richmond & Twickenham Chess Club
Address / meeting: The Adelaide, 57 Park Road, Teddington TW11 0AU (Tuesday evenings).
Contact: Website: rtchessclub.com (membership & junior enquiries).
Why go: Excellent choice if you live in SW London / Richmond borough — sociable club nights, junior coaching and active participation in local leagues.
- Hendon Chess Club
Address / contact: Active NW London club — check club website for current home venues and officer emails. Website/contact: hendonchessclub.com (contact page with officers & email links).
Why go: A long-established, family-friendly club with multiple teams and an active junior section; useful for players in Barnet/Hendon area.
- Hammersmith Chess Club / MindSports Centre (Hammersmith)
Address: London MindSports Centre, 21–23 Dalling Road, Hammersmith, London W6 0JD.
Contact: Club pages and MindSports Centre listings give evenings and contact numbers.
Why go: The MindSports Centre is a hub for several clubs and events (and a venue used by multiple London league teams); good for regular organised play and weekend tournaments.
- Greater London Chess Club (GLCC)
Address: Upper Vestry House / St George’s Bloomsbury, 6 Little Russell St, London WC1 (meeting details on site).
Contact: Website: glcc.org.uk (club nights & contact form).
Why go: Central London location, steady club nights and an easy option if you want to play in Bloomsbury / Fitzrovia.
- Hackney Chess Club
Address / meeting examples: local community venues around Stoke Newington / Hackney — Facebook and league pages list regular meeting spots; public listings have used 181 Stoke Newington Church St, N16.
Contact: Club Facebook page and local league listings (use the page to check exact night & venue).
Why go: Energetic local community club with an active online presence — good for inclusive, local match play and beginners.
Quick tips for visiting clubs in London
- Check before you go. Many clubs change rooms or move for a season; call or check the club website/social feed for the night, start time and whether you should bring a board or clock.
- Bring a clock for league nights. Some clubs provide clocks for casual play, but league matches and rapid events often expect each player to use one.
- Junior & scholastic programs: if you’re bringing a child, look specifically for clubs that advertise junior coaching (Streatham, Battersea, Richmond and library schemes are good places to start).
- Street & library chess: for casual, drop-in play try library clubs (Wood Green, Haringey) or tables outside Chess & Bridge near Baker Street when weather allows.
I’m the senior editor of Attacking Chess, a keen chess player, rated above 2300 in chess.com. You can challenge me or asking questions at Chess.com.
