Dungeons and lattes? Gaming café opening at former toy shop

Tuesday 13 June 2023

A new premises offering video games, Dungeons and Dragons and a drop-in coffee shop is opening at the site of a former toy shop.

The Jersey Gaming Hub began life in 2016 as esports.je and was initially focused on providing a place for Islanders to engage in competitive online gaming.

Its current owner, Paul Pearson, purchased the business two years ago and has since endeavoured to make the business more accessible, rebranding it the Jersey Gaming Hub.

At their previous premises on Great Union Road, they offered islanders the chance to play table-top games, card games, consoles and the popular role-playing game dungeons and dragons. 

Now, the Jersey Gaming Hub is moving to a new location, taking over the store at the Parade that used to be occupied by Bambola. 

Pictured: The Jersey Gaming Hub was originally dedicated to e-sports tournaments. 

The new premises will give them two floors of space. The upper floor will consist of a "player arena" of 30 gaming PCs designed for e-sports tournaments. The lower floor area is set to include a new drop-in coffee shop, where people can drop in and try out a console, or try a range of tabletop games. 

The premises should have the capacity for up to 70 people to drop in and play. 

The store also plans to offer Dungeons and Dragons sessions for both experienced players and for those who might be wanting to give it a go for the first time.The Gaming Hub already has an in-house "Dungeon Master", who leads the session, and are hoping to employ 2 more. 

Pictured: The Jersey Gaming Hub offers introductory sessions in Dungeons and Dragons. 

Once they are established, they are hoping to introduce table football, pool tables and even arcade racing simulators. 

Paul Pearson said: "This is something that Jersey really needs. We've seen places like Quest and Arcadia all closing their doors so unless you're going out for a drink or a meal, there really is nothing for people to do!

"We want people of all ages to come in and relax, and while away a few evenings doing something a little bit different." 

The Jersey Gaming Hub will be opening at its new Parade premises on 7 July.