Chess Cafe Culture

Discuss anything you like about chess related matters in this forum.
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JustinHorton
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Re: Chess Cafe Culture

Post by JustinHorton » Fri Oct 24, 2014 9:23 pm

Gordon Cadden wrote:I was a frequent habitué of the "Prompt Corner" café, when living in Hampstead. This was a wonderful chess café, where the hustlers would gather on a week-end.
It occupied a prime position on the corner of Pond Street, and South End Green. In the 1930's, it was a bookshop, where a certain George Orwell worked.
Funnily enough I came across reference to the café just this evening re-reading Bookshop Memories. (Being a bookseller now, my books are stored just a couple of kilometres from where Orwell was shot.) Also see here.
"Do you play chess?"
"Yes, but I prefer a game with a better chance of cheating."

lostontime.blogspot.com

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Adam Raoof
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Re: Chess Cafe Culture

Post by Adam Raoof » Fri Oct 24, 2014 10:29 pm

Gordon - that cafe, I believe, is now a "Pain Quotidien"- http://www.lepainquotidien.co.uk/store/ ... gh-street/

I am interested in reviving the chess cafe culture in the area around the fountain and if you have any ideas about how I can do that let me know. We have the possibility of obtaining outdoor chess tables, and some money to partially fund an event...
Adam Raoof IA, IO
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Gordon Cadden
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Re: Chess Cafe Culture

Post by Gordon Cadden » Sat Oct 25, 2014 2:21 pm

[quote="Adam Raoof"]Gordon - that cafe, I believe, is now a "Pain Quotidien"- http://www.lepainquotidien.co.uk/store/ ... gh-street/

I am interested in reviving the chess cafe culture in the area around the fountain and if you have any ideas about how I can do that let me know. We have the possibility of obtaining outdoor chess tables, and some money to partially fund an event...[/quote
"Pain Quotidien" have moved into the High Street, occupying the former McDonalds Restaurant site. We spent 13 years successfully keeping McDonalds out of the High Street, and now they have volunteered to leave! You have been very successful securing chess events at Henderson Court, and at UCS. There is an open space in Oriel Place, that would be ideal for outdoor chess. Use your influence Adam !

John Foley
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Location: Kingston-upon-Thames

Re: Chess Cafe Culture

Post by John Foley » Mon Mar 16, 2015 3:15 pm

A new draughts cafe has opened up in East London. Chess is listed as one of hundreds of games. Has anybody been?
337 Acton Mews
E8 4EA Haggerston
http://www.draughtslondon.com