Bespoke Chess Tables for Russell Square

Bloomsbury boasts the first square in Britain to have purpose built outdoor chess tables rivalling those of the world famous Washington Square Park in New York.

Situated in the glorious surrounds of Russell Square, the beautiful handmade granite chess tables are the result of an initiative by the Square’s Commissioners.

At an unveiling ceremony, International Chess Master and Captain of the England Open team Malcolm Pein, cut the ribbon before challenging Chair of Russell Square Commissioners Simon Elmer to make the first move of the first game.

The Commissioners hope that Russell Square will become a major centre for playing Chess in the open air a sentiment endorsed by Pein and the wider Chess community.

The tables are free for all to use and Chess sets are available to borrow* from Russell Square’s Caffè Tropea.

*small refundable deposit required

More news for you

  • Special Offers for Students

    Independent and artisan, Store Street is home to an interesting, diverse range of retailers. Beautiful food offerings, with coffee shops, wine bars and charming characters it is at the centre of the community.

  • Coram Field's Connecting Futures

    We are a Founder Member of Connecting Futures, a brand new corporate membership programme developed by Coram’s Fields.

  • A Sketchbook Walk Through Bloomsbury

    Nick Andrew leads a virtual stroll through the gardens in Bloomsbury revealing their different characters in his original watercolour sketches.