The Double Six board game cafe on St Mary's Row in Moseley has closed with immediate effect, just 11 months after opening. The owners announced the closure on Monday, July 6, citing increasingly difficult economic conditions that made the business unsustainable.
High Ratings and Community Love
The cafe opened in August 2025 in the former Lab Forte hair salon unit, next to Oxfam. It quickly earned a near-perfect 4.9 out of five rating on Google Reviews, with customers praising its friendly staff, food and drink, and welcoming atmosphere for board game enthusiasts. Many visitors highlighted the chance to make new friends and share hobbies.
Owners' Emotional Farewell
In a social media post, owners Simon Griffiths, Paul Byerley and James Sedgwick wrote: "We're sorry to announce we're closing The Double Six cafe with immediate effect. Three years ago, we had a dream of setting up a funky independent board game cafe in a part of Birmingham we're all very fond of. Making that a reality is something we remain incredibly proud of."
They added: "Once the doors were opened, our amazing staff brought the place to life with their energy, commitment and sheer enthusiasm for all things games-related. Customers brought their smiles and laughter, whether enjoying a casual game of Uno or Catan or settling in for a five-hour D&D marathon. We're going to miss all of that enormously."
The trio explained that the challenge of establishing a new hospitality business in tough economic conditions proved too much. "As a group of staff and directors, we threw everything at this; time, effort, money and new ideas. Sadly, there comes a point when you have to draw a line in the sand and say, enough is enough. We’ve now reached that point."
Plea for Independent Support
The owners urged customers to support other local independent businesses. "Now more than ever, we urge people to support their local independents. With every one that disappears, the prospect of an uninspiring, homogenised high street becomes more of a reality. We desperately wanted to be part of pushing back against that, providing an experience that was just a little bit different. We're sorry we couldn't make it stick."
They concluded: "To everyone who supported us, and to all our incredible staff, thank you so, so much. We rolled the dice and sadly lost – but we had a blast. Cheers, Simon, Paul and James."
Customer Reactions
The closure prompted an outpouring of sadness on social media. Zoe Parker wrote on Facebook: "This is really sad to hear but thank you for sharing your knowledge and creating a fun environment and an escape for a couple of hours. I have enjoyed spending time here." Almu Peiro said: "Life is so unfair! All the best places have to go. I really enjoyed my visits with my daughter, we will miss you." Emma Cee added: "Utterly gutted at this. I’ve enjoyed spending time with friends, new and old, here. A brilliant selection of games (best I've ever seen), knowledgeable staff and great food. So so sad."
Broader Context
The Double Six is the latest in a string of hospitality closures in Birmingham, highlighting the challenges facing independent businesses in the current economic climate. The owners' message serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of the independent high street.
