Places to play chess in central Colchester. ‘The Commons’ community café and kitchen at The Minories is open from 10.00 to 16.00, Wednesday to Sunday (hours correct July 2025). Chess sets can be borrowed for play though there may not be space during busy periods. These are in keeping with the table sizes, so you still have room to eat and drink alongside enjoying a game.

Larger tables and sets are available for the Sunday morning meetups for all chess players (not just club members) hosted by players from the E2-E4 Colchester Chess Club. Check the ColCHESSter calendar for the latest info.

The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester CO1 1UE.

Interactive map/directions https://mapcarta.com/W395666724

The building at 74 High Street, with its galleries and reception rooms and it’s walled garden, is known as The Minories. The Victor Batte-Lay Foundation owns the building and a collection of East Anglian Art. The spaces and programme are run by the We are the Minories charity. The Commons is run by local co-operative Common Ground Colchester and aims to serve affordable ethically sourced coffee, locally-made cakes, sweet treats and nourishing meals.

Events at the Minories are shown on its website, Facebook and Instagram.

Website https://www.theminories.org/whats-on

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theminoriescolchester

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theminories