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Geek Retreat is a chain of franchised combined shops and board game cafés in the United Kingdom.^[1]^[2] The venues offer food, drink, and have various items for sale, while also providing a space to play board games, console games and trading card games.^[3] The venues also hold regular events.^[4]

History

The company opened its first venue in Glasgow in 2013. Its second venue opened the following year in Newcastle upon Tyne.^[5] It joined the British Franchise Association in 2021.^[6] In June 2021, it had 27 venues.^[7]They applied for a liquidation of the company in November 2022, which is currently being resolved as of January 2023.^[8]^[9]

Business model

The individual venues are franchised. Entry is free and guests are asked to purchase food and drink.^[10]

Locations

Aberdeen, opened 2022^[11]
Barnsley, opened 2022^[12]
Bedford, opened August 2021^[13]
Blackburn, opened June 2021^[14]
Bournemouth, ^[15](now closed)
Bradford, ^[16](Now closed)
Bury, opened December 2020^[3]
Chelmsford^[17]
Daventry, opened October 2021^[18] (Now closed)
Dumfries, opened July 2021^[19] (Now closed)
Exeter, opened May 2021^[20] (Now closed)
Glasgow, opened 2013^[6]
Harrogate^[21]
Hereford, opened 2021^[22]
Ipswich, opened October 2021^[23]
Kidderminster, opened 2021^[24]
Leeds^[4]
Leicester, opened April 2021^[25]
Lincoln, opened August 2021^[26] (Now closed)
Lisburn, (Northern Ireland) opened March 24th 2021 (closed 10th July 2022, reopened under new management 1st October 2022)
Llandudno, opened March 2021^[27]
London Camberwell^[28] (Now closed)
London Holloway^[28]
Middlesbrough, opened January 2020^[29] (Now closed)
Milton Keynes, opened 2021, closed December 2022
Motherwell, opened November 2019^[30]
Newcastle upon Tyne, opened 2014^[5]
Northampton, opened October 2020^[31] (now closed)
Northwich, opened August 2021^[32]
Nottingham, opened November 2020^[33] (now closed)
Oxford, opened August 2021^[10] (Now closed)
Portsmouth, opened July 2021^[34]
Reigate, opened march 2022 (now closed)
Rotherham, opened Dec 2021
Southampton, opened 2021^[35]
St Helens, opened October 2021^[36] (Now closed)
Sunderland, opened April 2021^[37]
Torquay, opened March 2022. Changed ownership December 2022 ^[38]
Truro, opened May 2021^[39]
Wakefield, opened April 2021^[40]
Wirral, opened 2019^[41]
Loughborough, opened February 2022 (now closed)

References

^ "Geek Retreat: Retailer of 'all things geeky' to open 100 new shops". BBC News. 2020-10-19. Archived from the original on 2021-01-28. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ "Geek Retreat rolls the dice on smaller town stores". BBC News. 2021-07-26. Archived from the original on 2021-10-19. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ ^a ^b Hopkins, Daniel (2020-12-15). "Holy new business Batman: New café for all those nerdy opens in Bury". Bury Times. Archived from the original on 2020-12-30. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ ^a ^b Williams, Jenessa (2018-07-24). "'The stuff of introverted teen fantasy' - what happens inside Geek Retreat Leeds?". Confidentials. Retrieved 2021-11-04.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^ ^a ^b Rodger, Hannah (2016-08-29). "Glasgow Means Business: Stephen and Carina Walsh of Geek Retreat". Glasgow Times. Retrieved 2021-11-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^ ^a ^b "Geek Retreat". British Franchise Association. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ "Geek Retreat 'on track' to open 60 new stores by end of 2021". 2021-06-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^ https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/SC528634/filing-history
^ https://www.creditman.co.uk/company-notices/company/SC528634
^ ^a ^b Eirian Jane, Prosser (2021-08-16). "A new board games cafe has opened in Oxford (and is welcoming all 'geeks')". Oxford Mail. Archived from the original on 2021-08-16. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ Scott, Jenna (2022-04-01). "Aberdeen game store aims to provide a 'safe space' for minority groups". AberdeenLive. Retrieved 2022-06-06.
^ "Wednesday Yugioh at Geek Retreat Barnsley! – Geek Retreat UK". geek-retreat.uk. Retrieved 2022-07-29.
^ Barrett, Fay (2021-08-10). "Newlyweds open disability inclusive Geek Retreat in Bedford". Bedford Independent. Archived from the original on 2021-08-11. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ Harrigan, Joe (2021-06-10). "'Geek culture' comics and video games cafe comes to Blackburn". Lancashire Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2021-06-11. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ Reader, Jane (2020-10-19). "Attention all geeks: Retailer Geek Retreat plans to open a store in Bournemouth". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 2021-11-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^ "Trader of the Week: 'I wish this place had been in Bradford when I was a kid'". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 2020-10-29. Archived from the original on 2020-11-06. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ Ferris, Mick (2021-05-17). "Ground-breaking service supports Essex adults with learning disabilities into paid employment". Yellow Advertiser. Archived from the original on 2021-05-17. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ Green, Lucie (2021-11-03). "Magical cosplay fun and all round geekness at grand launch of new Daventry business". Daventry Express. Archived from the original on 2021-11-04. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ "Geek Retreat Unveils New Store in Dumfries". Retail & Leisure International. 2021-07-20. Archived from the original on 2021-07-20. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ Vowles, Charlotte (2021-07-16). "Shop obsessed with geek culture opens this weekend". DevonLive. Archived from the original on 2021-07-16. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ "Harrogate's Geek Retreat to create autism-friendly space". The Stray Ferret. 2021-09-23. Archived from the original on 2021-09-23. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ Key, Alys (2021-06-02). "Geek Retreat confirms high street expansion plans are on track". inews.co.uk. Retrieved 2021-11-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^ Mclaughlin, Charlotte (2021-10-22). "First look inside Ipswich's new Geek Retreat games cafe". Ipswich Star. Archived from the original on 2021-11-02. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ Collis, Emily (2021-02-13). "Geek Retreat new gaming store opening in Kidderminster". Kidderminster Shuttle. Retrieved 2021-11-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^ Jones, Becky (2021-04-03). "See inside new city centre shop Geek Retreat". LeicestershireLive. Archived from the original on 2021-04-03. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ Verney, Joseph (2021-10-14). "Hidden gem: Gamers meet at inclusive Geek Retreat Lincoln". The Lincolnite. Archived from the original on 2021-10-14. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ "Shazam! Take a look at the superhero transformation of Llandudno's old post office". North Wales Pioneer. Archived from the original on 2020-08-04. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ ^a ^b Freeman, John (2021-06-02). "Geek Retreat expands stores across the UK with future plans for European roll-out". downthetubes.net. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
^ Welford, Joanne (2020-01-21). "Dedicated 'geek' culture cafe chain opening in Middlesbrough". TeessideLive. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
^ "Geek Retreat to open branch in Motherwell". Glasgow World. 2019-11-11. Retrieved 2021-11-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^ Odell, Carly (2020-10-16). "Take a look inside the brand new gaming cafe opening in Northampton TODAY". Northampton Chronicle. Retrieved 2021-11-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^ "Geek Retreat confirms plans to open new Barons Quay store next month". Northwich Guardian. Archived from the original on 2020-07-21. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ Pinchess, Lynette (2019-11-20). "Geek Retreat to open in the city - with appearance by Star Wars actor". NottinghamshireLive. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
^ "Portsmouth sees opening of new card and tabletop gaming store and cafe Geek Retreat". www.portsmouth.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2021-08-01. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ Edgley, Timothy (2021-08-14). "Listed: New firms that have opened their doors for the first time in Southampton". Daily Echo. Retrieved 2021-11-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^ Mulligan, Simon (2021-10-06). "Geek Retreat shop launches in town centre". St Helens Star. Archived from the original on 2021-10-06. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ Wheeler, Katy (2021-04-19). "Geek Retreat opens new gaming cafe and shop in Sunderland city centre unit". Sunderland Echo. Archived from the original on 2021-11-02. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ Abbott, Caroline (2022-01-25). "'Geek culture' cafe coming to Devon". DevonLive. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
^ Morwood, Ryan (2021-05-12). "New gaming community hub in Cornwall gives players a place to 'geek out'". Falmouth Packet. Archived from the original on 2021-05-12. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ "Luxury boutique and board game cafe among new Wakefield businesses opening for the first time as lockdown easing continues". www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2021-04-12. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
^ Echo, Liverpool (2019-11-28). "An autism friendly 'Geek Retreat' for comic and gaming fans trials in Merseyside". Liverpool Echo. Archived from the original on 2021-01-24. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[:0-1] "Geek Retreat: Retailer of 'all things geeky' to open 100 new shops". BBC News. 2020-10-19. Archived from the original on 2021-01-28. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[2] "Geek Retreat rolls the dice on smaller town stores". BBC News. 2021-07-26. Archived from the original on 2021-10-19. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[:3-3] Hopkins, Daniel (2020-12-15). "Holy new business Batman: New café for all those nerdy opens in Bury". Bury Times. Archived from the original on 2020-12-30. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[:2-4] Williams, Jenessa (2018-07-24). "'The stuff of introverted teen fantasy' - what happens inside Geek Retreat Leeds?". Confidentials. Retrieved 2021-11-04.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[:5-5] Rodger, Hannah (2016-08-29). "Glasgow Means Business: Stephen and Carina Walsh of Geek Retreat". Glasgow Times. Retrieved 2021-11-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[:4-6] "Geek Retreat". British Franchise Association. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[7] "Geek Retreat 'on track' to open 60 new stores by end of 2021". 2021-06-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[8] ttps://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/SC528634/filing-history

[9] ttps://www.creditman.co.uk/company-notices/company/SC528634

[:1-10] Eirian Jane, Prosser (2021-08-16). "A new board games cafe has opened in Oxford (and is welcoming all 'geeks')". Oxford Mail. Archived from the original on 2021-08-16. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[11] Scott, Jenna (2022-04-01). "Aberdeen game store aims to provide a 'safe space' for minority groups". AberdeenLive. Retrieved 2022-06-06.

[12] "Wednesday Yugioh at Geek Retreat Barnsley! – Geek Retreat UK". geek-retreat.uk. Retrieved 2022-07-29.

[13] Barrett, Fay (2021-08-10). "Newlyweds open disability inclusive Geek Retreat in Bedford". Bedford Independent. Archived from the original on 2021-08-11. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[14] Harrigan, Joe (2021-06-10). "'Geek culture' comics and video games cafe comes to Blackburn". Lancashire Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2021-06-11. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[15] Reader, Jane (2020-10-19). "Attention all geeks: Retailer Geek Retreat plans to open a store in Bournemouth". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 2021-11-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[16] "Trader of the Week: 'I wish this place had been in Bradford when I was a kid'". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 2020-10-29. Archived from the original on 2020-11-06. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[17] Ferris, Mick (2021-05-17). "Ground-breaking service supports Essex adults with learning disabilities into paid employment". Yellow Advertiser. Archived from the original on 2021-05-17. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[18] Green, Lucie (2021-11-03). "Magical cosplay fun and all round geekness at grand launch of new Daventry business". Daventry Express. Archived from the original on 2021-11-04. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[19] "Geek Retreat Unveils New Store in Dumfries". Retail & Leisure International. 2021-07-20. Archived from the original on 2021-07-20. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[20] Vowles, Charlotte (2021-07-16). "Shop obsessed with geek culture opens this weekend". DevonLive. Archived from the original on 2021-07-16. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[21] "Harrogate's Geek Retreat to create autism-friendly space". The Stray Ferret. 2021-09-23. Archived from the original on 2021-09-23. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[22] Key, Alys (2021-06-02). "Geek Retreat confirms high street expansion plans are on track". inews.co.uk. Retrieved 2021-11-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[23] Mclaughlin, Charlotte (2021-10-22). "First look inside Ipswich's new Geek Retreat games cafe". Ipswich Star. Archived from the original on 2021-11-02. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[24] Collis, Emily (2021-02-13). "Geek Retreat new gaming store opening in Kidderminster". Kidderminster Shuttle. Retrieved 2021-11-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[25] Jones, Becky (2021-04-03). "See inside new city centre shop Geek Retreat". LeicestershireLive. Archived from the original on 2021-04-03. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[26] Verney, Joseph (2021-10-14). "Hidden gem: Gamers meet at inclusive Geek Retreat Lincoln". The Lincolnite. Archived from the original on 2021-10-14. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[27] "Shazam! Take a look at the superhero transformation of Llandudno's old post office". North Wales Pioneer. Archived from the original on 2020-08-04. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[:6-28] Freeman, John (2021-06-02). "Geek Retreat expands stores across the UK with future plans for European roll-out". downthetubes.net. Retrieved 2021-11-08.

[29] Welford, Joanne (2020-01-21). "Dedicated 'geek' culture cafe chain opening in Middlesbrough". TeessideLive. Retrieved 2021-11-08.

[30] "Geek Retreat to open branch in Motherwell". Glasgow World. 2019-11-11. Retrieved 2021-11-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[31] Odell, Carly (2020-10-16). "Take a look inside the brand new gaming cafe opening in Northampton TODAY". Northampton Chronicle. Retrieved 2021-11-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[32] "Geek Retreat confirms plans to open new Barons Quay store next month". Northwich Guardian. Archived from the original on 2020-07-21. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[33] Pinchess, Lynette (2019-11-20). "Geek Retreat to open in the city - with appearance by Star Wars actor". NottinghamshireLive. Retrieved 2021-11-08.

[34] "Portsmouth sees opening of new card and tabletop gaming store and cafe Geek Retreat". www.portsmouth.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2021-08-01. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[35] Edgley, Timothy (2021-08-14). "Listed: New firms that have opened their doors for the first time in Southampton". Daily Echo. Retrieved 2021-11-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[36] Mulligan, Simon (2021-10-06). "Geek Retreat shop launches in town centre". St Helens Star. Archived from the original on 2021-10-06. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[37] Wheeler, Katy (2021-04-19). "Geek Retreat opens new gaming cafe and shop in Sunderland city centre unit". Sunderland Echo. Archived from the original on 2021-11-02. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[38] Abbott, Caroline (2022-01-25). "'Geek culture' cafe coming to Devon". DevonLive. Retrieved 2022-06-20.

[39] Morwood, Ryan (2021-05-12). "New gaming community hub in Cornwall gives players a place to 'geek out'". Falmouth Packet. Archived from the original on 2021-05-12. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[40] "Luxury boutique and board game cafe among new Wakefield businesses opening for the first time as lockdown easing continues". www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2021-04-12. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[41] Echo, Liverpool (2019-11-28). "An autism friendly 'Geek Retreat' for comic and gaming fans trials in Merseyside". Liverpool Echo. Archived from the original on 2021-01-24. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

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@@ Line 41: / Line 41: @@
 *[[Portsmouth]], opened July 2021<ref>{{Cite web|title=Portsmouth sees opening of new card and tabletop gaming store and cafe Geek Retreat|url=https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/people/gaming-store-geek-retreat-opens-in-portsmouth-city-centre-offering-milkshakes-warhammer-events-pokemon-merchandise-and-much-more-3330344|access-date=2021-11-04|website=www.portsmouth.co.uk|language=en|archive-date=2021-08-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801065346/https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/people/gaming-store-geek-retreat-opens-in-portsmouth-city-centre-offering-milkshakes-warhammer-events-pokemon-merchandise-and-much-more-3330344|url-status=live}}</ref>
 *Reigate, opened march 2022 (now closed)
+*Rotherham, opened Dec 2021
 *[[Southampton]], opened 2021<ref>{{Cite web|last=Edgley|first=Timothy|date=2021-08-14|title=Listed: New firms that have opened their doors for the first time in Southampton|url=https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19513376.southamptons-newest-firms-opened-first-time/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Daily Echo|language=en}}</ref>
 *[[St Helens, Merseyside|St Helens]], opened October 2021<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mulligan|first=Simon|date=2021-10-06|title=Geek Retreat shop launches in town centre|url=https://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/19627032.geek-retreat-shop-launches-st-helens-town-centre/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-04|website=St Helens Star|language=en|archive-date=2021-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006155014/https://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/19627032.geek-retreat-shop-launches-st-helens-town-centre/}}</ref> (Now closed)