Reviews of Geek Retreat Ipswich. (Shopping Mall) in Ipswich (Suffolk).

Geek Retreat Ipswich

144 Reviews

120 Comments

Shopping mall

Game store

41A Upper Brook St, Ipswich IP4 1DU, United Kingdom

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Description Map Open Hours Reviews Contact Photos

Description

Information of Geek Retreat Ipswich, Shopping mall in Ipswich (Suffolk)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of Geek Retreat Ipswich

Sunday

10am–8pm

Monday

10am–10pm

Tuesday

10am–10pm

Wednesday

10am–10pm

Thursday

10am–10pm

Friday

10am–10pm

Saturday

10am–10pm

Popular times

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Reviews of Geek Retreat Ipswich

O. B.

Visited this little gem on recommendation. I'd taken my son to a chess holiday event as he was keen to learn to play. The staff were friendly and exceptionally helpful and thanks to Rob my son is even more enthused about the game. Mixed age groups, family friendly and very inclusive. It has a great vibe and is a great place to hang out. We are looking forward to our next visit!

j. f.

This is an fantastic place very friendly very recommended. Burgers are fantastic and reasonable priced drinks. Me and my friend now meet up here instead of other places. Very recommended safe place for things like those with autism staff very aware and helpful. Such an good addition to Ipswich I can not recommend it highly enough and am very thankful for it opening in Ipswich

K. T.

We regularly visit here as my son is an avid fan of all things geek. We find the atmosphere and staff welcoming. It truly is a place where individuality is celebrated and everyone is accepting of everyone else which is rare to find nowadays. The owners and the rest of the team work hard to maintain a safe place for people to socialise and enjoy shared interests. They are always helpful and assist with any query when asked.

M. S.

The Geek Retreat has become one of my safe spaces. They kindly offered to help by providing a room when I started the trans and non binary folks group which I am forever grateful for. It’s truly magical to have a place that is so supportive of the lgbtq+ community. The staff are absolutely lovely, the food and drink are affordable and delicious and the range of games is awesome.

Great place for all ages, something for everyone. Pop in with your kids and grab a coffee and board game. Regular events held here for big gamers and geeks. Tots sessions including a toddler group especially for twins and multiples which I appreciate. Only slightly negative comment is that the toddler toys are a little tired but that happens when they are played with regularly so it's a good sign. A great place to go, highly recommend 👌 **edit I have recently revisited Geek Retreat and they have invested in some lovely new toys including a ball pit which the kids loved. Well done Geek Retreat 👏

C. W.

Consistently excellent service, and a great range. Staff are knowledgeable about most tabletop hobbies, and actively involve themselves in regular events. Whether it's card games, board games, miniature painting, or even just a safe place to hang out of an evening, you'll probably find something fun to do here

N. P.

A welcoming, safe, and inclusive space for people of all ages to get together and enjoy themselves. I never fail to enjoy my visits. The business owners are two of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet.

s. m.

We managed to get to the store for the first time today. Mouse (my daughter) loved the Lego and we played a card game called Dino Dump. A cup of tea was pleasant and refreshing. Then onto the video game console to play Mario kart. The shop is both tidy and friendly in appearance. Gaming space seems plentiful and spacious. The staff are welcoming, helpful and presented smartly in their purple colours. Can't recommend enough after a first visit. Well done Geek Retreat Ipswich.

R. L.

My neurodivergent son struggles with public places but the Geek retreat makes him feel welcome, supported and happy. He rarely misses a session of kids dungeons and dragons. Thank you Geek Retreat , it is fantastic for us to be able go somewhere as a family and know it is a safe supportive space.

D. D.

Geek Retreat Ipswich has built up a beautiful welcoming community in the short space of a year. What all the staff and management have achieved is not far off a miracle. It was desperately needed and they are all the reason for many young and old geeks coming together. Also don't know why people feel the need to target one member of staff, especially as he is one of the best they have. I've been served by Dan on a couple of occasion, he is always extremely helpful and polite.

A. W.

Always a great place to visit, such a friendly, welcoming atmosphere - and an excellent place to host a game of D&D! We used the Dragon Room, which was perfect for our game, everyone had a great time. Plus, the food was lovely too! Thanks everyone!

D. S.

I look forward to coming to Geek Retreat every week. It's is such a lovely, friendly place. My daughter comes to the toddler group, and I join in with Crochet corner. The food is amazing and the staff are very friendly and work so hard to make everyone feel welcome. It's the best café in Ipswich, and should be on everybody's to do list.

P. G.

Took my kids here for a few days during the summer. Excellent atmosphere, really friendly staff who took time out to teach my boy how to play the Pokemon game - which he is now obsessed by. Looking forward to getting back there soon.

H. M.

Really good place. Fun events, a good collection of games to play and they don't charge for the table. The food is pretty good for the price. Their Cappuccino are however atrocious...

m. g.

A brilliant place ran by brilliant people. Does exactly what they say. My son's been loving the beginner D&D group. Food and drinks at a sensible pretty and great quality 👍👍

J. B.

I love geek retreat! They are so friendly and welcoming! Good food and drinks! We love the Pokémon kids club on the Saturday morning!

C. S.

Geek retreat Ipswich is one of, if not the most welcoming place in Ipswich. It's a safe place for anyone from all walks of life to come and enjoy the nerdy things in life. The staff are amazing, and there are events/clubs for anyone and everyone to enjoy!

B. S.

Today was my first time visiting. I’m slightly anxious and incredibly shy but the staff were very friendly and welcoming, others in the shop seemed friendly too I was just a little too anxious to say hello to others but I will definitely come again hopefully in time I’ll come to one of the Pokémon league events. I didn’t try the food but the hot chocolate was lovely. The shop offers so much and are definitely worth checking out :)

O. B.

A great hub for all types of tabletop and board gaming enthusiasts to meet. Has been the host of our Blood Bowl League since we started it, and certain that we would not have built up a consistent and friendly group without the support of Geek Retreat and its crew!

R. W.

You have to visit this place. The food was cheap and tasty, the company; friendly and laid-back, and they sell a huge range of amazing things, including locally produced craft items. I visited for a Pokémon Trading Card event (every Saturday 11-2pm) and our whole family loved it. My younger daughter played with others in the play-kitchen area, where there were building blocks and other appropriate toys. My son loved talking to the other children about their cards, playing games against them and learning more about Pokémon. The food we ate was well-priced, well cooked and very welcome. There was even a competition to design a new Pokémon, which both my children loved to take part in. The highlight for me was 'meeting' the two Star Wars droids who had also popped in for the day and speaking to their creators about how they had been built. Geek or not, anyone who lives in Ipswich, or nearby, should visit this place.

M. D.

Awesome place to grab a coffee or swap pokemon cards. Our son loves it so much he's started inviting friends to come along. Staff are friendly, helpful and really welcoming to us of the Neurodivergent tribe. A place to feel safe and to be your total self! Try it, never know till you give it a go. 😁

S. F.

Words have the ability to inspire or oppress. The words I can say about the team, the food, the community, will always fall short of the feeling of joy I have when visiting. I’m a Digimon player so every Tuesday I’m part of a group of similar minded people who are competitive and casual. There is never a bad word said, the games are well managed by the resident master of ceremonies. My fellow players and geeks inspire me to enjoy my time at GR, enjoy the opportunities life presents and friends made. If you don’t try the Chicken & Bacon wrap, your missing out! I only feel the slight concern is pricing, sealed booster boxes are high even for a brick and mortar. Space is limited but that’s good and bad, can I moan by the restrictions of physics building space whilst being happy the community takes up this space to the fullest? Even if you sit for a moment and take advantage of the free games with your family, listen to the joy around you, good feelings and good vibes, come to GR (use butter market car park, it’s cheaper). Maybe catch you round Tuesday digi-destined!

H. M.

Absolutely amazing place! Always feel welcomed there and love to see how busy it can get with certain events! Looking forward to more and participate in a few of them too. Keep it up guys. Very good job!

H. M.

This is not a board game cafe, it’s not a shop, it’s not a cafe, it’s not a place to get a coffee or a milkshake… it is quite simply all of these things put together, a wonderful, community driven, safe haven for everyone and especially those of us who don’t always fit in. There’s always a fantastic selection of games, and staff encourage you to bring your own games too, there’s themed nights like DND, Pokémon, Blood Bowl, Magic etc. they put on kids events, learner sessions for specific games. The atmosphere here is always welcoming and fun. I haven’t yet tried the food but drinks are reasonable and we always order a few whilst playing games. It’s free to play, your own or borrow one of the retreats sets. A haunt that we will continue to visit when we need a place to have a game together 😊

A. T.

The one place that makes me want to go into town! Friendly staff and atmosphere. They dont mind if you pop in and just have a rest and dont harass you to buy anything if youre not up to it. Always something to do there, always a smile and a hello and will always be my favorite R+R spot. Having a horrible day? Pop in simply for a sit down and honestly you will feel better for it the people are that nice.

A. H.

Lovely place and can’t recommend it enough. Staff are lovey and always happy to help! Great environment and wouldn’t want to play some Yu Gi Oh! With a great cuppa coffee

Great place for all nerds or people who just want to chill out great for hobbies like war hammer, comics , video games.Fast food and drinks are available. Friendly staff that work weekends A great addition to Ipswich Town centre.

C. “.

Been here a lot now, I've never had a bad experience. The staff are lovely and can't do enough for you. Also extremely comfortable.

s. w.

Brilliant place, very welcoming and food and milkshake were lush .My partner and I had a great game while having lunch it was great respite for us both.

R. G.

Everyone at GR are very friendly and it’s a really good atmosphere, I own a shop down the road and they have helped me out and now and then they pop in to see how things are going, they’re a real credit to the community and I’m very glad they’re here.

S. S.

I’ve been to the store several times and the staff that were there each time were always very welcoming and friendly, they were knowledgeable about the products and were very accommodating making me a vegan version of a milkshake.

J. T.

“Discovered” geek retreat a few weeks ago with my son. It’s now our go to place for a spot of MTG. Friendly staff and reasonable prices.

C. G.

Aright food and atmosphere but was a bit bizzare to see that someone had dropped loads of Pokémon cards and a random book on the floor but apart from that it was a great experience would possibly visit again.

C. 1.

Absolutely lovely place, the welcoming staff, the tasty food and their community has allowed me to break out of my shell and have fun playing games again.

D. C.

This place is amazing especially after covid is nice to be able to meet up with some friends and have a good time together and forget about the real world for a few hours.

P. R.

My husband and I popped in for a bite to eat and a quick game of Scrabble (being in our 70s, that's probably our limit😂). Everyone was so friendly! so friendly

D. B. D.

Genuinely lovely people running a very welcoming and inclusive space. We love to visit for a milkshake and a game!

e. g.

Can’t rate this place high enough, their staff are always super friendly, welcoming and helpful. Really good to see such an inclusive space for all in the town centre!

J. C.

I have yet to visit this place however I hear alot of good about this place and when I eventually get round to doing my YouTube Vlogs in Ipswich I will be dropping by and maybe include the visit on my Channel 😉 gotta love abit of Gaming 😁

D. C.

Very welcoming,relaxed and chilled atmosphere,my kids love this place.Staff always kind and friendly.

S. A.

Great place to spend the day if you enjoy games of any kind! Loads of free board games and nerdy games to play and you can stay as long as you like! They just ask that you buy somthing every hour which is fair. Lovely relaxed, colourful environment. Lots of tables. Chips I ordered were nice and reasonably priced. There was sanitiser on each table so you can disinfect hands after sharing the games. Great place to browse to buy games and nerdy / pop culture merch too as well as work from local artists and creators. Defo recommend I visit!

D. “.

Great place to spend with your kids , play board games and check out all the cool geek stuff !

J. S.

Really good place for a games night out with friends family and children. Lots of free board games for children to entertain and learn new games too. Good is good standard and lovely staffs who are welcoming and helpful with anything if you are open to experience new types of games. You can book ahead for tables or rooms for peace of mind. Definitely a regular weekly customer.

n. t.

Fantastic place, wonderful hospitality from the owners and 99 percent of the staff. Unfortunate the owners are not there more because they are genuine legends. Probably the best customer service from those two I have experienced in every aspect of customer service in my life. Also amenities and serving staff top notch . Hopefully next time will be a five out of five. Update, thank you for kind reply, i have spent nearly twenty three years in the customer service sector myself and appreciate fantastic customer service from you guys, it's sometimes extremely hard to find these days.and will be in again soon to say hello to rob again :)

D. R.

We really enjoyed it here. Really welcoming and the staff are really helpful. Only thing that knocked a star off was that my fries were overdone, the vegan burger and the waffles were amazing though! Good range of geeky products and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Could benefit from having kid size meal options (forgive me if they were there an I didn't see them)

J. M.

Amazing people they have given my special needs son a new lease on life , he's always talking about them and how much fun he has when he goes 😀

M. “. O.

Had my 3rd visit to Ipswich GR and my 2nd game of warhammer 40k at GR, Best place I've played at for ages. Friendly vibe and friendly opponents to play against, Monday evenings is 40k night and I'll be a familiar face and do love to see more come and play!

A. H.

Great place. We played a huge variety of games as recommended by the staff - couple of easy to learn card games, cranium, and a hilarious drawing game called telestation (or similar). Lovely atmosphere, good food, friendly staff. What more could you want.

D. P.

Friendly place to chill, play games, and grab a bite to eat. Reasonable prices and a great place to burn some time!

N. R.

These guys provide an amazing space for so many people who need it. It's a safe space of acceptance for anyone and everyone, and they help those that feel they do t fit in to belong somewhere.

k. b.

Great staff! Willing to help and teach mum's and dad's as well as the kid's! Food is great as well.

J. H.

friendly staff, good atmosphere, great milkshakes. Love places like this!

A. J.

We had a great time today! First time trying the chicken burger and it was delicious! We also tried some milkshakes and they were all really good. Staff is always helpful.

J. S.

Nice and friendly staff. Lots of variety of games available to play from the library.

H. H.

Popped in for the first time this evening for a look with my autistic sister in law and was given a show around and had a good chat, made to feel very comfortable. Fantastic shop, friendly staff. Looking forward to returning.

Such a great place to chill with family and friends! The drinks are lovely, and there's a lot to see and do 😁 Thanks for a wonderful experience every time I've popped into the store (and a special thanks to Laura for keeping us company, and for teaching us a wonderful new card game)!

C. A.

Great place the staff are amazing felt s much at home with my kids 😍😍 Coming back

c. m.

My daughter absolutely loves this place and we travel from Colchester. Such a friendly place to be.

A. F.

10 out of 10 they were excellent very accommodating really made us feel at home most welcoming I'm very grateful I will be returning soon loved the experience.

H. F.

Fantastic place. Very welcoming staff. Always something to do and good food

J. F.

Incredibly welcoming atmosphere, great staff and lots to do for people of all ages!

Friendly and fun! A really nice addition to Ipswich’s town centre

B. S.

Super friendly and passionate staff (yes that's right. Actual real life people who will talk to you and give you superb customer service) ,retro gaming corner, free to try board game section, seating to chill or play your favourite TCG, God tier milkshakes. To quote an absolute icon - "Geek Retreat is so fetch"

P. P.

Great place to meet up with games to play and but. Family friendly with food and drink and themed activities

K. L.

Great place. Lovely friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. Brought my children for the craft afternoon and they had a brilliant time. Great value for money also.

s. m.

My daughter and myself had a good afternoon making a new friend and being shown how to play a new board game. The hot chocolate was really good and I would recommend this place to everyone very friendly and fun x

R. _.

Very friendly was able to show off lightsaber moves to Gary

T. G.

My son who has autism, has visited a couple of times now, he loves it, great food and drinks, very friendly staff, and you can play computer games, as his mum it's great to know there's a safe environment for him to go to that's local, highly recommend trying them out for geeks of any sort and any age 😊

W. S.

Best place to hang out if you have an itch only a game of something nerdy will scratch. Also, so nice to take my partner somewhere that wheelchair access was a priority not an afterthought.

G. T.

Really great helpful staff and lots to look at. Kept the teen-ager busy for a bit!

k. w.

Overall atmosphere is welcoming and inviting , great selection of games to play with the children and selection of tasty wraps , milkshakes and food to choose from also the amount of geekery and nerdery to choose from to take home and learn about and cuddle such as blue shell pillows

L. P.

Kind, friendly staff and good food. A very accepting place for anyone who struggles to make friends or gets anxious but enjoys playing board/card games

B. K.

Staff were amazing with the kids and teaching them how to play pokémon.

A wonderful group of friendly and welcoming people. Highly recommended

m. m.

got to meet bunch of people who play the same kind of game as me was quite nice you get to find out what you are missing for the games you play and see what other people make was my first time with mates going there so usually a shy kind of guy everyone got along well tho and staff always welcoming to help only problem i would have with the place is prices for food and drink when it comes to it you could just pop over the road or somewhere nearby if need be

S. S.

Sharon and her all Star team have created simply a phenomenal space for all things geek. This store should be your go to hang out. It offers great food and drink, amazing geeky merch from trading cards to boardgames to hats and funko pops plus much much more. Hell you might even on occasion bump into a stormtrooper, Deadpool, Pokémon, an ewok or even Scooby-Doo and the gang. If your in Ipswich or the surrounding area there isn't a better geek retreat on a long long way.

J. C.

A great place to come, relax, chat play board games and have a tea or coffee. The staff here are fantastic as well.

R. S.

Have visited Geek Retreat Ipswich several times since it opened. Whilst the atmosphere is good and they have an extensive selection of games, the service has been very slow every time.

J. H.

Great place to go and chill out whilst the kids play some board games. Good amount of stock.

M. C.

Very friendly place, with good food and awesome milkshakes. Perfect to just hang out, spend a few hours gaming with friends, or head down and make new friends.

S. J. P.

One of the best kept secrets in town! Great coffee, games for the whole family and the friendliest staff. Will be back again soon

T. C.

Took my son & daughter to visit today & they loved it!!This hub is just what Ipswich needs.Friendly staff,good atmosphere,plenty to keep everyone 'nerdy or geeky'amused & entertained.They loved the food & my son was highly amused by the Dr Bad-Boon milkshake....reasonably priced as well.Thank you for being so welcoming.Keep up the good work!!x

K. J.

We visited today and this shop is awesome! The staff are so welcoming and really made an effort with the costumes for opening day. Definitely visiting again soon 🤠

C. E.

A great place to visit. He attended a YuGiOh event and everyone was very welcoming. We look forward to returning again

R. S.

Best cafe in Ipswich not only is the food great but the atmosphere and staff are very friendly and you never feel like an outsider good job guys and ty for all the good times.

G. l.

Absolutely awesome shop! The staff have superb knowledge in all things geek! Great idea, great atmosphere and they even do great food!

R. T. B.

Love this place, very friendly engaging staff A+ 😄👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

C. N. w.

Food is amazing, staff are super friendly and the merchandise they sell is far out. Can't recommend this place enough, a definite place to visit when in town

M. G.

Good atmosphere, milkshake was nice and food was good

D. F.

Awesome place for all nerds and geeks alike. Great Milshakes and Coffee. Friendly and welcoming

A. B.

Wonderful staff, and a great place to hang out and play games. Food's pretty good too.

J. c.

This is the sort of thing nerds all over the world love. Apart from slightly overpriced food n drink you have good seating is always peaceful and they have consoles to play on.