The Black Lantern is a dedicated tabletop gaming venue designed for roleplayers, wargamers, card players and hobbyists who want a place to belong.
Whether you’re embarking on an epic RPG campaign, commanding armies across a battlefield, competing in a card tournament, or simply sharing a drink with fellow adventurers, The Black Lantern is built to be your home away from home.
The Black Lantern began with a simple idea. We wanted somewhere people could meet new friends, enjoy great food and drink, and discover the hobbies we love in a welcoming environment. For many people, tabletop gaming can feel intimidating to enter. Existing groups are often well established, and newcomers can struggle to find their place. The Black Lantern exists to be that first step into the hobby—a beacon for anyone looking to discover new adventures, new communities, and new friendships.
We aim to create a venue where people can enjoy great food and drink while exploring the hobbies they love. You’ll be made to feel welcome no matter your experience.
From themed gaming spaces and atmospheric lighting to carefully curated décor and music, every element of the venue is intended to enhance the experience and help bring your adventures to life.
Designed with tabletop gaming in mind, our venue has everything you need, from RPG tables and wargaming terrain to lighting and seating that actually works.
No experience? No problem. We’re committed to making tabletop gaming accessible, with beginner-friendly events, welcoming communities and opportunities to learn from experienced players.
We believe tabletop gaming builds friendships, confidence, and lasting memories. The Black Lantern exists to support those connections.
From dwarven ales and arcane elixirs to classic favourites, our themed drinks bring The Black Lantern to life, served with quality hospitality in surroundings worth raising a tankard to.
The Black Lantern started with a simple question: what if Aberdeen had a place built around tabletop gaming, great food and drink, and genuine community? We put that idea to the test through surveys, events, gaming groups, and online conversations, and the answer was clear. The city is ready.
Survey responses received
Extremely or very interested
Disciplines represented
Levels, newcomers to veterans
Strong interest across roleplaying games, trading card games, board games and wargaming, from seasoned hobbyists and people completely new to tabletop gaming alike.
The message was clear: people don’t just want somewhere to play. They want somewhere to belong. Most gaming spaces are built around a hobby or a shop. The Black Lantern is built around people. A place to gather, relax, learn, and connect, whatever your experience level, whatever your game.
Every survey completed, every discussion held, and every suggestion received has helped refine the vision for The Black Lantern. The dedicated RPG spaces, premium gaming tables, beginner-friendly introduction events, community-driven atmosphere, food and drink offering, and flexible event spaces have all been influenced by the feedback we’ve received from local gamers and prospective visitors. This isn’t a venue being built for the community. It’s a venue being built WITH the community.
The Black Lantern is closer than ever to becoming a reality, and community support is the final piece. If you want to see Aberdeen’s first premium tabletop gaming venue open its doors, join our mailing list. Every signup helps demonstrate demand and brings us one step closer. We’ll keep you updated on progress, milestones, and next steps as we move towards making The Black Lantern happen.
