Danny Robert: London’s board game host keeping the magic alive

The dice roll across the table, landing with a gentle thud. A group of players lean in, eyes locked on the board, as the game master unfolds the next twist in their adventure.

A busy evening at Dark Sphere Shepherd’s Bush, where Danny regularly hosts board game nights. March, 2025. Image: Joanna Chan

First met Danny Robert sat one of these game nights, watching as he effortlessly weaved a story that had everyone on the edge of their seats. As a board game host in London, he has built a space where players can escape into different worlds — and tonight, he’s here to share his own magical story with us.

From solo player to game master

Originally from another city, Danny, 26, moved to London with a love for board games and a desire to find a like-minded community. “When I first arrived, I was always exploring board game stores,” he says. “I love playing, but I also wanted to introduce more people to the hobby. Hosting game nights felt like the perfect way to do that.”

Now, he regularly organises tabletop role-playing sessions, with Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) as the main attraction. “We always play D&D — it’s a great way for people to dive into storytelling,” he explains. “Sometimes, we also run Warhammer, but D&D is more accessible for newcomers.”

The magic of a board game night

A great board game night isn’t just about the games — it’s about the people. “You can have the best game in the world, but if the players aren’t engaged, it won’t be fun,” he says. “In Dungeons & Dragons, for example, everyone has to really act as their character. As the host, I take on the role of the narrator, guiding the story while making sure everyone feels part of the adventure.”

The rise of board games, he believes, comes from a desire for more meaningful social interactions. “People want to spend time with friends in a fun and engaging way. Board games create moments of laughter, teamwork, and communication — things you don’t always get from scrolling on your phone.”

A personal touch: painting and playing

Beyond hosting, Danny has recently discovered a new passion — painting miniature figures for board games like Warhammer. He recalls one of his most memorable moments while hosting: “Someone suddenly told me my painted figures looked beautiful. I only started painting two years ago, so that really meant a lot to me. I’m always learning, and I hope to improve even more.”

This personal connection to board games, from storytelling to painting, makes the experience even more rewarding for him.

Miniatures painted by Danny in a Warhammer 40K match. March, 2025. Image: Joanna Chan

Getting started: Danny’s advice for beginners

For anyone looking to get into board games, Danny has a go-to recommendation: “Dungeons & Dragons is perfect for newcomers. It’s social, fun, and doesn’t require a big investment to start playing.” While he personally prefers Warhammer, he admits that the game can be expensive. “With Warhammer, you need to buy an entire army and even paint it. It’s a great game, but D&D is much easier for people just starting.”

The future of board gaming

As London’s board gaming scene grows, Danny sees even bigger things ahead. “More cafés and community spaces are embracing board games, and new ones are popping up all the time,” he says. He also predicts a blending of physical and digital gaming, with apps enhancing rather than replacing board game experiences.

Danny hopes to continue bringing people together through games, storytelling, and creativity. “It’s all about enjoying the moment,” he says with a smile. “Rolling the dice and seeing where the adventure takes you.