Case Study:
Retro Relics Game Cafe
Retro Relics, a board game café in Market Lavington, has become a vibrant community hub, fulfilling founder Neil’s lifelong dream.
Alongside his partner, Denise, they launched the café to combine Neil’s passion for games with a desire to support the community.
After 20 years working on the frontline of care, Neil Rodwell decided that he wanted to change the record. With the support of Denise, the couple took a roll of the dice and rented a unit in the heart of Market Lavington, transforming it into a retro gaming space.
After welcoming their first guests in 2023, the café now hosts a range of groups, including book clubs, mental health drop-in sessions, and youth gaming events.
Recently, they joined the Wizards Play Network, allowing them to offer official Dungeons and Dragons and Magic: The Gathering events.
With its prime location, the Retro Relics has since become a local community hub, offering an accessible and welcoming space for all ages. Looking forward, Neil plans to expand seating and add gaming tables while maintaining the café’s welcoming atmosphere.
“Retro Relics is for everyone,” he says, catering to board game enthusiasts, casual visitors, and coffee lovers alike.
In 2025, the duo are looking to continue their work within the community, offering a pay-it-forward scheme and dedicated sessions in support of men’s mental health in the village.
Denise Rodwell,
Owner
“We’ve learned so much that we simply didn’t know before.”
“We thought we were marketing enough, we now know that we were not, not even close. We were told to focus on our ideal customers and we assumed these would be gamers, and we’ve realised we have several types of ideal customers and gaming is just part of it.”
“We have a supportive community who will now drop in here to get fresh milk, or to spend time and not feel lonely. This whole experience has opened our eyes.”
“Don’t hesitate to reach out and get support from the team at Wiltshire Rural Hubs.”
“When you run a business or start a community project, there’s so much to learn and so much you don’t know yet chances are your own community will support you. People want services where they don’t have to travel for half an hour or an hour to access them – or have to catch a bus.”
“This support service, much of which is free, helps you to avoid obvious pitfalls and also sets realistic expectations.”
Neil Rodwell,
Owner
