The Times explores chess revival at Simpson's in the Strand

by Carlos Alberto Colodro
5/14/2026 – Simpson's in the Strand has reopened with a nod to its origins as a chess venue, a detail explored by Harry Wallop in The Times. Wallop's article uses the London restaurant's history to examine a wider revival of over-the-board chess, from social clubs and café events to rising sales of physical chess sets, and considers why the game's face-to-face appeal has endured in a screen-heavy age. | Photo: Matt Brown via Wikimedia Commons
YOUR PERSONAL CHESS COACH - Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of club chess, or already playing at a tournament level: with FRITZ, you can train more efficiently, intelligently and with a more personalised approach than ever before.
FRITZ is more than just a chess engine – it’s a training revolution! Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of club chess, or already playing at a tournament level: with FRITZ, you can train more efficiently, intelligently and with a more personalised approach than ever before.

The appeal of face-to-face play

In an article for The Times titled "Chess at Simpson's in the Strand - where better to play?", published on 3 May 2026, Harry Wallop uses the reopening of Simpson's in the Strand as a starting point for a broader look at chess' renewed popularity, especially as an in-person, social pursuit.

Simpson's, one of London's best-known old restaurants, has reopened under the restaurateur Jeremy King after a five-year closure. King, associated with venues such as The Ivy, The Wolseley, Arlington and The Park, has restored the Strand institution with close attention to its history. Among the details noted by Wallop are the brass chess pieces placed above table lamps - a subtle reference to the building's original purpose. When Simpson's opened in 1828, it was not primarily a restaurant, but a coffee house for chess players.

That history is central to King's plans for the revived venue. He tells Wallop that in the nineteenth century chess could draw a level of public interest comparable, in his view, to modern football, with runners carrying news of results - and even individual moves - between clubs. Simpson's later became equally famous for its traditional British food, particularly roast meats served from carving trolleys. King notes that these trolleys originally allowed players to continue their games while being served, without leaving the board.

Simpson's in the Strand

Chess memorabilia showcased at the Grand Divan (photographed in 2012) | Photo: Lovuschka via Wikimedia Commons

The revived Simpson's will not place chess in the main dining room, the Grand Divan, but King intends to bring the game back upstairs, in the Assembly Room and bar. The drinks list also nods to the theme, with cocktails including a Gambit and a Checkmate. King describes himself as "perfectly chess capable", but emphasises the appeal of physical pieces and face-to-face play in a screen-heavy age. For him, chess can provide a form of quiet social interaction, even when the players themselves say little.

Wallop then places Simpson's in the context of a wider chess boom, noting that the revival is not only online. He reports that physical chess sets are selling well, while the piece also surveys the growth of social chess in Britain. Wallop cites Birmingham's Chesscafé, founded by a student, and Knight Club in east London, which combines chess with a nightclub atmosphere and attracts a young crowd.

Chess has become attractive not only as a competitive game, but also as a way to disconnect from constant digital distraction. Wallop's piece presents the return of chess to Simpson’s not as a nostalgic curiosity, but as part of a broader shift towards games, conversation and shared physical spaces.

Read the full article...

The Gambit Chess Rooms in London, during the lunch hour (1946) | Video: British Pathé

Links

<< Wadim Rosenstein and his intensive plan to promote chess
Super Chess Classic Romania: All draws, Pragg escapes against Firouzja >>
Topics: Simpson's-in-the-Strand
Carlos Colodro is a Hispanic Philologist from Bolivia. He works as a freelance translator and writer since 2012. A lot of his work is done in chess-related texts, as the game is one of his biggest interests, along with literature and music.
Discussion and Feedback Submit your feedback to the editors

See also

Tata Steel Chess - Live!

2/1/2026 – The 88th edition of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament is taking place from 17 January to 1 February and once again features the traditional structure of parallel Masters and Challengers tournaments, each consisting of 14 players competing in a single round-robin. Nodirbek Abdusattorov enters the final round as the sole leader in the Masters, while Andy Woodward and Aydin Suleymanli are tied for first place in the Challengers. | Follow the games live with expert commentary starting at 12.00 CET (6.00 ET, 16.30 IST)
More...
 32

See also

Chess Tradition Returns to Simpson’s

12/25/2025 – One of the world’s most famous chess cafés is Simpson’s-in-the-Strand in London, which is also among the city’s best-known restaurants. It was here that the “Immortal Game” was played. After several years of closure, the historic venue has now reopened — and chess will once again be played there on a regular basis.
More...
 6

Video

MiddleGame 08594EC Springing pawns

A pawn move can change the character of the whole position. Jussupow-Anand (Linares 1991) is all about such powerful pawn moves.