I was scrolling Facebook the other day and spotted a new business venture, offering Archery and… CHESS. The King in the North is situated in Wakefield and has just launched.
The Archery section looks amazing, with the owner clearly sinking a lot of money in it. Then we get to the chess. With a strong fantasy theme, great back ground music, comfy chairs and wooden boards, it is truly a fantastic experience to sit and play.
Today was their inaugural 10 minute tournament and was free to the general public. Nearly all 30 seats were filled, with the local chess community also beelining in. I was there with Jacob, John Arnott, Seth Woozeer, Chris Tinker and Paul Butterworth. All the others were local enthusiast, with some looking quite strong considering they do not play for clubs.
I also very much enjoyed meeting the other Wakefield Chess Club, who are absolutely lovely people.
That is amazing to see and just goes to show how popular chess is becoming. I could very happily play a number of people in our chess teams. Also, the majority were quite young (20s young. I am nearing 50!).
The King in the North is twinned with Stumps Indoor Cricket nets and on the floor above. If it was not a 45 minute drive, I think I would be there a lot. It is very interesting to see another commercial chess enterprise introduced in Yorkshire, alongside the Chess Centres in Sheffield and Ilkley.
Opening this Saturday! 🥳 #activities #activitycentre #dayout #dayouti… | activities | TikTok