Brad Bloomfield, Marnie Chambers and Kieran Rundle spent more than two months transforming the former Fabric Land shop into a medieval tavern.
They held a grand opening on Saturday (January 4) that was attended by 140 people at its peak, despite the snowfall and chilly weather outside.
Marnie and Brad behind the bar (Image: Spencer Mulholland) The tavern is a gaming venue that provides a space for people to play fantasy games such as Dungeons and Dragons, Warhammer, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon and other trading card games, plus classic board games.
“It was beyond incredible,” said Brad, 31.
“It was the perfect end to two-and-a-half months of hard work. We were so exhausted from building that it was quite an emotional experience.
“It was crazily busy.”
The Tabletop Tavern on Catherine Street (Image: Newsquest) A signature cocktail they created for the evening, called A Knight to Remember, was sold out by 10pm – two hours before closing time.
Until April, The Tabletop Tavern was based on the top floor of Live Escape Rooms in Cross Keys Shopping Centre but is now settling into its new home.
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“Having more space and a bar that we own is so liberating,” said Brad.
“Everyone was so friendly to each other and us and were playing games with people they had never met before, which was so nice to see.
“It feels like a community space, and it doesn’t feel like any other bar in Salisbury.”
The venue will have a packed schedule of events including themed nights (such as Dungeons and Dragons and video game Fallout), quizzes and tournaments.
Brad said: “We would really love to be part of the alternative community in Salisbury and see it grow, and we will do what we can to bolster it.”