A new board game café is planning to open in the former Waltons Models shop premises in Altrincham town centre.
The Bee and Thistle Board Game Café has filed a licensing application with Trafford Council for the unit at 30 Stamford Street, which became vacant in March 2025 when Waltons Models closed after more than 60 years of trading.
The long-established model shop, which had been a fixture in Altrincham for over six decades, shut its doors with a brief message on its website stating: "After over 60 years trading the shop has now closed."
According to the premises licence application submitted to Trafford Council, The Bee and Thistle is seeking permission to serve alcohol alongside its board gaming offering.
The proposed opening hours would see the café operating Monday to Thursday from 12:00 to 22:00, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 to 23:00, and Sunday from 12:00 to 21:00, with alcohol sales permitted during the same hours.
Board game cafés have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering customers the chance to enjoy food and drinks while playing from extensive libraries of traditional and modern board games.
The licensing application is currently under consideration by Trafford Council, with local residents and interested parties able to submit representations during the consultation period.
