AN up and coming Northwich café has big plans to get families out from behind their screens and into the board room with a new business venture.

Frazer Eden and his wife Betsy, from Lostock, are getting ready to launch Board Beans Café in the former Party Box on Witton Street.

Despite concerns that Cheshire West and Chester Council might turn down their change of use application from retail to café use, planning chiefs have approved their proposal, in no small part due to support drummed up by the local community.

Driven by their own love of board games, the couple’s plan is to create a café space where traditional games fans can dive into an extensive library which spans everything from classics such as Monopoly and Cluedo to modern hits like Super Rhino and Ticket to Ride.

Inspired by visits to cities such as London, Birmingham and Newcastle, where similar ventures have been a huge success, the couple cite the rising independent business spirit in the town as a big motivation.

Frazer, who most recently worked at Relish in Hartford, said: “This has been quite a few years in the planning.

“My wife and I are big fans of board games and have visited lots of similar board game cafes in cities over the past few years.

“Although it’s not a city, there is a lovely vibe in Northwich with lots of independent business popping up, so it feels like a good place to do this.

“We want to create a space where families can step away from their mobile phones and enjoy time together having fun.

“There are places where you can play computer games, and similarly you can play certain old board games in pubs. We’re trying to offer something a bit different.”

With around 250 adult games and 50 children’s games to choose from, part of Board Beans Café’s unique selling point will be its in-house expertise.

Players will be able to ask staff to explain the rules of new games or to remind them of long forgotten rules of historical favourites.

Frazer added: “There is still a little bit of work left to do but we are really excited to be offering a social space for families, friends and even strangers to come together to play some games and to promote a digital detox.”

n Are you looking forward to visiting Board Beans Café? Let us know what you think by emailing yourviews@guardiangrp.co.uk