About the Games Cupboard

The Games Cupboard began with a simple idea: to find traditional games that are easy to pack, enjoyable to play and made to be taken anywhere.

The business was founded in 2026 by John Cowie from Chorleywood, a Scotland Masters hockey player whose sporting commitments regularly take him around the UK and overseas. John also travels extensively with his family, and games such as backgammon and mancala have long provided a welcome way to relax, spend time together and add a little friendly competition to their trips.

After struggling to find good-quality travel versions of the traditional games his family enjoyed, John began sourcing his own. He initially offered a small selection through eBay, where the enthusiastic response showed that plenty of other people were looking for the same thing.

The collection has since expanded to include dominoes, Chinese checkers and other timeless favourites, leading to the creation of The Games Cupboard website.

Today, The Games Cupboard offers carefully chosen games that combine traditional entertainment with practical, portable designs. Whether you are heading on holiday, enjoying a family evening at home or searching for a thoughtful gift, our aim is simple: to help people put down their screens, gather around a game and enjoy time together.