A PAIR of friends who decided to turn their love of gaming into a business venture are celebrating its two-year birthday.
Ross Birkett and Chris Oates, from Bebington, grew up gaming together, interested in board games, miniatures, and more.
During lockdown, the pair were "re-inspired" to get back into their love for gaming as they had more time on their hands.
Speaking to the Globe, Ross said: "It has very much been a hobby of ours since we were kids.
"In lockdown, a lot of people did the same as us and returned to playing games with family or playing games online.
"It kickstarted ideas about owning a store selling all of our favourite things, and we thought lockdown would end one day so why don't we give it a go and jump into this new venture."
Opening Bulwark Games
In August 2021, the friends got the keys to their new premises on Church Road in Bebington, and after some re-decorating opened in October 2021 as Bulwark Games.
Bulwark Games is a board game café, which sells Birkenhead-roasted coffee. It is also a hobby shop, that sells board games and miniatures, Dungeons and Dragons and Pokemon cards.
Ross, 35, added: "This space is a reflection of who we are.
"Neither of us are engaged in the gaming community, so it’s been nice to be central to that community and have so many consistent regulars.
"People will spend multiple days of the week with us, take part in activities we run, and spend time in our little space. It's been a really special venture."
As Ross and Chris, 35, are celebrating two years since they opened, Ross reflected on one of his highlights.
"One amazing highlight as miniaturists is we have filled the shop with displays of minis", he said.
"We wanted to put them up to add some colour and it’s been an inspiration for hobbyists or inspiring hobbyists, to try their own and ask for some help and to get people on the journey.
"They can be quite costly, and we want to be welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
"We’ve always tried to accommodate people who don’t have a clue, and are a novice. Our whole idea is that we can guide you and get you started and hopefully put you on the right path in an affordable way."
Bulwark Games is open from 4pm-10pm on weekdays and 10am-5pm on weekends.
For more information, visit here.
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