About us

and how Robins Hobby Cafe came about

Robins Hobby Cafe in Titanic Belfast is the concept of Husband and Wife team, Bill and Michelle, who have been at the heart of Northern Irelands gaming and crafting communities since 1996. They first made their mark when they launched their family entertainment centres in Belfast, which quickly became hubs for hobbyists of all kinds. Over the years, they’ve cultivated an environment that fosters creativity, community, and fun.

When their daughter Robin was born in 2012, Bill and Michelle’s focus evolved, but their core mission remained the same: to build strong, inclusive communities. This vision led to the creation of our first Robins Hobby Cafe (TM) in 2017 on the Holywood Road in Belfast. Our original cafe closed as a result of COVID restrictions in 2021. In July 2025 they opened Robins Hobby Cafe, Titanic Belfast - a welcoming, fully accessible space where gamers, crafters, and families can come together. The cafe hosts a variety of gaming sessions, including Magic the Gathering, Pokemon, casual board games, and crafting workshops.

Michelle, in particular, extends her love for crafting beyond the cafe by facilitating workshops for local groups, charities, and organisations, where she helps people of all ages and backgrounds express their creativity. She brings her extensive knowledge and passion for art out to groups in the Greater Belfast area, through vibrant, fun classes that help participants use creativity as an outlet for stress and promote mindfulness. She facilitates a wide range of disciplines, including needle felting, resin art, wire-wrapped jewellery making, watercolour painting, alcohol ink art, and many more. These classes not only provide a hands-on, therapeutic way to de-stress but also encourage participants to be fully present in the moment, enhancing their mental well-being. Michelle’s expert facilitation ensures that each class is engaging and accessible, making it an ideal environment for anyone seeking to explore their artistic side. Beyond creativity, her classes also combat social exclusion by bringing people together in a supportive, inclusive space where they can connect with others, build communities and make friends.

Bill, is a self-proclaimed lifelong geek with a love for Magic The Gathering and board games. His passion for gaming goes beyond just playing—it’s about adapting a friendly and welcoming environment where everyone can feel comfortable and have fun, whether they’re seasoned gamers or just starting out. Bill’s approachable, helpful nature makes him a go-to resource for advice and guidance on games, strategies, or just general hobby talk. He’s always happy to chat, share his expertise, and help new players feel at home in the cafe. His dedication to creating a space where everyone can enjoy the best of gaming and community is what makes Robins Hobby Cafe such a special place for both casual players and die-hard enthusiasts alike.

Robin, the inspiration behind Robins Hobby Cafe, and one of the main reasons the Cafe space is designed with accessibility and inclusion at its core. As the daughter of Bill and Michelle, Robins needs and experiences influenced the cafe’s thoughtful design—ensuring it’s fully wheelchair accessible and welcoming to all. This focus on creating a space where everyone can feel comfortable is central to the cafe’s mission. Robin is also a very creative artist, with a keen eye for design and a love for expressing creativity. When it comes to games, Robin is a fan of lighter, fun games like Uno and Zombie Dice, always ready to jump into a game with friends or family. Robins presence is felt throughout the cafe, not just in its name, but in the way the space promotes community, creativity, and playfulness. At the heart of Robins Hobby Cafe, Robins spirit of inclusivity, creativity, and fun shapes the cafe into a place where everyone, no matter their background or abilities, can come together and enjoy.

With a strong commitment to community, Robins Hobby Cafe is more than just a place to play or craft—it’s a vibrant community hub where everyone is welcome to connect, create, and share in the joy of their hobbies.