About us

Meet the team and how Robins Hobby Cafe came about

Welcome to Robin’s Hobby Cafe – Titanic Belfast

A Creative, Inclusive Space for Gamers, Crafters, and Families

Robin’s Hobby Cafe, located at Titanic Belfast, is more than just a cafe – it’s a vibrant community hub built on creativity, inclusion, and connection. Founded and owned by husband-and-wife team Bill and Michelle, the cafe brings together their decades of experience in Northern Ireland’s gaming and crafting communities.

Their journey began in 1996 with various family entertainment centres in Belfast and Dundonald, where hobbyists of all kinds found a home. Inspired by the birth of their daughter Robin in 2012, their mission evolved—placing accessibility, community, and creativity at the heart of everything they do.

In 2017, they opened the first Robin’s Hobby Cafe™ on the Holywood Road, a welcoming space for gamers, crafters, and families alike. The cafe quickly became a much-loved part of the local community. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the original location closed in 2021.

Even after the café closed its doors, Michelle continued her work in the community—delivering creative, inclusive art workshops for local charities, community art groups, special needs groups, mental health organisations, schools, and cross-community projects across Greater Belfast and beyond. Her sessions promote emotional wellbeing, mindfulness, and social connection.

In July 2025, Robin’s Hobby Cafe proudly reopened in a brand new, fully accessible location at Titanic Belfast, with a renewed commitment to everything the café stands for: creativity, inclusion, and community. It is a safe and welcoming space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to game, craft, relax, and connect.

Meet the Team

Robin

The Inspiration

Robin’s Hobby Café is named after Bill and Michelle’s daughter, whose creativity and perspective inspired its founding. Robin’s accessibility needs helped shape the inclusive design of the space, which is fully wheelchair-accessible and welcoming to all. Her playful spirit and love of games like Uno and Zombie Dice are at the heart of the café’s warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

Michelle

Michelle is the creative heart of Robin’s Hobby Cafe. In addition to leading workshops at the cafe, she works extensively with community groups across Greater Belfast. Her work is grounded in empathy, inclusion, and the belief that everyone can benefit from self-expression and connection through art. Michelle's work with charities and community groups ensures that art is not just an activity—but a meaningful tool for wellbeing, connection, and inclusion.

At the core of her work is the belief that creativity isn’t just about making things—it’s about making space: for connection, confidence, and joy. Michelle’s mission is to ensure that everyone who walks through the café doors feels supported, and inspired to create.

Bill

Bill is the café’s resident gaming expert, rules explainer, and all-around geek. With decades of experience in the hobby industry amongst, he’s the heart of the gaming community at Robin’s Hobby Café. Whether you’re into Magic The Gathering, board games, miniatures, or just curious about trying something new, Bill is always up for a chat and happy to guide you through your first game (or your hundredth!). Known for his friendly, approachable nature, Bill has a real talent for making people feel at ease—whether they’re seasoned gamers or complete beginners. From running Learn to Play sessions to recommending the perfect game for your group, he’s all about helping people discover the joy of gaming.

Bill’s mission is simple: to build a fun, inclusive space where people of all ages and backgrounds can play, connect, and feel part of something. If there’s dice rolling or card shuffling happening, you can bet Bill’s nearby, ready to welcome you to the table.

Boyd

Hi, my name’s Marc—but most people just call me Boyd.

I’ve been part of the geek world for years and a player for decades. From throwing down in Street Fighter to anything with cards, boards, or dice, I’ve probably given it a go (and occasionally lost spectacularly).

What really drives me, though, is creating a safe and welcoming space where people can relax, play, and connect. Watching folks enjoy themselves here at Robin’s is genuinely one of my favourite things—it feels less like work and more like hanging out in the kind of place I always dreamed of.

In short: I’m basically the modern-day Homer Simpson working at the bowling alley—except with fewer pins and way more dice.