The Goblins Nook

The Goblins Nook: wargaming and hobby in Shirley, Southampton

The Goblins Nook is an independent wargaming shop and tabletop gaming space located in Shirley, Southampton. It presents itself as more than just a shop: a meeting place for hobbyists of all levels who want to paint, play, assemble miniatures and share their passion. The main venue, at Unit J1 of the Liners Industrial Estate on Pitt Road, has eight gaming tables and painting tables, and is designed for learning, swapping tips, trying new games and connecting with others in the hobby.

Product range

The shop sells Warhammer and other wargaming and hobby brands. Its catalogue includes paints, brushes, miniatures, dice, basing and terrain elements, as well as spray primers. Among the brands and ranges featured on the website are Games Workshop, Army Painter, Colour Forge, DarkStar Molten Metals, GamersGrass, Dirty Doen, Fanatic Effects, Fanatic Metallics and Fanatic Washes. It also offers second-hand miniatures and items for Blood Bowl, Necromunda and Bolt Action, as well as Konflikt'47 products.

Regular events and activities

The space hosts regular activities, many of them paid with some free to enter. The programme includes Blood Bowl night, held every other Friday at a cost of £6; miniature painting workshops with Bunny, at £10; a Magic: The Gathering Commander night, at £3; a Bolt Action beginner-friendly day at 750 points, for £8; and a social painting night to paint miniatures, at £5. There is also a Warhammer 40,000 introductory activity called First Blood, for £6.

Pre-orders and new releases

The shop maintains pre-order and new release sections, with weekly restocking of paints, brushes and miniatures. Pre-order items include Space Marine squads such as Intercessor Squad, Outrider Squad, Vanguard Veteran Squad with jump packs, Captain On Bike, Eradicator Squad with heavy bolters and Land Speeder. New arrivals include Bolt Action products, such as olive drab orders dice, a German veteran infantry platoon and a starter set, as well as activities such as First Blood, the social painting night and the Bolt Action beginner-friendly day.

Competitions and campaigns

The community takes part in its own initiatives, such as a Halloween painting competition in 2026, in which participants collect a potion prompt in the shop, paint any model to that theme and submit photos by 31 October, with voting in November. A Necromunda campaign set in the depths of Hive Obitus has also been launched, with twelve players taking part. The shop has expanded its terrain collection for the eleventh edition of Warhammer 40,000, with scenery such as Ork Scraplands, Gothic Ruins and Age of...

Second location in Botley

In addition to the Shirley venue, The Goblins Nook has a shop in Botley, described as a compact, easily accessible space, designed for quick visits and for picking up paints, models and advice without any hassle.

Community and participation

The company defines itself by its aim to build a safe and welcoming space for hobbyists of all levels, from experienced painters to competitive players or people picking up a brush for the first time. For those who want to organise games, contribute to the community or ask questions, the shop offers a dedicated contact email and in-person participation channels.

Location and contact

Unit J1 Liners Industrial Estate, Pitt Rd, Southampton SO15 3FQ · Phone: 07482 789877 · Email: info@thegoblinsnook.co.uk