Welcome to The Orc’s Head
The Orc’s Head is an independent shop and creative community for gamers, artists, makers and adventurers.
Coming to Potters Bar, our aim is to bring tabletop gaming, miniature painting, fantasy art and hands-on creativity together under one roof. From role-playing games, trading cards and miniatures to paints, brushes, terrain, art supplies and original creations, everything we offer is chosen to help people explore their imagination.
The Orc’s Head is being built as more than somewhere to shop. It will be a welcoming and accessible place to meet new people, discover new games, learn creative skills and share the hobbies you love. We plan to host gaming sessions, clubs, workshops, demonstrations, community events and opportunities for independent artists and creators.
Whether you are an experienced gamer, a professional artist, a dedicated hobbyist or someone taking their first step into a new world, there will be a place for you at The Orc’s Head.
Play. Create. Belong.
Why The Orc’s Head Uses AI
At The Orc’s Head, AI is not a gimmick. It is part of an accessibility system that allows our founder, Paul, to continue communicating, creating and building a business while living with motor neurone disease.
Paul is the first person in the UK to receive a Neuralink implant as part of the GB-PRIME Study. The brain-computer interface provides another way for him to interact with a computer, while AI helps transform his instructions into emails, plans, research, written content and early visual concepts.
The ideas, direction and final decisions remain human.
We use AI to remove barriers—not to remove artists, writers, makers or experts. AI-assisted concept images will be identified where appropriate, and we remain committed to working with human artists, designers, craftspeople, suppliers and members of our community as The Orc’s Head develops.
For us, accessible technology means that a physical disability does not have to end creativity, entrepreneurship or participation.
The BCI provides access. AI extends what that access makes possible. Human judgement gives it purpose.
Play. Create. Belong.
About us!
Meet Paul and Barbara
We’re Paul and Barbara, the people behind The Orc’s Head.
The idea for the shop grew from our belief that gaming, art and creativity have an incredible ability to bring people together. We wanted to create more than a place that simply sells products. Our aim is to build a welcoming independent shop in Potters Bar where people can discover new interests, meet others, develop their skills and feel part of a genuine community.
The Orc’s Head brings together tabletop games, role-playing games, trading cards, miniatures, painting, crafting and fantasy art. Whether someone is an experienced player, a professional artist, a dedicated hobbyist or a complete beginner, we want them to feel comfortable walking through our door.
As a small independent business, we care deeply about the atmosphere we create and the way people are treated. We want the shop to be friendly, inclusive and accessible, with opportunities to play games, join clubs, attend workshops, support independent creators and share ideas with others.
For us, The Orc’s Head is a personal project and a long-term commitment to building something positive for the local community. We’re excited to welcome you, hear your stories and begin this adventure together.
Paul and Barbara
The Orc’s Head
Play. Create. Belong.
Raising awareness of MND
Supporting the MND Community
Paul's experience with MND inspired him to raise awareness about the disorder to help find a cure or treatment for the many others affected by it. Join us in our mission to support and empower those living with MND and their families. Together, we can make a difference.
Orc's Head
65 Daekes Lane
Potters Bar
EN^ !BJ
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday
10 am to 7 pm
Friday to Saturday
10 am to 8 pm
Sunday
10 am 6 pm
How to Find The Orc’s Head
The Orc’s Head – Art & Adventure Supplies
65 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 1BJ
We’re conveniently located on Darkes Lane, approximately 100–150 metres from Potters Bar railway station—normally around a two-minute walk.
Travelling by train
Potters Bar station is served by Great Northern trains, with services and connections from:
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London King’s Cross
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Moorgate
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Finsbury Park
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Hatfield
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Welwyn Garden City
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Stevenage and surrounding areas
Leave the station through the main Darkes Lane exit and follow Darkes Lane to number 65.
Check live trains and plan your journey through National Rail or Great Northern.
Travelling by bus
The nearest stops are Potters Bar Railway Station and Mutton Lane, opposite Darkes Lane.
Routes serving the area include:
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298: Arnos Grove, Southgate and Cockfosters to Potters Bar
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313: Chingford, Ponders End and Enfield to Potters Bar
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242: Waltham Cross, Cheshunt, Goffs Oak, Cuffley, Potters Bar and Hatfield
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243: Barnet Hospital, Barnet, Potters Bar, Brookmans Park and Hatfield
Check current times using TfL Journey Planner or Intalink.
Travelling by car
Enter the following into your satnav:
The Orc’s Head
65 Darkes Lane
Potters Bar
EN6 1BJ
Potters Bar is easily reached from the M25, A1(M), A1000 and A111.
Nearby parking
Potters Bar Station Car Park
Darkes Lane, EN6 1AJ
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Open 24 hours
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274 spaces
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Disabled parking and EV charging available
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Parking charges apply
Check the current station car-park tariff
Manor Road Council Car Park
Off Darkes Lane, EN6 1DG
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122 spaces
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Disabled parking
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EV charging available
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A short walk from the shop
Manor Road parking information
Wyllyotts Place Council Car Park
Off Darkes Lane, EN6 2HN
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100 spaces
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Disabled parking
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Useful as an additional parking option
Wyllyotts Place parking information
Limited on-street parking may be available, but please check all signs and restrictions before leaving your vehicle.
Accessible travel
Potters Bar is classified as a Category B2 station. All platforms can be reached using long, steep ramps, but the station does not have lifts. A staff-operated boarding ramp may also be required.
Passengers who need assistance should arrange it through Great Northern Passenger Assist before travelling.
The station also provides:
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Accessible toilets
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A Changing Places toilet
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Help points
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A designated drop-off and pick-up point
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Staff assistance when available
We will publish complete information about the shop entrance and in-store accessibility once the premises have been completed.
Taxi, drop-off and cycling
A taxi rank and drop-off area are available at Potters Bar station. Bicycle storage is also provided at the station.
Get directions
Open directions in Google Maps
Please check live travel information and parking restrictions before beginning your journey.
THE ORC’S HEAD – ART & ADVENTURE SUPPLIES
PLAY • CREATE • BELONG
Travel information checked on 26 August 2026.