Cool ? but didn't you just mug yourself by not getting to play?
I assume you have to pay to go to the GW and have a game?
No, they have retail shops that provide table space for playing their games as well as tournaments and even painting competitions (they flog super expensive paints and brushes as well). It's a smart move, especially with the competition from those vidjya games the kids are into these days.
I should stress this is a 1990s anecdote, when some shops were still run by sweaty neckbeards who'd let you get away with shenanigans like no-mini setups (I was at least clutching and citing a purchased rulebook).
No chance these days, they have a
"no sweaty neckbeard" policy, and their only goal is to flog starter sets and get people hooked on the plastic crack.
Fun aside, Henry Cavill (Superman) is a massive GW nerd. He can probably just about afford it as well.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-39B5ShMWw/
Oh, please bear in mind that there are plenty of other systems and settings available (and you can play them for a lot less), it's just that Games Workshop are so dominant in the hobby now.
[UPDATE] Dammit, you've got me looking at the
Glasgow and District Neckbeard Society now, I might drop by on Sunday and hang out with the other geezers.