Darts in London - at a glance
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Whether you’re a casual player, lifelong fan, or just there for the walk-on songs, this is your ultimate guide to darts in London. From iconic tournaments to local pubs and high-tech darts bars, we’ve rounded up the best spots to play and watch darts across the city.
A brief history of darts (and why Brits love it)
Darts: the much-loved pub game that’s been played in boozers across Britain for generations – often as part of cross-generational local leagues. You’ve probably spotted a board in your local, heard the iconic “180!” cry, or remember the legendary show Bullseye (complete with questionable fashion and speedboat prizes).
Darts dates back as far as the 1300s, when soldiers used spearheads to practice their aim by throwing them at wine casks – positively medieval. Fast forward a few centuries and the English version of darts emerged at fairgrounds, where we first saw the segmented board design and score system we know today.
The game has evolved massively, from pre-WWI league matches and the golden era of the 1970s and ’80s, to today’s men’s and women’s championships (even the late Queen Mother had a go at the Slough Social Centre).
What hasn’t changed is that darts is a precision sport. It takes a steady hand and a good head for numbers – quick calculations and a decent aim is how you’ll succeed.
Today, players like 18-year-old prodigy Luke “The Nuke” Littler are making headlines and bringing darts back into the spotlight. His rise follows the legacy of legends like the formidable Phil Taylor and the flamboyant Bobby George.
And it’s not just about how you play. There’s a sense of pageantry to darts that you don’t always expect. Think boxing: walk on songs, personalised shirts but a lot more Pitbull than punch-ups. Peter Wright – aka “Snakebite” - is a prime example. With his ever-changing hairstyles, vibrant outfits and theatrical entrances, he turns every match into a show.
So, whether you grew up playing in local leagues (even if just to make up the numbers), recently got swept up in “Littlermania”, or consider yourself a fully-fledged fanatic – here are some of the best ways to experience darts in London.
The best darts events to go to in London
While darts is played across the globe, London proudly hosts two of its biggest showdowns – the legendary PDC World Darts Championship and the final leg of the Premier League Darts tour. These major events bring thousands of fans to the capital each year.
Premier League Darts at The O2 London
Launched in 2005, the Premier League Darts tour wraps up with its final at The O2 Arena in London. With a capacity of 20,000, there’s always a buzzing atmosphere - and if you do find yourself up in the gods, don't worry, the big screens have you covered.
When: The 2026 final will be held in May with exact match dates released nearer the time.
PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace
Held across three weeks each December at Ally Pally, this iconic tournament draws fans from all over the world. Tickets sell out quickly, but if you’re lucky enough to get a spot, rest assured - you’ll need to don your best fancy dress.
When: Saturday 11 December 2025 until Saturday 3 January 2026
Where to play darts in London
Pubs and bars with darts in London
If you’re less about fancy frills and prefer a more traditional game of darts (and your pint under £6), there are a few old faithfuls across London where you can play a casual game.
Most venues will have darts behind the bar for you to use. If you’d rather bring your own gear, check out a specialist darts shop in London like DartsGB – a family-run store offering quality flights, boards and accessories.
- Clock House Tavern, East Dulwich
- Clapham Tap, Clapham
- Walrus and Carpenter, London Bridge
- The Alexandra, Clapham
- The Barley Mow, Marylebone
- Duke of Somerset, Farringdon
- Spots & Stripes, Southwark
- Grosvenor, Kingston
- Moretown Belle, Tower Hill
- Artful Dodger, Bethnal Green
- Old China Hand, Clerkenwell
- Nolans, Kentish Town
- Libertine, Bank
- Glasshouse Stores, Soho
- Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street
- Carpenters Arms, Fitzrovia
- Anchor Tap, Tower Bridge
Good to know: Thursdays are usually match nights for local league games so boards may be booked. Call ahead or visit on quieter nights.
Looking for something more high-tech? Check out our list of London’s best interactive darts venues below.
Interactive darts in London
London’s augmented reality (AR) darts bars bring a whole new dimension to the sport. Here, boards are typically enhanced with digital projections, automatic scoring (saves getting your calculator out) and interactive games. We’re talking animations, sound effects and good old action replay.
- Bat & Ball: High-tech, interactive dart boards in Stratford where you can also have a go at beer pong, pool, karaoke and catch live sport.
- Flight Club: With central locations in Islington, Shoreditch, Bloomsbury and Victoria, Flight Club’s lively darts bars are popular for celebrations, work socials and private events.
- Hawkins Forge: Part of the Arrowsmiths family, the pub's recent makeover of five interactive boards makes it a great spot for some friendly competition.
- 180 Club Camden: This lively late-night darts bar offers some great play, food and drink packages with an outdoor terrace overlooking the market and canal.
- Boom Battle Bar: Each of the five locations across London blends traditional with modern; pair your AR dart experience with other games such as shuffleboard, axe throwing and crazy golf.
- Gravity MAX: A multi-level leisure destination, AR darts is just one of many activities you can enjoy at the Wandsworth or Stratford locations.
- Temple Brew House: A microbrewery just a stone’s throw from the Thames, sink a few pints while you get competitive in the electric darts lanes.
- Pulse: This adult playground of virtual darts offers, beer pong and tasty food and is right next to the famous Shakespeare’s Globe.
- Lane7: This fun spot in Victoria has a few AR dart boards dotted about the multi-level venue – be sure to check out the secret basement arcade.
- All Star Lanes: Take to the lanes and enjoy a match or two at one of their four locations in Stratford, Holborn, Shepherd’s Bush or Shoreditch.
- Riley’s Sports Bar: A top spot to play snooker, pool and darts – both the traditional and modern kinds – that shows live sport on the regular.
- Strike: Although primarily known for its tenpin and duckpin bowling, you can also book in for electric darts while sipping on a cocktail or two.
- Colonel Fawcett: This Camden spot is a lively, characterful pub with a strong community feel and a reputation for hosting games nights and social events.
Where can I watch live darts in London
Whether you’re gearing up for Ally Pally or just want to catch the Premier League on a big screen, London has no shortage of great spots to watch darts live. From historic pubs to buzzing beer halls, these venues offer the perfect mix of sport, pints, and atmosphere.
Many of the pubs and AR venues listed above will screen major tournaments, but here are a few more top picks for watching the action unfold:
- Flat Iron Square, London Bridge: Vibrant outdoor spaces with big screens.
- BOXPARK, Wembley: Lively fan zone atmosphere with multiple screens and food stalls.
- Allsop Arms, Marylebone: Traditional pub feel with strong sporting crowd.
- Temperance, Fulham: Local favourite known for sport screenings and great beer selection.
- Big Penny Social, Walthamstow: One of the UK's largest beer halls, perfect for big match nights.
- Sheephaven Bay, Camden: Irish pub with a dedicated sports vibe and regular darts fans.
- The Lock Inn, Hackney: Cosy canal-side pub with screens and relaxed crowd.
- Goldwood, Bank: Modern bar in the City with reliable tournament coverage.
- Broadwood, Liverpool Street: Sports bar atmosphere in a convenient central location.
- Beechwood, Shoreditch: Stylish spot with screens, popular among post-work crowds.
- Redwood, London Bridge: Sleek venue near the station showing live sport. Ideal for catching the latest darts.
- Greenwood, Victoria: Sports-centric bar with themed areas and premium viewing.
- Ye Olde London, City of London: Classic pub charm with darts nights and screenings.
Tip: Don’t miss out – call ahead to book a table. Walk-in spaces may be limited at busy locations, especially venues that offer watch party packages.
Looking for more sporting fun in London? Check out the best activity bars or try out a top immersive experience.