Darts. Arrows. Bolts. The game dating back to the late 19th Century goes by many names – but the aim is simple: beat your opponent one-on-one. It’s simple to play, hard to master, and it requires perhaps the least physical effort of countless pastimes.
Owing to the turn-based aspect of the game, players have frequent downtime waiting for their opponent, plenty of spare time for a drink and a nibble; is it really any wonder it became such a pub staple? Not a second after the board is in sight do my mates claim they’re “the second coming of Eric Bristow” before firing two straight into the backboard. But, unlike them if you’re prepared to actually put your money where your mouth is, here are the best places to embarrass them over the board in Brighton:
The Prince of Wales Pub
Located nestled in a corner just off of Western Road (near the Churchill Square Shopping Centre) sits The Prince of Wales, a multi-storey pub with your typical amenities: free WiFi, live sport, live music and karaoke. They’re pretty heavy on the music so the tavern is typically lively at peak hours, though it makes for a great night if you’re into it.
Crucially though – they’ve got a quiet area for Darts and other pub games. If you’re just looking for a calm evening with a couple of legs, or if the action in the pub gets a bit too lively for everyone, you can get yourselves a drink and settle down with some casual Darts.
47 Clarence Square, Brighton BN1 2ED England
The Islingword Inn
For a three-storey inn that’s painted pitch black, The Islingword Inn seems to slightly fly under the radar. After being closed for two years, The Islingword – situated atop Queens Park Road – is open again at full force. Priding themselves on being ‘a bit different’ is a focus, with a gigantic disco ball greeting you on entry and setting the scene from the outset.
Moyo’s Burgers – a classic burger van built inside the venue – serves up the food, their selection of beers, ales, ciders and spirits is excellent, live sport is streamed on several screens throughout, and – you guessed it – they’ve got Darts. The prices are great for the area, they’re a recently reopened venue, and you can chuck some arrows with a pint in hand – what’s not to love?
175 Queens Park Rd, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 9ZA
Pier Nine
If you’re really looking to make an evening of it with yourself and some company, the place to be is really Pier Nine. Pier Nine’s Darts experience comes through The Clubhouse – a large social space with many amenities in the form of foosball, air hockey, several casino tables, and of course the expected WiFi, live sport, bar and food etc. Moreso, your group can make a booking for Shuffleboard, American pool, or Darts.
Catering for parties of two-ten for off-peak hours and six-ten for the peak period on Friday and Saturday, you and your friends can book in for a slot to guarantee your space to play – great stuff. Be aware – as Pier Nine falls under the casino category all entrants must be over 18. 9 Grand Jct Rd, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1PP
The Railway Club
Getting into the more serious of your options, The Railway Club is a great place to get started on a membership only establishment. The Railway Club – a social club in Brighton which welcomes new members – is exactly what it says on the tin; a social club. For those unfamiliar, when joining a social club you’ll typically pay a membership fee upon joining and typically monthly/quarterly/annually following this.
In return, you get access to the club and its facilities – the upkeep of which your membership fee also covers. Like all great social clubs, The Railway Club has the trifecta of Snooker, Pool, Darts; call me biassed, but every club I’ve set foot into that has a snooker table will always have a well-maintained dartboard, and The Railway Club is no different.
They offer a selection of beers, wines, and spirits, though expect the selection to be smaller than the aforementioned taverns. Membership is typically very affordable as existing club members often want new members to join – a larger membership base leads to in-house competitions (often with prizes) and further improvements on the club.
Pretty much a win-win scenario for everyone involved. If you’re looking to build friendships, have a laugh, a drink, and to play some more competitive Darts, perhaps The Railway Club could be the spot for you.
4 Belmont, Dyke Rd, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 3TF
Brighton & Hove Men’s Darts League
This is the big one. While not strictly one location to play Darts, this is potentially the best opportunity to play competitively in the Brighton and Hove area. Brighton & Hove Men’s Darts League – despite the name – actually allows women to register on the team sheet for their given side, with the league often holding mixed doubles tournaments throughout the area also.
The Darts League is arguably the final step in the entry level for Darts, coming equipped with its own ruleset, divisions, fixtures and cups. Once you’ve beaten all your friends at the pub and club, this is where things start to get serious and the competition seems to change.
There are matches happening consistently, week in week out, with constant high level play to challenge yourself – this is the level where 180’s start actually appearing semi-regularly, so it’s no easy feat whatsoever.
It’s easy to get yourself involved when the next season rolls around, so if you think you’ve got what it takes for the league, simply contact the league secretary for more information regarding the sign-up process and go from there. Who knows, you could be the next League Champion.
For more information visit www.brightondarts.co.uk to view their rules, news, contacts and fixtures. Location frequently subject to change due to the nature of the league-based system
