'Fives' board

The London Fives or East End board (pictured) pre-dates the more familiar 'clock' board, and can still be found in at least thirty East London pubs (although some swap it with the clock, depending on what day it is and in which league they are playing).

London 'Fives' dart board

The safest bet for a game on a Fives board is the Isle of Dogs - known locally as The Island. Three pubs stand out, all walking distance from Island Gardens DLR, but the pick of the bunch is:

Ferry House, 26 Ferry Street E14 3DT.
The oldest pub on the island. You'll be guaranteed a fairly esoteric welcome here - on last visit they had two boards and a large dog.

Nearby alternatives are: Cubitt Arms, 262 Manchester Road E14 3HW - strangely trendy place with, in early 2009, an incongruous-looking board on the right hand side of the bar. Somehow can't see it lasting; Waterman's Arms, 1 Glenaffric Avenue E14 3BW - traditional big imposing boozer with similarly imposing locals.

Alternatively, the Mile End area is an option, almost entirely due to one of the finest boozers in London:

Palm Tree, Haverfield Road E3 5BH.
This pub is worth visiting for so many reasons (including the occasionally surly service - it's been their pub for over 30 years so if you want to complain about something don't expect the landlord/lady to listen!). Live music, sing-songs, stunning inside and out, and, hidden away in the back bar with the boxing photos, a fives board. The second bar is not always open, so you may need to ask, politely.

A nearby alternative is the Lord Cardigan, Cardigan Road E3 5HD - if the Palm Tree board is busy, there's absolutely nothing wrong with this place, a few minutes walk away.

Finally, two other interesting options, not particularly near each other, or any suitable alternatives:

Queens Head, 8 Flamborough Street E14 7LS.
Limehouse DLR. Where the Queen Mum pulled her famous Young's pint.

Turner's Old Star, 14 Watts Street E1W 2QG.
Wapping tube. Old-fashioned, daunting and hugely welcoming on visit. Named after the painter, apparently.