Leagues

Dart leagues can be hard to find in central London, but several continue to thrive. Leagues are typically split into Winter (September to May) and Summer, and each have their traditions and tournaments. It is difficult to join a league team at any time other than the beginning of the season; both patience and persistence are necessary if you're not already mates with someone in a team. Most leagues are keen to accept new teams, however, but be warned that the standard is hugely variable.

The Central London darts league is looking for extra teams for their 2010/11 season starting in October 2010. Teams currently play out of venues in SE1, SW1, WC1, E1 and EC1, so it pretty much does what is says on the tin, covering much of central London.

Also in the centre of town, the Smithfield darts league is in and around the City, mainly in EC postcodes (venues such as Porter's Lodge, Sekforde Arms, and the Horseshoe). The Trafalgar dart league took its name from Trafalgar Square, as all the teams used to be based nearby. These days things have moved East a little, but teams play out of venus ranging from Angel to London Bridge. Finally in the centre, if you work for a bank or similar, the City Banks and Financial Institutions darts league may be of interest, or, from May to September, you could try the City & Holborn summer darts league which is made up of teams from venues including the Horseshoe in Clerkenwell EC1, Lord Clyde in London Bridge SE1 and the Peacock in EC3 (Aldgate).

In North London you will find the Caledonian and Barnsbury darts league (where I spent a season playing for the Lord Wolesely). It covers parts of Angel, Kings Cross, Old Street and environs. A little further out from the centre is the Archway and District darts league, which includes a team from the Sheephaven Bay in Camden.

Competitive darts on the 'Fives' board can be found in the East London darts league, comprising about 20 teams. Venues reach as East as North Woolwich and Manor Park, with the hub around Barking, Plaistow and West Ham.

Heading West, the Acton & Chiswick darts league is home to the famous Exiles team, where terrible darts can be witnessed first hand pretty much every Wednesday. A Thursday alternative is the West London darts league. Both cover roughly similar geographical areas, from West Kensington via Hammersmith, Chiswick and Shepherd's Bush, to Acton, Brentford and even occasionally Twickenham.

South of the river, the Battersea dart league is 50 years old and still going strong.

If you would like to add details of your dart leagues or events being played in and near central London, please contact mail@justinirwin.com.