Anchor Tap, darts in Southwark, SE1

Photo: CAMRA / WhatPub

Anchor Tap: Darts in Southwark, London

FreeWalk-in1 boardLeague pubSam Smith'sNear Tower Bridge

20A Horselydown Lane · SE1 2LN · Mo-Sa 12:00-23:30; Su 12:00-23:00

The Anchor Tap is a proper old Sam Smith's pub tucked down a back street in Shad Thames, a couple of minutes from the south side of Tower Bridge. It is a free, walk-in place to throw a few darts, not a bookable bar, so you turn up, grab a Sam Smith's pint and head for the board. The dartboard sits in its own little games room, away from the main bar, with traditional chalk scoring and no electronic gear. It is a CoLDA-listed darts pub, so you are throwing where league players do. Be warned the board itself is well used and hung a touch high, so this is one for a relaxed game over a pint rather than serious practice. The warren of rooms, fireplaces and an upstairs dining room make it a good spot to settle in.

The darts setup

There is a single board here, set in its own little games room rather than crammed into the main bar, so you get a bit of space to throw. Scoring is old-school chalk on a board, with no electronic scorer to do the maths for you, so bring someone who can subtract. Lighting is basic. Regulars note the board is well used: the spider sits a little proud of the surface, it hangs an inch or so high and the oche gives you a slightly uphill throw. Fine for a casual game with a pint in hand, less ideal if you are chasing a 180.

Good to know

This is a free, walk-in pub board, so there is nothing to book and nothing to pay to play. It is a Sam Smith's house, which means the brewery's own beers at notably keen prices and no big-brand lagers or spirits behind the bar. Beyond the dartboard there is a pool table, a music room with a fireplace and a piano, the main bar room with another fire, and an upstairs dining room if you want food. There is some outdoor seating too. Hours run roughly noon to 23:30 most days, a little earlier on Sundays.

The darts scene here

The Anchor Tap is recognised on the City of London Darts Association (CoLDA) circuit and listed by Capital Arrows, so it is a genuine league pub rather than a place that happens to have a board in the corner. That makes it a decent shout if you want to throw somewhere darts is actually part of the furniture, with players who take the game seriously. On a quiet afternoon you can usually get straight on the board; expect it to be busier around league nights and weekends when the locals are in.

Get directions

Common questions

What is the Anchor Tap?
It is a traditional Sam Smith's pub on Horselydown Lane in Shad Thames, a couple of minutes from Tower Bridge. It has a darts board in its own little games room, plus pool, multiple fireplaces and an upstairs dining room.
Is darts free at the Anchor Tap?
Yes. It is a free pub board, so there is no charge to play and nothing to book. You just turn up, get a drink and use the board in the games room.
Do you need to book to play darts?
No. There is no booking system. It is walk-in only, so you simply arrive and use the board if it is free.
How many dartboards does the Anchor Tap have?
There is one board, set in its own small games room rather than in the main bar. It uses traditional chalk scoring with no electronic scorer.
Is the Anchor Tap a proper darts pub?
Yes. It is listed on the City of London Darts Association (CoLDA) circuit and by Capital Arrows, so it is a recognised league darts pub.
What are the Anchor Tap's opening hours?
It opens around noon and runs until roughly 23:30 Monday to Saturday, closing a little earlier (around 23:00) on Sundays. Hours can vary, so check before a late visit.

Other darts bars nearby