Kilburn Arms, darts in Kilburn (Brent), NW6

Photo: CAMRA / WhatPub

Kilburn Arms: Darts in London

FreeWalk-in2 boardsPool & dartsGroupsFish & chips

97-101 Willesden Lane, Kilburn, London · NW6 7SD · Mo-Th 12:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 12:00-01:00; Su 12:00-23:00

The Kilburn Arms is a Victorian backstreet local on Willesden Lane with two dartboards you can play for free, no booking, no fuss. It suits anyone who wants a proper pub game rather than a polished social-darts booth bar: turn up, grab the board if it is free, and play. The single most useful thing to know is that the darts share the room with two pool tables, so this is a games-and-a-pint pub, not a dedicated oche venue.

It is a handsome old building (originally the Prince of Wales, 1899) with etched and cut glass that CAMRA lists for its historic interior. There is a fish and chip shop attached, B&B rooms upstairs, and pavement seating out front. Doors open at noon every day and run late on Friday and Saturday.

The darts setup

Two dartboards sit in the main pub, listed by CAMRA and useyourlocal alongside two pool tables. This is standard free pub darts: a board on the wall, an oche marked on the floor, chalk-and-shout scoring rather than electronic machines. Because the boards live in the same room as the pool tables and the bar, you play among the regulars rather than in a booked-out booth. There is no online booking and no charge to throw, so the practical move is to arrive, check whether a board is free, and put your name in if someone is on it.

Good to know

Play is free and walk-in, so the only spend is at the bar. The pub opens at noon seven days a week, staying open until 23:00 Monday to Thursday and Sunday, and until 01:00 on Friday and Saturday, which gives you a long evening if you want one. Food comes from the fish and chip shop attached to the side of the pub, with a serving hatch through into the bar. There are also B&B letting rooms upstairs and some pavement seating out front. Bring your own darts if you are fussy, though the pub will have a set behind the bar.

Getting there

The Kilburn Arms is on Willesden Lane in Kilburn, NW6 7SD, just inside the borough of Brent. Brondesbury Park station on the Overground is the closest at roughly 500m, and West Hampstead (Jubilee, Overground and Thameslink) is about 1.15km away, so you have plenty of rail options from across London. Kilburn and Kilburn Park Underground stations are also within walking distance. It is a backstreet local rather than a high-street spot, which is part of the appeal if you want a quieter game.

Get directions

Common questions

What is the Kilburn Arms?
It is a Victorian pub on Willesden Lane in Kilburn, NW6, with two dartboards and two pool tables in the main bar. It also has a fish and chip shop attached and B&B rooms upstairs, and CAMRA lists it for its historic etched-glass interior.
Is darts free at the Kilburn Arms?
Yes. These are free pub dartboards, so there is no charge to play and nothing to book. You just buy your drinks at the bar.
Do you need to book darts at the Kilburn Arms?
No. There is no booking system. Turn up, see if a board is free, and play. If someone is already on it, put your name down and wait your turn.
How many dartboards does the Kilburn Arms have?
Two dartboards, listed alongside two pool tables, according to CAMRA and useyourlocal.
What are the Kilburn Arms opening hours?
Noon to 23:00 Monday to Thursday and Sunday, and noon to 01:00 on Friday and Saturday.
What is the nearest station to the Kilburn Arms?
Brondesbury Park on the Overground is closest at around 500m. West Hampstead is roughly 1.15km away, and Kilburn and Kilburn Park Underground stations are also within walking distance.

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