Old China Hand: Darts in Clerkenwell, EC1

The Old China Hand is a small family-run freehouse on Tysoe Street in Clerkenwell, a short walk from Angel. It is the sort of independent backstreet pub that draws regulars and games players rather than after-work crowds, and everything behind the bar comes from the British Isles, down to the English wine. If you want a quiet pint and a casual game with friends, this suits you well.

Darts is the draw at the back. There are dart boards in the spacious games area, free to play and run on a first come first served basis, so no booking and no charge for a knock-about. CAMRA lists three boards alongside two ping pong tables and a pile of board games, and the venue is serious enough about darts to host SKADL league sides, including teams known as the Old China Hand Rabbits and Pigs, who play their fixtures on Mondays.

Worth knowing before you go. The pub only opens Wednesday to Saturday, from around 5pm until midnight, and stays shut Sunday through Tuesday. Turn up early on a quiet weeknight if you want a board to yourself, since league nights and weekends fill the back room. Closest tube is Angel, with Farringdon also within walking distance.