Sir Sydney Smith, darts in Tower Hill (Tower Hamlets), E1

Photo: CAMRA / WhatPub

Sir Sydney Smith: Darts in Tower Hill, London

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22 Dock Street, Tower Hill, London · E1 8JP · Mo-Fr 11:00-23:00; Sa-Su 12:00-23:00

The Sir Sydney Smith is an old East End boozer on Dock Street, a short walk from Tower Hill and the DLR at Tower Gateway. It has been a pub on this spot since the early 1800s, and behind the 1930s Truman's frontage you get cask ale, wines, burgers and proper stone-baked pizza. For darts players it earns its place: there is a large dedicated darts area with a board you can play for free, plus a kitchen that keeps the league teams fed. It is a CoLDA-approved venue and at least two teams run their fixtures out of here, so this is a working darts pub rather than a board bolted to a back wall. Walk in for a casual game, but ring ahead first, because the board gets booked and the area is sometimes held for matches.

The darts setup

The darts live in their own dedicated area, described by league regulars as large and good quality, with the oche tucked in near the toilets. There is a board you can throw on for free when it is not in use. The pub keeps a running schedule of when the board is booked and asks you to phone, WhatsApp or email ahead if you have not reserved, since the space is sometimes given over to other events. So treat it as a proper darts room you may need to time right rather than a board that is always free to grab. The exact number of boards is not published, so check on arrival or with the bar.

The darts scene here

This is a genuine league pub, not a novelty oche. The Sir Sydney Smith is a City of London Darts Association (CoLDA) approved venue, and at least two teams play their fixtures out of here, so on match nights the darts area is busy with organised play. CoLDA runs the social darts leagues across the City and East End, and pubs like this one are the backbone of it. If you fancy more than a casual throw, it is a sensible place to ask about getting involved. On quieter nights you can usually just turn up and play, but league fixtures take priority over the board.

Good to know

The pub is open Monday to Friday from 11am to 11pm and weekends from noon to 11pm. Food runs at lunch (around noon to 3pm) and again in the evening (about 5pm to 10pm), with freshly made pizza a favourite and burgers and cask ale alongside. Drinks lean toward real ale, continental lagers and wine. To play darts, ring 020 7481 1766 or message ahead so you are not turned away by a booking or a league night. It is a friendly, brick-lined local that suits both a quiet pint and a group out for a game.

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Common questions

What is the Sir Sydney Smith?
It is a long-standing East End pub on Dock Street near Tower Hill, serving cask ale, wine, burgers and stone-baked pizza. For darts players it has a large dedicated darts area with a board you can play, and it is a CoLDA-approved league venue.
Is it free to play darts at the Sir Sydney Smith?
Yes, the board is a free pub board you can play on when it is not booked or being used for a league fixture. There is no published charge to throw a few legs.
Do you need to book the dartboard or can you just walk in?
You can walk in and play when the board is free, but the pub keeps a booking schedule and the darts area is sometimes reserved for matches or events. Phone 020 7481 1766 or message ahead to check the board is clear before you head down.
Does the Sir Sydney Smith have a darts league?
Yes. It is a City of London Darts Association (CoLDA) approved venue, and at least two teams play their league fixtures out of the pub, so it is a regular spot on the City and East End darts circuit.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Friday it is open 11am to 11pm, and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 11pm. Food is served around noon to 3pm and again from about 5pm to 10pm.
What is the nearest station to the Sir Sydney Smith?
Tower Gateway DLR and Tower Hill are the closest stations, both a short walk away, with Fenchurch Street about 800m off. The pub sits at 22 Dock Street, E1 8JP.

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