The Cross Keys, darts in Hammersmith (St Peter's Square)

Photo: The Cross Keys

The Cross Keys: Darts in Hammersmith, London

FreeWalk-in1 boardLeague pubThai foodDog-friendly

57 Black Lion Lane, Hammersmith, London · W6 9BG · Mo-We 11:00-23:00; Th-Sa 11:00-00:00; Su 11:00-23:00

The Cross Keys is a proper old Fuller's pub tucked behind St Peter's Square in Hammersmith, the kind of place built around a fire, a few good ales and a dart board on the wall. The board sits to the left of the main room, and it is genuinely a rare sight in London pubs now, so if you just want to throw a few legs over a pint without booking a thing, this is your spot. It costs nothing to play. Walk in, grab a table near the oche and go. Beyond the darts you get Fuller's London Pride and a rotating guest ale, a full Thai kitchen running lunch and dinner, board games, two rear gardens and ten screens for the football. Stamford Brook station is a short walk away.

The darts setup

There is one classic dart board set into the wall to the left of the main room, the traditional pub arrangement rather than a banked row of oches. You play standing in the bar, so it is informal and social rather than a dedicated darts hall. Bring your own arrows if you have a set you like, or ask at the bar. There is no scoring screen and no booking system, which is exactly the point: it works like a London pub board used to, first come and chalk it up yourself. Quiet weekday afternoons and early evenings are the easiest times to get a clear run at it before the room fills up.

Good to know

Playing the board is free, with no timed sessions and no need to reserve. The Cross Keys is a Fuller's house, so you will find London Pride on alongside a guest ale, plus the usual lagers and wines. Food is the standout surprise: a proper Thai kitchen runs roughly noon to 4pm and 5pm to 10pm on weekdays, and through the afternoon at weekends, with a few pub classics for anyone not in the mood for a curry. There is a roaring fire in winter, board games on hand, a front garden and two more out the back, and ten screens showing Sky and TNT sport. Thursday is quiz night.

Getting there

The pub sits on Black Lion Lane in the quiet streets behind St Peter's Square, close to the river end of Hammersmith. The nearest station is Stamford Brook on the District line, a short walk away, and Ravenscourt Park and Hammersmith are also within reach if you fancy the longer stroll. It is a residential pocket rather than a high street, so the pub feels like a proper local, mixed crowd, dog-friendly, and easy to settle into for an afternoon. Buses along King Street put you within a few minutes' walk if the tube is not convenient.

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Common questions

What is The Cross Keys in Hammersmith?
It is a traditional Fuller's pub on Black Lion Lane behind St Peter's Square, with a dart board in the main room, real ales including London Pride, a full Thai kitchen and several gardens. It is a relaxed local rather than a dedicated darts bar.
Is it free to play darts at The Cross Keys?
Yes. The dart board is a free pub board with no charge to play and no timed sessions. You just turn up and use it.
Do you need to book to play darts at The Cross Keys?
No. There is no booking system. Walk in, find the board to the left of the main room and play. It is quieter on weekday afternoons and early evenings if you want a clear run.
How many dart boards does The Cross Keys have?
One traditional dart board, set into the wall in the main room. It is the old-style pub arrangement, which is now a rare sight in London pubs.
What are The Cross Keys opening hours?
Monday to Wednesday 11:00 to 23:00, Thursday to Saturday 11:00 until midnight, and Sunday 11:00 to 23:00. The Thai kitchen runs roughly noon to 4pm and 5pm to 10pm on weekdays.
What is the nearest station to The Cross Keys?
Stamford Brook on the District line is the closest, just a short walk away. Ravenscourt Park and Hammersmith are also within reach on foot.

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