PHIL TAYLOR has launched Rileys Ltd's first Darts Zone at their Croydon club.
Rileys - the UK's largest pool and snooker operator - are introducing the Darts Zones at a number of their 130 clubs nationwide.
14-time World Champion Taylor checked out the new playing area, which is fitted out with championship quality boards, hi-tech electronic scoring and special lighting.
The rapid rise in the popularity of darts comes at a time when around 30 pubs a week are closing up and down the country.
Rileys Chief Executive Maurice Kelly said: "Rileys will become the new home of darts.
"Our facilities, from bar to darts board, will offer a very high quality alternative to the local pub.
"Rileys is the biggest pool and snooker operator in the country. Now we intend to be the Number One venue for darts."
Taylor said: "The sport of darts is on the up and up as more people start playing almost every week.
"It will do wonders for the game to have a top operator like Rileys bring their expertise to the development of our game.
"There will be real benefits for players at all levels."