What I love about pubs: Martin Adams

6 January, 2006

Darts professional Martin Adams on what he loves about pubs.

As captain of the England darts team and a full-time professional player, people think I don’t play for a pub team any more, but I can assure you I still do.

In recent years I have played for the Towngate Inn and the Bull in Market Deeping, Lincolnshire, and now I am playing for the Packhorse in Northborough, Northamptonshire.

Why? When asked this question I always say: “Well, it’s where I started and it’s where I shall finish, so why not continue playing in the pub in between as well?" I love it. No pressure, no hassle. Just a good night out with good company, good beer and a game of darts.

I remember the days where you had to be in the pub early on a Sunday lunchtime to get a game. You put your name up and then hoped you had a win to stay on the board for another.

Sunday was always the day when we played some of the more fun games, such as “Killer", “Tactics", “Cricket", and “Big Uns and Little Uns". You paid 10p or 20p to play and the winner might win the price of a half. Great fun! Then it was off home at afternoon closing time for Sunday dinner.

• Martin Adams is currently competing in the Lakeside World Darts championship.