Annie’s Room, the new darts, drinks and pizza spot from the team behind Le Fez and Embargo Republica, is bringing a little friendly competition to South-West London.
A brand new social darts venue is opening on Upper Richmond Road – and Annie’s Room is set to be the kind of place where you come for “just one game” and somehow find yourself ordering another round at midnight.
The new venue comes from the team behind Putney nightlife institution Le Fez and Chelsea favourite Embargo Republica, bringing together three things that arguably make for a pretty perfect night out: darts, drinks and pizza.
No complicated rules. No need to own your own set of darts. And absolutely no requirement to be any good.
Owner James Somers says: “Putney has plenty of places to drink but we wanted to create a venue where you can also have a bit of fun with your mates and meet new people. Darts is the most sociable game there is. You throw for thirty seconds and then you spend two minutes being mocked about it. Or at least, I do.
“We’ve built the concept around that social side – the banter, the competition and the fact that everyone can get involved, whether you’re a darts obsessive or have never picked up a dart in your life. We’re excited to see the drama unfold.”
Located at the same site as Le Fez, Annie’s Room will be a completely separate 100 person capacity venue, filled with warm lamplight, deep booths, dartboard greens and creams, and Edwardian-inspired patterns based on the shape of a dart flight.
It’s the time spent arguing over whose turn it is; the dramatic walk to the oche; the questionable celebration after hitting a double – and, of course, the inevitable heckling from your mates.
Darts sessions will run for 60 or 90 minutes, with groups of eight to 10 people able to play across six oches. Scoring will be automated, the rules are helpfully displayed on the wall, and the team will be on hand to show you what to do.
So, whether you’re a seasoned darts obsessive or someone whose entire knowledge of the sport comes from watching The Big Fat Quiz of the Year at Christmas, you’re welcome. You don’t need to know your treble 20 from your double one.
Annie’s Room is designed for groups – whether that’s a birthday, a work social, an after-work drink, or simply a Friday night out with your mates.
FOOD AND DRINK INFO
Naturally, no social darts venue would be complete without food and drink.
Annie’s Room will have its very own pizza kitchen, serving up six sourdough pizzas alongside homemade dips, all delivered straight to your table so you don’t have to abandon your oche.
The drinks menu will feature 14 house cocktails including multiple Margaritas, Smoked Doctor’s Orders, Strawberries and Cream Negroni and Liquid Gold, alongside beers, wines, and low-and-no options. In other words, everything you need for a competitive evening that can quickly turn into a very uncompetitive night.
Catherine West, Key Account Manager at Jägermeister UK, commented: “It’s incredibly encouraging to see independent operators continuing to invest in new concepts and venues, particularly within the competitive socialising sector, which has shown strong momentum and remains one of the most exciting areas of growth in hospitality.
“Openings such as Annie’s Room are a positive sign for the industry, bringing fresh experiences to consumers and helping drive footfall and engagement across the wider market.”
THE TEAM BEHIND THE DARTS
Annie’s Room is the first standalone concept from Eclectic Bars & Clubs Ltd, the independent London bar and nightclub operator behind Le Fez and Embargo Republica.
Founded by James Somers and Alex Tomovic, the team have spent years creating some of South-West London’s best-known nightlife spots.
Annie’s Room opens on Thursday 8 October at 200 Upper Richmond Road, Putney. Bookings are open now at www.anniesroom.co.uk.
