The Crown, darts in Archway, Islington (N19)

Photo: CAMRA / WhatPub

The Crown: Darts in Archway, London

FreeWalk-inDartboardPool tableLeague pub

The Crown is an old-school locals' pub on Holloway Road, a short walk from Archway, and it is one of those proper boozers that still keeps a dartboard in the corner. It suits anyone who wants to throw a few arrows over a pint without booking anything or paying for a lane. There is a pool table too, sports on the TVs (Sky and TNT), and the kind of warm, lived-in feel that comes from decades of regulars. The single most useful thing to know: this is a free pub board, so you just turn up, buy a drink and wait your turn. It runs a darts team in local league play, so weeknights can get competitive. Expect a no-frills pint of Guinness, leaded coloured windows and a small back yard rather than craft taps and small plates.

Contact

  • Phone 020 7272 1819
  • Address 622 Holloway Road, Upper Holloway, London, N19 3PA

Opening hours

  • Mon 12:00-01:00
  • Tue 12:00-01:00
  • Wed 12:00-01:00
  • Thu 12:00-01:00
  • Fri 12:00-01:00
  • Sat 12:00-01:00
  • Sun 12:00-00:00

Good to know

The darts setup

It is a traditional pub dartboard rather than a banked-out darts bar, so think one board in the corner of the room, not rows of automatic-scoring oches. You bring or borrow darts, chalk up the scores yourself, and play winner-stays-on if it is busy. Because The Crown fields a team in local league darts, the board sees plenty of serious use, and on match nights it may be in play for fixtures. The pool table gives you a backup game if the oche is taken. If you specifically want darts on a quieter night, an off-peak afternoon or early evening is your best bet before the regulars and league players arrive.

Good to know

No booking, no entry fee, no dress code: it is a pub, so you buy a drink and the board is yours when it is free. The pub pours a well-regarded pint of Guinness, though the real-ale selection is thin (an unused handpump sits on the bar). There are TVs showing Sky and TNT sport, so big football and darts nights pull a crowd, and a small back yard if you want air. It is open late, until 1am Monday to Saturday and midnight on Sunday, which makes it a solid spot for a long session. Bring cash or card for drinks; darts itself costs nothing.

Getting there

The Crown sits at 622 Holloway Road in Upper Holloway, N19, on the stretch between Archway and Holloway. Archway station (Northern line) is the closest Tube and an easy walk up the road, while Upper Holloway Overground is also nearby. Plenty of buses run along Holloway Road, so it is simple to reach from across north London. If you are coming for darts specifically, head up after work and you will likely catch the regulars in. It is a genuine neighbourhood local, so expect a friendly but no-nonsense welcome rather than a polished night out.

Get directions

Common questions

What is The Crown in Archway?
It is a traditional locals' pub on Holloway Road in Upper Holloway (N19), near Archway, with a dartboard, a pool table and sports TV. It is a games-and-Guinness boozer rather than a modern darts bar, and it runs a darts team in local league play.
Is it free to play darts at The Crown?
Yes. The dartboard is a free pub board, so there is no charge and no booking. You just turn up, buy a drink as a customer and play when the board is free.
Do you need to book darts at The Crown?
No. There is no booking and no timed session. It is a walk-in pub dartboard, so you take your turn when it is free. On league match nights the board may be in use for fixtures, so an off-peak time is easier if you want a casual game.
How many dartboards does The Crown have?
It has a single traditional pub dartboard in the corner of the room, plus a pool table. It is not a multi-board darts venue with automatic scoring; you chalk up the scores yourself.
What are The Crown's opening hours?
It is open from noon until 1am Monday to Saturday, and from noon until midnight on Sunday.
What is the nearest station to The Crown?
Archway station on the Northern line is the closest Tube, a short walk along Holloway Road. Upper Holloway Overground is also nearby, and several buses run along Holloway Road.

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