Geromino gastropub darts challenge

A leading gastropub operator has hit back at claims that gastropubs are responsible for the demise of darts playing.

Geronimo Inns boss Rupert Clevely has challenged Phil 'The Power' Taylor - the face of the 'Save Our Darts' campaign - to a darts competition.

Clevely, who runs the 17 strong food-led pubco, said: "We've nothing against the principles behind the Save Our Darts campaign but we are a little put out at the suggestion that the sole reason for the decline of this pastime is because of establishments like ours. Just because a pub has great food and smart design doesn't mean that it can't have a personality. We've chosen the Black Swan as the location for the match to re-enforce our point as it's one of a number of our pubs that already houses a dartboard."

The challenge comes in response to recent research by online bookmakers Blue Square that suggests the decline of darts playing in the UK was linked to the rise of the gastropub.

The Black Swan, in Ockham, Surrey, will hold a head to head darts match between Clevely and Taylor, should Taylor accept the offer. Clevely plans to play Taylor in a best of three set match and in the interests of fairness - Taylor will be forced to throw either blindfolded or left handed.

For every leg Taylor wins, Clevely will be forced to introduce a dartboard to one his pubs that doesn't currently have one, for a minimum of one month. For every leg Clevely wins, Taylor will have to donate sports equipment to a children's charity of his choice, on the proviso that it is any sport other than darts.

HRH Prince Charles, who has pledged his support for the Save Our Darts initiative, will receive an invitation to attend, though organisers suspect his busy schedule may prevent him from accepting.

For more information click www.geronimo-inns.co.uk or www.saveourdarts.com