Dart Finder, launched in London by co-founders Sam Norkett and Fraser Hamilton, allows users to search for verified dartboard venues by area or postcode, with more than 120 pubs already listed across the capital.
Norkett said the idea came from repeated difficulty finding reliable information on pubs offering darts.
Gap in the market
“We were going from pub to pub, Googling where the closest dartboard was, and the information just wasn’t working,” he said. “The pubs didn’t exist, the dartboard didn’t exist, whatever it was, it just wasn’t right.
“Existing map apps don’t highlight dartboards, and asking around on group chats or social media was slow and unreliable.”
The free iOS app includes an interactive map of verified venues, alongside user submissions and a voting system that allows customers to flag when boards are unavailable or removed during busy periods.
Norkett said accuracy was central to the platform’s purpose, with venues verified both by the founders and through user input. The app has passed 1,000 downloads within two weeks of launch.
The concept comes as darts continues to see renewed interest among younger consumers and casual players.
“Darts itself has had a huge resurgence over the last few years. It’s had record TV audiences, sell-out arenas and there’s a whole new generation of fans heading to their local game as well,” he said.
Footfall driver
The trend is also reflected in pub viewing data, with darts last year breaking into the top 10 most-watched sports in UK venues, highlighting its growing role in driving footfall.
The growth has been driven in part by increased visibility and participation, with players such as Luke Littler bringing new audiences into the sport.
Operators are also leaning into the trend, with Star Pubs investing £120k to roll out darts initiatives across its estate, highlighting the growing commercial value of the format.
Norkett said the trend, combined with changing consumer behaviour, could provide an opportunity for pubs.
“People are craving real social spaces again, and apps like Dart Finder can play a positive role by bringing more footfall to local pubs and helping strengthen communities around these venues,” he said.
He added that darts offers a relatively low-cost way for operators to drive incremental visits and dwell time.
“A dartboard is about £100 for a pub to put on the wall and then they do absolutely nothing else. There’s no licensing involved, no monthly Sky Sports fees,” he said.
The business is also developing features aimed at helping pubs engage directly with users through alerts and incentives.
“There will be ways pubs can reach out to people on the app itself and offer some incentives for them to come,” Norkett said.
Looking ahead, the founders plan to focus on growing the London user base before expanding into other UK cities, with Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham among the locations under consideration.
Norkett said there was also potential for international rollout, particularly in markets where darts already has a strong following. “Pub darts is huge in places like Germany and Austria as well, so there’s no reason why this can’t expand beyond the UK,” he said.
