This afternoon, I finally decided to visit the relatively new St Helens Darts Shop. You know, that massive tungsten emporium in the middle of the town centre.

So, myself and StatFace – aka my brother Glenn – went along for the ride.

As most people will know, it’s owned and run by Karl Holden and his wife, Dawn, who instantly made me feel hungry as she was clearly enjoying what looked, from a distance, like a scrumptious jacket potato. Anyway…

I’d visited Karl’s previous store, which can best be described as a TARDIS. From the outside, it looks smaller than an ant’s Spanish getaway villa. But inside? More rooms than a Cluedo board.

EXCLUSIVE CHAT WITH OWNER, KARL HOLDEN: CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO

However, this brand-spanking-new venue is a different gravy. Spacious and full of practice boards (including Scolia ones) and more darts than you’d find in Peter Wright’s expansive collection.

Now into its second year, the business is going very well. Obviously, that is due to the fact darts is growing exponentially. What was once a pub game played by fat, chain-smoking blokes called Gaz is now a commercial juggernaut, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.

Yes, you can buy darts online. But the beauty of the St Helens Darts Shop is that you can ‘try before you buy’. Equipment in the sport is all about feel, weight and how each person gets on with them. Things you simply cannot do if you buy on the internet.

In addition, with Karl you have an expert. He is to darts what a seagull is to pissing you off on a seaside promenade – an expert.

Back in the day, a young Stephen Bunting used to work for what was then called A180. Well, I say “worked”. He showed up and basically chucked some darts and ate. Things he’s still incredibly good at.

There’s been a host of oche stars visiting the shop, no less than Luke Littler, who was famously once a member of Karl’s darts academy. Wonder whatever happened to him!

In the past week, Bully Boy Michael Smith has stuck his nose in, as have Ricky Evans and Alan Soutar, to name just a few.

So, if you’re in the area and you’re a lover of the game, this place is definitely worth a visit. Have a chuck, see what darts you like the feel of, then take them home. Obviously, you have to buy them. That would be shoplifting otherwise, and it’s frowned upon there.

Or even get yourself an entire new tungsten wardrobe, so to speak. Board, surround, lights – the works. It’s the perfect place to shop for newcomers or existing players.

Thank you for your hospitality and your time, Karl. All the best, mate. Catch you soon.