Alexandra Palace is 100% Cashless
Strictly 100% Cashless. Alexandra Palace operates entirely without cash. All arena bars, street-food stalls, and official merchandise counters accept card and contactless mobile payments only (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard). Cash is not accepted anywhere inside the venue.
Permanent On-Site Venue Facilities
The Phoenix Bar & Pizzeria
Alexandra Palace's permanent on-site pub and pizzeria featuring panoramic terrace views overlooking the London skyline. Operates year-round with indoor seating and a large heated outdoor terrace.
Access: Open to ticket holders and park visitors prior to Great Hall session entry. Highly frequented on match days; arriving early is recommended.
Atmosphere: Traditional gastro-pub offerings, stone-baked pizzas, draught craft ales, and terrace seating.
World Championship Event Catering & Arena Bars
During the PDC World Darts Championship, Alexandra Palace operates specialized high-volume catering operations across the Great Hall and Palm Court concourse.
Arena Draught Bars & Pitcher Service
In recent World Championships, massive high-throughput draught bars have operated across the Great Hall, famously serving 4-pint draught beer pitchers to speed up service for group table seating. Reusable souvenir stack cups with interlocking handles have been utilized to cut plastic waste.
4-Pint Draught Pitchers
A staple of World Darts hospitality across recent tournaments. Served in sturdy, stackable plastic pitchers enabling table and bleacher groups to purchase 4 pints together, minimizing trips to the bar between legs.
Reusable Souvenir Stack Cups
To eliminate single-use plastic waste, the tournament uses branded rigid stack cups with interlocking handles. Spectators pay a nominal deposit/purchase fee on their initial round, swap cups at the bar, and can take them home as official souvenirs.
Palm Court Street Food Village
The Palm Court concourse hosts an indoor street-food village for spectators before and during sessions. Typical food offerings across recent championships have included smash burgers, stone-baked sourdough pizza, hog roast baps, fried chicken tenders, and vegan/vegetarian wraps.
Note: Menu items and street food traders rotate annually. The specific vendor lineup and pricing for the 2026/27 tournament will be published closer to December 2026.
Alcohol Regulations & Licensing Rules
🔞 Challenge 25 Mandatory
Challenge 25 age verification is strictly enforced at every bar. Valid photographic government ID (passport or photocard driving license) is required for anyone appearing under 25.
🚫 Intoxication & Ejection
In compliance with UK licensing laws, venue security and bar supervisors will refuse alcohol service and eject excessively intoxicated, aggressive, or disruptive individuals.
🚰 Free Water & Outside Food
Outside alcohol, unsealed bottles, glass containers, and metal cans are strictly prohibited and will be confiscated at bag check. Complimentary drinking water refill points are available inside the venue concourse. Spectators may bring empty reusable plastic water bottles (or factory-sealed water bottles up to 500ml) through security checkpoints.
Top Verified Pubs Near Alexandra Palace
Many darts fans prefer meeting early for lunch or pre-session drinks before ascending the hill. These four verified public houses offer authentic atmosphere, great food, and convenient walking or bus links to the venue:
The Starting Gate
📍 Station Road, Wood Green, London N22 7SSThe Vibe: Well-known pre-darts meeting spot for rail passengers. Lively darts atmosphere with beer garden and traditional pub fare.
Session Timing: Convenient for pre-afternoon and pre-evening drinks before walking up Station Road.
The Victoria Stakes
📍 1 Muswell Hill, London N10 3THThe Vibe: Victorian gastropub serving seasonal British dishes, craft beers, and wines.
Session Timing: Suitable for a sit-down meal or drink prior to ascending into the grounds.
The Mossy Well
📍 258 Muswell Hill Broadway, London N10 3SHThe Vibe: Spacious pub offering budget-conscious breakfasts, pub classics, and real ales via table ordering app.
Session Timing: Popular for value-focused pre-event dining.
The Alexandra Park Tavern
📍 111 Green Lanes, London N13 4SPThe Vibe: Neighborhood tavern serving draught ales and sports broadcasts.
Session Timing: Alternative option outside the direct Wood Green station corridor.
Pre- & Post-Session Dining Strategy
Afternoon Sessions (12:30 Start / 16:30 Finish)
Afternoon sessions typically finish around 16:30 GMT. Restaurants and eateries in Muswell Hill Broadway and Wood Green High Road operate normal dinner services.
Evening Sessions (19:00 Start / 23:00 Finish)
Evening sessions typically conclude around 23:00 GMT. Most suburban neighborhood pubs in North London close or stop serving at 23:00. Spectators wishing to continue celebrations typically travel toward Finsbury Park or central London where extended late-night licenses operate.
Frequently Asked Questions: Food & Drink
Can you pay with cash at Alexandra Palace bars during the darts?
No. Alexandra Palace operates a strictly 100% cashless payment system. All bars, street food stalls, and merchandise vendors accept contactless mobile payments and cards only (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard). Cash is not accepted anywhere inside the venue.
What are the 4-pint pitchers served at the darts?
Across recent World Championship tournaments, Great Hall bars have served large 4-pint draught beer pitchers designed for fast group service and reduced queuing between legs. Official 2026/27 tournament drinks pricing and menu options will be confirmed upon event commencement.
How does the reusable stack cup system work?
The tournament utilizes branded, reusable souvenir stack cups with interlocking handles. Under established event operations, spectators pay a nominal deposit or purchase fee on their initial drink, exchange cups for fresh ones at the bar, and can keep them as souvenirs or return them at designated points. Exact 2026/27 cup scheme terms will be published at tournament launch.
Can you bring your own food or alcohol into Alexandra Palace?
No outside alcohol, unsealed drinks, cans, glass bottles, or takeaway food are permitted through security checkpoints. You may bring an empty reusable plastic water bottle to refill at free water points in Palm Court, or a factory-sealed bottle of water up to 500ml.
Are there good pubs near Alexandra Palace before the darts starts?
Yes. Top verified nearby options include The Starting Gate (directly opposite Alexandra Palace Rail Station on Station Road), The Victoria Stakes (at the foot of Muswell Hill), and The Mossy Well (a spacious Wetherspoon pub on Muswell Hill Broadway).