The logo, with its 501 and green dart, displays color. Located on rue de Crosne, a stone’s throw from the Place du Vieux-Marché in Rouen (Seine-Maritime), the establishment recently opened by Romain Boulet and Flamur Tissier aims to become the Norman temple of French-style “darts”. It is in any case the first of its kind in the region. And if they named it “The 501”, it is in reference to one of the most popular variations of the game of darts which consists of reaching 501 points in a minimum of volleys.
“Having a place of our own is a childhood dream,” enthuses Romain Boulet. “And as we both have a passion for darts, it was only natural that we wanted to open a place dedicated to this game.” A game that has become a real sport which, on the other side of the Channel, attracts tens of thousands of spectators to each match. With its stars like world number one Luke Littler, just 18 years old, whose fame in the United Kingdom has nothing to envy of the greatest football or rugby champions.
“It’s certain, in France, it’s not yet as popular. But there are more and more players,” believes the Rouennais. As proof, he cites the organization in Caen (Calvados) this first weekend of December of the first French Darts Festival, where 10,000 people are expected over three days. With the presence of a reference in the field, the Breton Thibault Tricole, already seen on the L’Équipe channel, which has been broadcasting international competitions for several years. With more and more audience.
“This is going to become my zone!” »
With his partner, Romain Boulet hopes to capitalize on this new exhibition by uniting a community of more or less enlightened enthusiasts around the “501”. And by introducing newbies to the basics of the discipline themselves. But above all by offering a total of 14 targets, including 5 traditional ones. The latter “are a little more demanding in terms of skill, because they are smaller, but they offer exceptional playing comfort”, underlines the expert.
Carefully lined up on the back wall and equipped with three cameras that automatically capture the scores displayed on a screen above, they give the place a unique atmosphere. And, unlike the usual electronic machines, they are reserved by the hour (between 15 and 20 euros), a bit like a bowling alley.
“Usually, when a bar has a target, it is often relegated to the back room or in a corner, not far from the toilets,” laughs the new owner. “Here, they are in full light.” Even if, as he explains, “beyond darts, we wanted to create a place of relaxation, with family or friends, where people will want to meet up, have fun in a pleasant setting, have a bite to eat…”. And why not in fine daylight, take advantage of the rooftop located above the main room.
For Joris, 17, who came with two friends, it was clear: “This is going to become my zone!” It’s great to have such comfort when playing. » A competitor since he was big enough to aim, the young man scores a triple 20 before planting his last dart in the bubble (the center of the target). “You’re fooling yourself!” You could let us win a little,” says Wilson, one of his opponents, gently annoys. Obviously, this is not the type of house.
