Phil Taylor has traded the darts stage for construction work as the legendary champion helps build a brand-new pub bearing his name.
The 16-time world champion revealed he is loving life away from the oche and now spends much of his time working on Taylor’s Bar in Stoke-on-Trent, joking that fans should now call him “The Power Drill” instead of “The Power”.
The ambitious project is more than just a pub, with plans also including a nearby campsite and family attractions such as a petting zoo and a children’s play park.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Taylor admitted he has fully embraced the hands-on lifestyle since stepping away from professional darts.
“A digger is easy to drive, easier than a car and I love it,” Taylor said.
“I am labouring away. I have been doing shuttering and helping with fencing because they want to set up a petting zoo for the kids near the pub.”
Taylor explained the attraction will feature a wide range of animals and activities for families visiting the area.
“There will be shire horses, goats, ducks for the pond, pheasants and a park for the kids,” he added.
The darts icon also revealed how much he enjoys the physical side of the work after decades spent dominating the sport indoors under bright lights and intense pressure.
“I just love being out in the fresh air and doing something physical,” Taylor explained. “I have had my day in darts. The game has moved on from me and good luck to them.
“I like getting my hands dirty and having something to do.
“I am not an office person and I was never going to do nothing after retiring from darts. It can be tough.”
Taylor’s incredible darts career saw him dominate the sport for more than three decades, winning a record-breaking 87 major titles and an unmatched 16 World Championships.
His success made him the greatest player in darts history and one of the most recognisable figures the sport has ever produced.
PDC World Champions by Year
- 1994 – Dennis Priestley
- 1995 – Phil Taylor
- 1996 – Phil Taylor (2)
- 1997 – Phil Taylor (3)
- 1998 – Phil Taylor (4)
- 1999 – Phil Taylor (5)
- 2000 – Phil Taylor (6)
- 2001 – Phil Taylor (7)
- 2002 – Phil Taylor (8)
- 2003 – John Part
- 2004 – Phil Taylor (9)
- 2005 – Phil Taylor (10)
- 2006 – Phil Taylor (11)
- 2007 – Raymond van Barneveld
- 2008 – John Part (2)
- 2009 – Phil Taylor (12)
- 2010 – Phil Taylor (13)
- 2011 – Adrian Lewis
- 2012 – Adrian Lewis (2)
- 2013 – Phil Taylor (14)
- 2014 – Michael van Gerwen
- 2015 – Gary Anderson
- 2016 – Gary Anderson (2)
- 2017 – Michael van Gerwen (2)
- 2018 – Rob Cross
- 2019 – Michael van Gerwen (3)
- 2020 – Peter Wright
- 2021 – Gerwyn Price
- 2022 – Peter Wright (2)
- 2023 – Michael Smith
- 2024 – Luke Humphries
- 2025 – Luke Littler
- 2026 – Luke Littler (2)
Most PDC World Titles
- 14 – Phil Taylor
- 3 – Michael van Gerwen
- 2 – John Part, Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson, Peter Wright, Luke Littler
- 1 – Dennis Priestley, Raymond van Barneveld, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith, Luke Humphries
Taylor admitted the physical labour was difficult at first but says he has grown to love the active lifestyle.
“I wouldn’t say I am full-time. But I really, really enjoy it,” he said.
“I am using muscles that I haven’t used for 40 years.
“At first it was quite hard and I really ached. But it’s like going to the gym. It doesn’t take long, your body gets used to it.”
The 65-year-old also revealed just how far he has moved on from his darts career, admitting he no longer even owns a proper set of arrows and has completely stopped practising.
“I don’t even own a set of darts now,” Taylor admitted. “I certainly don’t practise anymore. I do have some somewhere but I don’t play. I am done with darts.
“There is a dartboard in the pub but I don’t use it.”
Taylor also spoke about how much he now appreciates the peaceful countryside surroundings after spending years competing in iconic venues such as Alexandra Palace and the Circus Tavern.
“The pub is a great place to be,” he said. “There is beer, food, entertainment and quiz nights. Loads of stuff.
“The scenery is beautiful with an old Roman church nearby too. It beats Ally Pally and the Circus Tavern, just.”
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