TAYLOR MAKES SHOCK CAREER MOVE
19/05/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
PHIL TAYLOR has swapped the oche for a hard hat after turning his hand to construction work following his retirement from darts.
Former world No.1 Taylor is now helping build a pub named in his honour and says he loves “getting his hands dirty” after stepping away from the sport.
‘The Power’ joked he is now better known as ‘The Power Drill’ as he spends his days labouring on a new boozer called Taylor’s Bar in Stoke-on-Trent.
The site also features a nearby campsite and plans for family attractions including a petting zoo and children’s play park.
Taylor told GivemeSport: “A digger is easy to drive, easier than a car and I love it.
“I am labouring away. I have been doing shuttering, helping with fencing because they want to set up a petting zoo for the kids near the pub.
“Shire horses, goats, ducks for the pond, pheasants and a park for the kids.
“I just love being out in the fresh air and doing something physical. 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.
“I wouldn’t say I am full-time. But I really, really enjoy it.
“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.”
Taylor ruled darts for more than three decades, winning a record-breaking 87 major trophies and an unmatched 16 World Championships.
But the 65-year-old insists those glory days are now firmly behind him and has revealed he no longer even owns a set of arrows.
He added: “I don’t even own a set of darts now. I certainly don’t practice 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 admitted he has fallen in love with the peaceful countryside surroundings after years under the bright lights of Alexandra Palace and the Circus Tavern.
He said: “The pub is a great place to be. 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.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
